Withdrawal from weed is becoming more common as more people across the U.S. use cannabis regularly. Most states have legalized it for medical purposes, and 15 allow it for recreational use.
With growing access and fewer perceived risks, especially among older adults, many enjoy its benefits for relaxation, sleep, or pain relief. But while cannabis can be helpful for some, it’s important to understand that regular use can also lead to dependence, and withdrawal from it can be difficult.
Learn the early symptoms of weed withdrawal and why it’s important to recognize them.
What Is Cannabis Withdrawal
First, let’s talk about cannabis withdrawal. This type of withdrawal occurs when a person stops using marijuana (also called weed) after using it regularly. It’s a group of mental, emotional, and physical symptoms that show up because the body and brain are trying to adjust without the drug.
Weed contains a chemical called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This is what makes you feel “high.” When you use weed often, your brain gets used to having THC. So when you stop, your brain needs time to adjust, and that’s when withdrawal symptoms can happen.
Researchers call this cannabis withdrawal syndrome, and it’s a real condition listed in medical guidelines, like the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). It doesn’t happen to everyone, but it’s more likely if you’ve used marijuana heavily or for a long time.
Early Symptoms Commonly Seen in Cannabis Withdrawal
When someone goes through cannabis withdrawal, they will start feeling both physical and mental symptoms as their body adjusts to not having THC.
Medical Cannabis Users (Chronic Pain)
In a study published in the University of Michigan’s Department of Psychiatry, researchers studied 527 people over two years. All were using medical marijuana for chronic pain.
They found that:
- All were using medical marijuana for chronic pain.
- 59% experienced moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms.
- Most common early symptoms:
- Sleep problems
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Sleep problems
Who had it worse? Withdrawal symptoms were stronger in:
- Younger people
- People with mental health conditions
- People with a longer history of cannabis use
- People who used larger amounts or more often
- People who smoked cannabis (vs. eating or using creams)
Over time:
- Most people had the same level of symptoms each time they stopped.
- About 10%, especially young users, had worse symptoms each time they quit.
Recreational + Medical Users (Meta-Analysis)
In another systematic review published in The British Journal of Psychiatry, researchers discovered that 47% of frequent cannabis users experience withdrawal symptoms.
In rare cases, stopping cannabis can lead to psychotic symptoms, especially in heavy daily users.
Two sources found:
- 44 people (from 21 studies) had psychosis after quitting cannabis.
- 68 people (from health records) had psychotic episodes:
- 47 were first-time psychosis
- 21 were relapses of a known psychotic condition
- 47 were first-time psychosis
This review outlined that those who kept using weed after psychosis were more likely to relapse, and quitting suddenly can trigger psychosis in vulnerable individuals.
How Cannabis Use and Withdrawal Affect Long-Term Mental Wellness
Researchers have studied how cannabis use and withdrawal work, and the results show there are real mental health risks to be aware of.
A 2024 review published in The Journal of Adolescent Health found that frequent cannabis use during adolescence increases the risk of depression and suicidal thoughts in young adulthood. This early exposure may disrupt brain development and emotional regulation, leading to long-term mental health challenges.1
Even more concerning, The Lancet Psychiatry published data from 901 people (18-64 years old) with first-time psychosis and 1,237 people without it across 11 locations showed that daily cannabis users were over three times more likely to have a psychotic disorder compared to those who never used. The risk was almost five times higher for those who used high-potency cannabis every day.2
Frequent cannabis use can have lasting effects on your brain and emotions, and withdrawal can add to the stress. That’s why it’s important to understand the risks and get support if needed.
Who’s at Risk? Factors That Affect Withdrawal Severity
Here’s what makes someone more at risk:
1. How Often Do You Use?
If you use weed every day or several times a week, your body and brain get used to it. When you stop, it takes time to adjust, and that can cause stronger withdrawal symptoms. Daily users are more likely to experience anxiety, irritability, or trouble sleeping when they quit.
2. How Strong the Weed Is
Stronger cannabis (with high THC levels) can make withdrawal worse. The more THC your body is used to, the harder the “crash” may feel when you stop.
3. How Long Have You Been Using?
People who’ve used weed for many months or years may go through a tougher withdrawal than someone who only used it occasionally or for a short time.
4. Age You Started Using
Starting young, especially during the teenage years, may lead to a stronger dependence on cannabis. This can also increase the chances of more intense withdrawal later on.
5. Mental Health
If you already deal with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues, withdrawal may make those symptoms worse temporarily. Some people use weed to feel calm, so stopping suddenly can bring those feelings back even stronger.
6. Other Substance Use
If you use other substances like alcohol or nicotine, or have stopped using them recently, your body may have a harder time coping. This can make cannabis withdrawal feel more intense.
Not everyone goes through cannabis withdrawal the same way. These factors can make withdrawal symptoms worse or last longer.
When Symptoms Need Professional or Medical Attention
Some symptoms can become too hard to handle alone, and that’s when it’s essential to get help from a doctor, counselor, or mental health professional.
Below are signs that you may need professional or medical support:
1. Severe Anxiety or Panic Attacks
It’s normal to feel a little anxious during withdrawal. But if you start having panic attacks, constant fear, or your anxiety feels out of control, it’s time to talk to a professional. These symptoms can make everyday tasks feel impossible.
2. Extreme Mood Swings or Depression
Feeling sad, moody, or low in energy is common. But if you feel hopeless, empty, or have thoughts of harming yourself or giving up, get help right away. Depression during withdrawal can be serious and shouldn’t be ignored.
3. Trouble Sleeping That Doesn’t Improve
Most people have trouble sleeping for a few days when they quit weed. But if you go a week or more without proper rest, your body and mind can suffer. A medical professional can help with safe ways to manage sleep problems.
4. Strong Cravings That Lead to Relapse
Craving weed is common, but if the urge to use again feels too strong and you’re afraid you might relapse, it’s a sign that you could benefit from counseling, rehab programs, or support groups to stay on track.
5. Physical Symptoms That Feel Unusual
Cannabis withdrawal can cause headaches, stomach issues, or sweating. But if you have chest pain, fast heartbeats, or feel faint, it’s best to see a doctor to rule out other problems.
6. Withdrawal Is Affecting Your Daily Life
If you can’t go to school, work, or care for yourself because of withdrawal, professional help can guide you through it. No one has to go through it alone.
Are you or someone you care about struggling with cannabis withdrawal or mental health challenges? OceanRock Health and South Coast Counseling provide care management, expert support, and personalized treatment plans to guide you through recovery.
With programs designed for long-term wellness, you’ll gain the tools you need to manage withdrawal and build healthier habits for a better future.
Sources:
- Gripe, I., Pape, H., & Thor Norström. (2023). Associations between Cannabis Use and Mental Distress in Young People: a Longitudinal Study. Journal of Adolescent Health, 74(3). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.10.003
- Di Forti, M., Quattrone, D., Freeman, T., Tripoli, G., Gayer-Anderson, C., & Quigley, H. (2019). The contribution of cannabis use to variation in the incidence of psychotic disorder across Europe (EU-GEI): A multicentre case-control study. The Lancet Psychiatry, 6(5), 427–436. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2215-0366(19)30048-3
