In the UK, around 2.5 million people reported using cannabis during the past year. Among these, many individuals refused to acquire treatment just because they were uncertain about the cannabis withdrawal timeline. The uncertainty of the detox and what could make it better or worse made them consider abusing the drug a better option.
Cannabis withdrawal syndrome is a clinically recognized condition that affects many cannabis users during cessation, with symptoms and severity now well documented in medical literature.
If you or someone you care about is a cannabis user considering a cannabis detox in the UK, then this is the guide you need to read. In today’s post, we will simplify the cannabis withdrawal timeline, helping you understand what to expect during detox. We will explain how the entire process works and share tips to make your healing journey even more comfortable
Understanding Cannabis Use Disorder
People often consider cannabis harmless due to its natural origin or socially acceptable nature. What they forget is that its frequent use can actually have them develop Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) officially recognises cannabis withdrawal and provides diagnostic criteria for identifying and assessing its severity. Consequently, to function normally, their brain and body start to rely on the psychoactive compounds in cannabis.
With time, your tolerance increases and eventually you need more of the substance to feel the same effects. Heavy cannabis users and dependent cannabis users are more likely to experience intense withdrawal. If you try to quit, especially after abrupt cessation, you may develop symptoms of withdrawal. These can include mood irritability, disturbed sleeping patterns, anxiety or even intense cravings. The severity of withdrawal symptoms and overall severity of withdrawal can vary widely depending on individual factors such as mental health conditions, mood disorders, and the use of potent marijuana or more potent marijuana products. Polysubstance use or the use of multiple substances, as well as other substance use disorders or use of other substances, can further complicate withdrawal and increase risks.
The psychoactive compound in cannabis, known as THC, interferes with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) of our brain. This system is responsible for regulating sleep, mood cycles, and your appetite. So, when you stop having cannabis, the ECS needs time to restore its functions. Compared to substance withdrawal from other drugs, cannabis withdrawal is typically less severe, but can still be challenging, especially in cases involving high THC potency or comorbidities.
Common Symptoms of Cannabis Withdrawal
he moment you stop using cannabis, your body starts to adjust itself in the absence of THC, leading to a range of cannabis withdrawal symptoms. The severity of withdrawal can vary considerably among individuals, depending on factors such as frequency of use, potency, and personal health. Most symptoms are experienced within the first week, but some may persist for several weeks or longer.
A withdrawal symptom can be physical or psychological. Common withdrawal symptom types include anxiety, irritability, and mood swings. Common physical symptoms are headaches, sweating, stomach pain, decreased appetite, weight loss, and abdominal pain. Less common physical symptoms may also occur, though they are typically less severe. Unpleasant withdrawal symptoms can make the process challenging and may increase the risk of relapse.
Disturbed sleep, sleep disturbances, sleep problems, and sleep disturbance are key issues during marijuana withdrawal, often affecting sleep quality. Many people experience disturbing dreams or strange dreams, which can persist for weeks. Marijuana craving is another psychological symptom that can be difficult to manage. Monitoring your physical health during this period is important, as withdrawal can impact your overall well-being.
Let’s further explore how these effects can vary and how they might alter your recovery journey.
1. Physical Symptoms
After quitting cannabis, you will notice some drastic changes in your body. Common physical symptoms include chills, headaches, sweating, and stomach pain. You may also experience decreased appetite, weight loss, and abdominal pain as part of the withdrawal process. Less common physical symptoms can occur as well, but these are generally less typical and not life-threatening.
Disturbed sleep, sleep disturbances, sleep problems, and sleep disturbance are key physical symptoms during cannabis withdrawal. Many people report difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing poor sleep quality. Strange dreams and disturbing dreams are also common and can persist for several weeks, impacting your overall sleep experience.
If your addiction is severe, you might also encounter mild nausea or stomach discomfort. Sleep deprivation during this period can raise your blood pressure and increase the risk of serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and mood disorders. Restorative sleep is crucial to help your body recover, repair tissues, regulate hormones, and maintain your physical health.
These symptoms can be extremely frustrating, but don’t worry, they usually last for a week or two. Ensure to stay hydrated and have proper nutrition during this period so the symptoms don’t take over your health.
2. Psychological Symptoms
Withdrawal from any addictive substance, including cannabis, can take a serious toll on your emotional well-being. Common psychological withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, irritability, restlessness, and marijuana craving. Individuals with mood disorders or other mental disorders may experience more intense psychological symptoms during withdrawal. Unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, such as emotional challenges and mood swings, are common and can make abstinence difficult. Sleep problems, including disturbed sleep and insomnia, are also frequent psychological symptoms that may occur in the first days after quitting cannabis. These emotional effects are a typical withdrawal symptom as your brain tries to regulate its emotions without the help of THC.
Additionally, you might also get upset easily or become sensitive all of a sudden. Motivational enhancement therapy is one treatment option that can help address psychological symptoms and support your recovery. Nevertheless, it’s ok to experience all these emotions. Be easy on yourself and give yourself some time, patience, and rest to get through the process.
3. Behavioural Symptoms
You might suddenly change from being a motivated, excited person to an unmotivated, tired person. During stress or boredom, you may also encounter intense marijuana craving, which is a common behavioral withdrawal symptom. Unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability or mood swings, can influence your behavior and make it harder to maintain abstinence. While these urges can feel empowering, they resolve when you give them a bit of time. To tackle these symptoms, engage in meaningful activities such as journaling, walking, or even talking to someone you trust. Motivational enhancement therapy is an effective behavioral intervention that can help address marijuana craving and other withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, practicing deep breathing can be a helpful coping strategy for managing behavioural symptoms and reducing stress.
The Cannabis Withdrawal Timeline: A Detailed Timeline with NHS-Aligned Expectations
When you know what you will go through during withdrawal, your healing becomes even easier. Most symptoms of cannabis withdrawal—such as anxiety, irritability, disturbed sleep, and low mood—typically last up to two weeks, but some may persist for several weeks, especially in heavy users. The duration and severity of withdrawal symptoms can vary considerably depending on individual usage patterns, the potency of cannabis used, and whether significant reductions in use were made before stopping marijuana. According to Queensland Health, most symptoms peak within the first week but can extend beyond this period.
The severity of withdrawal symptoms, including the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms, is influenced by factors such as existing medical conditions, mental health disorders, and high-potency cannabis use. High risk groups—such as those with complex medical conditions or concurrent substance use—may require more intensive support and clinical management.
To track and assess the severity of symptoms, clinicians may use a cannabis withdrawal scale, such as the Cannabis Withdrawal Scale (CWS), which helps guide treatment decisions. For mild to moderate symptoms, management in an outpatient setting is often appropriate, while those experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms or with complicating medical conditions may need inpatient treatment or medically assisted withdrawal. Clinical management is essential for high risk cases to ensure safety and effective care during the process of stopping marijuana.
1. Day 1-2
During the first two days, you may feel extremely exhausted. This will be the time when THC begins to leave your system. Your brain and body may start reacting, causing you to experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, lethargy, sleep disturbances, or a drop in appetite. The severity of withdrawal symptoms can vary widely depending on individual factors like mental health, cannabis potency, and usage patterns.
Early assessment of the severity of withdrawal symptoms is important, and tools such as the cannabis withdrawal scale can help measure and monitor these effects. Clinical management during this phase is crucial to ensure safe and effective intervention.
A credible addiction specialist will explain to you how this stage is all about awareness. If your symptoms are extreme, he or she may also prescribe you detox medications.
2. Day 3-6
Now, this is the time when your withdrawal symptoms may peak. The severity of withdrawal is often at its highest during days 3-6, and you may experience severe withdrawal symptoms such as intense insomnia, mood irritability, anxiety, or strong cravings. Most symptoms, including disturbed sleep, heightened emotions, and mood swings, are at their worst during this period, especially if your addiction is severe or if you have co-occurring mental health conditions.
It’s normal to feel more emotional during this phase. Your therapist may explain to you that what you’re feeling is due to your brain readjusting its dopamine system, and that each withdrawal symptom is a sign of your body adapting. You might be advised to focus on self-care and avoid triggers during these days.
3. Day 7-14
After a week, most of your physical withdrawal symptoms start to fade. Typically, withdrawal symptoms last up to two weeks, but some—such as sleep disturbances—can persist for several weeks, especially for heavy users. During this phase, you will notice significant reductions in the intensity of withdrawal symptoms, including improvements in your sleep quality and appetite. Your emotions may become more stable, though you might still feel a bit lethargic.
At this stage, your progress becomes even more evident. You might start feeling proud of yourself, and you should. Keep reinforcing healthy routines, like regular meals and consistent sleep, to help your body strengthen its new rhythm and further improve sleep quality.
4. Week 3-4
By the third and fourth week, many people report feeling significantly better. Cravings become less frequent, mood improves, and there’s a renewed sense of focus and calm. You may still have the occasional urge to use, but these moments pass faster now.
However, some symptoms—especially sleep-related ones—can persist for several weeks. Disturbed sleep, sleep disturbances, strange dreams, and disturbing dreams are common during this period, particularly for long-term users. These sleep issues may linger for up to six to eight weeks, but gradual improvements in sleep quality are typical as recovery continues. Don’t be discouraged. This stage is all about rebuilding balance and confidence. With continued self-care and support, full recovery becomes more consistent each day.
A Gentle Reminder:
The cannabis withdrawal timeline isn’t set in stone. Everyone’s experience is unique, so don’t compare your progress to others. What matters most is staying patient, kind to yourself, and committed to moving forward.
Things to Take Care of During Cannabis Detox
Getting through cannabis withdrawal isn’t just about waiting for symptoms to pass. It’s about taking care of your body and mind while they readjust. The right habits can ease discomfort, reduce cravings, and help you stay motivated throughout your detox journey. Monitoring your physical health during this time is essential, as withdrawal can affect your overall well-being and appearance.
Let’s go over a few simple but powerful things you can do to make the process smoother.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: It’s easy to forget the basics when you’re feeling off, but hydration and good nutrition play a huge role in recovery. Drink plenty of water or herbal tea to help your body flush out toxins and maintain energy. Adopting a healthy lifestyle—including regular exercise and balanced meals—can support your recovery and improve sleep quality.
Prioritise Sleep: Restorative sleep is crucial to help your body recover, repair tissues, regulate hormones, and prevent chronic illnesses. Establish a calming bedtime routine to support better sleep.
Practice Relaxation Techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga can help reduce stress and promote relaxation, making it easier to fall asleep and manage anxiety.
Manage Cravings and Triggers: Cravings can appear out of nowhere. When you feel the urge, distract yourself with an activity that engages your mind or body. Take a short walk, call a friend, or start a small project. Over time, these cravings become weaker and less frequent.
Avoid Drug and Alcohol Use: Steer clear of drug and alcohol use during withdrawal, as these can trigger relapse or complicate your recovery. Avoid using other substances as substitutes, as this can increase risks and hinder progress.
Be Aware of Polysubstance Use: If you have a history of polysubstance use—using cannabis alongside other substances like alcohol, opioids, or tobacco—withdrawal may be more complex and require additional support.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy: If you are also quitting smoking, consider nicotine replacement therapy (such as patches or lozenges) to help manage nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
Seek Professional Help When Needed: Never attempt to undergo cannabis detox by yourself. Regardless of the severity of your addiction, always go for professional help. Motivational enhancement therapy is a proven support option that can help you stay committed to recovery. If you’re ready to take the next step, learn more about our rehab for cannabis programmes designed to help you recover safely and confidently.
Myths About Cannabis Withdrawal
To make your recovery journey clearer, let’s do some quick myth-busting around cannabis withdrawal.
First, it’s important to know that both cannabis withdrawal syndrome and marijuana withdrawal are clinically recognised conditions, with clear diagnostic criteria outlined in medical manuals such as the DSM-5. While cannabis withdrawal is often perceived as mild, the reality is that symptoms can vary widely and, in some cases, can be classified as severe withdrawal—especially for those with high usage patterns, mental health comorbidities, or when using more potent forms of cannabis.
Compared to substance withdrawal from drugs like alcohol or opioids, cannabis withdrawal is generally less dangerous, but it can still significantly impair your ability to function day-to-day. Symptoms such as sleep disturbances, mood swings, irritability, and physical discomfort can make it difficult to carry out normal activities.
It’s also important to note that synthetic cannabinoids—sometimes known as “spice” or “K2”—are chemically different from natural cannabis and are associated with a higher risk of more intense and unpredictable withdrawal symptoms. These substances are classified as new psychoactive substances and can lead to more severe and complicated withdrawal experiences.
Understanding these facts can help you prepare for what to expect and seek the right support during your recovery.
Myth 1: “You Can’t Get Addicted to Cannabis.”
This is one of the most widespread misconceptions. While cannabis isn’t as physically addictive as substances like opioids or alcohol, it can still cause psychological dependence. Over time, your brain begins to depend on THC to regulate mood.
When you stop, your body reacts; that’s withdrawal. In fact, the NHS clearly states that cannabis can be addictive, and people who use it regularly are likely to experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop. The diagnostic criteria for cannabis use disorder and withdrawal are outlined in the diagnostic and statistical manual (DSM-5), which provides the clinical standards for recognising and assessing these symptoms.
Myth 2: “You Can Quit Anytime Without Help.”
Quitting cold turkey might sound easy, but for many, it isn’t. Cannabis affects the brain’s reward system, making it hard to stop once dependence develops. Without proper support, people often relapse. It is not because they lack willpower, but because they don’t have the tools to manage cravings or stress.
That’s where professional help becomes essential. Addiction specialists understand the challenges that come with cannabis withdrawal. Clinical management may include medically assisted withdrawal, inpatient treatment, or support in an outpatient setting, depending on individual needs. They can provide structured detox plans, emotional support, and therapeutic guidance to keep you safe and motivated.
Professional detox or rehab programmes don’t just focus on the physical aspect. They also help you rebuild emotional balance, identify triggers, and prevent relapse. Whether it’s one-to-one counselling, group therapy, or supervised detox, professional care offers a level of stability and understanding that self-detox alone often can’t.
Trust PCP to Comfort You During Cannabis Detox
At PCP, we understand that cannabis withdrawal can feel daunting, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our compassionate team offers medically supervised detox, individual counselling, and tailored recovery programmes designed to make your healing journey safe and comfortable.
We offer one of the most trusted cannabis detox programmes in the UK, designed to support you through every step of withdrawal and recovery
Final Thoughts
Quitting cannabis is a brave and empowering decision. Withdrawal can be tough, but it’s a sign that your body and mind are healing. Remember, every difficult moment brings you closer to clarity, calm, and freedom.
Stay patient with yourself and seek support when needed. With the right help, especially from trained professionals like those at Rehab Today by PCP, your recovery can be not only possible but life-changing.
Contact us today and begin your healing journey now!
