Frederick Jace
Did you know nearly 17% of U.S. adults are current marijuana users? That translates to 55 million adults!
Some who use marijuana, also called weed, cannabis, or pot, do so for health reasons. After all, a significant body of research links the use of this plant to positive health effects. For instance, it may help with pain, mood, relaxation, and mental well-being.
However, cannabis use also has risks, including potential addiction. Fortunately, marijuana use disorder is treatable, starting with detoxification (detox).
So, how long does it take to detox from weed, then?
This guide will enlighten you on cannabis detox and withdrawal, so read on.
How Long Does It Take To Detox From Weed?
How long weed detoxing takes depends on how heavy a cannabis user a person is. Another factor is the length of time they’ve been using marijuana.
The heavier and longer the use, the longer it may take for a complete detox. In these cases, the marijuana withdrawal symptoms are also often more severe.
For heavy cannabis users, complete detox may take about a month. For light or occasional users, it may only take several days.
What Happens During Weed Detox?
Detoxification involves removing all traces of a drug within the body. So when a person undergoes weed detox, they must not consume cannabis in any way or form.
As the body goes through detox, the initial effects of weed wear off within the first few hours. However, its compounds, including cannabinoids, remain in the body for a while.
After the initial effects wear off, the body may likely experience withdrawal symptoms. These include the following:
- Anxiety, depression, or both
- Agitation and irritability
- Headaches and nausea
- Stomach pains, vomiting, and dehydration
- Appetite or weight loss
- Shakiness
- Fatigue and sleep problems
Those symptoms may persist for a few weeks during the marijuana detoxing process. For some, it may take three weeks, but for heavier users, it may take five or more.
Is It Safe to Detox Alone?
Detoxing from any drug, including weed, is physically and emotionally challenging. It can even be dangerous, especially if the symptoms, such as vomiting, are severe. There’s also the risk of relapsing due to giving in to cravings.
So no, it’s not safe for people to detox alone, especially not if they’re a chronic and heavy cannabis user.
The best and safest way is to get a medical detox under the supervision of a professional. This involves going to professional drug detox or rehabilitation center. These facilities have the tools and equipment needed to make detoxification safer.
During a medical detox, a team of healthcare professionals looks after patients. This includes mental health experts who counsel patients feeling depressed or anxious.
Consider Detoxing ASAP
Now you know that the answer to the question, “How long does it take to detox from weed,” is several days to a month. So if you or a loved one has considered quitting cannabis, now may be the perfect time. The sooner a medical detox can start, the sooner it can begin ridding the body of unwanted compounds.
For more addiction-related guides, check out our post on managing withdrawal symptoms!
