What began as a bit of fun or perhaps a way to manage stress, pain, or low mood can slowly turn into something harder to let go of.
If you’ve found yourself trying to quit cannabis after years of use but slipping back into old habits, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with this exact cycle.
The good news is that recovery is possible, even if previous attempts haven’t worked.
On this page, we explore how cannabis can become addictive, how your body responds to stopping and what can help you quit for good.
Can you become addicted to cannabis?
Cannabis use has become more widely accepted in recent years. From glowing media portrayals to discussions around its medical potential, the image of cannabis has shifted dramatically. But while public opinion has warmed, it’s important to recognise that cannabis usage isn’t without its drawbacks.
One of the lesser-discussed realities is that people can and do become dependent on cannabis.
Regular use, especially over a long period, can create a pattern where the brain becomes used to functioning with THC in its system. When that pattern is disrupted, withdrawal symptoms can appear. These can range from irritability and restlessness to sleep disturbances, anxiety and cravings. For some, these symptoms are mild. For others, they’re enough to keep them stuck in a cycle of quitting, relapsing and trying again.
Cannabis addiction may not always look like the dramatic portrayals we associate with harder drugs, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t real or disruptive.
How does a cannabis withdrawal differ from other drug withdrawals?
It’s natural to wonder how cannabis withdrawal compares to what’s experienced with drugs like heroin, cocaine or alcohol. The truth is, cannabis withdrawal doesn’t tend to be physically dangerous in the way those other substances can be. You won’t experience seizures, life-threatening dehydration or the kind of intense physical pain that often comes with opioid or alcohol detox.
But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Cannabis withdrawal hits in a different way, often through psychological symptoms like:
- Mood swings
- Sleep problems
- Anxiety
- Low motivation
- Strong cravings
You might find yourself lying awake for hours, feeling tense or irritable without knowing why. Your appetite may vanish. Alternatively, you may simply feel off, as if something is missing. And because these symptoms don’t feel severe enough to seek emergency support, they’re often downplayed, both by the person going through them and the people around them.
That’s where the real challenge lies.
The discomfort pushes many into a cycle: “Just a small spliff to help me sleep,” or “One toke to take the edge off.”
It feels harmless at the time, but that one small hit is often enough to delay true detox.
This cycle can repeat for weeks, even months, making it incredibly difficult to fully quit.
That’s why professional support during cannabis detox, while not always medically essential, can still be a turning point by breaking the loop and helping someone move forward with more confidence and control.
What is a cannabis detox?
If you’re still reading, chances are you’ve recognised that your relationship with cannabis might not be as casual or harmless as it once felt.
Whether you’re using it to sleep, to take the edge off or simply because it’s become part of your routine, deciding to stop can bring up a lot of questions. One of the biggest is how actually to go about it.
That’s where cannabis detox comes in.
Cannabis detox is the process of stopping use and allowing your body and mind to adjust without it. It’s the first real step toward recovery.
The goal isn’t just to get THC out of your system but to give your brain time to restore its natural balance.
When you’re no longer using cannabis, areas like mood regulation, sleep, appetite and focus start to operate on their own again.
This period of adjustment is often where withdrawal symptoms appear. While these are rarely dangerous, they can still feel intense, especially if cannabis has been part of your life for a long time. For many people, detox is when they finally get the mental clarity needed to reflect and move forward.
So, how do you know if it’s time to take that step?
How do I know when I need a cannabis detox?
There’s no single definition of when cannabis use becomes a problem. Often, it’s not about how much you use but about how it’s affecting your life, your routines and your mental wellbeing.
Below are a few questions to help you check in with yourself. If you answer yes to one or more, it may be a sign that a cannabis detox is worth considering.
Detoxing from Cannabis
- Do you feel anxious or restless if you haven’t used cannabis for a day or two?
- Have you tried to stop or cut back, only to find yourself using again sooner than planned?
- Is cannabis something you reach for when you’re stressed or trying to fall asleep?
- Has your motivation or focus dropped since your cannabis use increased?
- Do you find that you need more than you used to in order to feel the same effects?
- Have people close to you voiced concern about your usage?
- Are you using cannabis more often on your own, even when you don’t really want to be?
These questions aren’t here to shame or label. They’re here to help you notice if your use has quietly become something more than occasional.
If anything in this list resonates with you, a cannabis detox could help you hit reset and get a clearer view of where you want to go next.
Cannabis detox timeline
We’ve already covered the kinds of withdrawal symptoms that can arise during cannabis detox, but you might still be asking yourself when these symptoms actually begin and how long they tend to last.
The truth is, detox doesn’t follow the exact same path for everyone, but having a general timeline can help make the process feel less overwhelming.
Below, we break down what typically happens day by day, so you can feel more prepared, more informed and a little more at ease with what to expect.
Stage 1: Days 1–2
Your body begins to register the absence of cannabis.
Within the first 24 to 48 hours after quitting, you might start to feel a little off. This early stage is where the body begins to realise THC is no longer being introduced. Although the THC still lingers in the system, it’s no longer acting on your brain in the same way.
Common symptoms at this point include:
- Trouble sleeping, often struggling to fall asleep or waking up frequently
- Feelings of restlessness or jitteriness
- A noticeable drop in appetite
- Mood changes, including irritability or frustration
Some people also report mild chills, sweating or shakiness, especially if they were using large amounts daily.
Stage 2: Days 3–7
Symptoms tend to reach their most intense point during this stage.
This is the toughest part of cannabis detox for many. By day three, the body has started to flush out THC more rapidly and the brain is now adjusting to a new chemical environment. The endocannabinoid system, which THC had been artificially boosting, is temporarily out of balance.
What you might experience:
- Heightened anxiety or a racing mind
- Difficulty relaxing or sitting still
- Mood swings that shift without warning
- Vivid or even disturbing dreams
- Strong cravings to use again
- Poor appetite, with food feeling unappealing or bland
The emotional effects during this time can feel heavy.
You might feel unusually low or even slightly depressed. These feelings aren’t permanent, but they can feel overwhelming in the moment.
Support during this phase, whether from a loved one or a professional, can make a real difference.
Stage 3: Days 8–14
Physical symptoms begin to ease, but the emotional effects may still linger.
After the first week, many people notice their physical symptoms improving.
Appetite might begin to return. Sleep starts to stabilise, though not always consistently. Cravings often reduce in intensity, but they can still pop up, especially when triggered by stress or habit.
This phase is where emotional regulation can still be difficult. You may feel:
- Irritable or short-tempered
- Easily overwhelmed
- Mentally foggy or disconnected
- Less motivated than usual
Anger can also appear during this stage, not always aggressive but more like a frustration bubbling close to the surface. It’s all part of the brain’s adjustment. The good news is that, for most, this stage gradually fades.
Stage 4: Stabilisation and Clarity (Days 15–28)
You start to feel more like yourself again or perhaps even a newer, clearer version.
By the third week, most of the withdrawal symptoms have eased up significantly. Your body’s endocannabinoid system is finding balance again. Sleep is more restful, your appetite is likely back, and your mind starts to feel clearer.
There might still be occasional:
- Cravings (especially when bored, stressed or socialising)
- Flashes of low mood
- Moments of anxiety or unease
But overall, your system has begun to reset. Many people say they start to feel more present and grounded around this time, even if emotions still fluctuate now and then.
Beyond the first month
Some individuals, especially those who used heavily for many years, might still experience subtle effects weeks or even months after quitting. This is sometimes called Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS). It’s not guaranteed to happen, but it’s worth knowing about the symptoms, which include:
- Low energy
- Mood dips
- Occasional sleep issues
That said, these symptoms tend to be much milder and become easier to manage over time, especially with support and lifestyle adjustments
What’s the best setting for cannabis detox?
If you’ve tried to quit cannabis at home and found yourself relapsing, you’re not alone. It’s easy to pin the blame on everyday pressures (work, family, lack of time), but often, the real issue lies in the setting.
Home might seem like the cheaper and more convenient place to detox cannabis, but if your surroundings are filled with triggers and routines tied to your use, it becomes a much tougher hill to climb.
You may not realise it, but there are specialised cannabis detox programmes available in inpatient settings that are designed to remove those triggers and give you the space to reset. And no, inpatient rehab isn’t just for those with so-called “harder” addictions like heroin or cocaine. Cannabis can be just as disruptive to your life and mental clarity, especially if it’s become a daily escape or emotional crutch.
To help you better understand what could be holding you back, we’ve created a comparison between home detox and inpatient cannabis rehab. You might find that a different setting is exactly what’s needed to make things stick this time:
|
Factor |
Home cannabis detox |
Inpatient cannabis rehab |
|
Daily triggers |
Constantly present |
Removed and replaced with calm routine |
|
Support network |
Often unavailable or limited |
24/7 professional and peer support |
|
Structure |
Self-imposed and easy to break |
Scheduled, consistent and reliable |
|
Mental health support |
Rarely accessible |
Integrated into the detox process |
|
Privacy and focus |
Distractions and demands everywhere |
Full focus on recovery in a safe space |
|
Likelihood of relapse |
Higher due to environment |
Reduced through monitored withdrawal |
How can I find a cannabis rehab programme?
Finding the right cannabis rehab programme doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
At Rehab Guide, we listen to your situation and help you explore options that match your needs, whether that’s inpatient detox, therapy or long-term support.
Our team has years of experience connecting people with trusted UK rehab centres that specialise in cannabis addiction.
If home detox hasn’t worked for you, we’re here to guide you towards something that will.
Speak to us today and take the first step towards lasting change.
FAQs
How long does it take to detox from cannabis?
Detoxing from cannabis typically takes between 1 to 3 weeks, depending on how often and how heavily it was used. THC can stay in your system for longer if you’ve been a frequent user, but withdrawal symptoms usually peak within the first week.
What happens during withdrawal from cannabis?
Cannabis withdrawal can involve symptoms like irritability, trouble sleeping, anxiety, loss of appetite and intense cravings. These are signs your body is adjusting to the absence of THC and usually ease off after a few days to a couple of weeks.
What’s the safest way to detox weed from your system?
The safest way to detox weed is to stop using and stay hydrated, rest and eat balanced meals. If you’re struggling with withdrawal symptoms or relapse, seeking support from a detox programme or therapist can help make the process easier.
Can I speed up THC detox with over-the-counter products?
While many products claim to help with THC detox, there’s no scientific evidence that they work. The most reliable method for detoxing weed is giving your body time to naturally clear out THC while maintaining healthy habits.
References
- Connor JP, Stjepanović D, Budney AJ, Le Foll B, Hall WD. Clinical management of cannabis withdrawal. Addiction. 2022 Jul;117(7):2075-2095. doi: 10.1111/add.15743. Epub 2022 Jan 10. PMID: 34791767; PMCID: PMC9110555.
