Quit Weed Tracker

Weed Withdrawal Symptoms and Timeline

This tracker will help you navigate the process of quitting weed and staying motivated as withdrawal symptoms come and go. It provides a timeline of symptoms you may experience and offers insights into what to expect as you progress through your journey. Use this guide to identify the changes you're going through and to stay motivated as you move toward a healthier, cannabis-free life.


Days without weed: 0

Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Rebound

0/3 days

As THC leaves your system, you'll experience an abnormal increase in REM sleep, leading to highly vivid dreams. This REM rebound results in longer, denser REM periods, as THC previously suppressed REM sleep. These intense dreams usually start a week after quitting and can last up to a month before tapering off.

Headaches and Fuzziness

0/14 days

During detox, an increase in acids in the blood can cause headaches, migraines, or a sense of mental fog. These symptoms typically diminish within two weeks, but some individuals may experience them for several weeks or even months.

Cannabis Metabolites

0/14 days

At this point, most of the THC and other cannabis metabolites have been removed from the body. THC, which is stored in fat, can still be detected for several weeks or even months. The detectable duration depends on factors such as genetics, body weight, level of physical activity, age, and usage habits.

Coughing

0/14 days

If you primarily use cannabis by smoking, you may experience an increase in coughing. Smoking leaves tar in the lungs, which impairs the function of cilia and causes inflammation, leading to mucus production. When you stop smoking, your lungs begin to clear out these toxins, and the cilia gradually regain their function.

Insomnia

0/21 days

While sleepless nights and interrupted sleep should improve, some people may still experience insomnia for months. It’s a common withdrawal symptom that can persist even after other symptoms subside.

Night Sweats

0/21 days

Night sweats during withdrawal can be severe, often requiring frequent changes of clothes or bedding. This symptom is part of the body’s detox process, typically lasting a few weeks but may continue intermittently for up to six months.

Loss of Appetite

0/21 days

As cannabinoid metabolites exit your system, your appetite-regulating hormones will begin to normalize. This process helps restore your regular eating patterns over time.

Anger and Irritability

0/21 days

As your brain's biochemical balance is restored, normal emotional maturity will return. You may experience a decrease in anger and irritability as the withdrawal effects subside.

Receptor Density

0/28 days

After quitting cannabis use, most brain receptor densities return to normal within 28 days, except in the hippocampus, which recovers more slowly. The downregulation of CB1 receptors reverses quickly upon cessation and may continue to improve with time.

Lethargy

0/35 days

Lethargy and fatigue, often mistaken for depression, may persist for the first month. Energy levels should gradually return to normal as your body adjusts.

Completely THC Free

0/42 days

At this point, all THC and cannabis metabolites have been completely cleared from your body. The detox process is finished, and your system has recovered from cannabis use.

Attention Span

0/42 days

You should notice an improvement in your ability to concentrate and focus as your brain readjusts to normal functioning.

Tips to Stay Motivated During a Weed Detox

  1. Set Clear Goals: Define why you want to quit weed. Write down your reasons, such as improving mental clarity, health benefits, or personal growth. Keeping these goals visible can remind you of your "why" during tough times.
  2. Track Your Progress: Use a tracker or journal to monitor your detox journey. Document your symptoms, emotions, and improvements. This can be motivating as you see how far you have come, even on difficult days.
  3. Develop a Support System: Surround yourself with supportive friends, family, or a community that understands your goals. Consider joining a support group, either in-person or online, where you can share your experiences and gain encouragement from others.
  4. Stay Busy with Healthy Habits: Replace the time spent smoking with positive activities. Exercise, meditation, hobbies, or learning something new can help distract you from cravings and withdrawal symptoms while promoting overall well-being.
  5. Understand Withdrawal Symptoms: Educate yourself on what to expect during the detox process. Knowing that withdrawal symptoms like insomnia, irritability, or anxiety are temporary can help you push through challenging moments.
  6. Create a Daily Routine: Establish a structured routine with time for exercise, healthy eating, hydration, and relaxation. A routine can help you stay on track and reduce anxiety, which can often be a trigger.
  7. Practice Mindfulness and Stress Management: Techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga can help manage stress and anxiety. These practices can also aid in developing a stronger mind-body connection, making it easier to cope with cravings.
  8. Reward Yourself for Milestones: Set small, achievable milestones (e.g., one week, one month) and reward yourself when you reach them. Rewards can be anything from treating yourself to a nice meal to buying something you have wanted.
  9. Avoid Triggers: Identify people, places, or situations that trigger the urge to smoke and plan how to avoid or handle them. This might involve changing your social circle or avoiding specific settings temporarily.
  10. Stay Educated and Inspired: Read books, listen to podcasts, or watch videos about addiction recovery, health, and self-improvement. Hearing others' success stories can be highly motivating.

How Long Does THC Stay in Your System?

The psychoactive component of cannabis, known as THC, can remain in your system for different lengths of time depending on the type of test Detection times can vary based on factors such as how often you use cannabis, your metabolism, body fat percentage, and the sensitivity of the testing method.

Marijuana tests typically measure delta-9-THC, which is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana. The most common name for the metabolite is THC-COOH, but its official name is 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol. Other cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD), are less commonly included in marijuana testing.

Saliva

0/3 days

THC can be detected in saliva for up to 1 to 3 days after use. In cases of heavy or frequent use, it might be detectable for a longer period, up to a week or more.

Blood

0/7 days

THC can be detected in the blood for 1 to 7 days, with a typical window of up to 3 days for occasional users. For frequent users, it may be detectable for a week or more.

Urine

0/30 days

THC can usually be detected in urine for 3 to 30 days. For infrequent users, it is typically detectable for about 3 to 7 days. For regular users, it can be detected for 10 to 15 days, and for heavy or chronic users, it can stay in the urine for up to 30 days or more.

Hair

0/90 days

THC can be detected in hair follicles for up to 90 days or more. This is because THC metabolites are incorporated into the hair as it grows, and can be detected for a longer period compared to other tests.

Tips to Detox Your Body from Weed Faster

  1. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins from your system. Aim for 8-10 glasses a day.
  2. Exercise Regularly: Physical activity increases metabolism and helps burn fat where THC is stored. Cardio exercises and strength training are both beneficial.
  3. Eat a Healthy Diet: Focus on consuming fruits, vegetables, and high-fiber foods as they can help your body to metabolize and excrete THC more efficiently.
  4. Get Adequate Sleep: Proper rest supports your body's natural detoxification processes and helps your system recover.
  5. Avoid Toxins: Stay away from alcohol, caffeine, and processed foods that can add stress to your body and slow down detoxification.
  6. Consider Detox Teas or Supplements: Some herbal teas or supplements are believed to support detoxification, but it's important to research these carefully and consult a healthcare professional.
  7. Saunas and Steam Rooms: Using a sauna or steam room can help sweat out toxins, though it's important to stay hydrated while doing so.
  8. Practice Stress Management: Stress can impact your body's ability to detoxify. Engage in relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
  9. Avoid Re-Exposure: Ensure you're not exposed to cannabis smoke or products that could reintroduce THC into your system.
  10. Consult a Healthcare Professional: If you're experiencing difficulties or have specific health concerns, it's always a good idea to seek professional advice.

Resources

Kampfrath, T. (2022, September 26). Marijuana (THC) testing. Testing.com. https://www.testing.com/tests/marijuana-thc-testing/

Sholl, L. (2018, December 25). What is THC-COOH and why do drug tests screen for it?. Royal Queen Seeds. https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/blog-what-is-thc-cooh-and-why-do-drug-tests-screen-for-it-n1081

Connor, J. P. (2021, October 5). Clinical management of cannabis withdrawal. CanGuide. https://canguide.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/2021_Addiction_Connor_Clinical-management-of-cannabis-withdrawal.pdf

Twu, A. (2022, November 25). How long does weed stay in your system: Urine, blood, hair?. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/what-to-know-about-how-long-marijuana-stays-in-your-system

Editorial Staff. (2024, June 21). Marijuana detox: How to detox from weed & how long will it take?. American Addiction Centers. https://americanaddictioncenters.org/drug-detox/weed-marijuana

Quinn, D. (2024, July 11). Detoxing from weed: How to reset from smoking marijuana. Sandstone Care. https://www.sandstonecare.com/blog/detoxing-from-weed/

Schaefer, A. (2019, January 26). What you should know about detoxing from weed. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/marijuana-detox-what-you-should-know

Hartney, E. (2024, February 15). How long does withdrawal from marijuana last?. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-to-expect-from-cannabis-withdrawal-22304

Editorial Staff. (2024, April 30). Marijuana (weed) withdrawal: Symptoms & timeline: Oxford. Oxford Treatment Center. https://oxfordtreatment.com/substance-abuse/marijuana/withdrawal/