Marijuana contains many compounds, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These compounds remain in the system after use, but many factors can affect how long they stay there. This can influence the length and side effects of the marijuana detox process.
THC and CBD attach to the same cannabinoid receptors as endocannabinoids, which are chemicals that the body produces naturally. Typically, the body releases these compounds through urine and stool.
If a person wants to detox from marijuana, they will need to flush out or wait until the final traces of marijuana have left the body. Until this happens, they may also test positive in drug screening.
Keep reading to learn more about the side effects of marijuana detox, how long the drug stays in the body, how drug tests work, and some remedies that may help in the detox process.
Marijuana Withdrawal and Detox: What to Expect
The Marijuana Anonymous organization reports that insomnia is the most common withdrawal symptom among its members, followed by depression and nightmares.
Other typical symptoms of marijuana detox cited by the National Institute on Drug Abuse include:
- A craving for cannabis
- Nervous anxiety and restlessness
- Heightened aggression and anger
- Strange dreams
- Decreased appetite
- Sweating and body shakes
- Headaches
- Fever and dehydration
- Stomach pains
Marijuana users going through detox also may experience “a constant low level of anger and rage, general irritability, or sudden outbursts of anger,” according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. “The anger can be directed at themselves, close family and friends, or the world in general.”
“If you have been using marijuana frequently for a prolonged period of time, you should expect to have physiological withdrawal symptoms, just like with any other addictive substance,” Weiner says. “Someone can also expect to have marijuana cravings, an intense psychological and physiological urge to use THC products. These cravings will likely continue long after withdrawal symptoms have ceased, although they do tend to fade with time.”
He rarely sees marijuana detox situations that require immediate medical attention. Given the lesser degree of danger than other substance abuse withdrawals and the lack of FDA-approved medications for treating marijuana withdrawal or addiction, he says people overcoming marijuana addiction usually turn to therapy.
The Benefits of Marijuana Detox
Marijuana detox may be needed for people struggling with Marijuana use disorders, mothers who want to protect the health of their baby, or people wanting to get THC out of their system. People seeking employment who smoke marijuana may be disqualified from a position because of marijuana’s illegal status in many states. Above all, people using marijuana with substances like Cocaine, alcohol, Meth or Hallucinogens benefit from Marijuana detox, because poly-drug use creates some of the greatest risks.
Is Marijuana Detox Necessary?
The debate on whether marijuana detox is necessary is closely related to the debate as to whether or not marijuana is addictive. Some believe marijuana has no addictive properties, but studies reveal withdrawal symptoms exist as a result of excessive marijuana use. The CDC cites 1 in 10 people will become addicted to marijuana. Presently, “30% of marijuana users struggle with a marijuana use disorder,” and users who are under 18 are “4 to 7 times more likely to develop a marijuana use disorder” compared to adults.
There was a 2.3 million increase in marijuana smokers between 2006 and 2012. 18% of patients entering rehab in 2009 were seeking treatment primarily or partially for marijuana addiction. However, of the 4 million Americans suffering a marijuana use disorder each year, only 138,000 opted for treatment.
Marijuana has a strong hold on many of its users, especially since the herb effects dopamine levels in the brain. If someone smoking marijuana cannot attend school, complete daily tasks, has legal issues, or combines marijuana with other drugs, they may be struggling with a substance use disorder . Don’t hesitate to contact a treatment provider.
How Long Does Weed Stay in Your System?
If you are a marijuana user, the THC can be detected in your urine, blood, hair, and fat cells. As mentioned earlier, the length of time it remains in the body depends on several factors. Metabolism, exercise routine, body fat percentage, and eating habits are other factors that might affect the length of time the substance stays in the body. THC in the urine may remain detectable even after you have taken abstinence for a longer period. It may stay in the urine for four weeks after use. The substance can build up in fat tissue and may spread to the blood. Exercise can release THC from fat stores and in your blood. THC can remain detectable in your blood for up to seven days, but it depends on how frequently you use marijuana. If you are smoking or taking cannabis daily, it may take longer to remove it from your blood. Cannabis can be detectable in the hair longer up to 90 days. After using the substance, weed is carried through small blood vessels into the hair follicles.
How Do Detoxification And Detox Remedies Work?
Detox is the most effective way if you want to eliminate traces of THC in your body. Detoxification can be done in several ways. If you are a heavy user of cannabis, it may take longer to get rid of the substance. Before you start to detoxify your body, you should know that the process may result in withdrawal symptoms, anxiety, mood swings, headaches, and depression. Detox remedies are special diets or products that effectively get rid of toxins in your body. Detox products are available in kits, drinks, and pills. The best detox drinks for weed contain vitamins and minerals that can lower THC concentrations in the body. Some of the best detox drinks for THC are cranberry juice and green tea. They are effective and natural drinks that can help flush out THC from your system. Detox pills are in the form of supplements created to cleanse the body of toxins within seven days or more. The pills contain different herbal extracts that can increase the removal of THC fast and effectively. Detox kits are the standard technique created to help eliminate cannabis metabolites from your body for a certain period or permanently. It is the best way to detox your body from THC and eliminate traces of cannabis. Hair follicle drug test detox shampoo eliminates drug residue from surficial hair and scalp. Shampoo penetrates deep within the skull and cleans the hair follicles.