Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms: What Happens When You Stop Using Cannabis?
Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms: What Happens When You Stop Using Cannabis?
Cannabis withdrawal symptoms can occur when someone who has been using THC-containing cannabis regularly stops suddenly or significantly reduces how much they use.
Common symptoms include difficulty sleeping, vivid dreams, irritability, anxiety, restlessness, reduced appetite and low mood. Some people also experience physical symptoms such as headaches, sweating, chills or stomach discomfort.
Symptoms commonly begin within 24–48 hours of stopping, are often strongest during days 2–6, and usually improve over the following days or weeks. However, the experience varies considerably between people.
In this guide, we look at cannabis withdrawal symptoms, why they happen, the typical cannabis withdrawal timeline, sleep and vivid dreams, and when it is worth seeking medical support.
Contents
What Is Cannabis Withdrawal?
Cannabis withdrawal is a recognised group of symptoms that can occur after someone who regularly uses THC-containing cannabis stops or substantially reduces their use.
It does not happen to everybody who uses cannabis. Frequency of use, the amount used and individual factors can all affect whether withdrawal occurs and how noticeable the symptoms are.
A large systematic review and meta-analysis involving 23,518 participants estimated that cannabis withdrawal syndrome occurred in around 47% of people with regular or dependent cannabinoid use.
The figure varied considerably according to the population being studied. Withdrawal was reported less frequently in general population samples and much more frequently among people receiving inpatient or outpatient treatment for substance use.
So, while cannabis withdrawal symptoms are real and clinically recognised, it would be misleading to say that half of everyone who has ever used cannabis will experience them.
Can You Really Get Withdrawal From Cannabis?
Yes. Cannabis withdrawal is a recognised clinical syndrome.
It is most commonly associated with stopping or significantly reducing frequent or prolonged use of cannabis containing tetrahydrocannabinol, better known as THC.
The idea that cannabis can never cause dependence or withdrawal is therefore incorrect. However, withdrawal severity varies substantially between individuals.
Research published in Addiction describes cannabis withdrawal as a well-characterised phenomenon, particularly among people who have been using THC-containing cannabis regularly or heavily.
You can read more about THC and its role in prescribed cannabis in our guide to taking prescribed THC responsibly.
What Are the Symptoms of Cannabis Withdrawal?
The most common cannabis withdrawal symptoms affect sleep, mood and appetite.
Recognised symptoms include:
- Irritability, anger or aggression
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Unusual or vivid dreams
- Restlessness
- Reduced appetite
- Low or depressed mood
Some people also report physical symptoms. These can include:
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Chills
- Shakiness or physical tension
- Stomach discomfort
Not everyone experiences the same combination of symptoms. Some people notice relatively mild changes, while others find withdrawal significantly affects their sleep, mood or ability to function normally.
Cannabis Withdrawal Timeline
Cannabis withdrawal symptoms typically begin around 24–48 hours after stopping, peak around days 2–6 and then gradually improve.
However, there is no exact cannabis withdrawal timeline that applies to everyone. The following is a general guide based on clinical research rather than a prediction of what any individual will experience.
First 24–48 Hours
Symptoms may begin during the first day or two after stopping or substantially reducing regular THC use.
Early symptoms can include irritability, anxiety, difficulty sleeping and a reduced appetite.
Days 2–6
For many people who experience withdrawal, this is when symptoms are most noticeable.
Sleep disturbance, irritability, restlessness, changes in appetite and mood symptoms may be particularly apparent during this period.
Around Week 1
Many symptoms may begin to ease after the first several days.
However, different symptoms do not necessarily follow identical timelines. Sleep problems and unusual dreams, for example, can behave differently from appetite or physical symptoms.
Weeks 2–3
For many people, symptoms continue to improve.
However, clinical research reports that withdrawal can last two to three weeks or longer in some heavier users. Sleep disturbance and changes in dreaming may be among the symptoms that persist.
Cannabis Withdrawal Timeline at a Glance
- 24–48 hours: Withdrawal symptoms may begin.
- Days 2–6: Symptoms commonly reach their greatest intensity.
- After the first week: Many symptoms begin improving.
- 2–3 weeks or longer: Some symptoms can persist in heavier users.
Why Does Cannabis Withdrawal Happen?
To understand cannabis withdrawal, it helps to understand the body’s endocannabinoid system.
THC interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the body, particularly CB1 receptors in the brain.
With frequent exposure to THC, the body’s cannabinoid signalling can adapt. When THC exposure is then stopped, the system needs time to adjust again.
Brain-imaging research provides evidence for this adaptation. One study examining CB1 receptor availability in cannabis-dependent men found lower CB1 receptor availability during active use compared with controls.
Importantly, these changes began reversing quickly during monitored abstinence, with group differences no longer evident after two days in that study.
This does not mean that every withdrawal symptom disappears within two days. Instead, it provides an interesting biological explanation for why regular THC exposure can produce tolerance and why stopping can temporarily cause symptoms while the body readjusts.
Why Can Cannabis Withdrawal Affect Sleep?
Sleep disturbance is one of the most commonly reported cannabis withdrawal symptoms.
People may find it harder to fall asleep, wake more frequently or notice that their sleep feels different after stopping regular cannabis use.
This is particularly relevant because sleep problems can make other withdrawal symptoms feel more difficult to manage. Poor sleep can affect mood, concentration and how we respond to stress.
Sleep disturbance can also contribute to returning to cannabis use in people who are trying to stop, particularly if cannabis had previously become associated with falling asleep.
If you are interested in the wider relationship between cannabis and sleep, you can read our guide to medical cannabis and sleep.
Why Are Dreams So Vivid After Stopping Cannabis?
Vivid or unusual dreams are a recognised feature of cannabis withdrawal.
Research examining the time course of withdrawal symptoms has found that changes in dreaming can appear later than some other symptoms and may persist beyond the earliest stage of withdrawal.
Sleep is made up of different stages, including rapid eye movement or REM sleep, which is strongly associated with dreaming. Cannabis use can influence sleep architecture, and changes following cessation may contribute to people noticing more intense or memorable dreams.
Importantly, vivid dreams after stopping cannabis do not necessarily mean something is wrong. They are a recognised experience during withdrawal, although persistent or distressing sleep problems should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Who Is More Likely to Experience Cannabis Withdrawal?
Not everybody who stops using cannabis experiences withdrawal.
The large JAMA Network Open meta-analysis of cannabis withdrawal found several factors associated with a greater likelihood of withdrawal.
These included:
- Daily cannabis use
- More frequent cannabis use
- Concurrent tobacco use
- Other substance use disorders
- Being part of a treatment-seeking clinical population
In simple terms, withdrawal tends to be more likely following frequent or heavy cannabis use than occasional exposure.
Is Cannabis Withdrawal Dangerous?
Uncomplicated cannabis withdrawal is generally not associated with the same risk of severe medical complications seen with withdrawal from some other substances.
However, that does not mean it should always be ignored.
Withdrawal can still be distressing. Anxiety, depressed mood and severe sleep disturbance can affect someone’s wellbeing, while symptoms can also make it harder for someone who wants to stop cannabis to remain abstinent.
Clinical guidance suggests additional medical supervision may be appropriate when cannabis withdrawal occurs alongside significant mental health conditions, medical problems or dependence on other substances.
Seek urgent medical help if you experience severe psychiatric symptoms, feel at risk of harming yourself or someone else, or become acutely unwell.
How Is Cannabis Withdrawal Managed?
For uncomplicated cannabis withdrawal, treatment is generally focused on support and managing symptoms rather than using a specific withdrawal medication.
A major clinical review of cannabis withdrawal management identifies supportive counselling and psychoeducation as first-line approaches.
At present, there is no medication specifically approved for medically assisted cannabis withdrawal. Healthcare professionals may sometimes treat individual symptoms where clinically appropriate, but this needs to be considered on an individual basis.
Practical steps that may support general wellbeing include:
- Keeping a consistent sleep and waking routine
- Eating regular meals even if appetite is temporarily reduced
- Staying normally hydrated
- Keeping physically active where appropriate
- Reducing unnecessary stress where possible
- Seeking support if symptoms are difficult to manage
If you are concerned about dependence or are finding it difficult to reduce or stop cannabis use, speak to a healthcare professional or an appropriate drug and alcohol support service rather than trying to manage significant withdrawal alone.
Cannabis Withdrawal vs a Cannabis Hangover
Cannabis withdrawal and what is sometimes called a “cannabis hangover” are not the same thing.
Withdrawal occurs after stopping or significantly reducing regular cannabis use and can continue for days or weeks.
A “cannabis hangover” is an informal term sometimes used to describe next-day effects following cannabis use, such as tiredness or feeling less alert.
The evidence surrounding next-day cannabis effects is a separate question from the well-established clinical evidence for cannabis withdrawal syndrome.
What About Prescribed Medical Cannabis?
Cannabis withdrawal is relevant to medical cannabis because some prescribed cannabis medicines contain THC.
Using THC regularly can result in tolerance and dependence in some people. However, prescribed treatment also takes place within a clinical framework, where the medication, dose, benefits and potential side effects can be reviewed.
If you are prescribed medical cannabis, do not suddenly stop or substantially change your treatment because of something you have read online.
Instead, discuss any concerns about tolerance, dependence, side effects or stopping treatment with your prescribing clinician.
You can find more information about treatment, prescribing and ongoing clinical care in our medical cannabis patient information guide and medical cannabis FAQs.
For a broader introduction to cannabis-based prescription medicines, read what is medical cannabis?
Cannabis Withdrawal FAQs
How Long Does Cannabis Withdrawal Last?
Cannabis withdrawal symptoms commonly begin within 24–48 hours and peak around days 2–6. Many symptoms then improve, although withdrawal can continue for two to three weeks or longer in some people who have used cannabis heavily or frequently.
What Are the Most Common Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms?
Common cannabis withdrawal symptoms include irritability, anxiety, restlessness, disturbed sleep or unusual dreams, reduced appetite and low mood. Some people also experience headaches, sweating, chills, shakiness or stomach discomfort.
When Is Cannabis Withdrawal at Its Worst?
Research suggests cannabis withdrawal symptoms generally reach their greatest intensity around days 2–6 after stopping. However, different symptoms can follow different timelines and the experience varies between individuals.
Can Cannabis Withdrawal Cause Insomnia?
Yes. Difficulty sleeping is one of the recognised symptoms of cannabis withdrawal. Sleep problems can begin soon after stopping and may continue after some of the other withdrawal symptoms have improved.
Why Do I Have Vivid Dreams After Stopping Cannabis?
Vivid or unusual dreams are a recognised cannabis withdrawal symptom. Cannabis can influence normal sleep patterns, and changes to sleep after stopping may make dreams feel more frequent, memorable or intense.
Can Cannabis Withdrawal Cause Anxiety?
Yes. Anxiety and nervousness are recognised symptoms of cannabis withdrawal. If anxiety becomes severe, persists or significantly affects your daily life, speak to a healthcare professional.
Can Cannabis Withdrawal Cause Headaches?
Headaches are among the less common physical symptoms reported during cannabis withdrawal. However, headaches have many possible causes and should not automatically be assumed to be caused by stopping cannabis.
Can You Get Withdrawal From THC?
Yes. Cannabis withdrawal is primarily associated with stopping or substantially reducing regular exposure to THC-containing cannabis. The likelihood and severity of withdrawal vary according to patterns of use and individual factors.
Does CBD Cause Withdrawal?
Current evidence does not suggest that stopping short-term use of CBD produces the same recognised withdrawal syndrome associated with regular THC-containing cannabis. Research in this area is more limited than the evidence surrounding THC.
How Long Does THC Stay in Your System After Stopping?
Withdrawal and drug detection are two different things. THC metabolites can remain detectable after the noticeable effects of cannabis and even after withdrawal symptoms have changed.
Detection time varies considerably according to frequency of use, THC exposure, individual biology and the test being used. Read our full guide to how long cannabis stays in your system for a urine test.
Should Medical Cannabis Patients Stop Treatment Suddenly?
If you are taking prescribed medical cannabis, speak to your prescribing clinician before making significant changes to your treatment. They can advise you according to your medication, dose, symptoms and individual circumstances.
The Bottom Line
Cannabis withdrawal symptoms are real, recognised and most commonly occur after stopping or significantly reducing frequent THC-containing cannabis use.
Symptoms can include irritability, anxiety, sleep problems, vivid dreams, restlessness, reduced appetite and low mood. Physical symptoms such as headaches, sweating and stomach discomfort can also occur.
The typical cannabis withdrawal timeline begins within 24–48 hours. Symptoms commonly peak around days 2–6 before gradually improving, although some can persist for several weeks in heavier users.
Most uncomplicated withdrawal does not require inpatient treatment. However, support can be important, particularly if symptoms are severe or occur alongside mental health problems or dependence on other substances.
If you use prescribed medical cannabis and are considering stopping or changing your treatment, speak to your prescribing clinician first.
Considering Medical Cannabis Treatment?
Medical cannabis has been available on specialist prescription in the UK since 2018. Treatment is considered individually, taking into account your condition, previous treatments, medical history and potential risks and benefits.
If you’re exploring treatment for a diagnosed condition after other recognised treatments haven’t provided enough relief, you can learn more in our medical cannabis patient information guide.
Curious if you’re eligible? Check your eligibility for medical cannabis with CB1 Medical.
