Many things can prompt someone to stop smoking. Usually, some people may decide to take a tolerance break while others may just want to completely abstain from marijuana. Whatever the motivation, it’s good to know about the changes that happen in your body after you quit smoking weed.
Therefore, in this article, we’ll focus on the changes your body experiences after your quit smoking.
The moment you stop smoking a year later: Your Lungs are revived
Cannabis is found in different forms including edibles, tinctures, and capsules. One of the best ways to consume cannabis is by inhaling it as vapor. While it lacks many dangerous chemicals found in smoke, cannabis fumes can damage your lungs like cannabis smoke (2).
The damage cannabis smoke does to your lungs may be somewhat reversible, though (1). Long-term cannabis users can heal their lungs once they quit smoking. However, some issues may remain. The duration for your lungs to heal will vary on how long you’ve been smoking.
The initial 24-72 Hours: Anxiety May arise
Many individuals who consume cannabis face symptoms such as paranoia and anxiety. Surprisingly, most cannabis users claim that its beneficial in curbing anxiety (3). However, there is a need for more research to support this claim.
An individual who experiences cannabis detox will likely face different types of anxiety, especially within the first 24-72 hours after quitting (4). The best solution for this is by practicing relaxation exercises, such as deep breathing, yoga, or meditation.
If the anxiety persists after one week, then we recommend you take a trip to the doctor’s office – You could be suffering from an underlying medical problem other than cannabis.
The initial 24-72 Hours: You Will easily get irritated and angry
Irritation is a common withdrawal symptom amongst most people who quit cannabis. It typically starts within the first 24-72 hours after quitting. An individual in detox may become easily irritated due to lack of sleep, or perhaps they are just useless without the high from cannabis (5).
While some individuals experience mild forms of irritation, others may become extremely angry. This anger can prompt the influx of other symptoms including lack of sex drive or feeling of fear. These symptoms usually completely disappear after about three months.
If you become easily irritated when not on cannabis, talk to your close friends and family members about your decision to quit. This will reduce unexpected angry outbursts.
The First Week: Individuals tend to feel depressed
Another common symptom of weed withdrawal is depression (5). It usually results in a loss of interest in normal activities you love doing. It is easy to understand why a former cannabis consumer would feel depressed, this is because weed is mostly used to get users high.
Usually, episodes of depression disappear in about a week after stopping. If depression persists or becomes overwhelming, then it’s recommended to visit your healthcare provider.
The First Night to the next couple of Months: Individuals usually experience Insomnia
Most people use cannabis as a sleep aid. That’s why weed consumers experience insomnia after quitting weed. The length of time in which cannabis disrupts your sleep pattern varies from person to person.
Some individuals may only experience insomnia a night or two after stopping, while others may experience disrupted sleep for several months.
The First Few Weeks: You May Experience Vivid Dreams
Smoking cannabis influences an individual’s capacity to obtain REM sleep, the period when an individual experiences the most dreams, that’s According to neurologist and sleep expert Dr. Hans Hamburger (6). Therefore, as you stop consuming cannabis, your REM sleep returns to normal.
This is usually instant and usually prompts vivid and intense dreams. Sometimes, an individual may even experience nightmares.
The First Few Days to the First Week: The potential for Headaches increases
Abstaining from cannabis may bring several physical effects to an individual. One of these conditions is headaches. The pain begins within the first few days after stopping cannabis and could potentially continue for 3 months.
The First Few Days to the next 3 months: Individuals may experience tons of Physical Ailments
While medical cannabis works to relieve physical ailments, such as stomach pain – withdrawal from THC can prompt several physical side effects. The potency and nature of physical withdrawal symptoms that result from cannabis cessation will vary according to the user’s sex, weight, genetic disposition, and the duration of the drug.
Stopping cannabis may also result in weight loss or gain, loss of appetite, stomach pain, or even flu-like symptoms, such as chills. Some users also experience night sweats after the cessation of cannabis.
It’s also normal to become dizzy or experience cannabis withdrawal. Past users may also experience hormone changes and tiredness. If you feel extreme discomfort, we recommend you visit a doctor in the field of detox. The time range for most of these symptoms can be days to weeks or even months. Side effects such as stomach pain, nausea may disappear after one month.
After One Month: Individuals may experience improved Memory, Intelligence, And focus
Quitting weed is a very good thing. Cannabis withdrawal symptoms are less harmful than that of heroin or benzodiazepine withdrawal (7). After a month, former long-term cannabis users may begin to experience improved attention, memory, and intelligence.
Another helpful way to speed up recovery is by reprogramming your brain after you completely withdraw from cannabis. Playing brain-building games such as puzzles, video games can help reduce memory loss after stopping cannabis.
Continued Cravings may persist After Stopping
One of the effects all users experience after quitting weed is constant cravings. Cravings occur when you quit anything you like including caffeine, cookies, and tobacco.
Initially, the cravings may be physical, because of the way your body reacts to the absence of THC in your system. Once it disappears in about one month, the cravings go from physical to psychological (8).
There are several ways to control cravings. One method is to get rid of all smoking paraphernalia, including items like pipes, lighters, and rolling papers. Another way is to avoid the places where you usually smoke because it will bring back old memories of your smoking days. You may even need to avoid friends who use to smoke with you.
We also recommend that former users use the time they get high to do more productive things. This includes taking a course or work as a freelancer.
Sources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4780250/
- https://www.lung.org/quit-smoking/smoking-facts/health-effects/marijuana-and-lung-health?referrer=https://www.google.com/
- https://www.vice.com/en/article/9kgme8/everything-we-know-about-treating-anxiety-with-weed
- https://www.verywellmind.com/what-to-expect-from-cannabis-withdrawal-22304
- https://marijuana-anonymous.org/pamphlets/detoxing-from-marijuana/
- https://www.vice.com/en/article/7b7gn4/why-are-your-dreams-suddenly-so-intense-when-you-stop-smoking-weed-876
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7841856/
- https://mcwell.nd.edu/your-well-being/physical-well-being/drugs/marijuana-or-cannabis-sativa/quitting-marijuana-a-30-day-self-help-guide/making-the-decision-and-managing-cravings/