How long does it take to detox from marijuana
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Duration of Marijuana Detox: Key Insights
Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms and Timeline
Onset and Peak of Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms from marijuana typically begin within the first few days of cessation. Research indicates that the onset of symptoms such as aggression, anger, anxiety, decreased appetite, decreased body weight, irritability, restlessness, shakiness, sleep problems, and stomach pain usually occurs between Days 1-3 after stopping use1. These symptoms tend to peak between Days 2-61.
Duration of Withdrawal Symptoms
Most withdrawal symptoms last between 4-14 days, although some effects can persist longer. The magnitude and time course of these symptoms are comparable to those experienced during withdrawal from tobacco and other substances1. This similarity suggests that marijuana withdrawal can be significant and challenging for users attempting to quit.
Aggressive Behavior During Marijuana Detox
Changes in Aggressive Behavior
A study focusing on long-term marijuana users found that aggressive behavior increased during the initial phase of withdrawal. Specifically, users exhibited more aggressive behavior on Days 3 and 7 of abstinence compared to their behavior before withdrawal and to control subjects2.
Duration of Aggressive Behavior Changes
These increases in aggression typically returned to pre-withdrawal levels by Day 28 of abstinence2. This finding highlights that while aggressive behavior is a notable component of marijuana withdrawal, it tends to subside within a month.
Conclusion
Detoxing from marijuana involves a range of withdrawal symptoms that generally begin within the first few days of cessation, peak within the first week, and can last up to two weeks. Aggressive behavior, a significant symptom, tends to normalize by the end of the first month. Understanding these timelines can help individuals and healthcare providers better manage the detox process and set realistic expectations for recovery.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
The time course and significance of cannabis withdrawal.
Cannabis withdrawal symptoms, comparable to tobacco withdrawal, can cause aggression, anger, anxiety, decreased appetite, and sleep problems, lasting 4-14 days.
Non-RCT
Highly CitedChanges in aggressive behavior during withdrawal from long-term marijuana use
Chronic marijuana users experience increased aggressive behavior during withdrawal, but this behavior returns to pre-withdrawal levels after 28 days.
Non-RCTHighly CitedAbstinence symptoms following smoked marijuana in humans
Smoked marijuana use can lead to withdrawal symptoms, suggesting that daily use may be maintained by alleviating these symptoms.
RCTHighly CitedMarijuana Withdrawal in Humans: Effects of Oral THC or Divalproex
Oral THC effectively reduces marijuana cravings and withdrawal symptoms, while divalproex worsens mood and cognitive performance during abstinence.
RCT
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedRelapse in outpatient treatment for marijuana dependence.
Outpatient treatment for marijuana dependence is challenging, with 71% of individuals lapse and 71% relapse within 6 months, with early lapses being more strongly associated with subsequent relapse.
Observational StudyHighly CitedNefazodone decreases anxiety during marijuana withdrawal in humans
Nefazodone decreases anxiety and muscle pain during marijuana withdrawal, but does not affect irritability, depression, or decreased sleep quality.
RCTHighly CitedComparison of extended versus brief treatments for marijuana use.
Extended cognitive-behavioral group treatment and brief individual treatment both significantly reduce marijuana use, dependence symptoms, and negative consequences in adult marijuana users.
RCTHighly CitedLongitudinal study of cognition among adolescent marijuana users over three weeks of abstinence.
Adolescent marijuana users show improved verbal learning and working memory after three weeks of abstinence, but attention deficits persist.
Observational StudyHighly CitedAbstinence symptoms during withdrawal from chronic marijuana use.
Chronic marijuana users experience significant increases in anxiety, irritability, physical tension, and physical symptoms during withdrawal, with some symptoms persisting for the entire 28-day period.
Observational StudyHighly CitedModulation of risk-taking in marijuana users by transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC).
Chronic marijuana users show altered decision-making neural networks, and right anodal/left cathodal tDCS of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex significantly reduces marijuana cravings.
RCTHighly Cited