Cannabis Withdrawal: What Patients Need to Know
What Researchers Found About and Cannabis
The Study at a Glance
Published
Addiction, 2022
Researchers
University of Queensland (Australia)
Study Type
Systematic ReviewKey Finding
Cannabis withdrawal is real and affects approximately half of regular cannabis users. Symptoms—including anxiety, irritability, sleep problems, and depressed mood—typically start 24-48 hours after stopping and peak at days 2-6. No medications are approved specifically for cannabis withdrawal.
Key Finding: Cannabis withdrawal is real and affects approximately half of regular cannabis users. Symptoms—including anxiety, irritability, sleep problems, and depressed mood—typically start 24-48 hours after stopping and peak at days 2-6. No medications are approved specifically for cannabis withdrawal.
What Researchers Studied About This Condition and Cannabis
Many people believe cannabis isn't addictive, but research tells a different story. Cannabis withdrawal is a well-characterized phenomenon that can make it difficult to stop using.
This 2022 review in Addiction examines the diagnosis, prevalence, and management of cannabis withdrawal—providing essential information for patients and clinicians.
Understanding withdrawal helps patients prepare if they plan to stop or reduce cannabis use.
How This Systematic Review Was Conducted
Researchers conducted a narrative review of the literature on cannabis withdrawal:
• Examined diagnostic criteria and symptom presentation • Reviewed prevalence in different populations • Assessed time course of withdrawal symptoms • Evaluated management strategies and medications • Identified research gaps and clinical implications
This Condition Treatment Results
The Main Results:
- 1Withdrawal affects approximately HALF of regular/dependent users
- 2Symptoms start 24-48 hours after cessation
- 3Peak symptoms occur at days 2-6
- 4Some symptoms can last 3+ weeks in heavy users
- 5No medications are FDA-approved for cannabis withdrawal
- 6Supportive counseling is first-line treatment
By the Numbers
| Statistic | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 50% | of regular users experience withdrawal |
| 24-48 hrs | after stopping for symptoms to begin |
| Days 2-6 | when symptoms typically peak |
| 3+ weeks | how long some symptoms can last |
of regular users experience withdrawal
after stopping for symptoms to begin
when symptoms typically peak
how long some symptoms can last
What This Means for This Condition Patients
If you use cannabis regularly and want to stop, here's what to expect:
Who experiences withdrawal: • About half of regular users • More common with higher doses and longer use • Occurs with THC products (not CBD-only)
Common symptoms to expect: • Anxiety and irritability • Anger or aggression • Sleep problems and vivid dreams • Depressed mood • Loss of appetite
Less common symptoms: • Chills, sweating • Headaches • Stomach pain • Physical tension
Timeline: • Starts: 24-48 hours after stopping • Worst: Days 2-6 • Duration: Most improve within 2 weeks, some symptoms may last 3+ weeks
Why it matters: Withdrawal symptoms are a major reason people relapse. Knowing what to expect helps you prepare and push through.
Getting help: • Supportive counseling is recommended • Some medications can help with specific symptoms (anxiety, sleep) • Severe cases may need medical supervision
Quick Answers: This Condition and Cannabis
Direct answers based on the findings of this study:
Research Summary: Answers are based on published peer-reviewed studies and represent research findings, not medical recommendations. Individual results may vary. Always consult a healthcare provider before making treatment decisions.
What happens when you quit smoking weed?
About 50% of regular users experience withdrawal. Symptoms include anxiety, irritability, anger, sleep problems with vivid dreams, low mood, and loss of appetite. Less common: chills, headaches, sweating, stomach pain (Bonnet et al., Addiction, 2022).
Source: Bonnet et al., Addiction, 2022 (PMID: 34791767)
How long does weed withdrawal last?
Symptoms start 1-2 days after quitting, peak around days 2-6, and usually resolve within 2 weeks. Heavy users may have sleep problems for 3+ weeks. Hang in there—it gets better.
Source: Bonnet et al., Addiction, 2022 (PMID: 34791767)
Is weed withdrawal real?
Cannabis withdrawal is medically recognized in the DSM-5. Research shows about half of daily users experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop—anxiety, irritability, sleep issues, mood changes. Not dangerous but can be uncomfortable.
Source: Bonnet et al., Addiction, 2022 (PMID: 34791767)
This is educational content, not medical advice
The research summarized here is for informational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and what works in studies may not work the same way for everyone. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment plan or starting medical cannabis therapy.
Important Limitations
This study has some caveats to keep in mind when interpreting the results:
- Narrative review (not systematic meta-analysis)
- Limited high-quality treatment studies
- Withdrawal severity varies widely between individuals
- Most research on recreational users, less on medical patients
- No approved medications limits treatment options
The Bottom Line on Cannabis for This Condition
Cannabis withdrawal is real and affects about half of regular users. Symptoms—anxiety, irritability, sleep problems, depressed mood—typically start within 2 days of stopping and peak around days 2-6. While uncomfortable, withdrawal is not medically dangerous in most cases. There are no approved medications specifically for cannabis withdrawal, but supportive counseling and symptom management can help. If you're planning to stop or reduce cannabis use, knowing what to expect helps you prepare and increases your chances of success.
Do You Qualify for Medical Marijuana?
If you're living with qualifying condition, you may qualify for a medical marijuana card. Our licensed physicians can evaluate you from home via telehealth.
Related Research & Resources
Related Research
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This condition qualifies for medical marijuana in:
Source
Connor JP, Stjepanović D, Budney AJ, et al. "Clinical management of cannabis withdrawal" Addiction. 2022. DOI: 10.1111/add.15743
Important Information
Not Medical Advice: This research summary is for educational purposes only. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or changing any treatment.
Individual Variation: Research findings represent group averages. Your individual response to cannabis may differ based on genetics, other medications, underlying conditions, and many other factors.
Last reviewed: January 24, 2026
Important Notices
Research Summary Disclaimer
This content represents our interpretation of published scientific research for educational purposes. It should not be used to make treatment decisions without consulting a qualified healthcare provider. Individual results may vary from study findings.
FDA Notice
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Cannabis is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not approved cannabis for any medical condition except specific prescription medications.
Copyright & Fair Use
Research summaries are provided under fair use (17 U.S.C. § 107) for educational purposes. We provide brief summaries with attribution, not full reproductions. All studies remain the intellectual property of their respective authors and publishers.
Data Sources
Study information sourced from PubMed®, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by NLM, NIH, or the federal government.
For complete information, see our Terms of Use and Research Content Policy.
FAQs: Cannabis for This Condition
Is cannabis withdrawal real?
Yes. Cannabis withdrawal is a well-characterized phenomenon affecting approximately half of regular users. It is recognized in medical diagnostic criteria (DSM-5).
How long does cannabis withdrawal last?
Symptoms typically start 24-48 hours after stopping, peak at days 2-6, and most improve within 2 weeks. Some symptoms like sleep problems can persist 3+ weeks in heavy users.
What are the symptoms of cannabis withdrawal?
Common symptoms include anxiety, irritability, anger, sleep problems/vivid dreams, depressed mood, and appetite loss. Less common: chills, headaches, sweating, stomach pain.