How long does cannabis withdrawal last?

For many people, how long withdrawal lasts is the most important question before quitting. drugcom's information gives two time frames. According to the FAQ, withdrawal symptoms usually begin 24 to 48 hours after the last use and generally last up to a week, at most up to 14 days. In an article on quitting, drugcom states that physical withdrawal is generally over after three to four weeks. Psychological dependence can last longer. This guide puts the information into context.

What the sources say about duration

The drugcom FAQ states that symptoms usually appear 24 to 48 hours after the last use, generally last up to a week and at most up to 14 days. By contrast, a drugcom article on quitting cannabis gives about three to four weeks, after which withdrawal is largely over. The figures therefore differ from one another, and there is no fixed number for each individual case.

According to drugcom, withdrawal symptoms occur particularly in people who have used cannabis daily for a long time, and they vary greatly from person to person. They can be very unpleasant, but they usually pose no serious threat to health.

What does psychological dependence mean for the course?

drugcom describes how psychological dependence can develop with long-term use: those affected feel they can no longer cope without cannabis. Many people who want to stop feel a strong urge to use again during the withdrawal phase, because psychological dependence can be very persistent.

According to drugcom, psychological dependence is longer-lasting than physical withdrawal and requires active engagement with use. Plan support for the beginning and for several weeks afterwards.

How common is dependence?

Not everyone who uses cannabis becomes dependent. According to cannabispraevention.de, roughly one in eight people who use cannabis become dependent. The risk rises if you use cannabis once or several times a week. Anyone who wants to stop should look for support early.

Why is relapse part of the course?

A relapse does not have to mean the end of quitting, even though it is disappointing. What matters is learning from it and carrying on. Ask yourself which situation triggered the use and which alternative you can try next time.

The article Relapses with cannabis: what to do explains how to deal with them. The article Stability after withdrawal is also helpful.

When is longer support sensible?

If symptoms persist for a long time, if mood or sleep suffer badly, or if you notice that you cannot cope alone, longer support makes sense. An addiction counselling centre can accompany you over several weeks. In serious crises, a medical check-up is important.

Group offers can also provide a firm structure.

What happens concretely in the first few days?

As common withdrawal symptoms, drugcom names restlessness and agitation, sleep problems and confused dreams, reduced appetite, aggression, depression, anxiety, muscle tremors, sweating and raised temperature, diarrhoea, stomach problems, nausea and vomiting, and headaches. Several symptoms can also occur at the same time.

Plan these days so that you are alone as little as possible. A phone call with a trusted person, a regular meal or a short walk can help to reduce the pressure.

How does it continue once the first weeks are over?

After about three to four weeks, according to drugcom, physical withdrawal is largely over. Psychological dependence then continues to require active engagement with use.

A fixed framework can help with this: appointments at a counselling centre, group offers or sporting activities give structure. A small study reported by drugcom (79 participants, three weeks) found that people wanting to quit who did sport had markedly better brain performance than those who did no sport. Because the study is small, this should be read with caution. Small successes should also be made visible, for example in a list.

What you can do now

Plan your quitting so that you have support for the first weeks. Note your complaints and your progress so that you can see the course. The article on symptoms of cannabis withdrawal helps you classify the complaints. A topic page with counselling options is listed under Help and counselling.