How Long Does it take to Detox from Marijuana

Marijuana addiction is often downplayed or overlooked because it’s not usually a severe or deadly as certain other types of addiction such as an addiction to heroin or prescription drugs—unfortunately, marijuana addiction, like any other addiction, can lead to a need for detox. When you make the attempt to quit smoking pot and get sober, your biggest question is probably, “How long will detox take?” Unfortunately, there is no easy answer because every person experiences withdrawal in a different way and detox from marijuana can vary from one person to the next.

According to Marijuana Anonymous, “THC is stored in the fat cells and therefore takes longer to fully clear the body than with any other common drug.” What this means is that people who are detoxing from marijuana will often feel the continued effects of withdrawal for a longer time than those coming off certain other types of drugs that more quickly are removed from the system.

Factors that Increase Time for Detoxification

Detox may take longer for chronic marijuana users.

Certain factors can increase the amount of time that it takes for you to successfully and fully detox from marijuana. Some of the factors that may cause detox to take longer include:

• the amount of time that you smoked pot prior to detox
• the amount of drug use that took place (ie. How much pot you smoked)
• the individual health and whether there are underlying health conditions
• whether you have quit smoking pot before or not
• your physical stature (physically fit people detox more quickly than those out of shape)
• the methods of treatment used in detox

How Long Detox Takes

Marijuana detox is generally complete within the first few weeks after an individual quits smoking pot but minor cravings and side effects may linger on for months. Most people who are physically uncomfortable during marijuana detox will begin to notice that their discomfort is dissipating within about 7 to 10 days if they remain abstinent and clean. For some, this process will take a bit longer and may require additional steps to help speed the detox up.

Fortunately, you can speed the amount of time that it takes to fully detox from marijuana by avoiding it and all other harmful drugs or toxins such as alcohol. Drinking plenty of water and exercising can also help to reduce the fat cells that you have which store the marijuana and this can also help to further promote a more rapid detoxification.

For help finding a marijuana detox center, search our directory or call 800-996-6135(Who Answers?) to get help today!

Sources

1. Marijuana Anonymous. (1992). Detoxing from Marijuana. 
2. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Available Treatments for Marijuana Use Disorders.