After facing a series of physical, mental, and social consequences, it is significant to consider quitting weed. Quitting weed is the best and challenging decision that you can take in your life. You may feel rejuvenated after a course of withdrawal symptoms. This blog will guide you through the course of quitting weed and the 10 amazing benefits of quitting smoking weed.
Table of Contents:
- What is weed?
- What are the effects of using weed?
- Tips for quitting weed
- 10 Amazing Benefits of Quitting Smoking Weed
- What Happens When You Stop Smoking Weed?
- Tips for Quitting Weed
- How Does It Feel To Quit Weed?
- How Long Does It Take To Recover From Weed?
- What happens when you smoke weed after the withdrawal period?
What is Weed?
According to SAMHSA, 1 in 10 people who use weed will become addicted. It becomes worse when they start before 18.
Weed or cannabis is a psychoactive drug made up of the ingredients like Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Cannabidiol (CBD), Cannabinol, Terpenes, and Terpenoids. Weed contains over 400 chemicals.
It is commonly used for its euphoric effects. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve pain and nausea and improve mental function in patients with Alzheimer's disease. It is an industrial crop that has been used for years, from when people were aware of its medical benefits. Because of its various uses and benefits, weeds are legally grown in most places.
There are many benefits of weed, but some drawbacks are associated with its long-term usage. Weed addiction can lead to serious health problems if you don't take the necessary steps to quit it.
The common reasons why people suffer from weed addiction are as follows:
- You become dependent on its euphoric effects.
- Because of social pressures or peer pressure, you use it to fit in and can't let go even when you feel guilty.
- You find it a cheap and easy way to take the edge off your negative emotions or happiness.
- You think that weed will cure your depression, anxiety, or stress.
- You used weed for medical reasons like relieving pain and nausea, but you find yourself using it more and more.
What are the Effects of using Weed?
People who use weed can get addicted, especially if they take more than the recommended amount. There is a chemical in weed that changes how your brain responds to pleasure. As your body becomes accustomed to weed, you will need more and more of it just to get the same feeling as when you were first introduced to weed.
Some of the effects that you will experience after taking the drug include:
- Reduces anxiety - Weed can help reduce your anxiety. However, it may also make you paranoid and cause anxiety attacks later on. It's common for people who smoke weed to experience anxiety after coming down from the high.
- Altered senses - You may experience altered senses of sight, smell, touch, and hear when you are high. You may feel like you can see or hear things that don't exist. It also causes you to forget or not remember things as well.
- Memory impairment - Some research suggests that weed use can affect your memory and the ability to concentrate in the long term. People who smoke weed regularly have lower IQs than those who don't, and MMJ's effects on mental abilities may not be fully reversible even a month after quitting.
- Lack of focus - Many users report that they have difficulty focusing their attention after smoking weed. People who smoke weed often have difficulty remembering what they were doing or who they were talking to when they were high, making life at school and work difficult.
- Urges to gain weight - Some people tend to gain weight when they smoke weed. It may be due in part to a lowered metabolic rate that occurs when you are high. THC interferes with the way your body regulates its appetite, making you feel hungrier than you are.
- Lowered immune system - Weed impairs your immune system. It will take some days or weeks before you feel the effects of taking weed, but when you do, your immune system will be weaker than usual. It may cause you to catch more colds or more viruses than usual.
- Fertility issues - Some research suggests that men who smoke MMJ regularly may be significantly less fertile than those who don't use the drug at all. Studies have also linked weed smoking to low sperm counts and less frequent sexual activity.
- Negative impact on the family - Weed can cause many problems within families when one of the parents becomes dependent on the drug. The person who is addicted will most likely do poorly at work or school, neglect essential responsibilities, and fail to care for responsibilities like taking care of children or paying bills.
- Addiction - You can develop an addiction to weed in the same way that some people get addicted to alcohol or drugs. If your body becomes accustomed to the effects of the drug, then you will need more and more to achieve the same effects.
10 Benefits of Quitting Smoking Weed
Frequent marijuana smoking will increase your risk of heart disease, cancer, and other respiratory illnesses. On the other hand, cannabis use has been linked to an increased risk of anxiety and depression, so quitting can help you feel happier, more balanced, and clear headed.
If you're still not convinced that you should quit weed, here are 10 benefits of quitting your weed habit:
1. Helps with weight loss
Several studies have shown that people who smoke weed are more likely to be overweight or obese than non-users. Studies showed that adults who used MMJ regularly were 34 percent more likely to be obese than people who did not use MMJ. Quitting weed will help you reach your weight-loss goals much easier.
2. Clearer skin
Most of us don't realize that cigarettes and weed are pretty bad for our skin, which is one reason why people who smoke frequently can have acne and have trouble with pigmentation. Quitting weed will help your skin clear up in no time.
3. Better sleep
If you're struggling to fall asleep at night or staying asleep throughout the night, MMJ may be the reason why. You'll likely experience better quality sleep when you quit smoking weed, so go ahead and get that rest you deserve.
4. More energy
Weed tends to make us feel lazy and lethargic most days of the week, but our energy levels can dramatically increase when we're not smoking weed. Getting your energy back and staying more productive will be a breath of fresh air when you quit smoking weed.
5. Better memory
Most users who smoke weed can tell you that their memory seems to be affected by smoking the drug regularly. However, many people do notice an improvement in their memory once they quit smoking weed.
6. Reduced cancer risk
Studies have shown that smoking weed has several adverse effects on your lungs. It has been said that smoking any amount of weed could increase your risk of cancer. Quitting weed will reduce your risk of developing lung cancer.
7. Increased intelligence and focus
People who smoke weed regularly often say they have a hard time concentrating when they're high. They also find it difficult recalling the things that were said while they were high or during the day. However, after quitting weed, many users report that their focus and concentration have dramatically improved.
8. Stronger immune system
When you smoke weed, your immune system is suppressed. It means that you become more vulnerable to all sorts of diseases. However, when you quit smoking weed, your immune system is boosted up already.
9. Better cholesterol and blood pressure
Most users who smoke weed will see a spike in their blood pressure. However, if you quit smoking, you are likely to see a significant drop in your cholesterol levels along it. Quitting weed will normalize your blood pressure and improve the effectiveness of your cholesterol management plan.
10. Reduced pain
If you suffer from chronic pain, then quitting weed has some benefits on your health. In one study of chronic pain patients, 75 percent said that their pain was reduced when they stopped smoking weed.
Additional benefits of quitting weed
It's also important to note that quitting weed will likely result in many other positive changes in your life. These include:
- Healthier life: Many people report that they feel much healthier after they quit smoking weed. It means you'll be able to keep dealing with illness and other symptoms without resorting to using weed for relief.
- More significant savings account: The money you save from not buying weed will increase over a month, especially if you spend a lot on weed before.
- Better relationships: Many people become more happy and relaxed once they stop smoking weed regularly. It can help boost your relationships with friends and family members.
- More successful: Another benefit of quitting weed is that you'll be able to focus more at school or work, leading to higher grades and more success.
What Happens When You Stop Smoking Weed?: Timeline
The first few days and weeks following quitting smoking marijuana can be a mental, physical, and emotional roller-coaster. A variety of withdrawal symptoms will appear, and you'll also deal with everyday pressure that may seem strange to you now that you're not high.
Withdrawal symptoms may differ from person to person based on the amount and frequency of intake of drugs. Normally, an occasional smoker might feel the withdrawal symptoms for 2 to 6 months and an addict might feel the symptoms for some time more.
Some of the common withdrawal symptoms of quitting weed are
Headaches and nausea: Many people who quit smoking weed have experienced headaches or some nausea due to withdrawal. However, most people report feeling better after a few days without using the drug as often.
Mild flu symptoms: It's possible that you'll feel fatigued and suffer from some runny nose, nausea, and headaches when you're withdrawing from weed. This stage is often referred to as mild flu because symptoms can be similar to the common cold or flu.
Depression and mood swings: It's not uncommon for people who have an addiction to experience some depression immediately after they quit weed, especially if it was their drug of choice for a long time. However, some users report feeling much better within weeks of quitting.
Increased urge to use weed: After you quit smoking weed, you may experience an increase in your urge to use the drug. It's normal since your body is going through a natural physical and emotional withdrawal. However, this feeling will likely go away as you adjust to life without weed.
Hair loss: Many people who quit smoking weed report experiencing hair loss as a side effect of the drug. However, hair loss is something that many people may go through when they stop using weed. These individuals often find that their hair grows back within months after quitting the drug.
Note: The side effects of withdrawal from weed usually go away in a few weeks, but you may continue to experience them for months. Quitting weed can be a complex process, but the benefits to your health and life are worth it.
First Week After Quitting Weed
The first week will be the most challenging period, with withdrawal symptoms frequently peaking in intensity two to three days after quitting smoking weed. You can anticipate having trouble sleeping, focusing, and feeling agitated or anxious in the first few days.
You may also have sweating, chills, GI distress, anorexia, food aversion, nausea, and mood disturbances in the later half of the week. It's essential to prepare for both frequent and powerful cravings, especially as you change your schedule to stay away from triggers.
Second Week After Quitting Weed
Many of the same symptoms from the first week will also appear in the second week, but they will be considerably less severe. If you had flu-like symptoms during the first week, they must also have gone away soon. Many people begin to exhibit some depressive symptoms and anxiety. Naturally, cravings keep coming.
You will have sleep issues that may last longer until your circadian rhythm returns to normal. You may have trouble falling asleep or suddenly wake up with vivid dreams and nightmares.
At the same time, the brain receptors in the endocannabinoid system will start to return to normal function, helping you return to normalcy.
Third Week After Quitting Weed
Most severe physical withdrawal symptoms should have gone by this point; if not, it means that your smoking habit is a little bit intensive and hence the body is taking more time to balance the act. But the symptoms that stick around are typically connected to mood and sleep.
By the middle of the week, a few unforeseen and stressful circumstances may probably arise, tempting you to use marijuana once more. You may have trouble concentrating or forgetting things due to brain fog. These emotions may come and go, probably the result of your brain readjusting after using marijuana for an extended period.
During this time, you may try to engage in activities such as deep breathing, mindfulness, activities related to your hobbies, adopting relaxation techniques, etc., to enhance your brain activity. You can build relationships with people around you for positive benefits and reflection.
Fourth Week After Quitting Weed
While going through the recovery phase, you will get to reflect on positive benefits. Your body and mind would have undergone significant changes during the last few weeks of marijuana abstinence. You'll begin to feel better and better as time flies. As you get into a routine, your sense of steadiness will increase.
Abstinence maintenance may still involve some effort on a moment-to-moment basis, but it also demands some forethought. It won't take long for your withdrawal symptoms to go away.
Take pride in your accomplishments thus far and think about your future goals. You can take on anything if you can get through this month.
One Month After Quitting Weed
By now, most withdrawal symptoms would have probably decreased. However, for some people, some symptoms can linger for up to several months. These consist of altered moods, such as anger and depression, and altered sleep patterns with vivid dreams and nightmares. Some people may also notice weariness, sneezing, and coughing worsening after a month.
Even though certain persistent mood disorders are quite natural, there is a distinction between clinical depression and depressed mood brought on by withdrawal. If you believe your mood affects your capacity to function, please don't hesitate to contact your doctor.
And most importantly, you shouldn't try to or should cope with these emotions all by yourself if you have any suicidal or homicidal ideations. Please don't hesitate to ask for assistance.
What Happens To Your Brain When You Stop Smoking Weed?
When you stop smoking weed, your brain goes through some changes. It is important to note that marijuana withdrawal is typically not life-threatening. However, they can be uncomfortable and cause several unpleasant symptoms. These may include irritability, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, and decreased appetite.
One of the most noted variations when you stop smoking weed is an increase in dopamine levels. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in motivation and pleasure-seeking. As such, this change can lead to feelings of restlessness and discontentment, and you will be less interested in activities you once enjoyed.
Researchers have also found that stopping marijuana can lead to brain structure and function changes. Hence chronic exposures to weed may have damaging effects on the brain and can exacerbate any underlying psychological issues or infuse new issues such as anxiety and fear throughout one's life.
Light or moderate weed smokers will notice an improvement in their memory and attention span as the THC leaves their system. Finally, sleep patterns may normalize and make you feel more energetic. Overall, stopping smoking weed can positively affect your brain function.
What Happens To Your Lungs When You Stop Smoking Weed?
When you stop smoking weed, your lungs begin to heal and repair the damage caused by years of exposure to smoke and other harmful chemicals. Within a few days of quitting smoking marijuana, your lung function will improve, and you will begin to feel more energetic and fit.
When you smoke weed, the THC enters your lungs and quickly diffuses into your bloodstream. THC is a fat-soluble compound, which means it is stored in your body's fat cells and can be released back into your system over time.
When you stop smoking weed, the THC is gradually released from your fat cells and eliminated from your body. This process of elimination can take up to 30 days.
You may experience withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, and insomnia. However, once the THC has been completely flushed from your system, your lungs will begin to heal and function more normally.
Tips for Quitting Weed
Many of you might be thinking of quitting weed, but you might be confused about how to quit smoking weed. Here are some tips that will help you to quit weed and rejuvenate yourself to be a better self!
- Talk to your friends and family: It's always a good idea to talk to your friends and family about your plans to quit using weed. They can support you throughout the process, especially if you're worried about feeling miserable after quitting weed.
- Seek professional help: Most people prefer having professional support when they're trying to quit weed. In most cases, it's because they want someone who can provide them with advice that will help them stay clean without experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
- Stay busy: It's a good idea to stay busy during the initial period after you quit smoking weed. It will help you avoid feelings of depression and help keep your mind off of using weed again.
- Reward yourself: If you want to stop using weed, you must reward yourself for not doing so. Most people choose to treat themselves to a favorite meal or activity after avoiding using the drug for several days in a row.
- Don't isolate yourself: If you want to isolate yourself, it's a good idea to stay busy with your friends and family. If you isolate yourself from your support, you're likely to have negative thoughts that will lead to using weed again.
- Don't give up: It's essential that you don't give up on trying to quit weed. Many people who try to quit the drug end up relapsing within a few weeks or months. If you want to avoid relapsing, make sure that you stay strong and don't give up.
- Stay focused: It's also a good idea to stay focused during the initial period after you quit smoking weed. It can help keep you from feeling anxious or depressed as a result of quitting weed.
Quitting smoking weed can be difficult, but it is possible to do so with the right mindset and support system. Some people may try to cease cold turkey, but this can be difficult and lead to relapse. A better approach is slowly reducing or tapering your marijuana consumption over time. You can smoke less each day or week or use a lower-quality weed.
It is important to have a support system in place to help you through the process. The support system could include friends or family members who are also trying to quit or a professional therapist or counselor. Get a Brief counseling for Weed Dependence from experts and professionals.
Finally, it is important to be patient with yourself and understand that quitting smoking marijuana is a process that demands time, effort, and perseverance. However, if you are committed to making a change, it is possible to achieve your goal.
How Does It Feel To Quit Weed?
For many people, weed is a way to relax and have fun. However, there are also several drawbacks to smoking marijuana. It can be expensive, impair you physically and cognitively, and lead to dependence.
Quitting smoking marijuana can be difficult, but it is possible with the right support. The first few days after quitting will be the hardest, as your body and brain adjust to being without marijuana. You will have mixed emotions about whether to quit or regain smoking weed. You may feel irritable, anxious, unhappy, and have trouble sleeping as the stored THC elements are eliminated from your body. You may show signs of depression. You may have intrusive thoughts and intense cravings to weed.
However, these symptoms will start to improve within a week or two. With time and effort, you can successfully break your dependence on weed and live a healthier life.
Three Months After Quitting Weed - How Does It Feel?
After three months, you may start to feel more clear headed and energetic. Your senses of taste and smell may improve, and you may find it easier to concentrate. You may also notice that your sleeping patterns have improved and that you no longer experience the same intense cravings for weed.
In short, quitting weed can profoundly impact your physical and mental health. And though the journey may be tough at times, remember that you're one step closer to achieving your goal.
Six Months After Quitting Weed - How Does It Feel?
Being six months weed-free can make you feel great. You will feel more energetic and motivated. You can focus better, think more clearly, make better decisions, and sleep better – back to your normal again. You will be able to feel and notice an improvement in various aspects of your life.
During this period, you will have an opportunity to learn a lot about yourself - how to deal with stress, have fun without drugs, and enjoy life in general. Your close ones will also benefit from your decision to quit smoking weed. You will be more present and available for your friends and family.
Finally, quitting smoking can save money now that you are not buying weed or smoking paraphernalia. You may spend hundreds of dollars on weed every month if you're a heavy smoker. Quitting smoking weed can help you free up this money for other things.
Though it would have been a tough road at first, you would feel happier, healthier, and more productive. Overall, quitting smoking weed would be a positive experience and ultimately a rewarding decision.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From Weed?
It is difficult to determine how long it takes to recover from weed as there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The duration of time required for recovery depends on several factors, including the severity of addiction, the individual's level of motivation, and the availability of support. Some people may feel better after just a few days, while others may find it takes weeks, several months, or even years to fully recover.
The first step in recovery is typically to detoxify from the drug, which can be difficult and uncomfortable. After detox, you may participate in therapy or support groups as they work to overcome the addiction. You can do things to help ease the process, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, and healthy eating. And remember, if you're feeling overwhelmed, don't shy away from seeking professional help. With time and effort, you will be back to your old self.
Recovery is a journey, and there is no magic cure. However, with commitment and effort, one can regain control over one's life and live a drug-free existence.
What Happens when You Smoke Weed after the Withdrawal Period?
You'll likely end up having withdrawal symptoms again if you decide to smoke weed after the withdrawal period. This is why it's essential to stay strong and avoid using weed for long-term recovery.
It means that you will likely need to be weed-free if you want your body to get back to normal. Most people agree that it's not a good idea to use any drug that will potentially cause a problem in the future.
Once you quit smoking weed, you will likely notice that your body reacts positively to not having the drug. Many users report feeling much better mentally and physically after they stop using the drug.
Many users also say that they can't understand why they ever used weed in the first place. Most former weed-users agree that it's a good idea to avoid smoking weed once you've experienced the unpleasant side effects of quitting it.
Summing Up
Suppose you have decided to quit weed - Congratulations! Be proud of yourself for sticking to your decision and giving up something that has probably harmed your health. You might be feeling a little weird in the first few days of not smoking weed, but once you get over the withdrawal stage, life will be better than ever.
Remember to stay strong - it's not long before you will feel like yourself again. It won't take long to kick the habit and get your life back on track. If you've ever wanted to quit but have found it challenging to do so, then the above tips might help you to quit weed.
Whether you are trying to quit weed or considering it, it's essential to recognize that you will have to make any changes. Make the decision and do what you can to make your new life more manageable.