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The cannabis plant produces over 100 cannabinoids, or compounds. Tetrahydrocannabinolis (THC) is just one of these natural compounds that is psychoactive, so can be behind that ‘high’ feeling cannabis is often associated with, particularly when used recreationally.
So, what is THC detox, and why is it important?
For some people, using cannabis for a long time can lead to dependency. It’s in these instances that a THC detox might be a good idea. And a THC detox is when someone waits until all traces of THC have left their system.
But, when you stop using medical cannabis, your body has to adapt to working without it. And detox symptoms, followed by returning health symptoms can be tough. So, it’s always best to speak to an expert, like one of Alternaleaf’s friendly clinicians, if you’re planning on detoxing, or simply need some advice on medical cannabis consumption.
Remember that people can respond to a cannabis detox in different ways, and one person’s experience may not be the same as yours. But we’ll be exploring some possibilities below.
Signs You Might Need to Detox from THC
Deciding whether you need to detox from THC is all down to how you personally feel. We’re going to go over a few signs and symptoms to look out for below. But take these with a pinch of salt, and remember that everyone is different.
Some physical symptoms include:
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Increased heart rate
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Some psychological symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood changes
- Thoughts racing
In rare cases, there can be some more serious psychological signs telling you to detox from THC. These include:
- Hallucinations
- Panic attacks
- Paranoia
Ultimately you know your body. The above may be a one off reaction because you accidentally used too high a dosage. Some of the above are also common side effects of consuming medical cannabis, so talking to your clinician may stop these unwanted effects. It may be a simple case of lowering your dose or changing your strain. The most important thing to do is not panic, and speak to a healthcare professional if you’re ever unsure.
How Long Does It Take to Detox from THC?
So, what happens if you and or your clinician decide that detoxing from THC is the right thing for you and your body? It’s hard to say for sure what you can expect during a THC detox. But here’s a general timeline. The start of a THC detox process tends to bring on the most symptoms, some of the more common being trouble sleeping, mood swings and changes in appetite. These symptoms are typically most intense in the first week or so after stopping cannabis consumption. Most people comment that around two weeks they feel that the worst symptoms have improved. By a month, many people start feeling better. However, trace amounts of cannabinoids, including THC and some of the other 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis, can remain in the system, sometimes up to 3 months after you stop using. This is because it’s absorbed through fatty tissue, so it can remain in the body’s fat deposits for several weeks. And this would lead to a positive drug test. However, just like how the effects of using medical cannabis can vary person to person, so can detox time. Here are a couple factors that affect detox time that you might want to keep in mind:
- How much cannabis someone uses
- How often they exercise
- The type of exercise they do
- Their eating habits
- Their metabolism
- The percentage of body fat they have
For example, if you’ve been consuming cannabis for 10 years, it may take a lot longer for the drug to leave your system, than if you’ve only been consuming it for 1 year. Likewise, the more times in a day, week or month you consume cannabis, the longer your detox time is likely to be. And this is all to do with the amount of THC in your body.
Methods for Detoxing from THC
If you’re using cannabis medicinally, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional before abruptly stopping or reducing your dose. Your prescribed amount is tailored to manage your symptoms effectively, and suddenly altering this could lead to a decline in your health.One natural detox method is sweating - either by exercising or heading to a sauna. THC, like most other drugs and alcohol, can leave your system as you sweat. You could also consider detox drinks and supplements. However, if you wish to stop or lower your dose, it’s always best to speak with your clinician first, to discuss ways that you can avoid any unwanted side effects. Additionally, it's important to listen to your body. Ensure you stay hydrated, eat regularly, and get plenty of sleep, so you can detox smoothly and efficiently.
What to Expect During THC Detox
We’ve touched on some of the more common symptoms you can expect during a THC detox above. But some other THC withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Depression
- Vivid dreams or nightmares
- Night sweats
- Unstable emotions including anger, irritability and euphoria
- Loss of concentration
- Coughing up phlegm
- Loss of appetite
- Tremors or shaky hands
We explore these in a bit more detail here.
Summary
So, that’s pretty much the basics of what you need to know about a THC detox. The most important thing you can do is speak to your clinician. They’ll advise on whether or not you need to detox, and what you can do to help the process: usually drinking plenty of water, exercising, and eating a balanced diet. And remember that everyone is different, from how your individual body reacts, to factors affecting THC detox. There’s lots of help and information on the Alternaleaf website, and we’re always here to answer any questions you may have.