Weed, also known as cannabis or marijuana, is a plant used for recreational and medicinal purposes. Its legal status varies across the United States, with some states allowing full recreational use, others permitting only medical use, and some maintaining strict prohibitions. Its active ingredient, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), creates the feeling of being “high” by interacting with the brain’s cannabinoid receptors. Recreational cannabis is used for multiple uses that include pure enjoyment, while medicinal marijuana is prescribed to treat conditions like chronic pain and epilepsy.

In 2023, over 52 million Americans reported using marijuana, with 16% using it regularly. Cannabis can be smoked, vaped, ingested as edibles, or applied as tinctures and oils. At Principles Recovery, we help clients overcome addiction to marijuana through personalized treatment plans and compassionate support.

Timeline of Marijuana Breakdown in the Body

Cannabis stays in the body longer than most substances because it is stored in fat cells. The detection window depends on usage frequency and body composition.

In the blood, marijuana is detectable for up to 12 hours. In saliva, it remains for 24 to 72 hours. Urine tests can detect cannabis for 3 to 30 days, depending on usage patterns. Hair follicle tests can reveal marijuana use for up to 90 days because THC metabolites get embedded in hair as it grows.

• Single Use: Detectable up to 3 days after one use.
• Moderate Use: Up to 4 times a week and detectable for 5 to 7 days.
• Chronic Use: Daily use that is detectable for 10 to 15 days.
• Chronic Heavy Use: Multiple times daily and detectable for up to 30 days.

Factors That Can Influence the Length of a “High”

Many factors affect how long a cannabis high lasts. Your body, the amount used, and the way you consume it all matter.

• Amount of THC: Higher THC levels lead to stronger and longer-lasting highs. Strains with high THC can cause effects lasting several hours.
• Method of Consumption: Edibles take longer to kick in but last longer than smoking or vaping. The liver processes edibles differently, making their effects more intense.
• Gender: Women may experience longer highs due to higher body fat, which stores THC. Hormonal differences may also play a role.
• Body Weight: More body fat can hold onto THC longer, prolonging its effects. A lower BMI may lead to a shorter high.
• Genetics: Some people naturally process THC faster than others. Enzyme variations in the liver can impact how quickly THC breaks down.
• Weed Tolerance: Frequent users may need more THC to feel high, but their body still processes it at the same rate. Long-term use can also dull the intensity of effects, requiring higher doses over time.
• Metabolism Speed: People with faster metabolisms break down THC more quickly, leading to shorter highs. A slower metabolism extends the duration of effects.
• Hydration and Food Intake: Being well-hydrated and eating before consuming cannabis can slow absorption and prolong the high, while an empty stomach may cause quicker effects.

Understanding the factors that influence a cannabis high can help you better manage your experience and make informed choices.

Signs of Marijuana Addiction

Marijuana addiction can impact daily life and overall well-being. It may affect your ability to focus and be productive. Individual therapy may reveal underlying uses for using marijuana to the point of addiction, and may reveal it as a form of self-medication for underlying disorders.

Long-term cannabis addiction can make it harder to maintain relationships and pursue personal goals. Signs of addiction include:

• Loss of Control: Using more marijuana than intended or struggling to cut down.
• Neglecting Responsibilities: Skipping work, school, or personal obligations due to cannabis use.
• Increased Tolerance: Needing higher amounts to feel the same effects.
• Withdrawal symptoms: Feeling irritable, anxious, restless, or having trouble sleeping when not using cannabis.
• Continued Use Despite Problems: Using marijuana even when it causes relationship, financial, or health issues.
• Using Marijuana to Cope: Relying on cannabis to manage stress, anxiety, or emotional distress.
• Loss of Interest in Activities: No longer enjoying hobbies or social events without using marijuana.
• Spending Too Much Time on Use: Focusing a lot of time on obtaining, using, or recovering from cannabis.

If you notice signs of cannabis addiction, reach out for support from a healthcare professional. Taking small steps toward reducing use can make a big difference.

What to Do If You’re Struggling to Quit Weed on Your Own

Quitting marijuana can be challenging, but there are ways to take control of your recovery to get weed out of your system before seeking professional help.

• Set Clear Goals: Decide why you want to quit and write down your reasons for motivation.
• Change Your Environment: Remove any cannabis-related items from your home and avoid places where you used to use it.
• Find Alternative Coping Strategies: Engage in exercise, hobbies, or relaxation techniques to manage stress without marijuana.
• Seek Support: Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or join an online support group for encouragement.
• Track Your Progress: Keep a journal to monitor your cravings and celebrate small victories along the way.
• Consider Professional Help: If quitting on your own feels overwhelming, seeking expert guidance can provide the structure you need.

• Clearer Thinking and Better Memory: Cannabis can slow thinking and make it hard to focus. Without it, your brain works faster and memory can improve.
• Improved Physical Health: Cannabis use can increase heart rate and affect appetite. Quitting can help regulate your body’s natural rhythms.
• More Energy and Motivation: Many people feel tired and unmotivated when using marijuana. Quitting can help you feel more awake and ready to take on tasks.
• Better Mood and Emotional Stability: Marijuana can aggravate feelings of anxiety and paranoia, which can be detrimental to people with anxiety disorders. Without it, you may feel more balanced and less dependent on it for happiness.
• Improved Sleep Quality: Cannabis can mess with your sleep cycle. After quitting, you may have trouble sleeping at first due to how the different components of cannabis affect the REM cycle. But over time, sleep can improve drastically.
• Healthier Lungs and Easier Breathing: Smoking cannabis can irritate the lungs. Stopping can lead to fewer coughs, less mucus, improved breathing capacity, and better lung function.
• Lower Risk of Mental Health Issues: Long-term cannabis use can be linked to anxiety, paranoia, and even depressive disorders. Quitting can help stabilize emotions and reduce stress.
• More Money Saved: Marijuana can be expensive. Not using it can provide money that can go toward things that truly benefit you.
• Better Relationships: Excessive cannabis can cause conflict with family and friends. Without it, communication may improve and you will have more time to contribute to those relationships.
• Greater Control Over Your Life: Relying on marijuana can make you feel stuck in a cycle where you “need” to use marijuana to feel good or relax. Quitting gives you the freedom to make healthier choices.

Addiction to marijuana is as real as addiction to any other substance. It isn’t as widely understood as other addictive substances, but it can have a lasting effect on a person’s life and body in the long term. Each person’s experience is different. But many feel stronger, happier, and healthier after quitting marijuana.

Heal from Marijuana Addiction at Principles Recovery

Overcoming marijuana addiction is possible with the right support. At Principles Recovery, we provide evidence-based treatment tailored to each client. Our program includes:

If you or a loved one is struggling with marijuana addiction, Principles Recovery is here to help. Our compassionate team is ready to support your journey to a healthier, addiction-free life. Reach out to us today and let us help you take that important first step.