Chronic marijuana use has been associated with many documented and undocumented effects on the human body. Smoking is the most common form of marijuana use, and since marijuana smoke is usually inhaled deeply and held for a significant period of time, this can lead to chronic bronchial irritation. Apart from this characteristic, marijuana smoke contains more than 400 different chemicals, some of which may be carcinogenic, although concrete evidence linking marijuana use with cancer is lacking.
Apart from this, marijuana use has been associated with memory loss, inability to concentrate, loss of motivation, infertility, and heart problems. People with heart disease should strictly avoid compounds that contain cannabis.
Apart from this, cannabis has also been associated with an increased risk of psychosis in schizophrenics. Therefore, quitting marijuana is definitely beneficial in the long run.
However, quitting marijuana is complicated by the psychological dependency and withdrawal symptoms one experiences after quitting. Although these symptoms are usually mild and resolve within a few days, they can be better managed if people are aware of them. So, here are some common withdrawal symptoms seen after quitting marijuana.
Insomnia is common in the first 48 to 72 hours after you stop using marijuana. This will usually calm down, and exercise is a good way to combat insomnia. Other intoxicants such as alcohol should not be used to help sleep during this period.
Anxiety and restlessness are very common in the first week after stopping chronic marijuana use. This usually manifests as mild tremors, frustration, irritation, and increased heart rate. This also settles within the first week. Deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help cope with anxiety and restlessness.
Loss of appetite, depression, lack of energy, and a bad mood are other common symptoms of cannabis withdrawal. Exercise, creative activities, and strong social support are essential to overcome these obstacles.
Nightmares are also commonly seen in the immediate aftermath of cannabis withdrawal. Sleep is usually very disturbed and interrupted by these dreams and nightmares. The person may wake up feeling very tired.
Brain drain and inability to concentrate are another common symptom of cannabis withdrawal. Inattention is particularly common. Once again, channeling one’s energies into some creative pursuit can help overcome this problem.
Yawning is a common symptom of cannabis withdrawal. Most chronic cannabis users will have experienced this phenomenon where they begin to yawn a few hours after their last joint, which is interpreted as drowsiness, while in reality it is a sign of cannabis withdrawal.
