Just like with other drugs of addiction, marijuana users experience withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms of marijuana withdrawal include irritability, anger, depressed mood, headaches, restlessness, lack of appetite, and cravings for marijuana. These withdrawal symptoms can make it hard for a habitual user of marijuana to stop. Symptoms of marijuana withdrawal first appear in serious habitual users within the first 8 hours and are the most noticeable during the first 10 days. However, withdrawal symptoms may last as long as 45 days. The withdrawal from marijuana is identifiable by behavioral and emotional distress.

Research by a group of scientists studying the effects of heavy marijuana use suggests that withdrawal from the use of marijuana is similar to what is experienced by people when they quit smoking cigarettes. Abstinence from each of these drugs appears to cause several common symptoms such as irritability, anger, and trouble sleeping. This information is based on self reporting in a recent study of 12 heavy users of both marijuana and cigarettes.

The symptoms of marijuana withdrawal include but are not limited to:

• anorexia
• anxiety
• decreases in appetite and mood
• increased aggression / anger
• insomnia
• irritability
• physical tension
• physical tension
• restlessness
• stomach pain
• strange dreams