Warning: This article contains discussion of drug addiction which some readers may find distressing.
Here is a timeline of how weed impacts your body, as a former addict reveals the changes he experienced in the six months after quitting.
One of the most commonly used recreational drugs, the legality of cannabis varies around the world.
Under UK law, cannabis is classified as a Class B drug and is currently illegal to own or sell; however, in places such as Canada, Germany and several US states, the drug is legal for recreational use. Debates around the legality of the drug resurfaced again recently, as President Donald Trump floated the idea of reclassifying marijuana under federal laws.
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Changing laws around the use of cannabis have also led to conversations about possible substance abuse regarding the drug, with one man recently revealing all the changes he experienced after going sober.
Sharing his experience on YouTube, Dorian Develops revealed that six months 'completely sober' was the longest he'd gone without smoking weed since being a teenager.
The content creator went on to explain that he now feels 'great' after stopping, noticing changes to his productivity, sleep, and appetite, as well as his mental and physical health.
But how does cannabis impact the body – and do people experience withdrawal symptoms after quitting?
Time of how weed impacts the body
So you're (presumably) a resident or visitor of a place where recreational use of marijuana is legal, so what can you expect to happen after inhaling or ingesting the green stuff?
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Well, you won't have to wait for very long, as Healthline states that it can take as little as 10 minutes between smoking weed and feeling the effects.
THC reaches the bloodstream moments after inhaling, which is when you begin to experience familiar side effects such as: red eyes, feelings of relaxation, an increased pulse rate and the familiar craving for food.
Meanwhile, those who opt for an edible will be waiting anywhere between 30 minutes and two hours, as the liver needs to break down the drug first.
When it comes to how long a person stays high, it is dependent on the amount ingested and the method, which can be anywhere between two and 10 hours.
Cannabis will also remain in your system after the high wears off, with Priory estimating that blood and saliva tests can detect weed up to three days after consumption, up to 30 days for urine tests and as long as 90 days in the hair follicles.
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What happens if you smoke too much weed?
Unlike other drugs, overdosing on cannabis is thought to be rare; however, you can experience adverse effects from using too much.
One such side effect is known as cannabis hyperemesis syndrome.
According to Cleveland Clinic, cannabis hyperemesis syndrome occurs after prolonged periods of heavy marijuana use. Symptoms include: persistent nausea and vomiting, abdominal discomfort and a fear of throwing up.
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The complication is typically experienced by people who've smoked weed for a prolonged period of time, over a decade; however, not everyone will experience it.
What happens when you stop smoking weed?
Heavy users have also experienced withdrawal symptoms after extended periods of heavy cannabis usage.
These include (per UK Addiction Treatment):
- THC cravings
- Insomnia
- Decreased appetite
- Flu-like symptoms
- Sweating and chills
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Headaches
- Tremors
- Irritability
However, these symptoms vary from person to person and again depend on the amount of drugs the body has been exposed to.
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If you want friendly, confidential advice about drugs, you can talk to FRANK. You can call 0300 123 6600, text 82111 or contact through their website 24/7, or livechat from 2pm-6pm any day of the week.
Brenna Cooper