Is cannabis withdrawal real?

     Although not nearly as severe as the withdrawal from opioids, alcohol, or even tobacco, weed withdrawal does exist. Especially in long-term, chronic users, feeling “off-balance” is common when stopping the herb for a few days. I know for me personally, I have trouble sleeping when I’m in a place without cannabis access, and my appetite is pretty minimal for a few days. Some common weed withdrawal symptoms include:

1. Increased anxiety

2. Headaches and migraines

3. Mood swings and irritability

4. Weed cravings

5. Insomnia and restlessness

6. Nausea or loss of appetite

7. Decreased sex drive

     These symptoms are all related to processes of the endocannabinoid system, which helps to regulate many bodily functions, like pain, appetite, and mood. So when your body is denied these cannabinoids that it’s used to receiving daily, weed withdrawal occurs. Because all of these weed withdrawal symptoms are also ailments people use cannabis for, they can feel exaggerated during the first few days of a weed break, especially anxiety and headaches.