How to Stop Smoking Weed Fast: Tips and All You Need

Smokers (Especially weed smokers) claim that weed is medicinal or harmless. When the negations are brought up, they defend their actions by saying, “At least It is better than smoking tobacco,” or it is the only way to clear their heads. Most of the time, I’d stare and laugh because it cleared their heads figuratively and literally. If you are here, it means that you have realized the effects of your habits and are looking for effective ways of stopping them. It is safe to say that you are on the right path. This article is going to show you how to stop smoking weed fast and tips that can help you cope with your new journey.

Key Takeaways

Smoking does more harm than good, even if it is simply marijuana. Marijuana smoke contains many of the same irritants, carcinogens, and cancer-causing chemicals found in tobacco smoke.
When you want to stop smoking weed, there are two main techniques to consider: Tapering or Quitting completely.
Some establishments offer medical assistance and guidance to people trying to quit. You can try out behavioral therapy with a clinical psychologist, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.

What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Smoking

When you stop smoking weed, the first thing that will happen to you is withdrawal. If you are not intentional, you won’t make it past your withdrawal phase. Weed/marijuana withdrawal is a group of symptoms that you go through when you cut back or stop using weed or marijuana. Some examples of these symptoms Include

Depression.
Insomnia.
Experiencing strange or unsettling dreams.
Headaches, nausea, vomiting, sweating, and abdominal pain.
Tremors
Restlessness.
Anger
Irritation
Feelings of nervousness and anxiety.
Decreased appetite or weight

However, people in the habit of mixing weed, drugs, and alcohol go through a different process when they want to stop using. It is advised that you undergo medical supervision for guidance because stopping suddenly may lead to life-endangering health issues.

One to three days after stopping, withdrawal symptoms (usually anxiety and irritability) start.

The lungs begin to heal, slowly but surely. The healing process of the lungs varies for some years. It may be irreversible, depending on the duration of the smoker’s habit.

What Happens After 7 Days of Not Smoking

After 1 week or so after stopping, you begin to feel physical discomfort and your mood swings start to get worse, depression is a common side effect. Then, the normal function of brain receptors, which control various neurological functions such as motivation, learning, pleasure, memory, and fine motor control, begins to return.

Two Weeks Following Cessation, the majority of withdrawal symptoms go away, although you might still experience difficulty sleeping issues, including Vivid dreams.

Brain receptors resume their regular functions from four weeks to several months after stopping. You have a better Attention span, memory, and mental clarity.

Up to a year after stopping, some users claim to experience withdrawal symptoms, particularly insomnia still.

When you stop, cravings are normal, especially when you are in the company of individuals, places, or circumstances that lead to previous marijuana use. Building a social network with people who abstain from alcohol, drugs, and marijuana is helpful and necessary.

How to Cope with Withdrawal

When you are ready to quit, use these self-help measures to make the initial 24-72-hour withdrawal phase easier.

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary, caffeinated beverages such as soda.
Eat nutritious foods: Give your body enough fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. Avoid processed meals, which can leave you feeling sluggish and unpleasant.
Exercise every day: Get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. This gives you a natural mood boost and helps you sweat off pollutants.
Find support: Surround yourself with friends, family, and those who can support you during any withdrawal symptoms. Always let them know when you need support or space, bear in mind that you are going through a tough time and you can’t do it alone.
Avoid situations that make you anxious (such as loud, crowded gatherings).
Use relaxation techniques, such as meditation.

Does Smoking Weed Help You Lose Weight

Regardless of countless research carried out on this topic, the connection between smoking weed and weight loss has not been found. They are still trying to find out why smokers tend to eat more but still lose weight because weed increases your appetite when ingested. Some researchers claim that weed increases your metabolic rate, which reduces energy storage and helps you sleep better.

However, smoking does more harm than good, even if it is simply marijuana. Marijuana smoke contains many of the same irritants, carcinogens, and cancer-causing chemicals found in tobacco smoke.

Furthermore, because pot smokers inhale more deeply and hold the smoke in longer, they are exposed to more tar per breath than cigarette smokers. Over time, smoking marijuana affects your lungs and airways, lowering respiratory function and raising your risk of airway inflammation and chronic bronchitis. Using marijuana through nonsmoking methods may offer some health benefits, but it is not suggested for healthy weight loss.

How to Stop Smoking Weed

When you want to stop smoking weed, the first step is to choose which technique is best for you and your needs. While some people find it easier to quit marijuana than others, your experience may vary depending on whether you developed a dependence or addiction to it.

When you want to stop smoking weed, there are two main techniques to consider: Tapering or Quitting completely.

Tapering Your Use

Tapering is a practice of gradually reducing weed consumption by lowering the dosage over time. It is a natural way of quitting. The idea is to gradually let your body adjust to reduced doses of the substance while reducing drug withdrawal symptoms.

If you decide to use this method, here are a few things to increase your chances of success.

Set yourself a deadline: Choose a date when you want to quit smoking for good. Then, calculate how much you will need to cut back before that date.
Choose a tapering approach: You could choose to cut back a set amount each day or week. You might also consider switching to a lower-potency cannabis product.

Quit Cold Turkey

This technique entails abrupt quitting of the use of the substance. It is called ‘Cold Turkey’ because the rough skin of a turkey is identical to the goosebumps that you may experience when you abruptly stop smoking. While quitting cold turkey is difficult and may result in more severe withdrawal symptoms, there are several reasons why people choose this technique.

For example, it can be a useful tool for breaking a bad habit and starting over. People who are unsure about their abilities to reduce their marijuana consumption progressively may find this approach more helpful.

Tips on How to Stop Smoking Weed

I am going to break these tips into two: Tips on what to do before quitting; these tips will prep you before the final stop because an abrupt stop hardly works for people. The 2^nd tip is for when you start quitting.

Before Quitting:

Here are some things you can do when you want to stop smoking weed to aid your process:

1. Add some structure to your day.

If you smoke a lot, your life can feel a little out of control.

You may sleep irregularly, eat poorly, and ignore school or work.

If you wish to reduce or stop anything, it is a good idea to restructure your life first.

Set alarms to wake up and go to bed simultaneously every day.
Try to eat regular meals and drink lots of water.
Plan daily activities. These may include going on a walk, exercising, or making art—whatever fits you.

Once you have achieved greater balance in your life, you would rethink marijuana use.

2. Identify triggers and plan how to cope with them.

Your triggers for wanting to use marijuana may be different from another person’s own. If you want to quit smoking marijuana, you must first identify your triggers and devise healthy coping strategies.

3. Find out how much you are using.

Before you stop smoking weed, you should first understand how you use it. You can do this by keeping a basic weed diary on your phone or in a little notepad. Aim to do this for a week. Every time you smoke, make a note:

What day and hour did you smoke?
Where and who you were with
How much did you smoke?
How did you feel before smoking?
How did you feel afterward?

I know that it may look difficult or impossible, but accountability will help you know what is in store for you.

4. Consider how cannabis has changed your life.

Make a list of everything that is most important to you right now, including your favorite people, dishes, places you enjoy visiting, possessions, and plans for the future.

Then, consider how your use of cannabis affects those things.

Have you stopped doing things you once enjoyed? Is it affecting your job or education? Are you having problems with your friends or family?

How would things change if you quit smoking?

5. Plan what you will do instead of smoking.

The most effective method of breaking old habits is replacing them with new ones. What will you do if you reduce or stop smoking?

Consider your list of priorities. Would you spend more time with non-smokers, for example, or do more of the things you used to like?

6. Set a Small and Attainable Goal.

To start, you should set a small, reasonable aim. When you do this, you are more inclined to stick to small, manageable goals. For example, if you now smoke six joints each day, you may reduce that to five for a start.

Once you are confident you have accomplished this aim, you can consider your next move – and so on.

Discard all weed-related items, such as pipes, grinders, and bongs, as seeing and smelling them may cause a relapse. You can fill the cleared-out space with items that promote quiet and harmony. This could include candles, an essential oil diffuser, a scented humidifier, or unique artwork. You will also have more space to pursue a pastime, which will help keep your mind busy.

When You Start Quitting

1. Try the ‘delay and distract’ method if you have cravings:

This means that each time you feel the need to smoke, try to delay it by just five minutes. Set a timer on your phone if it helps. Distract yourself by watching a film, showering, making a cup of tea, or cleaning up.

Cravings are like waves that rise to a peak before fading away. When you have watched a video or taken a shower, the urge may have subsided. If you can gradually increase the amount of time you postpone each joint, starting with 10 minutes and progressing to 15 minutes.

2. Survive your low points.

People who smoke frequently typically feel down when they do not smoke for a while. This is because whenever you smoke a joint, your brain releases dopamine, a “happy” hormone. Your brain begins to rely on cannabis to produce dopamine, and it quits producing it normally. That is why you may feel down when you do not smoke. These post-marijuana lows typically last four to ten days. You may have additional withdrawal symptoms, including:

Sleep issues and vivid dreams.
Irritation (sometimes aggression)
Restlessness and desires for weed.
Try to make it through them without lighting another joint.

It will not be long until your brain spontaneously produces dopamine again, and you will feel better.

3. Get some support.

It is easier to reduce or stop smoking weed if you have some help. Consider who you trust and would feel comfortable asking for assistance. It could be someone from your family, a friend, a teacher, or a coworker, but the person has to understand your goal to give you the help you need.

You can choose to speak with someone you do not know, Like in therapy. Set limits with those who make it more difficult to quit. Inform supportive people about your aims. They can provide the encouragement and support that you need to succeed.

4. Maintain a Balanced Diet and Eat Nutritious Foods.

One of the withdrawal symptoms you experience is Loss, which can result in inadequate nutrition and a lack of physical and mental power required to get back on track. The easiest method to enhance your diet is to start with minor changes such as eating more full and regular meals. Consume nutritious foods, but also indulge in your favorite delicacies. Stock up on fresh veggies, high-quality proteins, and fiber-rich foods. Increased water intake will also help to improve physical wellness.

5. Give Yourself Time and Understand that Making Mistakes is a Natural Part of Life.

Even if you have a relapse, be gentle to yourself and keep working for your ultimate objective. Concentrate instead on why the relapse occurred. This can help you work on changing your priorities so that your dedication is stronger than before. You can then continue your quest to sobriety.

6. Seek Help During a Relapse

You have to bear in mind that a relapse can happen to anyone in recovery, so be prepared to cope with it. It does not mean that your goal is pointless or impossible. You can cope by working with a self-appointed guide or seeking expert assistance. Therapists can assist you in identifying your triggers and early warning signs for relapse. You can work together to develop a plan to address relapses. Treatments might be given at home, in a residential program at a facility, or through outpatient counseling sessions.

Where to Seek Help

Some of you are willing to quit but do not trust yourself or think you can do it alone. Some establishments offer medical assistance and guidance to people trying to quit. You can try out behavioral therapy with a clinical psychologist, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.

1. Detoxification centers:

These short-term programs are intended to assist individuals in completing their initial drug-free phase. They offer aid and medical attention while you manage your withdrawal symptoms.

2. Inpatient Rehabilitation Center

These medical institutions are intended to help patients for more than 25 days. These institutions assist a person with quitting drugs, including cannabis, and then manage the underlying issues that lead to drug use and may lead to relapse if not addressed properly. These are especially beneficial for persons who are struggling with several addictions, such as alcoholism and cannabis misuse.

3. Intensive Outpatient Programs

Outpatient recovery programs can require many meetings or sessions per week with a therapist, substance use disorder specialist, or other mental health professional. However, you don’t have to check into a facility and are allowed to come and go as you like.

4. Support Groups and Therapy

One-on-one treatment may be effective while you work through the fundamental problems that contribute to cannabis use. Similarly, joining a support group with others who are dealing with similar situations and questions can be a helpful approach to finding accountability and support throughout this next stage of your life. Here are therapy approaches you can go through:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): aims to treat the underlying negative thought processes that lead to addictive behavior. Your therapist can also assist you in developing coping techniques to deal with the ideas and feelings that frequently lead to drug use.
Contingency management: uses rewards to promote and encourage drug abstinence. For example, passing a drug test may allow you to get the desired benefits.
Motivational interviewing: is a technique that helps people build a strong desire to make positive behavioral changes in their lives. This form of therapy can be beneficial for persons who are struggling to find the drive to stop consuming marijuana.

Benefits of Quitting Marijuana

Quitting marijuana provides significant benefits. Some favorable changes occur immediately, while others may take several weeks or months. Physical and mental advantages include:

Increased energy and motivation.
Improved focus
Better memory
Healthier respiratory and cardiovascular systems
A more pleasant and balanced mood.

Other advantages include improved relationships, academic or professional achievement, financial stability, and overall health. You might experience sleep issues for some time. A high percentage of former marijuana users experience vivid dreams that continue several weeks or months after quitting.

Conclusion

Now you are done reading this, I want to remind you that things are easier said (or read in your case) than done or practiced. You’ve passed the first 2 steps, i.e., awareness and research. It is time to take it up a notch and try these effects. It is going to be hard because you will go through insufferable withdrawal symptoms, but I can assure you that it is definitely worth it. Remember your reasons and goals, keep it in mind. Draw morale from all available support, and you will be good to go. Do not forget that you are not alone; it is not easy, and there will be moments of temptation and possible relapse.

FAQs

How Do You Control the Urge to Smoke Weed?

Build some structure to your day.

Set alarms to wake up and go to bed at consistent times every day.
Try to eat regularly and drink plenty of water.
Plan daily activities. This could include taking a stroll, exercising, or creating art – whatever works best for you.

How Long Does It Take for Weed Smoke to Disappear?

If you smoke that joint next to an open window and turn on a fan afterward, the smell will most likely be gone in three to five hours, though the direction of the outside air and the contents of the room (clothing likes to absorb smoke) may change that.

How Can I Reduce the Effects of Smoking Weed?

8 ways to get ‘unhigh’

Shift focus and relax.
Hydrate.
Eat.
Shower.
Walk.
Talk.
CBD.
Sleep.

What Can I Do Instead of Smoking Weed?

Eat a balanced diet.
Sleep.
Drink water.
Exercise.
Learn more about specific self-care tips here.