Can You Get Diarrhea From Cannabis Withdrawals?

GI upset is the most common physical symptom of marijuana withdrawal, affecting over 50 users attempting to abstain. The relationship between marijuana and gastrointestinal (GI) health is complex, with mixed results from clinical studies regarding its impact on digestive health, including the occurrence of diarrhea.

Meanwhile, marijuana can cause and soothe discomfort associated with diarrhea and constipation. However, research still has a long way to go to provide medical cannabis patients with the best way to quit marijuana for good.

Weed withdrawal symptoms typically peak during the first week after quitting and begin to improve within two weeks. Although it doesn’t cause severe withdrawal like opiates, some suffer discomfort. This article will discuss marijuana withdrawal symptoms, the withdrawal timeline, how long it takes to detox from weed, and how to get help if needed.

In human studies, administration of CB1 agonists (THC) blocks or relieves withdrawal symptoms. Neurobiological and clinical studies indicate that medical cannabis and recreational marijuana users may not realize the headaches, dizziness, anxiety, and other symptoms they feel between smoking and quitting.

In conclusion, marijuana withdrawal symptoms can be a significant issue for individuals who have decided to quit smoking weed after regular use. While it doesn’t cause life-threatening symptoms, it can significantly impair their life. It’s essential to seek help if you experience withdrawal-related symptoms, as well as to understand the potential benefits of using CBD oil or other liquid THC products.

Can withdrawals cause diarrhea?

Causes of Withdrawal Symptoms. Substance use leads to changes in how neurotransmitters function in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals and help regulate various bodily functions. When alcohol or substance use is halted, the brain is forced to readjust to its sudden absence. This leads to unpleasant physical and mental withdrawal symptoms.

Diarrhea, stomach pain, and vomiting are often experienced by people going through withdrawal from opioids and other drugs.

Although this can be a normal reaction by the body, the severity and discomfort you experience can be reduced by correct treatment. Therefore, it is a good idea to talk to your pharmacist or doctor for advice on over-the-counter medications.

However, it is important to be aware of other potential causes of diarrhea. It is essential to get the correct diagnosis and treatment. For example, diarrhea can also be caused by:

What should I eat during weed withdrawal?

Try to ease the symptoms of withdrawal using the following methods:

• Eat a varied diet that contains plenty of fruits and vegetables. Sugar and junk food can make a person feel worse.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Caffeinated beverages might make symptoms worse.
• Get plenty of sleep to allow the body to rest.
• Try to get some exercise each day to stay active.
• Get support from family and friends for motivation and accountability.

Though specialists currently consider them to be off-label uses, the National Institute on Drug Abuse say that certain medications may help with the symptoms of marijuana withdrawal. Such medications include those that people use for sleep disorders or anxiety.

According to the CDC, research has linked cannabis use with numerous negative health consequences. These include memory problems, an increased risk of stroke and heart disease, lung problems from smoke, and mental health symptoms such as those related to anxiety and paranoia.

Is it normal to lose weight after quitting weed?

Decreased appetite or weight loss has been robustly reported across studies (9, 11, 18-23) with a quick onset after cessation, followed by a relatively quick reversal.

Background. Evidence is accumulating that a cannabis withdrawal syndrome is common, of clinical significance, and has a clear time course. Up till now, very limited data exist on the cannabis withdrawal symptoms in patients with co-morbid substance use disorders, other than cannabis use and tobacco use.

Methods. Symptoms of withdrawal were assessed through patient self-reports during detoxification in Danish residential rehabilitation centers. Patients (n = 90) completed booklets three times during their first month at the treatment centre. Self-reported withdrawal symptoms was rated using the DSM-5 Withdrawal Symptom Check List with withdrawal symptoms from all classes of substances, with no indication that the described symptoms should be attributed to withdrawal. Self-reported time since last use of cannabis was used as a predictor of cannabis withdrawal severity.

Results. With the exception of loss of appetite, time since last use of cannabis was associated with all types of withdrawal symptoms listed in the DSM-5. Only four of 19 symptoms intended to measure withdrawal from other substances were related to time since last use of cannabis, including vivid, unpleasant dreams.

Can quitting smoking cause diarrhea?

• You can’t stop smoking. You’ve made one or more serious, but unsuccessful, attempts to stop.
• You have withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop. Your attempts at stopping have caused physical and mood-related symptoms, such as strong cravings, anxiety, irritability, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, depressed mood, frustration, anger, increased hunger, insomnia, constipation or diarrhea.
• You keep smoking despite health problems. Even though you’ve developed health problems with your lungs or your heart, you haven’t been able to stop.
• You give up social activities. You may stop going to smoke-free restaurants or stop socializing with family or friends because you can’t smoke in these situations.

When to see a doctor. You’re not alone if you’ve tried to stop smoking but haven’t been able to stop for good. Most smokers make many attempts to stop smoking before they achieve stable, long-term abstinence from smoking.

You’re more likely to stop for good if you follow a treatment plan that addresses both the physical and the behavioral aspects of nicotine dependence. Using medications and working with a counselor specially trained to help people stop smoking (a tobacco treatment specialist) will significantly boost your chances of success.

Is diarrhea the body’s way of detoxing?

Over-the-Counter. Since diarrhea is your body’s way of getting rid of toxins, it is best to let it run its course. However, you may use over-the-counter antidiarrheal remedies for convenience, including:

• Attapulgite (Kaopectate)
• Loperamide (Imodium)
• Bismuth sub-salicylate (Pepto-Bismol)

DO NOT take bismuth sub-salicylate with the herbs meadowsweet ( Spirea ulmaria ), white willow ( Salix alba ), or wintergreen ( Gaultheria procumbens ).

Complementary and Alternative Therapies. Work with your doctor to find remedies that are right for you. If you are pregnant, or thinking of becoming pregnant, DO NOT use any complementary and alternative therapies (CAM) therapies unless directed to do so by your doctor.

When will I poop after quitting smoking?

Constipation is a common symptom associated with smoking cessation, affecting around 17 out of 18 individuals who quit. Despite a potential reduction in severity after 2 weeks of abstinence, constipation may persist even after 4 weeks. Appetitive gastrointestinal symptoms (APESCGIT) are temporary and usually improve over time as the body adjusts to the absence of nicotine and other substances in tobacco smoke. However, some individuals may experience more severe symptoms that significantly affect their quality of life.

Smoking history is a crucial factor in the severity of APESCGIT. Heavy smokers, those with preexisting digestive disorders or a weakened immune system, and those with high stress levels are more susceptible to severe APESCGIT. Age and gender also influence APESCGIT severity.

Smoking cessation typically begins in the first week after quitting and improves in subsequent weeks. However, some individuals may continue experiencing APESCGIT for several months or even longer, especially those with a long smoking history.

Several factors can exacerbate APESCGIT during smoking cessation, including a diet high in processed foods, sugar, and fat, a sedentary lifestyle, alcohol, and caffeine. These factors can contribute to the severity of APESCGIT and the overall health of individuals quitting smoking.

Can smoking cause watery diarrhea?

But smoking does have a major impact on your gut health. It increases your risk for bowel disorders that can cause diarrhea and other GI symptoms.

Quitting can reduce and even reverse some of these effects. Don’t hesitate to try some quitting strategies or reach out for help to break this habit.

Does stopping weed give you diarrhea?

Severe Marijuana Withdrawal CHS Symptoms Other symptoms of CHS include: Anxiety. Constipation. Diarrhea.

Marijuana can be problematic for some people, especially when using it frequently. Continual usage can lead to physiological dependence, withdrawal syndrome and addiction.

Marijuana is the most common illicitly used drug in the U. S., and research estimates that three in 10 people who use it have marijuana use disorder. Keep reading to learn about marijuana withdrawal, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome and how to get help if you or a loved one is struggling.

• Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms
• Severe Marijuana Withdrawal CHS Symptoms
• Timeline of Severe Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms
• Does CHS Go Away?
• Is Marijuana Addictive?
• Get Marijuana Addiction Treatment at Crest View Recovery Center

Will quitting weed increase testosterone?

Decrease in Testosterone. Testosterone is an essential hormone for both men and women, as it regulates muscle mass, bone density, and sex drive. Regular weed use can decrease the body’s natural ability to produce testosterone. This can lead to symptoms such as lower sex drive, weight gain, and reduced energy levels.

It’s worth noting that the effects of weed on testosterone levels may not be permanent. However, testosterone levels may return to normal once weed use is discontinued. However, the length and frequency of weed use can impact the extent and duration of these effects.

Short-Term Effects of Weed Use. Before deciding to smoke weed, it’s essential to understand the potential short-term consequences. These consequences can range from memory and psychomotor behavior changes to more severe health risks such as stroke or heart attack.

One of the most immediate consequences of smoking weed is the subjective high. The effects of the high can vary depending on the strain and the individual. The common side effects include slowed reflexes, heightened paranoia, and hallucinations. These effects can impact mental health and physical performance driving or operating heavy gate machinery.

How long does detox diarrhea last?

Takeaways. Diarrhea can be a distressing and unpleasant symptom of substance withdrawal. However, some strategies can help you cope and minimize the effects of diarrhea and associated stomach pain. Because the physical symptoms of withdrawal typically last for a few days to a week, you may find relief by sticking to a bland diet, staying hydrated, and utilizing OTC diarrhea remedies.

If you are experiencing severe diarrhea that isn’t getting better or is causing symptoms of dehydration, contact your doctor. They can determine if something else might be contributing to your symptoms and decide if you need prescription medications or IV fluids to avoid serious complications.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.