Is Cannabis Withdrawal Manageable and What Are Its Cognitive Impacts?

The question of whether cannabis withdrawal is manageable remains controversial, as commonly utilized treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy or medication therapy have not proven to be highly effective. Symptoms can manifest within hours or be delayed for days, peaking in severity on days two to six. A substance found in the brain, 2-arachidonoylglycerol or 2-AG, which is similar to marijuana’s active components, has been identified to potentially mitigate epileptic seizures, yet may also pose risksStanford University School of Medicine.

The implications of marijuana use are significant in the context of anesthesia, with users possibly requiring higher doses, which leads to heightened complication risks such as decreased blood pressure and delayed awakeningHarvard Health. It’s crucial to understand that marijuana smoke shares many harmful constituents with tobacco smoke, which are linked to cancer and heart diseaseHarvard Health.

Long-term cannabis use is associated with a decline in IQ and cognitive deficits, particularly impacting memory, decision-making, and attention. These effects are more pronounced in individuals who began using cannabis during adolescenceCornell University. Furthermore, marijuana’s impact on the heart is not to be overlooked, as it can cause rapid heart rate and elevated blood pressure, which are particularly concerning for those with heart conditionsHarvard Health.

In terms of physical well-being, withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, restlessness, and loss of appetite can be challenging to overcome. Despite its widespread use, marijuana can pose significant challenges when individuals attempt to quitRev. James E. McDonald C.S.C. Center. On a more positive note, exercise has been shown to reduce cannabis cravings and use, even over a short two-week periodVanderbilt University.