Much of the information regarding marijuana detoxification, or detox, is speculative and anecdotal. 2002 research published in the Psychiatric Times indicates that there is controversy over whether or not significant marijuana withdrawal even exists. Some users are able to stop smoking marijuana with ease while others seek professional treatment. The process of marijuana detox, or ridding the body of the drug, will likely be a different experience for different people. Some basic methods will aid in detoxification.
Stop using marijuana. THC, which stands for delta-9-tetrahydocannabinol, is the main psychoactive chemical found in marijuana. THC and THC metabolites will pass out of the body only if you abstain from ingesting marijuana in any way. For long-term users, withdrawal symptoms may begin within 24 hours of stopping use.
Exercise for at least 30-minutes each day. After the effects of marijuana have worn off, THC metabolites are stored in the fat cells of the body. Exercise raises your metabolism and burns fat, which in turn expedites the process of eliminating THC metabolites from the body. Sweating will help flush THC from the body.
Maintain a low-fat, low-sugar diet. This type of diet will encourage the body to burn existing fat cells. During a period of marijuana detox it is important not to create new fat cells for the body to burn.
Remain hydrated. Drinking lots of liquids will help flush toxins from your body. Green tea is often recommended for its fat-burning properties. Detox-For-Life.com claims that 100 percent cranberry juice, without sugar or additives, is an effective detoxifying agent, but that there is no guarantee that it will rid the body of THC.
Take a Niacin supplement. Niacin is also known as vitamin B3. Niacin is a detoxifying agent and also aids in the metabolism of fat, which can help carry THC out of the body.
Be patient. THC metabolites pass out of the body relatively slowly. Marijuana detox may cause withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, depression and sleep disturbances. None of these conditions are life-threatening and they typically last approximately one week.
Join a 12-Step program or anonymous support group. If you are having a difficult time dealing with marijuana detox, a support group might help. Some groups, such as Marijuana Anonymous, are free and open to all who have a desire to stop using marijuana.