Quit Weed without withdrawals - EASY!

Making the decision to kick weed out of your life forever is said to be one of the most difficult parts
of quitting, second only to staying away from the stuff for good once you’re done. There’s the rub –
stopping is one thing – staying stopped is another, but with the right approach, attitude, planning
and determination it’s possible to combine both goals and truly quit smoking cannabis for good.
Here’s how to stop smoking weed without withdrawal symptoms (all advice is coming from addiction experts around the world).

Think carefully about which approach to take

There are several proven ways to become cannabis free forever, but they don’t all suit everybody’s
personality, lifestyle and smoking habit. Compare the main points of each to decide on which seems
best for you.

• Cold turkey. Good for the fairly new, casual or occasional cannabis user with a lot of willpower. The physical cravings are unlikely to be at all tough, though like any habit the emotional attachment may prove harder to overcome. This is also the route people who are in dire straits have to take, so if your job, relationship, or freedom is on the line there may be no alternative.
• Marijuana Anonymous, UK. Based on the same model as AA this method is probably only feasible for those with an identified faith, as relating to the religious side without one could make it less than useful. The focus is on emotional support, so it is useful if that’s your main concern.
• Rehab. A drastic and expensive option, but committed, heavy and long term marijuana users with the cash to fund a stay, and the commitment to quit, will boost their chances of coming out clean.
• The gradual approach. Cutting down consumption, making important life changes and setting up a support system before finally becoming totally free of marijuana is a good route if you can stick to it. It does require a solid plan, and the willpower to see it through properly.

Here the focus is on the first and last options, as they are the most popular and successful.

How to quit smoking cannabis cold turkey

Make a plan

Choose a date, ideally not too far away and at a time when you may have less work, social or other commitments to get in the way if you don’t feel able to cope with them. Share your plan with trusted family and friends and ask for support, having them actively involved as far as you are all comfortable with is helpful in the long term. This is also a good time to check out online forums, local support groups and possible medical support which may be out there. You may never need these things but having them to hand is useful.

Reduce your supply

You don’t need excuses to delay quitting cannabis, and stockpiling will make it harder to stick to your plan.

Throw your weed paraphernalia out

The day that you start the new regime, or even better the night before, whatever accessories you have need to go, along with any remaining cannabis, rolling papers etc. Having them around will remind you of a habit you have now broken.

Work with any withdrawal symptoms

There’s plenty of research out there suggesting around 30% of regular cannabis smokers become addicted. That’s a pretty low figure, and it is encouraging, as 70% will miss it, possibly have mild cravings, but be left free to work on the emotional desire to smoke again.

True addiction means working through a series of physical reactions which last around a week or so. You may not get them all of course, but in general you could expect to experience: depression, trouble sleeping, headaches, feelings of irritation or anger, and a general restlessness. These can be taken on by eating super healthily – though of course you can add in some snacks or junk food now and again - and drinking lots of water. Coffee is good too, and you should rest when you can, exercise to occupy your mind and body, and take basic painkillers for the headaches.

Grieve if you need to

If you smoked cannabis for a long time, or giving up means walking way from old friends and an established social life it’s okay to feel sad, fed up and lost. Grieving the loss of something you depended on is normal, and helps you to work through these very valid feelings.

How to quit smoking cannabis in a gradual way

Create a detailed ‘cutting down’ plan

This should clearly show how much you smoke now, then how you plan to cut you’re your cannabis use by reducing the number of days you smoke a week, and how many a day you get through. How drastic this is depends entirely on your preferred timescale to quit, but don’t fool yourself by picking a date six months away. Chances are nothing will ever happen in that case.

Avoid stockpiling

Just like the cold turkey method, the more cannabis you have the more you want to finish it all off.

Make a list (or two)

It could be a list of things you at to do with the cash you save, or the benefit to your health, the things you want to try as a non-cannabis user the content is up to you. This exercise really helps to provide motivation if things get a bit miserable down the line. You don’t need to stick it on the fridge if you prefer not to, but do keep it handy.

The final addiction step

Having gradually changed your habits, drastically reduced the amount of cannabis you use and prepared yourself mentally for the last leap it’s time to throw away any papers or other equipment you kept around, nip your nose and basically go for it. Any withdrawal symptoms should be mild and manageable, leaving you free to focus on the future, and maintain your resolve to never smoke cannabis again.