There are many misconceptions about marijuana use, chief among these is the idea that regular marijuana use is not habit forming. Contrary to popular belief, after prolonged periods of heavy use, many individuals will experience cravings and marijuana withdrawal symptoms as your body adjusts to the absence of cannabis (E. Chauchard, The Brain, 2013; Levin, Drug and alcohol depend, 2010).
Headaches are one of the most common marijuana withdrawal symptoms. Headaches are not experienced by everyone who quits using, but for some, they can be intense and even debilitating. The headaches can be localized to any part of the head and usually present in more than one location.
Headaches typically start 1-3 days after quitting and may become more severe within the first week. In most cases, after about two weeks, the symptoms generally subside. However, some former-marijuana users report persistent headaches for weeks or months after quitting.
Research shows that marijuana withdrawal headaches can be common in younger marijuana users. In a 2006 study of 72 marijuana users aged 14 to 19, 25% reported moderate or severe headaches during withdrawal (Vandrey, Drug and alcohol depend, 2005). A separate 2012 study found that the earlier age of first marijuana use was correlated with higher incidence of headache – interestingly, this correlation was not observed in other commonly abused substances (Beckmann, Clinical neurology and neurosurg, 2012).
More recent research is beginning to shed light on the cause of headaches during marijuana withdrawal. THC has been shown to have direct action on many areas of the brain related to pain regulation. THC binds to CB1 receptors in the brain but also interacts with other receptors including serotonin, NMDA, and dopamine receptors. When the brain is no longer flooded by THC and other cannabinoids, the system must readjust, which is believed to cause to headaches in some (Elsohly, Life Sci, 2005; EP Baron, Headache Currents, 2018).
People who report headaches as a long-term side effect of quitting marijuana may find it hard to cope. However, if you suffer from these types of headaches, do not despair. There are things you can do to fight back.
First contact your doctor. They may discover that your headaches are caused another, non-marijuana related condition or they may be able to treat your headaches with medications. Additionally, certain lifestyle modifications could help ease your withdrawal-related headaches including meditation, regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and good sleep hygiene.
Leah Zuroff, M.D., M.S.
Contributing Author
Dr. Zuroff completed medical school at the Perelman School of Medicine, where she concurrently received a Master of Science in Translational Research.
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