Myths vs. Facts About Detoxing from Marijuana

Detoxing from marijuana just involves taking a break from the substance by giving your body time to cleanse itself from any THC. There are many reasons an individual may want a break from marijuana, such as decreasing tolerance levels or if there is a potential drug test in your future. If you are a frequent user of cannabis, it is likely that you will experience some withdrawal systems while detoxing, including irritability, depression, and a decreased appetite.

Myth: You cannot be addicted to cannabis.

Fact: According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “30% of those who use marijuana may have some degree of marijuana use disorder.” Marijuana use disorders are often defined by dependence on the drug, which is when a user experiences any withdrawal symptoms when not taking the drug. Also, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Marijuana use disorder becomes addiction when the person cannot stop using the drug even though it interferes with many aspects of his or her life.”

Myth: There is a set period of time before marijuana leaves your body

Fact: Unfortunately, there is no way to measure the exact amount of time that THC will stay in your bloodstream. There are many factors that contribute to the time it takes 4 THC to leave the body such as how you ingest it, how much you smoke, your general health and metabolism, and even the strength of the strain of marijuana. Most likely, the THC will be gone within one to three days but this is not a guaranteed number.

Myth: Bleach, vinegar, pickle juice and cranberry juice will help with cannabis detox.

Fact: There are some products on the market that claim to help with an easy THC detox that are not true. Things like pickle juice, vinegar and cranberry juice have circulated as myths to help with detox but these are false claims. Additionally, bleach is poisonous and should not be consumed under any circumstances. Detox drinks in kits can be used with caution, which can help with replenishing vitamins but cannot guarantee success.

Two of the best ways to actually help with marijuana detox include drinking water to flush out your system and exercising to speed up your metabolism and keep your body healthy. However, these are NOT quick fixes to the problem. If you have been surprised with a drug test, drinking lots of water and one or two strenuous exercise sessions will not remove all of the THC from your system.