How long does cannabis withdrawal last?

Symptoms usually start within 24–48 hours, peak during the first week and largely resolve within two to four weeks. Sleep can take a little longer to normalise.

Is it better to quit weed cold turkey or taper?

Both are effective. Stopping outright shortens the withdrawal period, while a two to three week taper suits heavy users who need to keep functioning at work.

Where can I get free help to quit cannabis in Australia?

The National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 is free and available 24/7, and Counselling Online offers free confidential chat with qualified counsellors.

How to Quit Smoking Weed: An Australian Guide

Updated 26 August 2026 · 6 min read

Cannabis dependence gets dismissed more than it should. If stopping has been harder than you expected, that is not weakness — withdrawal from regular use has a documented pattern.

What cannabis withdrawal looks like

For daily or near-daily users, symptoms usually begin within 24–48 hours, peak in the first week and settle over two to four weeks.

Trouble sleeping and unusually vivid dreams
Irritability, restlessness and low mood
Loss of appetite in the first week
Sweating, headaches and stomach upset

Taper or stop outright?

Both work. Stopping outright gets withdrawal over faster; tapering over two to three weeks is easier if you use heavily or have to stay functional at work.

Whichever you pick, set a date, tell someone, and remove your supply and gear on the day. Ambiguity is what kills quit attempts.

If you mix tobacco with it

Many Australians roll cannabis with tobacco, which means you are quitting two drugs at once. Nicotine withdrawal is sharper and faster than cannabis withdrawal, and it responds well to patches, gum or lozenges.

Treating the nicotine side properly makes the cannabis side noticeably easier.

Sleep is the main battle

Sleep disruption is the most common reason people go back. Expect one to two rough weeks. Keep a fixed wake time, drop caffeine after midday, get outside in daylight, and do not drink to fall asleep — alcohol fragments sleep further.

Where to get help in Australia

National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline — 1800 250 015, free, 24/7.
Counselling Online — free, confidential chat with drug and alcohol counsellors.
Your GP, who can rule out other causes of sleep and mood problems.
Quitline on 13 7848 if tobacco is part of the mix.

Common questions

How long does cannabis withdrawal last?: Symptoms usually start within 24–48 hours, peak during the first week and largely resolve within two to four weeks. Sleep can take a little longer to normalise.
Is it better to quit weed cold turkey or taper?: Both are effective. Stopping outright shortens the withdrawal period, while a two to three week taper suits heavy users who need to keep functioning at work.
Where can I get free help to quit cannabis in Australia?: The National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 is free and available 24/7, and Counselling Online offers free confidential chat with qualified counsellors.