Numerous drugs interfere with dopamine signalling within the brain’s reward circuit when abused, resulting in a downregulation of dopaminergic neurons.
Luckily, research has indicated that cannabis does not reduce the availability of dopamine neurons, even in heavy users, meaning that those who get high on a daily basis are unlikely to experience the emotional lows that other drug users might suffer from when trying to quit.
Furthermore, repeated ingestion of cannabinoids like THC is known to downregulate vital cannabinoid receptors in the brain.
An endocannabinoid, anandamide is sometimes referred to as the “bliss molecule” due to its ability to generate a sense of euphoria.
Generally, the first week after quitting is thought to be the hardest.
Other symptoms such as difficulty sleeping and strange, vivid dreams, however, have been found to become increasingly severe for about nine or ten days, at which point they reach their peak.
It’s worth mentioning that such withdrawal symptoms are only likely to affect people with problematic cannabis use, such as those who have consumed the drug on a daily basis for many years and have developed a dependency upon it.