Discontinuing regular cannabis use often brings about temporary changes in the body, frequently involving digestive function. Many people report experiencing stomach upset, including constipation, after they stop using cannabis. This physical response is a temporary side effect as the body adjusts to the absence of external compounds it relied on for regulating internal processes. These digestive changes are directly related to how the body’s own regulatory network, the endocannabinoid system, interacts with the gastrointestinal tract.
The Endocannabinoid System and Gut Motility
The human body possesses a complex biological network called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates mood, sleep, appetite, and the movement of the gut. This system consists of naturally occurring compounds, receptors, and enzymes that maintain balance. Cannabinoid receptors, specifically CB1 and CB2, are present throughout the digestive tract, including on the nerves that control intestinal movement.
The primary psychoactive component in cannabis, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), mimics natural cannabinoids and binds strongly to the CB1 receptors located in the enteric nervous system. When THC activates these receptors, it slows down gastrointestinal motility—the muscular contractions that move food and waste along the tract. Chronic use of cannabis introduces a constant external signal that overrides the body’s natural ECS signaling, leading to an adaptation in the digestive system’s baseline function.
The Rebound Effect Causing Constipation
When regular cannabis use stops, the digestive system experiences a temporary imbalance, often referred to as a rebound effect. The gut had become accustomed to the constant presence of THC signaling through its CB1 receptors, which kept the muscular contractions of the bowel suppressed or slowed. Once external cannabinoids are no longer present, the ECS temporarily struggles to regulate itself.
The system’s dependence means that the body’s own natural endocannabinoids are temporarily insufficient to maintain normal function. This results in a temporary dysregulation of the gut’s muscular activity. The nerves and muscles responsible for propelling waste forward become sluggish, which manifests physically as constipation. This temporary slowing of bowel movements is a physical withdrawal symptom as the digestive system works to restore its natural balance.
Timeline and Severity of Symptoms
For those who experience constipation after stopping cannabis, the onset of this digestive change usually begins quickly. Symptoms often start within 24 to 48 hours after the last use, coinciding with the beginning of the withdrawal period. The severity and duration of the constipation are influenced by the frequency and concentration of cannabis used before cessation.
Physical withdrawal symptoms, including digestive issues, tend to peak around day two through day six of abstinence. For most people, this temporary constipation resolves as the body’s ECS re-establishes its natural regulatory rhythm. The symptom typically subsides within one to two weeks, though heavy, long-term users may experience lingering effects for a slightly longer period.
Managing Constipation During Cessation
Addressing constipation during cannabis cessation involves focusing on lifestyle-based interventions to encourage natural bowel function. One effective strategy is to significantly increase daily fluid intake, as dehydration contributes to hard stools and difficult passage. Drinking plenty of water helps to soften the stool, making it easier to pass through the intestines.
Increasing dietary fiber is another practical step, as fiber adds bulk to the stool and stimulates intestinal movement. This can be achieved by prioritizing whole foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains in every meal. Physical activity, even moderate exercise like a daily walk, helps stimulate the muscles of the digestive tract and encourages regular bowel movements.
If these natural methods are not providing relief, over-the-counter aids can be considered for short-term use. Osmotic laxatives, such as polyethylene glycol, work by drawing water into the colon to soften the stool. Stool softeners increase the moisture content of the feces itself. Avoid relying on stimulant laxatives, which can cause dependence, and use any over-the-counter aid only as directed. If constipation is severe, lasts longer than a few weeks, or is accompanied by significant pain, a healthcare provider should be consulted.