Many people who stop using cannabis after regular or heavy use report a confusing experience that feels similar to being intoxicated, often described as feeling “high” or “out of it.” This sensation is a recognized part of the body’s adjustment to the absence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). While concerning, this altered mental state is a temporary manifestation of cannabis withdrawal syndrome. Understanding the specific nature of this feeling and the neurobiological reasons behind it provides clarity and reassurance during recovery.
What Does ‘Feeling High’ Mean in Withdrawal?
The “high” feeling experienced during withdrawal is not actual intoxication but a collection of psychological symptoms known as depersonalization and derealization. Depersonalization involves detachment from oneself, making you feel like an outside observer of your own thoughts, feelings, and body, often manifesting as emotional numbness. Derealization is a detachment from your surroundings, making the world seem dreamlike, foggy, or unreal. These dissociative states are often accompanied by brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and mental confusion. These symptoms are a temporary, natural response as the brain rebalances itself.
The Brain’s Adjustment Process
The core reason for these sensations lies in the brain’s attempt to re-establish homeostasis after chronic exposure to THC. Long-term, heavy cannabis use causes the brain to reduce the number of cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors, a process known as downregulation, because they are constantly saturated with THC. These CB1 receptors are a fundamental component of the brain’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates mood, memory, and perception.
When THC is suddenly removed, the downregulated receptors are no longer stimulated, throwing the entire system into a temporary imbalance. This sudden deficit of cannabinoid signaling leads to hyperactivity in other neurotransmitter systems that were previously suppressed by THC. Specifically, the inhibitory effects of THC on the release of excitatory neurotransmitters, such as glutamate, are suddenly lifted.
The resulting imbalance involves an over-firing of glutamate pathways, which contributes to feelings of anxiety, overstimulation, and altered perception. The absence of THC also disrupts the balance of inhibitory neurotransmitters, like GABA, and mood-regulating chemicals like dopamine. The brain is in a state of neurochemical disarray, struggling to recalibrate its internal communication.
This temporary dysregulation creates the sensation of unreality and detachment. The brain is actively working to upregulate its CB1 receptors and restore natural neurotransmitter levels, a process that takes time. The symptoms you feel are a sign of your brain actively healing and returning to its natural function.
Expected Timeline for Symptom Resolution
The intense psychological symptoms, including depersonalization and derealization, typically peak in severity within the first week after cessation. For most people, the acute phase, where these feelings are strongest, generally resolves within two to three weeks. During this initial period, psychological symptoms often intensify just as physical symptoms, like sweating and stomach issues, begin to subside.
Residual symptoms, such as intermittent brain fog, mild anxiety, and emotional sensitivity, may persist for four to five weeks or, in some cases, several months, particularly for individuals with heavy, long-term use. Sleep disturbances are notably persistent and may continue for 30 to 45 days, which can exacerbate feelings of unreality.
The recovery timeline for CB1 receptor density provides a neurobiological basis for this duration. Studies indicate that CB1 receptors begin to rapidly recover within days of abstinence and can return to near-normal levels after approximately one month. Individual variation is substantial, influenced by the potency of the cannabis used and the length of the usage history.
Managing the Sensation and Seeking Support
While the feeling of unreality is unsettling, several practical strategies can help manage the sensation until the brain fully recovers. Implementing grounding techniques is highly effective during a dissociative episode, such as focusing intently on five things you can see, four things you can touch, and three things you can hear. Maintaining a strict daily routine and consistent sleep hygiene can also stabilize mood and reduce anxiety, which often worsens these symptoms.
It is helpful to avoid other substances, including excessive caffeine and alcohol, as they can exacerbate anxiety and interfere with the brain’s delicate rebalancing process. Hydration and regular, gentle exercise, such as walking or yoga, are simple yet powerful ways to relieve stress and improve overall mental clarity. Focus on the fact that the feeling is temporary and a sign of healing, which helps reduce the panic associated with the symptoms.
It is important to seek professional medical or mental health help if the feelings of unreality become overwhelming, interfere with your ability to function, or worsen after the first month. If you experience any thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation, immediate professional intervention is necessary. A healthcare provider can rule out other conditions and offer targeted support to manage the withdrawal process.