So the time has come for a cannabis detox. Perhaps you have a drug test coming up for a new job, or maybe prohibition-era laws have got your goat. Maybe you’ve even just decided to take a T-break (tolerance break) and want to flush your system before beginning anew. Whatever the reason, there are a few ways to approach a cannabis detox, as well as certain things you’ll want to avoid.
A detox is the process of abstaining from consuming a substance in order to cleanse the body of any trace. In this case, the goal would be a THC cleanse. By abstaining from consuming cannabis, the body is able to flush THC from the system.
This process may be simple for some and difficult for others; it often depends on how heavily you’ve been consuming cannabis and whether or not you were doing so for medical purposes. For heavy and/or medical consumers especially, the detox process may give rise to unpleasant symptoms, some of which include:
There’s some debate over whether or not these effects can be considered withdrawal symptoms, or rather simply a result of discontinuing a medicine that once helped alleviate the aforementioned discomforts. But we can all agree that they’re unpleasant; luckily, Part 3 of this series can help you alleviate some of them.
There’s a lot of bunk information out there with “quick fixes” for detoxing. Most of them are bogus and will not accomplish the results you seek. Some faulty methods to avoid include:
Most “quick fix” methods are based in myth and should not be trusted. Don’t default to questionable and unreliable methods. If you’re wondering how to pass a drug test for cannabis without taking a cleansing break, know that detoxification is a lengthy process. No vitamin, juice, tea, or chemical will magically flush the body of cannabis overnight or in a short period of time.
Now that we know what doesn’t work, let’s delve right in to what does.
The best option for detox is using natural methods that can take up to six weeks to flush the system of cannabis. This is the most effective, fool-proof way to flush THC from the body. In addition to the guidelines outlined below, there also exists a number of products aimed at detoxification.
The best method of cannabis detoxification will always be a natural cleanse. Although it takes the longest, it is by far the most thorough and effective. There are several methods of natural detox, all of which may be used in conjunction. Most are pleasurable and good for the body, making them positive habits to practice for good health whether detoxing or not. Consider the following for an all-natural detox experience.
1. Abstain
This is pretty obvious, but in order to perform a THC flush, it will be necessary to halt all consumption of cannabis. Whether you choose to go cold turkey or ease into it, the process of detoxification cannot truly begin until cannabis is fully out of the picture.
2. Exercise
First and foremost on the list is to get up and move. As discussed, THC is stored in the fat cells of the body. This means that for those who have more fat, it will take longer to detox. Exercise such as cardio and weight training will help burn fat and increase metabolism, thus speeding up the detox process.
A happy bonus to this method will be an increase in production of anandamide, which is the body’s natural “bliss” molecule. If you’ve ever experienced a “runner’s high,” you know the euphoric sensation this endocannabinoid provides. Thus, exercise will help you decrease detectable cannabinoids while simultaneously soothing the transition with endocannabinoids.
3. Drink Water
Drinking plenty of water during this period will assist with cleansing the body. No need to overdo it–drinking excessive amounts will not speed up the process, but staying well hydrated will increase health and help your body expel toxins of all kinds.
4. Practice a Healthy Diet
Avoiding foods that are high in sodium, sugar, and fat will aid in the detoxification process. These types of foods, such as red meat and junk food, increase water retention and slow metabolism, which is in direct opposition to the body’s ability to shed THC metabolites. Instead, opt for a nutritious, healthy diet of vegetables, lean meats, fruits, and plenty of leafy greens.
Many greens increase metabolism as they are high in iron and other essential vitamins. Incorporate more spinach, kale, and other greens into your diet to assist the detoxification process. Healthy fibers will also be beneficial during this period, so incorporate beans, legumes, peanuts, unenriched whole wheat, and other good fibers for an added boost.
These key detox foods will also have the added side effect of assisting in stabilizing mood and even sleep, helping ease possible withdrawal symptoms.
5. Drink More Tea
Opt for teas with high levels of antioxidants, or liver-cleansing teas such as dandelion or milk thistle. This is a simple, enjoyable way to help the body along with the detox process.
6. Take Care of Your Mental Health
If you are suffering from higher levels of depression, anxiety, or even irritability while detoxing, it will be extra important to be gentle with yourself and take care of your mental health. This may mean different things for different people. For some, exercise or activities such as yoga and meditation may be a valuable resource to stabilize mood.
For others, it may mean putting less on your metaphorical plate and allowing yourself to use the detox time as a vacation from usual stresses and agitations.
If depression and anxiety are more clinical, consider taking advantage of resources such as therapy. Whatever the reason, be kind to yourself during detox.
7. Nurture Yourself
On the note of treating yourself kindly, be sure to nurture yourself during detoxification. The process of detox is already a very nurturing, healthy journey, with improvements to diet and exercise. Consider the experience a chance to take care of yourself and you may find your entire perspective of detox shifting. Think of this time as a vacation, where you give yourself permission to worry less and pamper more.
Buy a fancy bath bomb and take a relaxing soak, spend more time with your closest friends, visit your favorite parks or nature centers for picnics or light strolls, garden, read, dance, or pick up an instrument. Whatever healthy habits makes you happy, give yourself permission now to enjoy them fully.
The following products are not all aimed specifically at removing THC, but instead at detoxifying the body in general by removing impurities and toxins. Some of these may be considered in conjunction with natural detox methods.
Note: we have not tested these products and cannot guarantee their efficacy in reducing THC and THC metobolites. Use them at your own discretion.
Bentonite Clay – A popular clay, made of aged volcanic ash, bentonite clay has many detoxifying properties as it’s known for absorbing toxins, chemicals, impurities, and heavy metals. It has external as well as internal uses, and can easily be incorporated into a detox regime. Use a bentonite clay detox in a bath, on the skin, or even in a glass of drinking water.
Detox Drinks – Refreshing beverages full of detox-friendly ingredients like lemon, mint, and watermelon are easy to assemble and enjoy. There’s a plethora of recipes available on sites like Pinterest.
In addition, there are plenty of pre-assembled detox drinks for THC available on the market. That said, as mentioned previously, there aren’t many “quick fixes” for the detox process, so use discretion and mind ingredients if you opt to try this route. If the goal is to find a detox drink for a drug test, remember to weigh the pros and cons before choosing this method.
Detox Kit – Detox kits for THC often include various items such as herbal capsules as well as instructions about how to properly use the kit’s system to rid of the body of toxins. Bio Cleanse Detox, for example, can be used as a THC detox kit and includes “90 herbal vegan capsules of Digest Power formula to stimulate the bowels and organs, 300 grams of Toxin Remover powder, to absorb the released toxins and carry them away safely, and also 30 veggie caps of vegan probiotics.” The kit also comes with instructions and a choice of either a nine or 14 day cleanse.
