Day 2 Without Weed: Symptoms Begin

Day 2 is when withdrawal becomes real. The THC in your bloodstream is declining, and your brain is responding. You likely slept poorly last night and woke up feeling more agitated than yesterday. This escalation is normal — and it’s going to continue for a few more days before it peaks.

What’s Happening in Your Brain

As circulating THC drops below the threshold your CB1 receptors are accustomed to, the withdrawal cascade begins in earnest. Your amygdala is becoming hyperactive (more anxiety, more irritability). Your hypothalamus is losing its THC-assisted calibration (sleep disruption, temperature instability). Cortisol production is ramping up.

You may have experienced your first night sweat. This is your autonomic nervous system struggling to regulate temperature without endocannabinoid input.

What You’re Likely Feeling

• Escalating cravings — More frequent and more intense than yesterday. Your brain is now clearly signaling that something is “wrong” (i.e., the THC supply was cut).
• Irritability and restlessness — You can’t sit still. Everything is annoying. You may catch yourself snapping at people who don’t deserve it.
• Poor sleep — Last night was probably rough. Tonight will likely be similar. This is the toughest sleep stretch.
• Night sweats — If they haven’t started, they likely will tonight.
• Anxiety — Growing. The GABA/glutamate balance is shifting toward excitability.

Your Action Plan for Day 2

1. Remember: This Is the Ramp-Up, Not the Peak

Day 2 feels worse than day 1, and days 3–5 will feel worse than today. Knowing the trajectory helps you prepare rather than panic. The peak is coming — and once you pass it, symptoms begin improving.

2. Exercise Intensely

Today is a great day for a hard workout. You have excess nervous energy (from glutamate upregulation) and your body is producing extra cortisol. Burn it off. Running, cycling, lifting, swimming — anything that leaves you physically tired helps with both mood and tonight’s sleep.

3. Stay Busy

Idle time is craving time. Fill your evening with activities that occupy your hands and mind: cooking, cleaning, gaming, calling a friend, organizing something. The goal is to get to bedtime without a gap where cravings can dominate.

4. Prep for Night Sweats

Layer your bedding, keep the room cool, and have a change of clothes nearby. Being prepared reduces the disruption when (not if) you wake up drenched. See our night sweats guide.

You made it through day 1. Now you’re building momentum. Every hour without cannabis is another vote for your new identity.