Quitting or taking a break after years of daily use is a big deal. A 2020 review of 47 studies (over 23,000 people) found about half (47%) of regular users get withdrawal when they stop. It is real. It is NOT all in your head.

People who use every day, use a lot, or also smoke tobacco tend to have it worse.

• Cut down slowly instead of stopping all at once, if that is easier for you.
• Move your body. A walk or workout helps mood and sleep.
• Sleep routine: same bedtime, no screens, cool dark room.
• Drink water and eat small, easy meals.
• Change your routine for the times you used to smoke.
• Tell a friend and ask for support.
• Talk to a doctor if it's hard. There is no special pill for this yet, but they can help with sleep and mood.

• You feel very down or hopeless, or have thoughts of hurting yourself — call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).
• You can't stop throwing up (this can be CHS) — see a doctor.
• You also used alcohol or other drugs every day — stopping those can be dangerous. Get a doctor's help.

Your doctor is not there to judge you. They need to know so they can keep you safe. Cannabis can change how medicines and sleep drugs work on you.

• Your health info is private under a law called HIPAA. Doctors don't call the police for telling them you use cannabis.
• Tell them: what kind (smoke, vape, edible), how much, how often, and when you last used.

This is the #1 time to tell. Anesthesia doctors now say every patient should be asked about cannabis before surgery (ASRA guidelines, 2023).

• You may need more medicine to go to sleep. In one study of people getting a scope test, regular users needed a lot more of the sleep drug propofol.
• More pain and nausea after surgery. Regular users often hurt more and may need more pain medicine.
• Heart risk. Smoking right before surgery raises heart risk. Doctors say wait at least 2 hours after smoking — and don't use on surgery day.
• Lungs. Smoking can irritate your airway when you have a breathing tube.
• Don't quit suddenly right before surgery without telling them. Withdrawal can make recovery harder.

• Blood thinners (like warfarin) — CBD and THC can make them stronger. Bleeding risk.
• Sleep, anxiety, and pain pills (like opioids and benzos) — together you can get too sleepy or breathe too slow.
• Seizure medicines — CBD can change their levels.
• Alcohol — makes both feel stronger.

Always ask your pharmacist: "I use cannabis. Is that OK with my medicines?"