In crisis? Call or text 988 free · confidential · 24/7

Question

Are cleanses, juice cleanses and other fasting methods advisable during a marijuana detoxification program? Never want to eat when I try to quit and there so much toxicity that needs to come out of my body that it appears to me that this might be a beneficial combination. Any thoughts on this?

As I surmised, the fat-soluble THC and associated cannabinoids can be released into the body more quickly with serious fasting. It is not advised to fast according to Marijuana Anonymous®  https://www.marijuana-anonymous.org/literature/pamphlets/detoxing-from-marijuana

As far as eating is concerned, I expect you will have to eat during the period of time it takes to eliminate cannabinoids from your body. Just because a urine test can detect use for approximately one month after having used doesn't mean that all traces are eliminated from your system in one month. There are more sensitive blood, saliva, and hair assays that can determine the continued presence of cannabinoids. You're not going to go without eating for three months, obviously. 

The answer is to stop all intake of cannabis - period. With time, your cells will eventually rid themselves of their THC content. Remember, your brain cells also contain these unwanted molecules, and all the fasting and exercise is not going to speed up the elimination from those cells. Juice fasts may cleanse your colon, but not your brain.

About the Expert

Dr. Mark Abrahams

PhD, MTS, LMHC, NCC, CCMHC, MAC, NBCFCH

Miami, United States of America

Specialties

Dissociative Disorders, Anger Management, Gay Lesbian Issues, Anxiety or Fears, Child or Adolescent Issues, Divorce, Trauma and PTSD, Addiction or Substance Abuse, Personality Disorders, Chronic Pain or Illness, Loss or Grief, Depression, Finding Your Purpose in Life

License

my_license #MH1412