As far as if I think the breathing/swallowing is due to detoxing from marijuana, i definitely think it’s related, but NOT a detox/withdraw symptom. I think it’s because the weed (although it can cause anxiety, thc also has anxiolytic properties..or anti-anxiety) has been keeping you calm all this time and could possibly have been treating anxiety all this time. And I do think it’s anxiety. However it also is a natural bronchiodillator (opens bronchial tubes to breathe easier), but it would not be enough to help you breathe better while you were smoking it, plus the smoke completely negates the bronchiodillating effects and is worse for your breathing overall.

So back to why I think it’s anxiety. Well simply put, my anxiety causes me breathing and swallowing problems. I don’t feel like I can get a full breath. This happens constantly. I quit smoking weed a while ago, partially because I was having too much anxiety, and it’s gotten a lot better since, but I still experience it. I used to have frequent panic attacks that started with swallowing problems…but quitting weed helped. I know this is the reverse of what you’re going through but weed can cause or alleviate anxiety. I think in my case it caused it and in yours calmed it. So I think you’re going through emotional withdrawal symptoms that are causing you anxiety…which is causing these symptoms. I’m not a doctor but I know a lot about weed and a lot about anxiety and i feel confident saying it’s the case.

Anyway i just gave some advice on quitting weed in another answer if you’re looking for any….here’s the link

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AubikzTGOt8_0prqbM9ux0Dsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20080624101005AAv02tW&show=7#profile-info-znySWTBFaa

PS…anxiety can manifest REAL symptoms but it can be controlled if you just trust yourself that it is anxiety, and know that you’ll be fine and wait it out…you’ll get a lot better. I got over most of my anxiety without the use of drugs..and i used to have several panic attacks daily thinking i would die. it takes time, but you can also read a book or something that sucks you in to help take your mind off the symptoms. suddenly you’ll realize they went away…because it’s all in your head..

good luck!! and good job for making the decision to quit!!