Does smoking weed cause acne?

If you notice acne popping up on your face after a night of smoking weed, it's natural to wonder if there's a connection between the two.

But don't jump to conclusions, because smoking weed is probably not a direct trigger for acne, a common and frustrating skin condition that can have a variety of causes.

Read on for a more detailed look at the possible connection between smoking weed and acne, as well as other possible causes of acne.

Knowing this information will help you take the right preventive and therapeutic measures to better manage your skin health.

What is Acne?

Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles under the skin become clogged.

It causes whiteheads, blackheads or pimples.

Does smoking weed cause acne?

Acne is a common skin problem with complex causes that may be related to multiple factors.

While some suspect that the development of acne after smoking weed is related to weed consumption, there is currently no scientific evidence that directly suggests that smoking weed causes acne.

Diet, hygiene, and stress are not causes of acne, but if a person already has acne, these factors can make acne worse.

Next, let's look at what factors lead to the development of acne.

Why does weed cause acne?

Here are some reasons why consuming weed could make acne breakouts worse.

1. Hygiene

Maintaining personal hygiene is crucial to preventing acne.

Neglecting basic self-care due to weed consumption, such as not bathing, brushing your teeth, or washing your face before bed, can lead to a buildup of oil and dead skin cells on the skin, which in turn can lead to clogging of hair follicles and form acne.

2. Appetite

Marijuana users often report feeling more hungry, a phenomenon known as food cravings.

This increased appetite can lead to consuming more snacks high in sugar and fat, which can be linked to the development of acne.

3. Hormones

Hormone levels, particularly testosterone, have a significant influence on the development of acne.

Puberty is the time when hormone levels fluctuate the most and acne is most common.

The 2018 survey suggests that heavy weed smoking increases testosterone levels, which can lead to acne.

However, there is little data and no consensus.

4. Stress

While some use weed to relieve stress, regular consumption can cause the brain to become dependent on dopamine stimulation.

When cannabis use is stopped, feelings of anxiety and stress may occur.

The 2003 survey showed that stress can worsen acne and impair the skin's ability to heal itself.

Does weed benefit your skin?

There are many different opinions on the internet about the effects of weed on the skin, often based on personal experience or anecdotal evidence rather than thorough scientific research.

1. Sebum production

A report from Dr. Jane M. Grant-Kels has shown that weed helps to positively regulate pain, itching, and inflammation, making it a potential therapeutic agent for many skin conditions.

And sebum is the oil that causes acne.

2. Current weed control

Applying weed topically instead of smoking weed can have positive effects on the skin.

3. Anti-cancer

A A 2024 survey found that weed can be used to fight skin cancer by slowing the growth of the disease and killing cancer cells before they can spread.

However, there are some problems with this study.

These studies are in the early stages and a lot of specific clinical research evidence is still needed.

As studies progress, we anticipate that more specific clinical evidence will emerge on the effects of weeds, which will contribute to a more precise understanding of the potential benefits and risks of weeds.

Does smoking weed cause hair loss?

Although there is no scientific evidence linking weed to hair loss, smoking weed can affect hair loss.

Promoting hair follicle growth through endo- and exocannabinoids has shown that the THC in marijuana can damage the hair shaft, making it more susceptible to hair breakage and split ends.

This can lead to hair thinning and hair loss, as well as a reduction in overall hair volume.

Diploma

Smoking weed is unlikely to cause acne, but it can lead to behavioral changes that could worsen existing acne.

Until more research is available, the connection between smoking weed and acne remains unclear.

Also read: Can dogs get high from marijuana?