In many countries, marijuana is being legalized for recreational and medical use. But for weed lovers, there are various aspects to consider about the effects of the plant on their health. As your skin is the largest organ of your body, it’s important to know if marijuana can have a negative impact on your skin. So, does smoking weed cause acne and other skin problems?
There is mixed information on the internet regarding the effects of marijuana on our skin. While some sources state it can aggravate oily skin and lead to acne, others opine it makes acne disappear. So, if the conflicting data leaves you in a state of confusion, you are at the right place. This article weighs the effects of smoking cannabis on your skin, both bad and good.
Table of Contents
What’s present in weed?
Before we answer ‘Does smoking weed cause acne?’, let’s see what marijuana contains. Several naturally occurring ingredients found in marijuana can affect a person’s central nervous system.
The plant has gained popularity as it has CBD (cannabidiol) which impacts the brain without getting the person high. Then why do you feel so good after smoking weed? It’s because of the presence of another chemical named THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) which gets you high. Sol, the hallucinogenic effect is attributed mainly to tetrahydrocannabinol.
Studies have revealed that for long-term smokers, THC can cause various side effects targeting the lungs, heart, and brain. Dry mouth, anxiety, weak immunity, frequent urination, and infertility are among other side effects of overconsumption of cannabis.
Is smoking weed beneficial for the skin?
Some people are of the opinion that marijuana can heal acne by limiting sebum production. The sebaceous glands produce an oily substance called sebum and it can contribute to frequent breakouts.
Others suggest that marijuana can make your skin dull and speed up the process of skin ageing. It has also been stated that inflammatory conditions like psoriasis, acne, and rosacea can get worse after smoking weed. On the other hand, some people who applied a paste of cannabis leaves directly to their skin reported that it lessened eczema-related itching.
One possible advantage is that the risk of some cancers (including skin cancer) is reduced after inhaling cannabis. More clinical trials are necessary to prove this theory. From this perspective, the legalization of marijuana is good news. Researchers now have the liberty to conduct large-scale research on the connection between marijuana and skin health.
Does Smoking Weed Cause Acne?
So far, we discussed the supposed advantages of the topical use of marijuana. Now let’s find out if smoking weed is giving you pimples.
There is no clear link between pimples and marijuana smoking. However, smoking consistently will slow down skin healing significantly. This implies that if you’re already struggling to get rid of pimples, inhaling weed isn’t a wise idea. Perhaps your addiction is making it difficult for your pimples to get cured quickly.
So, if you are frustrated with having acne all over your face, avoid experimenting. Instead, consult an accomplished dermatologist to address your skin issues properly and receive reliable treatment. If you smoke weed regularly, try quitting and see for yourself if there is any possible link between skin health and smoking marijuana.
Other reasons to quit smoking weed
The side effects of smoking marijuana vary from one person to another. The effects also differ based on the method of consumption and the concentration of the active ingredients.
Marijuana spikes the dopamine levels in the brain, thus giving a euphoric feeling. Therefore, it affects heart rate, appetite, foot, and breathing. Some other probable side effects are problems with concentration and memory.
The biggest concern that people have is: Does smoking weed cause lung cancer? Some of the harmful chemicals present in tobacco can be found in marijuana as well. The chances of getting cancer in the lungs further increase as most people prefer to smoke marijuana along with tobacco. If such a person is diagnosed with lung cancer, it could be because of tobacco instead of cannabis.
While not all marijuana users will get cancer, inhaling weed can be associated with lung cancer. Scientists need to perform additional research to reveal what percentage of patients with lung cancer used to smoke weed.
Other causative agents of acne
Nobody likes having severe acne as it isn’t just painful but also conceals your beauty. But if you are experiencing a lot of acne, there can be diverse reasons. Hormonal imbalance is one of the main reasons why teenagers get pimples. If you enjoy relishing oily and fried foods, then your chances of getting acne will be higher.
Other than your eating habits, genetics play a key role in causing acne. Poor hygiene can also lead to the blockage of the pores on your skin with dirt, leading to acne. Other triggers include:
- Cosmetics that don’t suit your skin
- Bacteria or sweat clogging your pores
- Medications like steroids
Irrespective of the reasons, severe acne is considered a medical condition and prescription medicines might be required. So, book an appointment with your dermatologist to get some cream and antibiotics prescribed.
Final Thoughts
Therefore, does smoking weed cause acne? We may conclude by saying that as of now, there isn’t any definitive answer to this question. If you have sensitive and acne-prone skin, marijuana may worsen the condition.
Despite the claims that marijuana can reduce acne problems, more clinical research needs to be done in this area. There is a possibility that applying cannabis topically can have some benefits on the skin. However, when it comes to oral consumption, healthcare professionals do not recommend smoking cannabis.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does smoking weed affect sperm?
According to fertility specialists, smoking weed for a prolonged period can impact sperm count in men. For someone trying to become a parent, marijuana may reduce the volume of sperm and alter its shape. Similarly, it can also make women less fertile.
2. Can weed cause hair loss?
Marijuana users are more likely to experience significant hair loss than people who don’t smoke weed. One study published in the well-known Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology made this revelation.