Does Smoking Weed Cause Acne?

If you find acne popping up on your face after enjoying a night of bong 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 unlikely to be a direct trigger for acne, a common and frustrating skin condition that a variety of reasons can cause.

For a more in-depth look at the potential link between smoking weed and acne, as well as other possible causes of acne, read on.

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

What Is Acne？

Acne is a common skin condition that happens 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 several factors.

While some may suspect that the development of acne after smoking weed is related to weed use, 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 may worsen acne.

Next, we'll look at what factors lead to acne production.

Why Does Weed Cause Acne?

Here are a few reasons why weed use could make acne breakouts worse.

1. Hygiene

Maintaining personal hygiene is crucial to preventing acne.

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

2. Appetite

Weed users often report feeling hungrier, a phenomenon known as munchies.

This increased appetite may lead to the intake of more high-sugar, high-fat snacks, which may be associated with the development of acne.

3. Hormones

Hormone levels, especially testosterone, have a significant effect on acne formation.

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

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

But data is scarce and there is no consensus.

4. Stress

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

When weed use is discontinued, feelings of anxiety and stress may occur.

The 2003 survey has shown that stress can worsen acne and hinder the skin's ability to heal itself.

Does Weed Have Any Benefits For Your Skin?

The internet does have a lot of varying opinions about the effects of weed on the skin, which are often based on personal experience or anecdotal evidence rather than rigorous scientific research.

1. Sebum Production

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

And sebum is the oil that causes acne.

2. Topical Weedlings

Topical use of weed rather than smoking weed may be beneficial to the skin.

3. Anti-cancer

A 2024 survey shows has found that weed may be used to fight skin cancer, slowing the growth of the disease and killing cancer cells before they have a chance to spread.

However, there are some problems with this study.

These studies are in the preliminary stages and a great deal of specific clinical research evidence is needed.

As the studies progress, we expect more specific clinical evidence on the effects of weed to become available, which will contribute to a more accurate understanding of the potential benefits and risks of weed.

Does Smoking Weed Cause Hair Loss?

While there is no scientific evidence linking weed to hair loss, smoking weed may affect hair loss.

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

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

Conclusion

Smoking weed is unlikely to cause acne, but it may lead to some behavioral changes that could make existing acne worse.

Until more research is available, any link between smoking weed and acne remains unclear.

Also read: Can Dogs Get High From Marijuana?