Does Smoking Weed Cause Acne?

First off, let’s be clear: smoking anything is unhealthy for your skin. Smoke is high in hydrocarbons, which damage collagen production on contact with the skin. That means that even second-hand marijuana smoke can irritate the skin and cause acne flare-ups. Free radicals are also found in massive amounts when marijuana leaves are burned, and inhaling that smoke floods the body with millions of toxins that isn’t the best for the complexion.

Will I Break Out After Smoking Weed?

Despite persistent rumors that THC increases testosterone levels in young adults, there is no evidence that the cannabinoids in marijuana are directly responsible for acne flare-ups at any age. Patients who vape, consume edibles or apply topicals should see no major skin irritations even if they consume regularly. If you’re concerned about the effects smoking flowers can have on your skin, keep an eye on Revolutionary Clinic’s deals page for discounts on concentrates and edibles.

If Not Marijuana, What is Causing My Acne?

So the chemistry points to a conclusion that cannabis doesn’t cause acne. Physiology, however, might have something very different to say. THC promotes a strong appetite and reduced inhibitions, leading to what medical marijuana patients affectionately call “the munchies.” There is a strong link between high glycemic index foods and acne, and those same foods are most often consumed while under the influence of THC heavy cannabis.

Stress is a potential side effect of overconsumption of THC in some people. That burst of anxiety can take hours to subside, and during that time the body’s stress levels can cause acne inflammation.

Since these effects are brought on by cannabis, it could be argued that marijuana may be indirectly responsible for some people’s acne issues. But there’re obvious solutions to these triggers: Stock up on healthy snacks while you’re waiting for your cannabis delivery and consume your cannabis responsibly. Start low, go slow, and you won’t find yourself in a paranoid state.

Can Smoking Marijuana Cure My Acne? 

Aha! This question is more fun because there’s a much clearer answer.

And that answer is ‘maybe.’

Have More Marijuana-related Questions? Ask Us!

Not conclusive, but provable. While the question of cannabis causing pimples breaks down into a bit of a philosophical debate about causality, the question of its benefits can be concluded with just a bit more research. Preliminary findings show that cannabichromene (one of the cannabinoids found in marijuana) may suppress excessive lipid production in the skin’s glands. That, paired with cannabis’ anti-inflammatory properties makes marijuana a potential inhibitor of acne. The staff at Revolutionary Clinics is carefully monitoring the market, so when a truly effective, cannabis-based topical that reduce acne hits the shelves, we will be the first to carry it for you!

Disclaimer: The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from healthcare practitioners. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act require this notice.