Does Smoking Weed Cause Acne?
Marijuana has been touted for its use as a pain reliever, possible cancer treatment and stress reducer for years. However, some people question whether there can be some unwanted side effects to the regular use of marijuana. They cite users who have reported breakouts following the use of weed as a sign that it could potentially cause acne. This article will look at the effect of marijuana smoking on the skin and answer the question, “Does smoking weed cause acne?” It will also give some tips and useful information on skin care for marijuana users.
What is Marijuana?
Marijuana, commonly known as weed, comes from several varieties of the cannabis plant--including cannabis sativa, cannabis indica and cannabis ruderalis. The main products used in preparations of marijuana for medicinal or recreational use are the flower, the resin (also known as hashish, which is made from the kief that is sifted from the flower) and the oil. Of its 483 known compounds, THC is the main ingredient known to those who use it to get high or for medicine.
The History of Weed
The earliest known cultivation of weed began about 12000 years ago. The plant seems to have originated in Asia where it was used for food, textiles and other purposes. The tomb of a shaman that dates back 2700 years was found in the Gobi Desert several years ago. In the tomb were two pounds of very potent, still green, marijuana. While the scientists who discovered it are not sure if it was ingested or fumigated (there were no smoking instruments found with the stash, so they do not think that it was smoked), they do believe that it was used for its “psychoactive properties”. In other words, it was used to get high.
It was used throughout Asia, including the regions of Siberia, China and India, for its medicinal properties. It was introduced to the ancient Assyrians by the Aryans, and there is evidence for its use in Egypt from mummies that date back to 950 BCE.
Marijuana criminalization began with its first restrictions in Washington, DC in 1906. By the 1920s, its use was illegal in South Africa, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Jamaica. In 1923, though there was no reported marijuana use in Canada, the country passed the Opium and Drug Act which imposed penalties for its use. Finally, in 1937, the United States Marihuana Tax Act (which interestingly covered hemp, which comes from a form of cannabis with no psychoactive properties) effectively criminalized marijuana on the federal level.
The legal status of marijuana is changing in many areas. Some, like the Netherlands which was once openly tolerant of the use of weed, have begun imposing various restrictions on its use. In the United States, however, several states are now in the process of legalizing weed for medicinal purposes while others are legalizing it for recreational purposes as well.
Does Smoking Weed Cause Acne?
While marijuana has many different effects on the body, the answer to the question “Does smoking weed cause acne?” is, no, it will not cause acne in someone who does not already have the condition. If your skin was fine before the use of marijuana, it will not cause any skin disorders. That does not mean, however, that it will not worsen the condition in those who already have it. Because the same chemicals in marijuana can both relieve and cause stress, those who have stress related breakouts can potentially face breakouts after smoking marijuana. The THC in marijuana can also cause slight hormone imbalances due to the fact that it has been shown to cause a 5% spike in testosterone levels. For those whose acne is related to their hormones, smoking weed might make it worse.
In addition to elevated hormone levels that can cause flareups of acne, those who are prone to the condition may also experience breakouts due to the foods that they consume after smoking weed. When people get the “munchies” after smoking, many times they reach for greasy or sugary snacks. These snacks can lead to acne breakouts and though they are not directly related to smoking marijuana, weed often takes the blame for the incident.
What Are The Effects of Smoking Weed On Your Skin (Long Term and Short Term)?
Smoking marijuana, like smoking tobacco, has been shown to have some negative affects on the skin. Because it impairs the production of collagen, it can cause the skin to age faster. As mentioned previously, the slight elevation of testosterone levels caused by THC can lead to hormonal acne breakouts in those who are already prone to the condition. If you have rosacea or psoriasis, smoking marijuana can also worsen those conditions.
While smoking weed might not be so good for the skin, that does not mean that marijuana use is bad for the skin. In fact, THC’s anti-inflammatory and possibly antioxidant properties can actually fight the aging affects of free radicals. The stress relieving aspect of using marijuana is good for relieving the symptoms of skin conditions like acne, eczema and rosacea as well. The problem is, weed is more beneficial to the skin if it is used in ways other than smoking. One dermatologist, Dr. Bobby Buka, recommends vaporizing marijuana to enjoy it without damaging your skin.
Skin Care Advice For Weed Smokers
If you insist on smoking marijuana, there are a few things that you can do to protect your skin. For one thing, a skin care regimen that includes cleansing, toning and moisturizing the skin is important for good skin health. Dr. Buka recommends protecting the skin with a heavy moisturizer before smoking.
A balanced diet is also essential to good skin health, especially for marijuana smokers. Instead of reaching for a bag of potato chips and a bottle of soda when you start craving a snack, learn to reach for nutritious foods like fruit and veggies. It is important to drink enough water, and eliminate processed foods as much as possible. All of these tips are important whether or not you smoke weed, but especially for someone who smokes weed and wants to prevent breakouts.
So, the final answer to the question “does marijuana smoking cause acne?” is a definite no, it does not. That is good news for those who want to smoke weed but do not want to ruin their skin. Good skin care, learning to relax and knowing how to partake in marijuana without damaging the skin are all important.
References
References
Clarke, R., & Merlin, M. (2013). The Cultural Diffusion of Cannabis. In Cannabis: Evolution and Ethnobotany (1st ed., Vol. 1, p. 103). Berkley and Los Angeles, California: University of California Press.
Does Smoking Weed Cause Acne, https://www.acnescarprevention.com/smoking-weed-cause-acne/
Marijuana’s History: How One Plant Spread Through the World, http://www.livescience.com/48337-marijuana-history-how-cannabis-travelled-world.html
World’s Oldest Marijuana Stash Totally Busted, http://www.nbcnews.com/id/28034925/ns/technology_and_science-science/t/worlds-oldest-marijuana-stash-totally-busted/#.Vlngk7_sbTK
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