Not long ago I had someone write in and ask if marijuana caused bacne or acne.   Broken down into the various components of smoking or otherwise using marijuana through another delivery system there can be risks. There are several reasons that some people might experience a breakout after using marijuana. From changes in hormone levels to irritated skin from the smoke, some users of this herbal drug might experience acne breakouts.

The dangers of marijuana are often exaggerated, but any drug should be used with caution. Effects may vary from one person to another dependent on several factors such as the individual’s health or psychological predisposition. Cannabis is the plant that the drug many refer to as marijuana or pot is prepared from. It is used as a recreational psychoactive drug, or for medical use. The effect of psychoactive preparations is caused when the active chemical substance within the drug crosses the blood-brain barrier acting upon the central nervous system to affect brain function. Typically, these affects are changes in mood, perception, cognition, or even consciousness.

Since the use of cannabis is illegal in the United States with the exception of some states allowing its use for medical purposes.There are few studies on the long-term effects of its use beyond anything other than changes in brain chemistry. It is well established however that smoking, such as cigarette smoking is linked to breakouts due to skin irritation and the clogging of pores due to the smoke and exposure to impurities when the smoke is exhaled.

Another cause for concern is that the psychoactive chemical compound in cannabis is terthydrocannabinol or THC. This compound also affects hormonal levels with even moderate use. Since one of the causes of acne is a change in hormonal levels, it would appear that anyone who typically suffers from this skin condition is taking a risk of an outbreak by using marijuana.