Does Smoking Weed Cause Acne?

Cannabis consumption has a range of reported side effects, largely positive and some adverse – including red eyes and weed hangovers. One possible negative effect could be cannabis' impact on acne. 

Cannabis consumers have commonly asked questions like, "Does smoking weed cause acne?" or "Can cannabis make acne worse?"

Fortunately, there have been a few studies that examine the connection between cannabis and acne that give us better insight into their relationship.

What is Acne?

To better understand the relationship between cannabis and its effects on acne, let’s look at what acne is and how it works. 

Acne is a common skin condition that causes pimples on the body – mostly on the face, forehead, and upper body. While primarily affecting teens, various internal and environmental factors can affect your acne throughout life, including: 

• Hormone levels
• Stress
• Genetics
• Humidity 
• Lack of proper grooming
• Medication
• Sweating or oily clothing and headgear

Several types of acne exist: 

• Blackheads: Follicles clogged with oil and dead skin create a light reflection resembling a "blackhead" of dirt at the surface.
• Whiteheads: White colored bumps closed by oil and dead skin.
• Papules: Inflamed tiny red or pink bumps.
• Pustules: Pimples containing pus that resemble whiteheads. Surrounded by red rings and can cause scarring if picked or scratched.
• Fungal acne: Itchy, inflamed bumps caused by excessive yeast in hair follicles. 
• Nodules: Large, solid, painful pimples deep in the skin.
• Cysts: Possibly scar-causing, pus-filled pimples

Does Smoking Weed Cause Acne?

In short, no. No evidence currently suggests that smoking weed causes the development of acne. 

But if that’s the case, then why do so many people claim that weed either contributes to or helps heal acne? 

Starting with the negative, certain studies have suggested that cannabis could exacerbate existing acne conditions. Typically, claims that cannabis makes acne worse tend to focus on a few standard side effects of cannabis consumption. 

• Increased appetite: Known as "the munchies," snacking on sugar can raise insulin levels, which may lead to inflammation and an acne-worsening process called glycation. Additionally, individuals may have other food sensitivities that trigger inflammation and cause acne.
• Slight hormonal changes: Changing hormones throughout life can cause acne. One cannabis study notes that consuming cannabis can briefly increase hormonal levels¹, which could also increase acne levels. However, the study notes the rise was slight and calls for additional analysis. Offering a counterclaim, another study found that cannabis use can decrease testosterone levels for a minimum of 24 hours,² which could also affect any existing acne issues.
• Anxiety and stress: A short-term increase in stress or anxiety, mainly in terms of paranoia and overconsumption, is a common adverse side effect of cannabis that consumers report. Some point to studies suggesting connections between stress and acne production and how cannabis can increase acne.³ 
• Smoking: Does smoking weed cause acne? Or, is it just the act of smoking that causes acne? Some researchers point to smoking's effect on aging and a higher risk of inflammatory diseases as possible reasons to pass on smoking no matter the results.⁴

Additional Ways Using Weed May Affect Acne

Cannabis is known for causing behavioral changes in consumers that, in theory, could contribute to the development of acne. 

• Dietary changes: It's common for an increased appetite after smoking cannabis to lead to unhealthy snacking habits or overeating. Increasing your intake of sugar, salt, or grease can worsen existing acne and increase your chances of developing acne.
• Reduced motivation: Some cannabis strains can decrease our desire to get up and go. During a particularly strong bout of couch-lock, we may skip some self-care practices, like proper skin maintenance, increasing the odds of new or worsening acne. 
• Memory and time perception problems: Cannabis may impact short-term memory and time perception. Like decreased motivation, memory lapses can lead to skipping out on self-care routines that support healthy skin. 
• Difficulty with problem-solving: This may be a stretch, but anyone with a tendency to pick at their skin may feel a greater urge after consuming cannabis to "fix" their acne issues by picking and popping. It may seem like a wise idea at the moment but can lead to skin irritation.

Can Cannabis Help Treat Eczema?

Asking "does smoking weed cause acne" is just the tip of the skin care and cannabis iceberg. 

Numerous skin conditions are believed to benefit from cannabis and specific cannabinoids, from dry skin⁵ to psoriasis⁶ and even lupus. As a result of understanding the potential benefits of cannabis and the skin, an increasing number of lotions and balms have incorporated cannabidiol (CBD) and other cannabis compounds. 

One of the more commonly discussed skin conditions is eczema, which causes substantial inflammation, flaking, and itching.  

Lab analysis suggests that aspects of skin biology are regulated by the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS)⁷, and some research has shown promising results that CBD may help with various skin conditions, including eczema. 

While early results and consumer anecdotes are promising, we continue to lack clinical analysis. There currently isn’t enough evidence to say definitively that cannabis can help treat eczema (or most other skin conditions). 

A Note on Cannabinoid Eczema Creams

The lack of clinical confirmations has not stopped brands or consumers from trying cannabis-based topicals. Cannabinoid eczema creams are one of the more popular options, with up to 15 million Americans suffering from the condition and searching for solutions. 

With a topical cream or lotion, consumers receive a cannabinoid-infused skin treatment that doesn't penetrate the bloodstream. In these cases, consumers may be able to feel skin-level relief in moments without ingesting any cannabinoids or experiencing any potentially unwanted effects from cannabis.  

The following cannabis-infused topicals have reportedly helped numerous NuggMD patients with eczema or other skin conditions. But for most consumers, it’s wise to consult with a doctor before incorporating cannabis into a new skin-care regimen.

1. CBDistillery's 300mg Broad Spectrum CBD Warming Cream
2. Level Select's Level 3: 1200mg Sports Cream
3. Medterra's CBD Pain Relief Cream 
4. Naternal's Rescue CBD Muscle Cream 1000mg
5. Nature's Best CBD
6. Papa & Barkley 3:1 CBD Rich Balm (Topical)

When considering a topical, be sure to factor in: 

• CBD:THC ratio
• Your medical condition
• Other ingredients included in the topical

And be sure to consider scientific research. Several studies have concluded that specific cannabinoids may have promise in helping treat eczema and other conditions, but remember that the science is still out.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, we can't say definitively what impact cannabis has on acne. Depending on the study, it can be claimed that cannabis hinders or amplifies acne production and its related side effects.

If you tend to feel anxious or eat unhealthy foods when high, then cannabis may increase your odds of developing acne. On the other hand, cannabis may help with acne by reducing inflammation and redness or alleviating stress in some consumers.

The perhaps unsatisfying truth is that cannabis affects everyone differently. So before forming an opinion on whether weed can help your acne, consider your personal experience with cannabis, review the scant clinical results currently available, and consult with your doctor.

1. Thistle JE, Graubard BI, Braunlin M, et al. Marijuana use and serum testosterone concentrations among U.S. males. Andrology. 2017;5(4):732-738. doi:10.1111/andr.12358 ↩︎
2. Barnett G, Chiang CW, Licko V. Effects of marijuana on testosterone in male subjects. J Theor Biol. 1983;104(4):685-692. doi:10.1016/0022-5193(83)90255-2 ↩︎
3. Yosipovitch G, Tang M, Dawn AG, et al. Study of psychological stress, sebum production and acne vulgaris in adolescents. Acta Derm Venereol. 2007;87(2):135-139. doi:10.2340/00015555-0231 ↩︎
4. Ortiz A, Grando SA. Smoking and the skin. International Journal of Dermatology. 2012;51(3):250-262. doi:10.1111/j.1365-4632.2011.05205.x ↩︎
5. An Observational Study of the Application of a Topical Cannabinoid Gel on Sensitive Dry Skin. JDDonline - Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. Accessed September 7, 2026. https://jddonline.com/articles/an-observational-study-of-the-application-of-a-topical-cannabinoid-gel-on-sensitive-dry-skin-S1545961620P1204X/ ↩︎
6. Dhadwal G, Kirchhof MG. The Risks and Benefits of Cannabis in the Dermatology Clinic. J Cutan Med Surg. 2018;22(2):194-199. doi:10.1177/1203475417738971 ↩︎
7. Baswan SM, Klosner AE, Glynn K, et al. Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Skin Health and Disorders. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020;13:927-942. Published 2020 Dec 8. doi:10.2147/CCID.S286411 ↩︎

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.