Marijuana is a mind-altering psychoactive drug often smoked as cigarettes, pipes or bongs. Additionally, edible forms and tea have also been consumed. At Advanced Trichology we have never treated anyone directly linked with marijuana use as the cause for their hair loss but genetic baldness could worsen due to marijuana usage.
1. Cannabinoids
Cannabis (or marijuana) is an amazing plant with thousands of chemical components, over 100 of which are cannabinoids; THC and CBD being two notable examples.
These phytocannabinoids bind to receptors throughout our brain and body. By altering cell function – for instance, hormone balance – they help us manage physical stress and anxiety more easily.
Smoking marijuana has long been linked to hair loss due to its carcinogen content. Research shows that marijuana’s effects slow the production of new cells within hair follicles, forcing them into the resting phase (telogen) or resting stage, leading to excessive hair shedding until their natural growth cycle resumes.
Cannabinoids such as THC are well known to produce psychoactive effects, including hallucinations and paranoia. Research suggests it binds with CB1 and CB2 receptors for maximum effect – leading to euphoria while also producing drowsiness and nausea in some users.
2. Stress
Marijuana may help your hair as certain cannabinoids, like CBD, can have a calming effect and reduce cortisol levels which are detrimental to overall body health and growth. Overproduction of cortisol hormone has an adverse impact on hair health and can threaten its continued development and growth.
Smoking marijuana or cannabis remains an inherently stressful activity and, under stress-induced circumstances, hair loss can occur; especially telogen effluvium and alopecia areata. While no scientific proof has yet been presented linking marijuana use with hair loss specifically, its consumption may exacerbate medical conditions related to hair loss such as these.
If you are experiencing sudden hair loss, it is essential that you identify its source quickly and begin treating it accordingly. For example, trichotillomania should be addressed by seeking professional assistance as quickly as possible. You can also incorporate healthy eating practices to prevent alopecia while supporting healthy hair – fruits and vegetables offer ample micronutrients to do just this.
3. Hormones
Although not conclusive scientific evidence supports a connection between cannabis and hair loss, THC may disrupt normal hormone levels in the body. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), one component of cannabis that produces THC, causes testosterone levels to spike; depending on dosage and method of consumption this could have a dramatic impact on hair follicle function and cause Telogen Effluvium– an acute form of hair loss.
Hormonal imbalances are one of the primary causes of hair loss among both men and women. They can result from many sources including disease, medication, stress or nutritional deficiencies.
By stopping or significantly decreasing your marijuana use, it may help improve the health of your hair. This means ditching smoking in favor of edibles, vape pens or other means that won’t expose you to THC directly – this will ensure your hormones remain balanced and ensure that hair follicles work optimally.
4. Diet
Marijuana is a psychoactive substance containing delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It can be consumed either as an inhaled smoke from a cigarette, pipe or bong, mixed into food (edibles) or brewed into tea for use. Marijuana can cause various side effects when taken, including relaxation, disinhibition, increased appetite, sedation, impaired judgment and loss of coordination; diminished memory function as well as hallucinations.
Chronic marijuana use may negatively influence both blood pressure and heart rate, increasing your risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke as well as making it harder to get all of the essential vitamins from food sources – potentially leading to unhealthy eating habits and an unhealthy body.
Regular marijuana use can significantly interfere with sleep cycles, leading to fatigue and poor health in the long term. Regular marijuana usage has even been linked to hair loss and other issues – leading to permanent damage that will require lifelong treatments to repair itself. Leading a healthy lifestyle while restricting marijuana intake can help protect you against such effects.