Could Cannabis Cause Hair Loss?

Could Cannabis Cause Hair-Loss?

cannabis and hair loss

It is common knowledge that certain men have the tendency to turn bald. There are even women that also have this problem. What is not such a common fact, and definitely not easy to answer, is if weed could lead to baldness in males and females. Being a male tendency, studies explaining the concept of hair loss is found in scientifically proven concepts like Male Androgenetic Alopecia (MAA). This is the most common form of baldness in men. It is also called Male Pattern Baldness. As many as 30-50% of men before the age of 50 are affected. This is a genetically related condition, but could marijuana play a role in this too?

Many regular consumers might have this question lingering in their minds. Apart from genetically inheriting the baldness gene, could cannabis enhance the process? Looking for answers in scientific journals did not bring a clear-cut answer. Most studies cover finding a way to prove that THC is present in hair follicles for drug testing. Even then, it is difficult to prove if it is because of consuming cannabis, or secondary smoking. One study suggested that hemp oil increase hair growth and quality. So, we have a controversial issue with no easy outcome. Contrary to those losing hair, there are those consumers who do not lose hair at all. In fact, sometimes it is more lustrous.

Some scientific studies do show that cannabis can trigger hair loss in some individuals, no matter the gender. As we know, each individual has a unique print and what works for some, has the opposite effect on others.

Understanding Alopecia?

There can be various reasons for losing hair and the phenomenon is called Alopecia. It is not easy to identify the specific reason for hair loss, as it could be damaged hair follicles and hair shafts, or certain fungal infections. Two different types of Alopecia are identified. The first one is Alopecia Areata where hair loss is caused by a false interpretation of the immune system. The immune system attacks the hair follicles at the point where growth begins. The second condition is called Androgenetic Alopecia. This hair loss condition is inherited. Hair loss due to androgenetic alopecia is permanent. As Alopecia Areata is an auto-immune disease, it can affect males and females. The good news is that damage to the follicle could be reversed.

Research shows that using marijuana for medicinal purposes has a positive effect on the immune system that leads to the restoration of hair growth.

Research also scientifically shows that THC brings change on a hormonal level that inhibits hair growth and slows down cell growth. It also suppresses hair follicle proteins. This could be a reason contributing to hair loss.

How does regular cannabis use link to hair loss?

It is not uncommon for any person, cannabis consumer or not, to follow a bad lifestyle. This could also harm healthy hair follicles. Some people have irregular eating habits and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Weight fluctuation also plays a role. Stress factors might also encourage a person to smoke cannabis to relieve stress. It is known that stress and anxiety can be treated with cannabis. The problem lies if stress-causing issues don´t get resolved. Cannabis then brings change to your body chemistry and could add more physical stress that points to hair loss.

As previously stated, there is no clear-cut resolution and it definitely will not affect every user. After so many attempts to understand the complexity of the human body, and the effect of cannabis on it, there is still loads to learn. There is never just a single issue that leads to hair loss. More scientific studies are needed in this field. Here follow some possible links:

Hormonal Changes

Studies show that marijuana can reduce FSH and LS levels in the body. These are two hormones needed in the production of testosterone. Less testosterone in the body can lead to hair loss

Slower Cell Production

The production of new cells is vital for healthy hair growth. By studying the effect of THC on hair, scientists discovered that the prototypic endocannabinoid, AEA, and the cannabinoid, THC, stop human hair shaft elongation. It also induces apoptosis driven Catagen in vitro. In simple words, THC can influence the proper development and growth of human hair shaft and play its part in hair loss.

Use CBD Oil to treat hair loss.

CBD oil has many benefits and might help to restore hair growth. Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids are very important for general health. Apart from that, it also contains high percentages of linoleic and gamma-linolenic acids. Together with high levels of vitamin E in CBD, the restoration of damaged cells is accomplished.

Final Thoughts

It is a controversial issue that still has to be studied in depth. Pointing the finger to marijuana as a real cause for hair loss is a bias thought. Scientifically it still has to be justified.