With society obsessed with the fountain of youth, there is a ton of information on the internet about what makes you age faster. For example, the sun is notorious for causing premature aging. In addition to that, other factors such as consuming alcohol, poor sleep, and an unhealthy diet may contribute to premature aging. Another factor is smoking. Smoking is known as a major factor for aging faster but does that apply to weed? Does weed make you age faster? Here’s what we know.
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Do Stoners Age Faster?
They might!
According to a 2022 study, marijuana users show signs of accelerated aging. The study, which followed the participants from age 13 to age 30, found that marijuana use predicted epigenetic changes linked to accelerated aging. According to the study, the evidence suggests that weed ages you because of hydrocarbon inhalation.
However, more research is needed to understand how all of that works fully. Finally, the study posits that a dose-response effect was observed, and the evidence of the effects depended on the recency of use.
Another study shows that weed may age you faster. The participants included 11 cannabis-only smokers, 504 tobacco-only smokers, 114 tobacco and cannabis smokers, and 534 non-smokers. The study concluded, “Cannabis use is associated with an acceleration of the cardiovascular age, which is a powerful surrogate for the organismal–biological age.”
Associate Professor Stuart Reece, from UWA’s School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, quoted in The University of Western Australia’s article with some interesting insights. He said that stoners age exponentially over time.
The article says that cannabis ages you by 11%, so if you’re 30, you have a biological age of 33.
Why? Well, the study says weed ages you because it hardens your arteries with long-term use.
Marijuana Smoke Vs. Cigarette Smoke
There could also be clues about cigarette smoking that explains why weed may age you. For example, Mayo Clinic says that repetitive squinting and lip pursing can contribute to lines around the mouth and eyes, which is associated with aging. In addition to that. Mayo Clinic says heat and smoke can dry and damage the skin, making you look older. Even though Mayo Clinic was referring to cigarette smoking here, it’s clear to see that this can apply to weed.
In addition to that First Derm believes that marijuana smoke can break down collagen just like cigarette smoke can. You’ll notice wrinkles and fine lines when collagen breaks down, as it naturally does over time.
First Derm also says that marijuana smoke restricts your blood vessels at first, depriving your skin of oxygen which results in accelerated skin aging.
So the bottom line is, whether it’s weed smoke or cigarette smoke, it can cause you to age faster.
Do Edibles Make You Age Faster?
We are not sure. There hasn’t really been any research done on edibles and aging. However, we assume edibles would be less harsh than smoking when it comes to aging due to the lack of smoke. Smoking seems to be a major component of aging faster. However, we want to find out if THC, which would be found in edibles, affects aging at all.
If you’re wondering about other nonsmoking methods, such as dabs, they should age you less than firing up a blunt.
Does Weed Slow Aging?
Is there evidence that shows that weed slows down aging instead? Not quite. However, there is some evidence that weed can reverse aging processes in the brain.
A 2017 animal study shows that weed can reverse the aging processes associated with memory. The study found, “Old animals were able to regress to the state of two-month-old mice with a prolonged low-dose treatment with a cannabis active ingredient.” This can open up the door for studies showing the relationship between weed and treating dementia.
Anti Aging Tips
Before we get into the tips, we want to point out that nothing is wrong with aging. Aging is natural, and you don’t have to try to look younger. However, we know that visibly looking older can affect people’s self-confidence and mood. So, here are some tips that will not only help you not only look younger but be healthier:
- Wear sunscreen- As we mentioned before, the sun can do a number on your skin. Looking older is just the tip of the iceberg. Not wearing sunscreen means the sun’s ultraviolet(UV) light can cause skin damage that leads to skin cancer. Cleveland Clinic goes a bit further to tell you to avoid sun exposure. Of course, that may not be feasible for people who live in sunnier places. However, in addition to sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses may help protect you from the sun.
- Eat healthier foods- Eating fruits and vegetables regularly has tons of benefits. One of those benefits is slowing down the signs of aging on your skin. Cleveland Clinic mentions limiting sugar and refined carbs.
- Cut down on smoking- Most sources would tell you to eliminate smoking altogether but limiting smoking is the next best thing. You can explore other ways of using weed to get the same effects but fewer wrinkles if you want.
- Get a good night’s sleep- This may seem counterproductive if you smoke weed to sleep. However, getting enough sleep has many significant benefits, such as having a stronger immune system. If you’re super worried about wrinkles, you can explore other options for falling asleep or other non-weed smoking options, such as gummies.
- Develop a skincare routine- Cleveland Clinic recommends daily cleansing and moisturizing.
Takeaway
Does weed make you age faster? There is evidence showing that it does. However, aging is a natural process, and looking older is not the end of the world. However, there are many things you can do to slow down the signs of aging if you’re concerned about looking older than you are. Many of those activities provide additional benefits besides looking like you found the fountain of youth.
