Does Weed Stunt Your Growth?

Experts have been saying that smoking weed at a young age can cause a myriad of problems. Not only does it increase incidents of cannabis dependency, but it may also affect brain development. However, does smoking weed at a young age stunt your growth? There isn’t a lot of information on weed and height. However, there is new research attempting to answer the question: Does weed stunt your growth? Let’s look at what the science says. 

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Does Weed Stunt Your Growth?

According to new research, it might.

But first, let’s look at what determines your height. According to Medical News Today, genetics are mostly responsible for your height. Other factors they’ve outlined include nutrition, hormones, activity levels, and medical conditions.

However, according to a study from Pakistan, using weed at a young age may actually hinder your growth due to hormones. The study examined around 400 boys, both nonusers and those that are classified as addicts. The study found that while there were higher levels of testosterone and luteinising hormone (LH) in smokers, there were lower levels of growth hormones in the same set. 

Boys who didn’t smoke not only weighed more but were 4.6 inches taller by the age of 20 than those that smoked. 

In addition to that, there were higher levels of cortisol in heavy users. The theory is that the cortisol causes early onset of puberty but simultaneously lowers growth hormones. 

Does CBD Stunt Your Growth?

While CBD is generally considered to be safe, there is still more research to be done on its uses and effects. According to Paul Mitrani, MD, a clinical psychiatrist at the Child Mind Institute, “The biggest problem is there’s a lot that we still need to know, especially in kids.”

We do know that CBD has been used in medication for epilepsy but we still need more research on its effects on children. 

When it comes to stunting growth, we don’t have a lot of information on that. According to one study, CBD didn’t decrease growth hormones after use. However, this isn’t a long-term study like the one referenced above.  The one above saw clear differences in height between people who used weed and people who didn’t. Therefore, we’ll have to conclude that we’re not sure whether or not CBD stunts your growth. 

How to Get Taller Overnight 

If you’re convinced weed made you short or stunted your growth, you’re probably wondering how to fix it. Well, what we can tell you is that you can’t get taller overnight. If you’re past puberty, chances are you won’t get taller. 

According to Healthline, “You generally stop growing taller after you go through puberty. This means that as an adult, you are unlikely to increase your height.”

In case you’re like, “Wait a minute, isn’t there surgery to get taller?”

Yes, technically. However, according to Healthline, doctors only recommend it to fix medical problems. For example, if you have uneven legs due to injury, disease, or other reasons, then the doctor may recommend limb-lengthening surgery. 

Therefore if you just want to be taller for the sake of being taller, a doctor likely won’t recommend limb lengthening surgery. 

It’s worth noting that it doesn’t add more than 7cm to your height and this is not an overnight process either. 

How to Stand Taller 

So if you’re an adult who wants to get taller, it’s best you start loving your height or learn to walk in high heels. It may be beneficial to work on your posture. Slouching may cause you to look shorter.

Healthline also noted that yoga may help you maintain your posture. Healthline said, “This whole-body practice can strengthen your muscles, align your body, and help with your posture. This will help you stand taller.”

So while you won’t get taller, these tips will help you stand taller. 

Conclusion

Does weed stunt your growth? Based on the study it seems that it can. The study showed that boys who were addicted to weed were shorter than boys who didn’t use weed. In addition to that, the study also concluded that boys who were heavy users had lower levels of growth hormones. Of course, we’d love to see this study replicated to include girls as well. If you’re an adult who feels that weed stunted your growth, the only advice we can give you is to stand tall and maybe wear platform shoes or high heels.