Virtual Consultations Available! Start Your Journey Today.
Schedule A ConsultationGynecomastia, the enlargement of male breast tissue, can have a wide range of causes—from hormonal imbalances to lifestyle factors. One question we hear often is whether weed, AKA marijuana, use could be a contributing factor. In this guide, we explore the current medical literature and what we’ve observed in patients here at our Los Angeles and Newport Beach offices.
Gynecomastia is a benign condition where male breast gland tissue enlarges due to an imbalance between testosterone and estrogen. This can lead to soft, puffy nipples or larger breast tissue that may appear feminine. It’s a condition that affects men of all ages and can have a significant impact on confidence and body image.
Cannabis contains active compounds known as cannabinoids, most notably THC. Some studies suggest that THC may disrupt the endocrine system, leading to a reduction in testosterone levels. Lower testosterone combined with stable or increased estrogen levels can potentially tip the balance toward gynecomastia development.
While human studies are limited, early animal research indicated that chronic THC exposure could suppress testosterone production. However, these findings have not been consistently replicated in human clinical trials, leading to ongoing debate within the medical community.
At this point, a direct, clinically proven link between marijuana and gynecomastia remains inconclusive. Some case studies and anecdotal reports suggest a correlation, particularly in adolescents or heavy users, but the data is not robust.
That said, we’ve seen a number of patients at our practice who developed puffy nipples or glandular gynecomastia during periods of regular marijuana use. In these cases, gynecomastia often persisted even after stopping cannabis, requiring surgical treatment to fully resolve the issue.
Marijuana may not be the sole culprit. Often, it interacts with other contributing factors:
When evaluating the cause of gynecomastia, it’s essential to look at the full picture—not just one possible influence.
If you’re noticing puffy nipples or breast enlargement and use marijuana regularly, here’s what we recommend:
In many cases, especially if the tissue has been present for over a year, the condition becomes permanent and does not resolve without surgery.
When gynecomastia persists despite lifestyle changes or hormonal correction, male breast reduction surgery is often the only effective treatment. At our practice, we specialize in gland excision, liposuction, and aesthetic chest reshaping techniques tailored specifically to marijuana-related gynecomastia.
The procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia, and most patients return to normal activity within days. Results are permanent, and satisfaction rates are very high—especially when the underlying gland is fully removed.
If you’re concerned about the appearance of your chest and regularly use cannabis, it’s worth considering a temporary break. While the evidence is still evolving, marijuana’s potential effects on hormones shouldn’t be ignored—especially if you’re predisposed to gynecomastia or already noticing changes.
We encourage anyone with concerns to schedule a consultation. Whether your gynecomastia is from weed or another cause, there are clear, effective solutions available.
Dr. Joseph Cruise is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience. Regarded as one of the top gynecomastia surgeons in the world, Dr. Cruise has gynecomastia-specific content that can be found at lagynecomastia.org. Dr. Cruise has dedicated his career to cosmetic surgery but has also had extensive training in General Surgery, Hand Surgery, and Microvascular Surgery. Dr. Joseph Cruise is also a member of the Rhinoplasty Society as well as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Use our Fast Track program to receive a rapid assessment with a recommended treatment plan and estimated surgical quote.
Get Started