Is it safe to use cannabis while on Accutane?
Last updated on Oct 30, 2025
Created on Aug 12, 2022
Article written by
April AcernoContent Writer
Content reviewed by
Chris Wood PharmDMedical Reviewer
Research is limited on how cannabis interacts with Accutane (isotretinoin), a prescription acne medication. Combining them may increase the risk of certain side effects, including dry eyes, dry mouth, and, in rare cases, anxiety.
Keep reading to learn the potential risks of taking cannabis and Accutane together.
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What is Accutane?
Accutane is the former brand name for isotretinoin, a prescription medication used to treat acne. In 2009, the brand-name version was discontinued.
The medication is still widely available under generic names like isotretinoin and is often still referred to as Accutane.
Accutane comes in capsule form. It’s usually prescribed for severe acne that doesn’t respond to other treatments.
In some cases, Accutane may also be prescribed off-label for other skin issues, such as:
- Rosacea
- Genital warts
- Psoriasis
How does Accutane work?
Accutane is a synthetic form of vitamin A. It targets the main causes of acne in several ways:
- Reduces oil production: Accutane helps shrink your skin’s sebaceous (oil) glands to help prevent clogged pores.
- Decreases bacteria: Accutane reduces the amount of acne-causing bacteria on the skin.
- Promotes skin turnover: Accutane helps shed dead skin cells that can otherwise clog pores.
- Reduces inflammation: Accutane’s anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce acne-related redness and swelling.
Possible side effects
Accutane can be an effective acne treatment. But it comes with a risk of side effects, including:
- Dry mouth, lips, skin, and eyes
- Hypertriglyceridemia, which is elevated triglyceride levels in the blood
- Thinning hair
- Itching
- Joint pain and muscle aches
- Anxiety or depression
- Elevated liver enzymes
People who are pregnant cannot take Accutane, as the medication carries a significant risk of birth defects.
Is it safe to combine Accutane and weed?
No studies have been done yet to explore how cannabis and Accutane interact with each other. Still, combining them may increase your risk of certain side effects, such as:
- Dry mouth
- Dry eyes
- Anxiety, especially with cannabis products high in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
Cannabis can also inhibit liver enzymes that help your body break down and metabolize certain medications, including Accutane. This can affect how Accutane is broken down in your body, potentially increasing the risk of side effects.
Speak with your doctor before using cannabis and Accutane together to establish a safe treatment approach and monitor for side effects.
Can you smoke weed on Accutane?
There’s no evidence that smoking cannabis while taking Accutane carries more risks than using other forms of cannabis. It’s best to use caution and monitor how you feel after smoking.
Can you mix CBD and Accutane?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a nonintoxicating cannabis compound. Some people use it to help ease:
When taken orally, CBD can inhibit the same liver enzymes that help your body metabolize Accutane. This can alter the levels of medication in your body, potentially increasing the risk of side effects.
Some people use CBD-infused skincare products to help with acne. When applied to the skin, CBD is absorbed into the bloodstream at lower levels than when taken orally. This means that CBD oils or creams are less likely to affect how your body processes Accutane.
Regardless of the product form, it’s important to speak with your doctor before combining CBD with Accutane.
How to safely use Accutane and weed
If your doctor decides it’s safe for you to use cannabis while taking Accutane, keep these tips in mind:
- Start low and go slow: Begin with low doses of both cannabis and Accutane. Increase the dose of each gradually, under your doctor’s supervision, until you achieve the desired therapeutic benefits.
- Consider topical cannabis products: If you use cannabis to help manage acne symptoms, a topical cream or oil may be a safer choice, as these products are less likely to interact with Accutane because they’re absorbed through the skin.
- Check your other medications: Let your doctor know if you take other medications or supplements, and ask if they’re safe to combine with cannabis and Accutane.
The takeaway: Combining cannabis and Accutane may increase some side effects
Mixing cannabis and Accutane may increase your risk of certain side effects, including dry mouth, dry eyes, and anxiety. Cannabis could also affect how your body metabolizes Accutane.
Speak with your doctor or a Leafwell provider before combining cannabis and Accutane. A licensed healthcare professional can help you develop a safe dosage plan and monitor for any side effects.
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Frequently asked questions
Get answers to common questions about combining cannabis and Accutane.
