Key vitamins and minerals for cannabis users

While cannabis doesn’t definitively cause vitamin deficiencies, emerging research suggests that heavy, long-term use may contribute to lower levels of key vitamins and minerals.

Whether you’re a medical patient or a recreational user, being aware of cannabis’s potential effects on vitamin levels will help you stay informed and feel your best.

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Can weed cause vitamin deficiency?

Research on cannabis and vitamin deficiencies is still in its early stages, but there is some evidence supporting a relationship between them.

Some studies suggest links between cannabis use and lower levels of:

• Vitamin D
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E

However, these findings only suggest that cannabis use correlates with vitamin deficiencies, not that it causes them.

In one study, researchers found that male cannabis smokers had significantly lower blood levels of vitamins C and E than non-users. They reported that this might be due to the act of smoking, which creates harmful molecules called free radicals that use up or damage helpful substances in the body known as antioxidants.

Another study involving over 600 individuals with substance use disorders discovered that weekly cannabis users had lower baseline levels of vitamin D.

While this study’s authors weren’t able to pinpoint trends over time, they referenced a study from the American Journal of Medicine that found an association between heavy cannabis use and risks related to vitamin D deficiency, including:

• Lower bone mineral density
• Increased risk of fractures

In a rare case report, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) — a condition caused by chronic cannabis use — was linked to a severe thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency. As a result, the patient developed Wernicke’s encephalopathy, a serious brain disorder.

While this is an extremely rare case, it highlights the importance of vitamin deficiencies, which shouldn’t be overlooked.

Given these potential risks, cannabis users may want to pay attention to their micronutrient intake and consider non-inhaled forms of cannabis consumption.

5 vitamins and minerals for cannabis users

Here are five important nutrients that cannabis consumers, especially frequent or long-term users, should prioritize.

Vitamin D

Often called the “sunshine vitamin,” vitamin D helps your body:

• Absorb calcium and phosphorus
• Support immune function
• Maintain strong bones

Vitamin D can also help reduce infections and inflammation, and even help combat a well-known side effect of cannabis: short-term memory dysfunction.

Magnesium

Magnesium is essential for:

• Nerve and muscle function
• Blood sugar regulation
• Energy production

Though it’s a mineral, not a vitamin, magnesium plays a key role in absorbing and activating vitamin D.

One animal study even linked low magnesium levels to increased aggression in the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). While human research is lacking, it’s worth discussing magnesium with your healthcare provider if you’re a heavy cannabis user.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative stress caused by toxins, including smoke.

Though cigarette smoke and cannabis smoke are not equally carcinogenic, inhaling smoke of any kind can produce free radicals that lower your body’s antioxidant defenses.

Consuming foods rich in vitamin C or taking supplements may help neutralize these free radicals and support your immune system.

Vitamin E

As another powerful antioxidant, vitamin E supports immune health and protects lung tissue.

Research suggests that it may play a role in protecting against lung conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Because cannabis smoke can irritate the lungs, vitamin E could help counteract some of that inflammation, though more research is needed.

Thiamine (vitamin B1)

Thiamine is crucial for converting food into energy and maintaining healthy brain and nerve function.

In extreme cases, CHS has been linked to severe thiamine deficiency and neurological complications.

Even if you don’t experience CHS, ensuring sufficient thiamine intake supports overall wellness, especially for long-term cannabis users.

The bottom line

Cannabis itself isn’t definitively linked to vitamin deficiencies, but certain usage patterns, especially smoking, may affect your body’s nutritional balance.

Long-term or frequent cannabis consumers should pay attention to antioxidants and bone-supporting vitamins and minerals, including vitamins D, C, and E, as well as magnesium and thiamine.

A healthy, varied diet remains your best defense against nutrient imbalances. If you’re concerned about your vitamin levels, talk with a healthcare provider who understands cannabis use. They can recommend tests or supplements based on your unique needs.