Does Smoking Pot Cause 'Man Boobs'? Gynecomastia may be Caused by Drug

There's no doubt that chronic stoners are lazy and paranoid, and let's face it-probably a bit on the tubby side too (unless they have some sort of magic metabolism.) However, a recent study suggests that ganja lovers are at a higher risk for a condition called gynecomastia. Translation: man boobs.

As it stands, approximately 41 percent of men between the ages of 25 and 45 suffer from the condition, which is even more prominent during puberty, with 61 percent of boys at 14 also suffering from the problem.

Gynecomastia is due to a hormonal imbalance when the ratio between testosterone and estrogen tips in favor of estrogen. As this happens, the body begins to create excessive breast tissue that forms man boobs. As previous studies have shown that active ingredients of marijuana decrease the production of testosterone in the body, the study shows that active toking may increase the risk of moobs (a.k.a., man boobs.)

The first study connecting marijuana use and gynecomastia was conducted in 1972. However, study results were abandoned after contradictions revealed no connection between the two in 1977. Following this, many studies have confirmed that testosterone levels where chronic marijuana users compared to nonusers could prove that weed was responsible for the condition.

And with the legalization of marijuana use in many U.S. states (medical and recreational), researchers will be able to get a better grasp on the link between marijuana and gynecomastia.

"If a true link between smoking pot and gynecomastia does exist," Youn writes, via CNN, "then we should expect to see a spike in gynecomastia treatments in those states which have legalized marijuana."

As it stands now, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) reports that more than 23,000 people have undergone surgery to correct the condition.

And among weeds other charming effects, reduction in testicular size and sperm abnormalities have also been linked to the drug. 

Makes you want a joint real bad, doesn't it?