Vaped THC Promotes Candida Growth, Biofilm Formation, and Virulence Gene Expression
In vitro exposure to vaped THC increased Candida albicans growth, metabolic activity, and biofilm formation in a dose-dependent manner, while upregulating virulence genes involved in adhesion and tissue invasion.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
E-cigarette aerosol with THC increased C. albicans growth and metabolic activity more than aerosol without THC. The 15% THC concentration had greater effects than 10%. Vaped THC promoted biofilm formation and increased expression of virulence genes EAP1, SAP2, SAP4, and SAP9.
Key Numbers
15% THC had greater effect than 10% on biofilm formation. Four virulence genes upregulated: EAP1, SAP2, SAP4, SAP9.
How They Did This
In vitro study exposing Candida albicans (SC5314 strain) to e-cigarette aerosol with or without nicotine and with 10% or 15% THC. Measured growth, metabolic activity, biofilm formation, and virulence gene expression via qPCR.
Why This Research Matters
Cannabis vaping is increasingly popular, and oral candidiasis (thrush) is a known complication of cannabis use. This study provides a mechanism: vaped THC directly enhances the pathogenic potential of Candida, not just by suppressing immunity but by promoting the fungus itself.
The Bigger Picture
As cannabis vaping grows, understanding oral health risks becomes important. This study adds to evidence that THC may increase susceptibility to oral infections through direct effects on pathogens, independent of any immunosuppressive effects.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
In vitro model may not replicate oral cavity conditions. Single Candida strain tested. THC concentrations in vapor may differ from real-world use. No comparison with smoked cannabis.
Questions This Raises
- ?Do cannabis vapers have higher rates of oral candidiasis?
- ?Does CBD vaping have similar effects on Candida?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Four Candida virulence genes upregulated by vaped THC
- Evidence Grade:
- Controlled in vitro study with dose-response data, but lacks in vivo validation and clinical correlation.
- Study Age:
- 2025 study examining vaped THC effects on oral Candida pathogenicity.
- Original Title:
- In Vitro Exposure to Vaped Tetrahydrocannabinol Increases Candida albicans (SC5314) Growth, Metabolic Activity, Biofilm Formation, and the Expression of Virulence Genes.
- Published In:
- Microorganisms, 13(10) (2025)
- Authors:
- Laaboudi, Fatima-Zahrae, Amri, Omayma, Rouabhia, Mahmoud
- Database ID:
- RTHC-06885
Evidence Hierarchy
Watches what happens naturally without intervening.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Can vaping THC cause oral thrush?
This lab study shows vaped THC directly promotes Candida growth and virulence, suggesting a biological mechanism for increased oral candidiasis risk in cannabis vapers.
Is vaping THC worse for oral health than other methods?
This study only tested vaped THC, so direct comparisons cannot be made. However, the direct contact of THC vapor with oral surfaces may create favorable conditions for Candida.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-06885APA
Laaboudi, Fatima-Zahrae; Amri, Omayma; Rouabhia, Mahmoud. (2025). In Vitro Exposure to Vaped Tetrahydrocannabinol Increases Candida albicans (SC5314) Growth, Metabolic Activity, Biofilm Formation, and the Expression of Virulence Genes.. Microorganisms, 13(10). https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13102278
MLA
Laaboudi, Fatima-Zahrae, et al. "In Vitro Exposure to Vaped Tetrahydrocannabinol Increases Candida albicans (SC5314) Growth, Metabolic Activity, Biofilm Formation, and the Expression of Virulence Genes.." Microorganisms, 2025. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13102278
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "In Vitro Exposure to Vaped Tetrahydrocannabinol Increases Ca..." RTHC-06885. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/laaboudi-2025-in-vitro-exposure-to
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.