Does Cannabis Affect Sperm Quality? New Study Reveals Surprising Results

As cannabis becomes legal in many parts of the US, attention is turning from the ethics of its use to its health effects. Recent research indicates that smoking cannabis does not reduce sperm quality, contradicting findings from some previous studies.

Study Analyzes Semen Samples from 921 Men to Assess Sperm Quality

The study, conducted by researchers from the Boston University School of Public Health, analyzed semen samples from 921 men. The samples were tested for semen volume, total sperm count, sperm concentration, and sperm motility (which impacts fertility).

The researchers found no notable differences in these factors between cannabis users and non-users. Although some variations were observed, they did not reach statistical significance.

The researchers note in their published paper, “Chronic cannabis use in males has been linked to lower testosterone levels and changes in other hormones that affect semen quality.”

“Some studies link chronic cannabis use to poor semen quality, but results vary across hormonal and reproductive factors.“

In this particular sample, no clear pattern emerged. While it doesn’t provide a definitive answer, it offers valuable evidence for scientists studying the potential health effects of cannabis.

Cannabis Use and Its Impact on Sperm Health: Study Finds No Significant Effect

Previous studies have raised concerns about how cannabis use might affect working memory and potentially trigger psychotic episodes, while others suggest it could help protect against cognitive decline. It certainly seems to create lasting effects on our bodies, both positive and negative.

In this study, 22.6% of participants reported being regular cannabis users, with 3.3% using it daily. However, this usage appeared to have no effect on sperm health.

The researchers note, “Additional control for potential confounding factors, such as body mass index, had minimal impact on the study’s findings, and the results were consistent among non-tobacco smokers.”

It’s well-known that the main psychoactive component of cannabis, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol ( THC), affects cells throughout the body, including the brain and other tissues and organs.

Significantly, animal studies have shown that THC can affect the testes. Given this, it’s somewhat unexpected that no clear impact on sperm health was observed in the male sample tested here.

Further research is needed to determine whether cannabis use truly affects sperm quality, especially across larger populations, longer periods, and in different countries. As more data is collected, clearer patterns should emerge.

Read the original article on: Sciencealert

Read more: Largest Study to Date Finds Decreased Brain Function in Younger Cannabis Users