Cannabis consumption could have many potential side effects, but is infertility one of them? The question of how weed may impact sperm and male fertility is slowly becoming less elusive via various studies and analyses. These efforts have not been conclusive but indicate more is left to learn. In her GreenState column “Ask Dr. Leigh” on the topic of male fertility and cannabis, physician Leigh Vinocur cites a pile of studies. A few contradict each other.
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One Danish study pointed to lower-quality semen in weed-friendly participants. However, a 2019 research paper contradicts the semen quality question. Fertility center data showed that men who had cannabis in their systems had higher sperm counts compared to those who did not. These findings are preliminary and require further study. Thankfully, there is new research available for those interested in the topic.
How cannabis might impact sperm
The recently published study hoped to uncover how tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) impacted human sperm function. In an in vitro investigation, the study exposed how cannabinoids might inhibit male fertility.
Researchers monitored the calcium ion influx of the sperm by analyzing a part of the tail called the CatSper. In sperm, calcium ion influx is vital for sperm to work which plays a crucial role in getting someone pregnant. The cohort included healthy male participants and some who had a homozygous deletion of the CATSPER2 gene.
Study authors noted that THC and CBD suppressed that important calcium ion increase and messed with hormone production. Only sperm of those without homozygous deletion of the CATSPER2 gene had this reaction. That shows the CatSper reaction is the mechanism at play, and the hormones respond.
Findings indicate that THC and CBD may negatively impact sperm efficacy, with THC having a more detrimental impact. Researchers noted this was a dose-dependent response. That means the less you consume, the less likely it is to happen. The authors added that THC impaired sperm hyperactivation and its ability to penetrate. Because of this, they believe THC could be a target of study for non-hormonal contraceptives that target CatSper.
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What these cannabis fertility findings mean for stoners
While interesting, the study is yet another preliminary look at how cannabis may impact sperm and male fertility. However, it is one step closer to the light. Those wondering whether it is worth it to continue with weed should look to Doctor Leigh for the answer:
“Since the jury is still out, as a physician, my recommendation is to err on the side of caution,” Dr. Leigh said in her column. “That means have a frank discussion with your doctor, and if you are a man of reproductive age and you and your partner are trying to have a baby, try to cut back and or stop using cannabis during this time.”
Erring on the side of caution is a solid recommendation for anyone unsure about how cannabis may impact their health. Until more research comes out, nobody knows for sure what is happening with sperm after the body absorbs and digests cannabis. However, if THC becomes a potential birth control option, that will be the 2025 BINGO card pull nobody was expecting.
