How Marijuana Affects Sperm Health

As the legalization and medical acceptance of marijuana, or cannabis, increases, there is a growing availability of studies focused on its health impacts on the human body.

Many people believe marijuana has calming effects, but it is not known if it affects the sperm of men who use it. Is it possible that marijuana could make sperm less active and effective?

Although research is still emerging, some evidence-based studies suggest that smoking marijuana impacts fertility by affecting reproductive health, including sperm count, concentration, and quality.

As cannabis use becomes more common across generations, it is essential to explore its effects on human reproduction and male infertility.

Marijuana Use and Sperm

The human body has a system called the endocannabinoid system, which marijuana binds to. This system includes nerve receptors in male reproductive organs.

Endocannabinoid receptors in males are located in the testes and play a role in sperm production and hormone regulation. Fat cells that are involved in sperm production can absorb cannabis, which may affect the characteristics of sperm cells.

It typically takes 74 days for sperm to mature fully. Experts suggest that men who are trying to have a baby should not use cannabis for a while. This is to ensure that any sperm that may have been affected by marijuana are no longer present in their system.

Does Marijuana Damage Sperm?

Marijuana does not eliminate sperm production, but it does impact sperm quality and fertility. Smoking or eating cannabis can harm the quality and ability of sperm produced in the body.

Marijuana Health Effects on Sperm

Sperm motility is important for fertility because it helps sperm reach the egg for fertilization. If the sperm fails to reach the ovum, conception cannot happen.

Based on studies, research suggests that regular marijuana users may have more testosterone and sperm, but their sperm may not move as well. The greater the concentration of marijuana in the body, the lower the sperm motility observed.

Semen samples from marijuana users often show that the shape of the sperm is affected, which lowers its quality. This is a common finding among chronic users. The quality of the sperm is decreased due to the impact on its shape.

In cannabis users, the head of the sperm— where the DNA is housed and which is essential for penetrating the egg— is often misshapen. When deformed sperm come into contact with the egg, their chances of successful fertilization decrease.

How Does Marijuana Affect Fertility?

Regular use of marijuana negatively impacts male fertility. Research from Duke University shows that it alters the epigenetics of sperm, meaning it changes how the genes within the sperm interact with the DNA in an egg.

Scientist and lead author Dr. Susan Murphy points out the need for further research but has identified a consistent association between male marijuana users and increased instances of autism and developmental delays in their offspring.

Dr. Murphy found that when someone stops smoking cannabis for 77 days or more, their sperm quality almost goes back to normal. This means there are no long-term fertility effects from using marijuana.

Studies on the Effects of Marijuana Use

There are not many reliable studies on how marijuana affects infertility because the people involved may not be trustworthy.

Marijuana usage spans across all demographics, unlike other drugs that specific ethnic groups or social classes may prefer. Without comprehensive genetic testing and detailed background information, isolating and excluding other contributing factors is challenging.

In the past, weed was illegal in the United States. This prevented scientists from studying it and made people afraid to admit using it. They feared legal consequences.

Participants in studies may have been scared to admit to using marijuana or other substances with cannabis. This fear could have caused them to report inaccurately.

A study conducted by Harvard discovered that individuals who smoke cannabis tend to have higher levels of testosterone. However, researchers do not believe that the drug itself is the direct cause of this increase.

The study’s lead author, Feiby Nassan, suggested an alternative interpretation: “It is equally plausible that our findings indicate that men with higher testosterone levels are more inclined to engage in risk-seeking behaviors, such as smoking marijuana.”

Another researcher from the same Harvard study noted that many cannabis users also consume multiple substances, including alcohol, often simultaneously, making them polydrug users.

A study featured in the American Journal of Epidemiology elaborated on this concept, discovering that men who had smoked marijuana in the past three months also reported higher caffeine consumption, increased stress levels, and greater use of other recreational drugs.

Getting Help to Stop Using Marijuana

Research indicates that the belief that marijuana is a gateway drug is false. However, many people struggling with substance abuse turn to smoking cannabis to alleviate anxiety and withdrawal symptoms from other substances.

If you use marijuana instead of or with other drugs, there is help to quit safely.

White Oak Recovery Center is a private inpatient facility that helps people with substance abuse. WORC provides evidence-based care in a family-like setting with encouragement and support. White Oak Recovery Center offers medical detox, medication-assisted treatment, dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions, and various other therapies to guarantee a solid foundation for sustainable recovery.

WORC provides catered meals, different diet plans, amenities, aftercare treatment, and a staff that treats residents with dignity and respect. Our devoted team helps you learn how to cope with addiction and manage it effectively.

Reclaim your life with White Oak Recovery Center. Reach out to us today to talk to a caring treatment expert.