A cannabinoid-free hemp variety from Benin actually improved sperm quality in rats

Benin Republic hemp extract, which contains no THC or cannabichromene and only trace cannabinol, increased sperm count, morphology, and viability in rats. The mechanism appeared to involve reduced prolactin levels and enhanced antioxidant status rather than cannabinoid receptor activity.

Randomized controlled animal study with 36 male Wistar rats in 6 groups receiving different doses of Benin hemp extract with or without bromocriptine (a prolactin inhibitor). Measured semen parameters, reproductive hormones, and antioxidant markers.

Cannabis is generally associated with reduced male fertility, but this study suggests the gonadotoxic effects may be driven by specific cannabinoids like THC rather than the plant itself. Hemp varieties lacking these compounds had the opposite effect on sperm.

This finding complicates the simple narrative that "cannabis hurts fertility." The composition of the specific plant variety matters enormously. Cannabinoid-deficient hemp had pro-fertility effects, suggesting the harm comes from specific psychoactive compounds, not the plant genus.

Rat reproductive physiology differs from humans. The study used a single hemp variety, so results may not generalize to other cannabinoid-deficient products. Sperm motility was not improved despite other parameter gains.