Unlike Nigerian cannabis (which harms male fertility), a cannabinoid-deficient hemp variety from Benin Republic improved sperm count, morphology, and viability in rats, likely by reducing prolactin and boosting antioxidant activity.
Researchers studying cannabis effects on male fertility, and anyone interested in how hemp composition affects reproductive outcomes.
Improved sperm quality
What the researchers found
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.
Why it matters
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.
The numbers in context
Both doses (2 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg) of Benin hemp increased sperm count, morphology, and viability. The extract contained no cannabichromene or THC. The 10 mg/kg dose increased total antioxidant capacity and catalase activity.
How the study worked
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.
What this study cannot tell us
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.
How to read the evidence
Rated preliminary because this is an animal study with a small sample size testing a single hemp variety.
When this study was published
Published in 2019.
The bigger picture
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.
Questions still open
- Would similar results appear in human studies? Which specific cannabinoids are most responsible for the gonadotoxic effects of conventional cannabis? Could cannabinoid-deficient hemp products be developed for male fertility support?
Common questions
Does cannabis help or hurt male fertility?
How did the hemp improve fertility?
Read the original research
Cannabinoid-deficient Benin republic hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) improves semen parameters by reducing prolactin and enhancing anti-oxidant status.
BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 19(1), 132
Citation
Alagbonsi, Abdullateef Isiaka; Olayaki, Luqman Aribidesi; Abdulrahim, Halimat Amin; Adetona, Thomson Sijuade; Akinyemi, Gbemileke Tobiloba. (2019). Cannabinoid-deficient Benin republic hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) improves semen parameters by reducing prolactin and enhancing anti-oxidant status.. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 19(1), 132. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-019-2541-5
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