Cannabis use may disrupt male fertility by interfering with the endocannabinoid system in the reproductive tract
The endocannabinoid system plays a critical role in male reproduction, and cannabis use may negatively affect sperm production, motility, and the hormonal axis controlling fertility.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
This review compiled evidence on how cannabis affects male reproductive function through the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is deeply involved in regulating the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis, sperm production, and sperm function.
Cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) are present throughout the male reproductive tract, including in the testes, epididymis, prostate, and on sperm cells themselves. Cannabis-derived cannabinoids can disrupt these systems by mimicking endocannabinoids.
Studies reviewed showed that cannabis use was associated with reduced testosterone levels, impaired spermatogenesis, decreased sperm motility, premature acrosome reaction (which prevents fertilization), and disrupted capacitation (the process sperm undergo to become fertilization-capable). The review noted that marijuana has the highest consumption rate of illicit drugs in the US, with popularity increasing especially among men of reproductive age.
Key Numbers
Cannabinoid receptors found in testes, epididymis, prostate, and on sperm. Multiple reproductive functions affected: testosterone, spermatogenesis, motility, capacitation, acrosome reaction.
How They Did This
Narrative review of in vivo and in vitro studies examining the effects of marijuana and cannabinoids on male reproductive hormones, spermatogenesis, and sperm function, with detailed coverage of the endocannabinoid system in male reproduction.
Why This Research Matters
Male factor infertility is increasing, and cannabis use is rising among reproductive-age men. If cannabis contributes to fertility problems through documented endocannabinoid disruption, this is relevant information for couples trying to conceive.
The Bigger Picture
As cannabis use becomes more normalized, understanding its effects on fertility becomes more urgent. The endocannabinoid system's deep involvement in reproduction suggests that cannabis effects on fertility are biological, not coincidental.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Much evidence comes from animal studies or in vitro experiments. Human studies have been small and often poorly controlled for confounders. The review is narrative rather than systematic. Dose-response relationships are not well established.
Questions This Raises
- ?At what frequency or dose does cannabis use meaningfully affect fertility?
- ?Are the effects reversible with cessation?
- ?Does CBD have the same effects as THC on male reproductive function?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Cannabinoid receptors found throughout the male reproductive tract
- Evidence Grade:
- Narrative review synthesizing preclinical and limited clinical evidence on cannabis and male reproductive function.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2015. Cannabis use among reproductive-age men has continued to increase.
- Original Title:
- Marijuana, phytocannabinoids, the endocannabinoid system, and male fertility.
- Published In:
- Journal of assisted reproduction and genetics, 32(11), 1575-88 (2015)
- Authors:
- du Plessis, Stefan S, Agarwal, Ashok, Syriac, Arun
- Database ID:
- RTHC-00948
Evidence Hierarchy
Summarizes existing research on a topic.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Can cannabis affect male fertility?
Research reviewed here suggests yes. Cannabis can reduce testosterone, impair sperm production and motility, and disrupt the processes sperm need to fertilize an egg. The endocannabinoid system is present throughout the male reproductive tract.
Are the fertility effects of cannabis reversible?
The review did not definitively answer this question. Some animal studies suggest hormonal effects may reverse with cessation, but comprehensive human data on recovery of fertility after stopping cannabis is limited.
Read More on RethinkTHC
Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-00948APA
du Plessis, Stefan S; Agarwal, Ashok; Syriac, Arun. (2015). Marijuana, phytocannabinoids, the endocannabinoid system, and male fertility.. Journal of assisted reproduction and genetics, 32(11), 1575-88. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-015-0553-8
MLA
du Plessis, Stefan S, et al. "Marijuana, phytocannabinoids, the endocannabinoid system, and male fertility.." Journal of assisted reproduction and genetics, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-015-0553-8
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Marijuana, phytocannabinoids, the endocannabinoid system, an..." RTHC-00948. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/du-2015-marijuana-phytocannabinoids-the-endocannabinoid
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.