THC and CBD May Have Opposing Effects on Male Fertility
A review of the literature found growing evidence that THC negatively affects sperm quality, hormones, and epigenetics, while CBD may have protective effects on male reproductive health through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pathways.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
THC has been associated with reduced sperm quality, altered hormone levels, and changes in genetic and epigenetic profiles. CBD, conversely, may exert protective effects on male reproductive health through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, though evidence remains limited.
Key Numbers
No pooled quantitative data; this is a narrative review synthesizing findings across multiple studies on THC and CBD effects on male reproductive parameters.
How They Did This
Narrative review of published literature on the mechanisms by which THC and CBD influence male reproductive health, including effects on sperm parameters, hormone levels, and genetic/epigenetic markers.
Why This Research Matters
Cannabis use is common among men of reproductive age, yet most research has focused on THC's harms without considering whether CBD might offset some of these effects. As CBD-dominant products become more popular, understanding these potentially opposing effects is important for reproductive counseling.
The Bigger Picture
The distinction between THC and CBD effects on fertility mirrors their divergent profiles across other health domains. If confirmed, this opposition could have implications for product recommendations: whole-plant cannabis with both THC and CBD might affect fertility differently than THC-only or CBD-only products.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Narrative review without systematic search or meta-analysis. Most underlying studies were animal or in vitro, with limited human data. CBD research on male fertility is still in early stages. Cannot account for the effects of whole-plant cannabis with both compounds present.
Questions This Raises
- ?Whether CBD can actually reverse THC-induced reproductive harm when both are consumed together
- ?What threshold of THC exposure poses meaningful fertility risk in humans
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Evidence Grade:
- Narrative review drawing on mostly animal and in vitro studies. The THC harm signal is more established; CBD's protective role is still emerging and speculative.
- Study Age:
- Published 2025, reviewing literature through 2024.
- Original Title:
- Do Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol have opposed effects on male fertility?
- Published In:
- Toxicology letters, 403, 94-104 (2025)
- Authors:
- Scandlan, Olivia L M, Favetta, Laura A(2)
- Database ID:
- RTHC-07584
Evidence Hierarchy
Summarizes existing research on a topic.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Should men trying to conceive avoid cannabis?
The evidence on THC and sperm quality is concerning, though not definitive in humans. The review suggests THC may impair multiple aspects of male fertility, while CBD's role is still unclear. Men concerned about fertility should be aware of these findings.
Does CBD actually protect sperm?
Some laboratory and animal studies suggest CBD has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that could benefit reproductive cells. However, direct evidence of CBD protecting human sperm or improving male fertility outcomes is still lacking.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-07584APA
Scandlan, Olivia L M; Favetta, Laura A. (2025). Do Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol have opposed effects on male fertility?. Toxicology letters, 403, 94-104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxlet.2024.12.003
MLA
Scandlan, Olivia L M, et al. "Do Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol have opposed effects on male fertility?." Toxicology letters, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxlet.2024.12.003
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Do Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol have opposed..." RTHC-07584. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/scandlan-2025-do-delta9tetrahydrocannabinol-and-cannabidiol
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.