THC and CBD both reduced testosterone production in lab-grown adrenal cells, contradicting findings from human cannabis users
Both THC and CBD significantly reduced DHEA, androstenedione, and testosterone production in H295R adrenal cells in a dose-dependent manner, contradicting the researchers' own prior finding that cannabis users had higher testosterone levels.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
THC and CBD both reduced DHEA, androstenedione, and testosterone production in H295R cells dose-dependently. The effect was rapid and primarily affected late steps of steroidogenesis. It was not blocked by rimonabant (CB1 antagonist), indicating a non-CB1 mechanism. CBD additionally appeared to affect the CYP17A1 enzyme step. These in vitro results contradict the researchers' prior finding of higher testosterone in cannabis-using men.
Key Numbers
Both THC and CBD reduced DHEA, androstenedione, and testosterone dose-dependently; inhibition was rapid; not blocked by rimonabant (CB1 antagonist); CBD affected CYP17A1 enzyme; prior human cohort showed higher testosterone in cannabis users
How They Did This
In vitro study using H295R adrenal cells. THC and CBD effects on steroid production measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. CB1 receptor involvement tested with rimonabant. This followed the authors' earlier observation of higher serum testosterone in cannabis users from a cohort of young Swiss men.
Why This Research Matters
The contradiction between lab results (cannabinoids reduce testosterone) and human observations (cannabis users have higher testosterone) highlights that the relationship between cannabis and male hormones is more complex than direct pharmacological effects suggest.
The Bigger Picture
This apparent contradiction between in vitro and in vivo findings is a reminder that cell culture results don't always translate to whole-body effects. The higher testosterone in cannabis users may be driven by indirect mechanisms, not direct cannabinoid action on steroidogenesis.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
In vitro system using adrenal cell line, not testicular cells which produce most testosterone. Concentrations may not reflect physiological exposure. Cannot replicate the complex hormonal feedback systems of the whole body. Single cell line.
Questions This Raises
- ?Why do cannabis users have higher testosterone despite cannabinoids inhibiting steroidogenesis in cells?
- ?Could compensatory hormonal feedback increase testosterone in vivo?
- ?Does route of cannabis administration affect hormonal outcomes?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- THC and CBD reduced testosterone in cells, contradicting higher levels seen in cannabis users
- Evidence Grade:
- Preliminary: in vitro study with a single cell line. While the mechanistic findings are clear, the contradiction with human data limits direct clinical application.
- Study Age:
- 2026 in vitro publication following up on observations from a Swiss male cohort.
- Original Title:
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) inhibit androgen biosynthesis in H295R cells.
- Published In:
- Biochemical and biophysical research communications, 797, 153179 (2026)
- Authors:
- Zufferey, Fanny(2), Hebinger, Doriane, Brossaud, Anne-Claire, Millius, Laura, Rossier, Michel F
- Database ID:
- RTHC-08746
Evidence Hierarchy
Tests effects in animals (usually mice or rats), not humans.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Does cannabis raise or lower testosterone?
It is complicated. In lab-grown adrenal cells, both THC and CBD reduced testosterone production. But the same researchers previously found that cannabis-using men had higher testosterone in their blood. The direct cellular effect and whole-body outcome appear opposite.
Why might the lab and real-world results disagree?
The researchers suggest that indirect mechanisms in the body, such as hormonal feedback loops or effects on other organs, may override the direct inhibitory effect on steroid-producing cells. The body is more complex than a cell culture.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-08746APA
Zufferey, Fanny; Hebinger, Doriane; Brossaud, Anne-Claire; Millius, Laura; Rossier, Michel F. (2026). Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) inhibit androgen biosynthesis in H295R cells.. Biochemical and biophysical research communications, 797, 153179. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrc.2025.153179
MLA
Zufferey, Fanny, et al. "Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) inhibit androgen biosynthesis in H295R cells.." Biochemical and biophysical research communications, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrc.2025.153179
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) inhibit and..." RTHC-08746. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/zufferey-2026-tetrahydrocannabinol-thc-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.