Summary – Cannabis, CBD and the male reproductive system

Surprisingly, very few studies have examined the direct effect of marijuana on male fertility. This can be attributed mainly to legislation and ethical considerations that make the research almost impossible to perform as clinical studies in humans. The current body of knowledge concerning this topic consists primarily of several previous human studies and, more recently, in animals and in vitro. Despite these limitations, it is clear that marijuana and its compounds can affect male fertility on many levels.

Several studies have attributed the deregulation of the HPG axis and a specific reduction in critical hormones such as luteinising hormone [LH] and follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH]} which, in turn, can affect testosterone [T] and produce seed. Other studies show the opposite effect – increased LH levels from smoking cannabis. (6)

It seems that marijuana can affect sperm parameters and sperm function by acting through the cannabinoid receptors (CB1R & CB2R) and vanilloid receptors [TRPV1-3 – transient receptor potential cation channel]

Furthermore, sexual health has also been linked to marijuana because it affects erectile function in men positively. Social studies have found that cannabis is an effective aphrodisiac (stimulates sexual desire), which suggests that there is an additional connection between cannabis and the “bedroom” (in vivo) than can be studied in the laboratory (in vitro).

With the change in legislation and the decriminalisation of marijuana use and because some studies report conflicting findings, it is of utmost importance to conduct additional clinical studies to examine the effects of marijuana use in more detail. Although human studies are currently few and limited by their observational nature, the existing assumption supports the claim that marijuana use may harm male reproductive potential.

It would also be interesting to investigate the effects of marijuana use on tobacco smokers, as a recent study revealed that cigarette smokers also tend to use cannabis. In contrast, male cigarette smokers in fertile couples showed lower ejaculate volumes despite higher serum T levels (6). An increase in the pH and ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) concentration of seminal fluid in men was found due to environmental exposure to toxins and poor nutrition.

These findings underscore that physicians include questions about marijuana use when evaluating male fertility—professionals in the field. Healthcare professionals should also consider the relationship and potential impact of marijuana on male fertility when prescribing medical marijuana.

Currently, research on cannabis and reproduction remains preliminary, with conflicting results and no clear conclusions.

There is no doubt that the use of marijuana for recreational and medical purposes will increase and become even more common shortly, given the deep involvement of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the regulation of the male reproductive system and the direct effect of exogenous cannabinoids on the balance (homeostasis) of the endocannabinoid system and the reproductive system. The results of smoking marijuana on the reproductive system of both sexes should be continued.

1. MARIJUANA CONSUMPTION HAS A DIRECT DELETERIOUS EFFECT ON SPERMATOZOA BY INCREASING INTRACELLULAR REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES LEVELS 20 TIMES MORE THAN TOBACCO SMOKING: REASONS FOR CONCERN ON WIDESPREAD USE
2. Marijuana consumption affects male reproductive health. 
3. Marijuana smoking and markers of testicular function among men from a fertility centre
4. Mechanism for inhibitory effect of cannabidiol on microsomal testosterone oxidation in male rat liver.
5. Neural basis of anxiolytic effects of cannabidiol (CBD) in generalized social anxiety disorder: a preliminary report
6. Marijuana, phytocannabinoids, the endocannabinoid system, and male fertility

Two studies in which no change was seen in the plasma testosterone level:
Plasma Testosterone Levels before, during and after Chronic Marihuana Smoking
Effects of chronic marijuana use on testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, prolactin and cortisol in men and women

Many people turn to CBD products for their post-workout recovery needs.

CBD is praised for its natural anti-inflammatory effects. The reason for this is that hemp oil is full of essential fatty acids (omega 3, 6), which offer a variety of post-workout benefits, such as anti-inflammation, joint pain relief and keeping the arteries clean. This means faster recovery from training, limiting the amount of stress exerted on the body and thus improving testosterone production.

Analgesic and Antiinflammatory Activity of Constituents of Cannabis Sativa L

As an added benefit, the essential fatty acids found in cannabis extracts, such as CBD oil, have also been shown to help increase testosterone production. A year-long study in Spain in 2010 examined testosterone levels due to consuming certain fats. The study found a positive relationship between ingesting unsaturated fats such as omega three and omega six and luteinising hormone (LH) concentrations. Ultimately, the study found that subjects increasing their fatty acid intake saw an increase and improvement in testicular function, which likely helped improve their testosterone production levels.

Fatty acid intake in relation to reproductive hormones and testicular volume among young healthy men