Marijuana reproductive system effects

MARIJUANA EFFECTS ON THE ENDOCRINE AND REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEMS. Monique C. Braude. Ph.D., and Jacqueline P. Ludford, M.S., eds. A RAUS Review Report,... 

Some studies in humans did find reproductive effects from marijuana however, they were found to be temporary. For example, in a study in which men smoked up to 20 marijuana cigarettes a day (considered a very heavy dose), researchers found a decrease in their sperm concentrations. However, by the end of one month, sperm counts had returned to normal despite continued dosing of marijuana. This temporary effect was also shown in animal studies. In a study of female monkeys, high doses of THC resulted in hormonal changes and a disruption of their menstrual cycle. However, after six months of similar THC doses, the monkeys hormonal levels and menstrual cycles returned to normal. Overall, the consensus of most researchers today is that THC has little impact on the reproductive system. 

Studies using animals and humans suggest that cannabis docs disrupt the reproductive system in both males and females. For example, chronic marijuana use has been associated with decreases in the number of sperm and sperm motility among men. The potential effects of these disruptions on fertility arc difficult to specify. Frequent use of cannabis by women may produce nonovulatory menstrual cycles, in which menstruation is not preceded by the release of an ovum. As in the males, the delayed effects of these disruptions on fertility are not known. In their reviews, Ehrenkranz and Hembree (1986) Budney, Moore, and Vandrey (2004) and Zimmer and Morgan (1997) concluded that disruptions in reproductive function arc not obvious, although subtle alterations may be operative. 

Tyrey C (1984) Endocrine aspects of cannabinoid action in female subprimates search for site of action. In Braude MC, Ludford JP (eds) Marijuana effects on the endocrine and reproductive systems. NIDA Research Monograph Ser 44, Rockville, p 65... 

Braude, M. C., and J. P. Ludford (editors). 1984. Marijuana Effects on the Endocrine and Reproductive Systems, pp. 82-96. NIDA, Rockville. 

Data on the longer-term effects of marijuana unfortunately arc sparse and difficult to interpret. The research that has been conducted has focused on four central systems respiratory, cardiovascular, immune, and reproductive. 

For many years scientists have known that in men, marijuana use also causes reduced fertility. A 2000 study conducted by scientists from the University of Buffalo found definite evidence that marijuana use has caused infertility in some men. This research proved that cannabi-noids, both the body s natural cannabinoids and THC from marijuana, can prevent sperm from functioning normally. High concentrations of cannabinoids, for instance, can cause sperm to be less effective at fertilizing eggs. This fact led scientists to conclude that heavy marijuana users may jeopardize their fertility. How often this happens is still unknown, but the lead scientist in the University of Buffalo study stated, The increased load of cannabinoids in people who abuse marijuana could flood the natural cannabinoid-signal systems in reproductive organs and adversely impact fertility. This possibility may explain observations made over the past 30 to 40 years that marijuana smoke drastically reduces sperm production in males. ... 

---