Study in primates suggests chronic cannabis use may affect male reproductive health
Since the study was not conducted in humans, researchers report that more studies are needed to prove the direct relationship between chronic THC use and the male reproductive system.
Published on 03/09/2022
By Jacqueline Passos
Clinical scientists from the Oregon National Primate Research Center at Oregon Health & Science University concluded, in a study, that chronic exposure to THC - the psychoactive compound in cannabis - can lead to "significant dose-response testicular atrophy," among other effects. In other words, chronic cannabis use can impact the male reproductive system and may result in primary testicular insufficiency, where the testicles can no longer produce sperm.
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It is worth noting that the study was not conducted on humans, but on healthy male primates, specifically rhesus monkeys. Edibles were administered over a period of seven months, with the animals' exposure to THC increasing every 70 days until reaching the equivalent of a heavy dose of medical cannabis in humans. After monitoring, it was found that THC exposure had an impact on the reproductive health of the animals. Although there were no significant changes in the monkeys' semen parameters, there was a 58% decrease in bilateral testicular volume, meaning the size of the testicles reduced.
The study demonstrated that chronic cannabis use can result in significant issues in male reproductive health, and there is a point of concern here: besides the research not being conducted on humans, the results were inconclusive in affirming that THC directly affects the male reproductive system.
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According to Jamie Lo, one of the study's authors, "Our analysis of the collected samples found that THC use was associated with significant adverse impacts on the animals' reproductive hormones, including reduced testosterone levels and severe testicular shrinkage. Specifically, we observed a more than 50% decrease in testicular size. Unfortunately, these effects appear to worsen as the THC dose was increased, suggesting a possible dose-dependent effect."
Lo also states, "While more research is needed to better understand the potential long-term impacts of THC on humans, these initial findings are concerning from a clinical perspective. As the prevalence of edible marijuana use continues to rise in the US and worldwide - particularly among men of reproductive age - even moderate doses can have a profound impact on fertility outcomes. Although family planning may not be a priority for those in late adolescence and early 20s, the long-term effects of THC on male reproductive health are not well defined; it is possible that THC could cause lasting impacts that may alter family planning later in life."
Although the study only tested the effects of cannabis on animals, due to the similarities between monkeys and humans, scientists say there is concrete evidence of the potential side effects of chronic cannabis use in men.
