Abstract Purpose: With cannabis consumption on the rise and use prominent among males of reproductive age it is essential to understand the potential impact of cannabis on male fertility. We reviewed the literature regarding the effects of cannabis on male fertility. Materials and Methods: We performed a literature search using PubMed®/MEDLINE® to identify relevant studies of the effects of cannabis on male fertility. Relevant studies were identified and reviewed. Results: The strongest evidence of cannabis induced alterations in male fertility is in the category of semen parameters. Research supports a role for cannabis in reducing sperm count and concentration, inducing abnormalities in sperm morphology,...

Abstract The United States is swiftly moving toward increased legalization of medical and recreational cannabis. Currently considered the most commonly used illicit psychoactive drug, recreational cannabis is legal in 11 states and Washington, DC, and male use is an important and understudied concern. Questions remain, however, about the potential long-term consequences of this exposure and how cannabis might impact the epigenetic integrity of sperm in such a way that could influence the health and development of offspring. This review summarizes cannabis use and potency in the USA, provides a brief overview of DNA methylation as an epigenetic mechanism that is vulnerable in sperm to...

Abstract As U.S. states steadily legalize its distribution and the prevalence of its use in people of reproductive age continues to rise, the need to understand the effects of marijuana on human physiology is becoming increasingly urgent. While marijuana is well-known for its psychoactive effects and applications in controlling pain and nausea, little is known about its effects on reproduction. This review includes in vitro studies which consistently demonstrate associations between marijuana consumption and low sperm count, dysregulated menstruation, and abnormal placentation. While many in vivo studies associate maternal marijuana use with stillbirth, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, and offspring psychosis, significant literature negates these relationships by...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the most abundant phytocannabinoids present in the plant Cannabis sativa (marijuana). There have been several studies of CBD in the last few decades, mainly focused on its neuroprotective properties, particularly after the identification of the endocannabinoid system and its participation in the central nervous system. On the other hand, the peripheral effects of CBD, particularly on reproductive physiology, were also evidenced. A narrative review was conducted using the PubMed database to identify studies that analyzed the pharmacological effects of CBD on the male reproductive system of vertebrates and invertebrates. Thirty-two citations (in...

Abstract Background The growing international movement legislating medical marijuana has brought renewed interest to the role of marijuana smoking on fertility potential. Although studies have identified that sperm quality can be compromised by marijuana use, little focus has been placed specifically on those trying to conceive. In this study, we aimed to clarify the impact of marijuana use in semen quality in men being investigated for assisted reproduction. Materials and methods We conducted a cross-sectional study at a university-based facility in Jamaica. Routine semen analyses were performed on 229 men ages 23–72 years who were new clients. Logistic regression analyses were performed in order to...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract The effects of marijuana's major psychoactive cannabinoid, ∆9-tetrahydrocannibinol (∆9-THC), were examined on memory in female rats by training subjects to respond under a repeated acquisition and delayed-performance procedure. During this task, subjects acquired a different 4-response sequence each session, which was then recalled after a delay. Sequence retention was tested following various delays, and quantified by a percent savings measure. Response rate and percent errors were also recorded. Subsequent to training, subjects underwent an ovariectomy (OVX) or sham surgery (intact). The OVX group then underwent implantation of subcutaneous 17β-estradiol capsules while the intact group received chronic administration of 1 mg/kg of the estrogen receptor modifier, tamoxifen....

Abstract Objective: Type-2 diabetes (T2D) is a multifactorial disease that occurs as a result of impaired insulin secretion and increased glucose. Researchers emphasize that oxidative stress prevention and improvement strategies are important in the general treatment of T2D. It is reported that delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a component of the cannabis plant, has positive effects against oxidative stress and inflammation. Therefore, this study explored the inhibitory effects of THC on oxidative damage of testis in type-2 diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Adult Spraque-Dawley rats were separated into 4 groups. In the control group, physiological saline was given intraperitoneally. In the T2D model group (T2DM), streptozotocin (STZ)...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract With the legalization of marijuana (Cannabis sativa) and increasing use during pregnancy, it is important to understand its impact on exposed offspring. Specifically, the effects of Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the major psychoactive component of cannabis, on fetal ovarian development and long-term reproductive health are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of prenatal exposure to Δ9-THC on ovarian health in adult rat offspring. At 6 months of age, Δ9-THC-exposed offspring had accelerated folliculogenesis with apparent follicular development arrest, but no persistent effects on circulating steroid levels. Ovaries from Δ9-THC-exposed offspring...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Marijuana is the most widely consumed recreational drug worldwide, which raises concerns for its potential effects on fertility. Many aspects of human male reproduction can be modulated by cannabis-derived extracts (cannabinoids) and their endogenous counterparts, known as endocannabinoids (eCBs). These latter molecules act as critical signals in a variety of physiological processes through receptors, enzymes and transporters collectively termed the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Increasing evidence suggests a role for eCBs, as well as cannabinoids, in various aspects of male sexual and reproductive health. Although preclinical studies have clearly shown that ECS is involved in negative...

ABSTRACT Cannabis use in the United States is increasing, with highest consumption among men attheir peak reproductive years. We previously demonstrated widespread changes in spermDNA methylation with cannabis exposure in humans and rats, including genes important inneurodevelopment. Here, we use anin vitrohuman spermatogenesis model to recapitulatechronic cannabis use and assess DNA methylation at imprinted and autism spectrum dis-order (ASD) candidate genes in spermatogonial stem cell (SSC)- and spermatid-like cells.Methylation at maternally imprinted genesSGCEandGRB10was significantly altered in SSC-and spermatid-like cells, respectively, whilePEG3was significantly differentially methylatedin spermatid-like cells. Two of ten randomly selected ASD candidate genes,HCN1andNR4A2,had significantly altered methylation with cannabis exposure in SSC-like cells. Theseresults...