By Miguel Ordoñez Reviewed by: Carles Doménech


Just like any cannabis advocate pushing for its benefits, critics tend to be more vocal about its detrimental effects. One of the arguments made against marijuana is its purported influence on fertility.

Try doing a Google search on “marijuana and fertility”. The first page alone will render a list of articles, both informal and scholarly, about a supposed connection. If you read through these articles, you’ll mostly find messages highlighting the multiple cannabis adverse reactions[1].

But what is the real deal here? Does marijuana cause infertility? Can smoking weed affect sperm count and quality? Should this be cause for legitimate concern?

These are all valid questions that definitely need answers. With the help of recent studies, we’ll shed some light on this often debated topic.

Fertility is not necessarily a straightforward concept to consider. Many factors influence male and female fertility, and the reproductive system itself is complex. To put it simply, male fertility hinges on the ability to produce viable sperm, while female fertility is largely about successful ovulation.

Numerous biological processes influence the reproductive system and fertility, and the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is expressed within the reproductive organs. So it is easy to expect that some cannabis-derived molecules—any and in particular the cannabinoids, interact with the ECS and sexual organs to some degree.

Anyone who’s performed even basic research on cannabis is likely familiar with the endocannabinoid system. Experts define it as a “complex cell-signalling system” that runs throughout multiple organs. Ultimately, the ECS helps to maintain homeostasis (dynamic equilibrium in the body) and regulate a whole host of processes, potentially even those of the reproductive system.

To start, the ECS is suggested to potentially play a major part in maintenance, implantation and even pregnancy in some vertebrates. Evidence [2] of the ECS has been found in some tissues from female reproductive organs, although it's yet unclear to what degree, and the implications of this.

In males, however, the relationship is a bit more evident. In a 2019 study[3], experts discovered the presence of a fully expressed endocannabinoid system in the human testes—including endocannabinoids, CB1 and CB2 receptors, and enzymes—hinting that the system may play a significant role in male fertility.

With this connection, experts have begun to delve into the effects of cannabis on reproductive system function. And in the following sections, you will see how cannabis use could plausibly affect both male and female fertility.

The Link Between Cannabis and Fertility

How Could Cannabis Affect Fertility?

Let’s break things down a little further. We’ve briefly talked about the potential link between cannabis and fertility. Now, let’s take a much deeper dive into how cannabinoids could affect the reproductive system.

We’ll divide this topic to distinguish the possible effects on male and female fertility.

Male Fertility

When it comes to cannabis use and male fertility, the findings haven’t been very encouraging. Current research suggests that marijuana potentially exerts a negative impact.

As such, clinicians and other experts are urged to be aware of such plausible effects when prescribing medical cannabis. Also, one's degree of cannabis use is suggested as a potential component to complete a male infertility examination.

  • Sperm Count

Based on recent studies, experts have associated cannabis use with a reduction in both sperm count and concentration. These findings were observed in both human and other animal subjects.

Take this study[4] from 2011 performed on adult male mice. Each one was fed with bhang, a form of edible cannabis, for 36 straight days. This experiment found that chronic bhang intake showed “regressive changes in the testis”. At the same time, the subjects were found to have “suppressed sperm count, viability, and motility”.

A similar study[5] was performed on 1,215 Danish men aged 18 to 28 between 2008 and 2012. 45% of the participants smoked marijuana within the last three months since the test was conducted.

Here, researchers found a connection between smoking once per week and a potential reduction in sperm count of 29%. They also associated cannabis use with a 28% reduction in sperm concentration.

Male Fertility
  • Sperm Motility

Sperm motility measures the ability of the sperm to move or “swim” properly toward the egg. Sperm cells with a low motility rate are unable to reach the egg, and therefore hinder the possibility of fertilisation.

With this one, the results are also on the negative side. Take this 2006 study[6] on 78 patients who agreed to have their sperm samples incubated with THC. Each sperm sample was divided and separated into fractions; into 90% (best quality sperm) and 45% fractions (low quality sperm), and doses were administered at therapeutic and recreational levels.

For the 90% fractions, progressive motility showed a decrease of 2–21%. For the 45% fractions, the decrease was even greater at 28%. Straight line velocity and the average path velocity also were reduced in both fractions.

  • Libido

Libido, of course, is the measure of one’s sex drive. It is primarily motivated by three main factors: learned or social behaviour, brain function, and hormone levels. Unlike sperm count and motility, findings on the effects of cannabis on male libido lean both ways. One study[7], published in 2017, showed that weekly sexual frequency for male marijuana users was 95% higher than their non-smoking counterparts.

However, this 2009 study[8]also found a link between THC use and a potentially detrimental effect on sexual motivation and erectile function. Hence, these apparently contradictory data show that more studies in this field are required.

  • Hormones

Given the diversity of findings in other facets of male fertility, the results concerning hormones were quite interesting.

Focusing on a 2017 study[9] involving 1,577 participants of varying ages, serum testosterone levels were measured among cannabis users and "never-users". At the time of the experiment, over 26% of participants were using cannabis, and over 66% had used cannabis before.

In most participants, experts found no difference in serum testosterone levels between users and never-users. It was only when the study focused on the 18–29 age group who had used cannabis recently that they found a more significant relationship between serum testosterone level and marijuana use.

Female Fertility

Now, let’s switch over to the women. The only difference here is marijuana’s potential effect on ovulation, but we’ll also be looking at its effect on female hormones and libido.

  • Ovulation

A 2020 study[10] suggests an adverse effect of THC on female eggs.

The experiment involved the treatment of embryos with THC concentrations equivalent to recreational and therapeutic doses.

Findings suggest that higher THC concentrations led to poorer quality eggs, potentially hindering the likelihood of producing viable embryos.

As these embryos have less likelihood of going past the first week of development, this can ultimately result in infertility.

Female Fertility
  • Libido

For marijuana and female libido, most findings point to the positive. First, let’s take a look at this 2020 retrospective survey[11] observed on 373 participants.

Part of the purpose of this study was to evaluate women’s general perception of cannabis use before sex. Most participants reported an increase in sex drive, a decrease in pain, and an improvement in the quality of their orgasms with low cannabis doses. To put it in perspective, those who used marijuana in fewer doses before sex experienced higher odds of “satisfactory” orgasms. Otherwise, higher doses produce just the opposite.

  • Hormones

Findings in regard to female hormones and cannabis use are generally adverse. As this 2016 study[12] points out, there is evidence to suggest that marijuana “can reduce female fertility”.

According to this piece of research, it happens through a potential disruption in the flow of gonadotropin-releasing hormones, which then results in reduced production of both estrogen and progesterone—both of which are key hormones in reproduction

Should You Use Cannabis When Trying To Conceive?

A 2021 NIH study[13] found a link between cannabis use and miscarriages. Data was gathered from 1,200 participants aged 18 to 40 with at least one pregnancy loss.

It was found that those who used cannabis while trying to conceive were “41% less likely” to be successful. At the same time, a smaller percentage of female cannabis users (44%) got pregnant than non-users (66%).

It’s important to note that any existing fertility issues may be exacerbated by cannabis use, especially during conception.

Cannabis and CBD Use During Pregnancy

If we’re talking about using THC during pregnancy, experts generally advise against it. The US Centers for Disease Control[14] (CDC) points to research connecting cannabis use while pregnant to potential problems in newborns. One possible issue is low birth weight. The CDC also invokes research findings on learning problems in children whose mothers used cannabis during pregnancy.

But what about CBD? It is usually framed as the "safe" cannabinoid, but is it OK to use during pregnancy?

Concrete studies have yet to be done on human subjects. However, based on experiments performed on female rodents administered CBD during pregnancy, there's a possibility (ca. 20%) of facial deformities[15] forming in the offspring.

The effect of CBD on pregnant human subjects could be entirely different, but these findings are definitely worth taking note of.

Cannabis and CBD Use During Pregnancy

Marijuana and Fertility — Much More To Learn

These findings are all backed up by extensive research and experiments. But even so, more studies are needed to arrive at a definite conclusion.

Many studies, along with conventional wisdom, would point to the likelihood of THC adversely affecting fertility.  However, recent studies[16] have deemed the findings on cannabis use and its plausible negative effects on male reproductive health, specifically, to be inconclusive. Although they recognize the expression of the ECS in the testes, the researchers admit there’s not enough evidence to suggest cannabis has a harmful effect on male fertility or sexual function.

However, in case of any doubt, your best bet is to consult a professional. But if we’re talking about marijuana use during pregnancy, you’re likely better off erring on the side of caution.

External Resources:
  1. The use of cannabis and perceptions of its effect on fertility among infertility patients https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. The role of the endocannabinoid system in female reproductive tissues | Journal of Ovarian Research | Full Text https://ovarianresearch.biomedcentral.com
  3. Characterisation and localisation of the endocannabinoid system components in the adult human testis | Scientific Reports https://www.nature.com
  4. Effects of chronic bhang (cannabis) administration on the reproductive system of male mice - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. Association Between Use of Marijuana and Male Reproductive Hormones and Semen Quality: A Study Among 1,215 Healthy Young Men - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. Effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana, on human sperm function in vitro - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  7. Association Between Marijuana Use and Sexual Frequency in the United States: A Population-Based Study https://www.jsm.jsexmed.org
  8. Male-female differences in the effects of cannabinoids on sexual behavior and gonadal hormone function - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  9. Marijuana use and serum testosterone concentrations among U.S. males https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  10. Marijuana may impair female fertility https://www.sciencedaily.com
  11. Effects of Cannabinoids on Female Sexual Function https://www.sciencedirect.com
  12. Focus: Sex and Gender Health: Marijuana, the Endocannabinoid System and the Female Reproductive System https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  13. NIH study suggests using cannabis while trying to conceive may reduce pregnancy chances | National Institutes of Health (NIH) https://www.nih.gov
  14. What You Need to Know About Marijuana Use and Pregnancy | Fact Sheets | CDC https://www.cdc.gov
  15. Cannabinoids Exacerbate Alcohol Teratogenesis by a CB1-Hedgehog Interaction | Scientific Reports https://www.nature.com
  16. Cannabinoid signalling and effects of cannabis on the male reproductive system | Nature Reviews Urology https://www.nature.com
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: