Exploring How Chronic Cannabis Use Impacts The Ability to Conceive
by Chane Leigh
Just about everybody knows that THC can be detected in blood, saliva, and urine. But here is a strange cannabis fact that might just blow your mind. THC can also be detected in semen. A group of Harvard researchers conducted a study on this very topic. After many days of studying and testing, Harvard researchers concluded that THC was detectable in semen.
Researchers conducted a study on a group of 12 participants. All 12 men were frequent cannabis consumers. Of the 12 participants, two of them showed up with the testable amounts of THC in their semen. One of the two men had 0.87 nanograms per ML, and the other had 0.97 nanograms per ml.
The consumers were not weekend tokers. All the participants had to have consumed cannabis at least 25 days in the last month. Most of them had also been regular consumers for five years or better. This tends to make some people wonder what the results would be like from a consumer that smoked every day several times a day for 40 years. The researchers from Harvard were puzzled that all participants did not have detectable levels of THC in their semen.
They were quoted saying, “it is puzzling that some, but not all, semen samples tested positive for THC. There were no obvious factors that were strongly associated with detectable semen THC. Thus, we can propose few predictors of the presence of THC in human semen. Future directions of research include identifying characteristics that may affect semen detectable THC levels.” The Harvard study goes on to note that when it comes to research about cannabis and the reproductive system, “evidence linking marijuana to reproductive outcomes is scarce and to date, often conflicting.”
The study conducted by Harvard noted that “In the setting of a growing repository of data surrounding the effects of the endocannabinoid system in the regulation and maintenance of fertility and early pregnancy, ours is the first report that exogenous cannabinoid THC can be detected in any human reproductive matrix.” As cannabis legalization happens in more places across the United States and around the world, the research surrounding this misunderstood plant will begin to advance.
This study has definitely opened up a door for many new questions. When it comes to the studies of THC and human sperm, they are very limited. More thorough control testing is needed in order to carry this research further. Current methods of research involved sperm that is washed with THC or incubated with THC in a laboratory environment. Self-reporting is another method. The overall goal of a study such as this one would be to understand the effects that cannabinoids have on the beginning phases of human reproduction. Insight such as this could help us to better understand how prenatal consumption of cannabis affects the unborn child not only in the womb but throughout their lives.
Cannabidiol (CBD) has gained its fame from being a medical wonder, while Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) received its glory from its intoxicating and pain-reducing effects and now… Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is gaining stature as a weight-loss wonder. THCV has appetite-suppressing properties, which goes against the general association between consuming cannabis and getting the “munchies”. The truth is that…
One of the major concerns surrounding cannabis legalization is the impact that cannabis can have on one’s driving abilities. This is also why medical cannabis patients are not permitted to drive after having consumed cannabis. Fortunately, recent research Lambert Initiative has proven that the cannabidiol (CBD) active component of cannabis does not impact one’s ability…
It’s said that “the stars at night are big and bright deep in the heart of Texas“. If you happen to live in Dallas, Texas, you might be able to enjoy those stars a little bit more. Cannabis helps many people slow down, feel better, and enjoy life. Unfortunately, some places still support draconian federal…
New York officially legalized recreational cannabis use, and New Mexico is not far behind. More cannabis scholarships are available this summer so apply soon for a chance to win! And Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has declared that federal cannabis legalization will push forward with or without President Biden. Video Transcript: Following New York, New…
When the COVID-19 first began to travel across the globe, many would not have thought that a year later, there would still be reinforced lockdowns, mandatory masks, and continued social distancing. However, as this continues to be a new reality, many are buckling under the pressure, or separation, or stress, or anxiety over the current…
Cultivating cannabis at home is a very therapeutic and rewarding process. It also requires a lot of work, contrary to popular belief….
What weed will get you the highest and what products have the highest price? This is a very common question with a…
Mental Health Awareness Month has been celebrated in the United States in May since 1949. This is a time to reflect, share…