There’s a nationwide boom in weed use for medical and recreational purposes. The rising popularity raises questions about the plant’s effects on the body and mind. Today, we zero in on cannabis for men—particularly their reproductive health.
Is growing pure and high-quality buds from marijuana seeds (check this site) at home enough to keep yourself safe while toking?
Read on to discover everything we know so far about the impact of pot on your sexual wellness and capacities.
Marijuana & Your Body
Does smoking weed affect your sperm count or capability to maintain an erection? To understand the answers, we need an idea of why it influences your system in the first place.
The body contains an endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates appetite, digestion, mood, pain perception, memory, and reproductive functions. It maintains a balance of our internal processes.
Cannabis chemicals directly interact with the ECS, leading to the slew of its physical and psychological effects. Most of this influence is beneficial—and very enjoyable—but scientists have yet to describe it fully.
One area where research is yet unclear is the long-term impact of weed use. Here’s what we know about it in the field of sexual health.
Marijuana & Sexual Performance
Some worry about weed and infertility; others enjoy a blunt before hitting the sheets with a partner. There’s a diversity of available data, and much of it contradicts each other.
Many users feel more interested in lovemaking after toking and enjoy sex more while high. Besides anecdotes, there’s scientific proof of this positive relationship.
A 2017 study indicated that weed correlates with a boost in sexual desire for women and men. It also noted that cannabis intoxication didn’t impair sexual function in either gender.
Looking at sexual performance, the impact could go either way. Many men with anxiety find it easier to control ejaculation while high. On the other hand, some struggle with:
- Difficulty achieving an orgasm—a 2010 study found that marijuana could make it harder to climax.
- Premature ejaculation—THC increases dopamine levels, which can result in an early orgasm.
- Erectile dysfunction—THC might disrupt blood flow to the penis tissue, making it challenging to get and maintain an erection.
These troubles are few and far between. They usually follow high doses of THC-rich strains, mostly in chronic users. However, the final point got plenty of publicity, so let’s debunk it separately.
Marijuana & Erectile Dysfunction
Some men have temporary difficulties with their erections after consuming cannabis. The experience is similar to ‘whiskey dick’ when you’re drunk.
At first, researchers thought something specific to marijuana caused this issue. A 2011 study suggested that marijuana stimulates penis receptors that contribute to erectile dysfunction. The symptom would clear as the person sobered up.
A 2018 meta-analysis didn’t find enough evidence to confirm that link. It now seems that secondary issues, like the rise of blood pressure, are responsible for some guys’ struggles. It’s also harder to get it up while the room is spinning, so THC is mostly to blame.
Note: Cannabinoids may interact with ED drugs. Never take prescription medication while high.
This effect causes people to associate marijuana with infertility, but the two don’t have an explicit connection. In most cases, pot won’t harm your capability to sleep with somebody.
Marijuana & Sperm
How does marijuana affect your sperm? The consensus is that your swimmers aren’t as healthy when you have cannabinoids in your blood. Old-school doctors often say couples should go sober if trying to get pregnant, but no current research supports the idea.
Older studies and a recent review suggest heavy consumption leads to lower sperm counts, decreased mobility, and increased malformation. According to this evidence, it should be more difficult for tokers’ swimmers to reach and impregnate the egg, but population data disagrees.
Men don’t report more issues with starting families in states where marijuana is legal. Most people hoping to have children have no trouble doing it, with or without weed.
Marijuana & Fertility
Can weed make a man infertile? The response is overwhelmingly negative. Your sperm load may drop, but not significantly. You still have millions of active reproductive cells—you must use a condom to avoid unwanted pregnancy.
While the blow on sperm counts makes no difference for irregular smokers, it gets stronger with chronic use. Even then, most men are still completely fertile, but those with virility issues should be careful. Quitting for a bit can maximize swimmer health and function, especially when combined with other practices for improving sperm count.
Still An Open Question
Cannabis for men remains a fuzzy topic in the scientific community. After all, the plant only recently became legal in much of the US. Researchers don’t have a sufficient sample size to determine any long-term impact it may have on your body.
Right now, studies indicate that weed can assist with sexual enjoyment. Some data points to issues with performance post-consumption, but there’s too little proof to worry about that. The risk for sperm and fertility is minimal.
If you enjoy toking, buy seeds and grow buds for your smoking adventures at home. Sticking to pure products and practicing moderation are the best ways to stay safe.
