High or Low? How Smoking Weed Affects Testosterone

Whether you are concerned about your overall health as a man, someone who values your intimate relationship with your partner/s, or someone who is looking to nurture children in a happy, healthy family in the immediate future, it is vital to ensure that your reproductive health is in good condition and is ready to support you in your life goals.

Whatever reason you have, it is vital to understand the importance of testosterone as the hormone that maintains this reproductive health; it regulates many male characteristics like libido (sex drive), bone mass, fat distribution, muscle mass, and muscle strength, and the production of red blood cells and sperm cells. And when problems involving male testosterone occur, it may negatively impact one’s sexual health and can get in the way of fulfilling one’s life and health targets. 

This then brings up the question: does smoking weed affect testosterone?

As more states have opened up to the medical and recreational use of cannabis or weed, its impact on male health and fertility has garnered attention in the field of healthcare and medical research. Studies pointing to the negative effects of weed on various fundamental areas of a man’s reproductive health have made it a cause for worry. 

In this article, we're going to discuss the science behind weed’s impacts on men's sexual health and how to go through this concern with proactive steps, effective medical care, and accurate information.

The Relation of Testosterone and the Endocannabinoid System

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS), simply put, is a cell-signaling system that regulates fundamental bodily functions such as sleep, mood, appetite, and memory. The ECS also regulates reproduction and fertility through its complex and interconnected system with testosterone regulation. 

But what is testosterone, and why is it vital? Testosterone is the hormone that is responsible for sperm production and sex drive. Weeds, especially their cannabinoid component, interact with the ECS and disturb its testosterone production and regulation. 

So, Does Smoking Weed Affect Testosterone?

The direct and more scientifically-evidenced answer to "Does smoking weed affect testosterone?" as shown by numerous studies, is yes. The use of weed is associated with lower levels of testosterone among men because of the interactions taking place between the ECS and the cannabinoids that are found in weed have been found to dramatically depress testosterone count, motility ‘(the efficient movement of sperms), and morphology (the size, shape, and form of sperms).

This is not to say, however, that the medical field is 100% in unison with these findings. Some research studies also indicate little to no significant associations between testosterone production and weed consumption. 

Despite these non-uniform findings on how smoking weed affects testosterone, one can rely on the positive health effects of maintaining healthy habits and staying away from substances such as alcohol, drugs, and even cannabis or weed.

Does Weed Affect Sperm Count?

Just like the aforementioned question, the scientific and medical research communities are on both sides of the fence about this one. Various literature points out that excessive usage of weed leads to lower sperm count and motility. 

In addition, a study by Payne et al. (2019) joined the chorus of the existing literature on the inversely proportional relationship between weed use and testosterone count; the study revealed that cannabis use induces alterations in male semen, particularly in sperm count and concentration, morphology abnormalities, motility, viability, and fertilizing capacity. 

How Long After Quitting Weed Does Male Fertility Improve?

The human body is unique for every person, but if your fertility and reproductive health are already a growing concern because of cannabis or weed use, it is important to know that quitting weed use can lead to improvements and recovery. Some studies suggest that an estimate of 4-6 months is said to be a reliable timeline for seeing improvements in male fertility after quitting weed. There is also literature that recommends that men should quit weed for at least two months before trying to conceive. 

Do Non-Smokers Have Higher Testosterone?

As a rule of thumb, men who practice a healthy lifestyle yield better results for a wide range of health diagnostics, including the aspect of testosterone health, which dictates one’s sperm count, motility, and morphology. 

By healthy lifestyle, we broadly refer to health-maintaining and health-enhancing practices such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and staying hydrated. 

However, it is good to remember that the literature on this area is mixed. Some studies have shown that smoking marijuana too much can bring forth a drastic decrease in sperm count. Notwithstanding, of course, the various conditions and genetic makeup of the human body that are unique from person to person must be considered.

Conclusion

As the human body continues to inspire curiosity, our health concerns and worries are best addressed by a team of committed and competent healthcare professionals who, aside from relying on established medical knowledge, can also look at your individual history and unique needs—including on the aspect of reproductive health.

Getting the right findings, availing the correct treatments, receiving support, and accessing information can be a bit challenging for men since the stigma around reproductive health still closely follows numerous societies. This makes it all the more important to understand does smoking weed affect testosterone, as awareness about the links between weed use and men’s reproductive health, along with access to the right healthcare, empowers men to make informed decisions about their wellness.

Take Charge of Your Reproductive Health with Craft Men’s Clinic

Curious about the effects of weed on testosterone? At Craft Men’s Clinic, we specialize in men’s health and provide the latest insights on how lifestyle choices like cannabis use may impact your hormonal balance.

At Craft Men’s Clinic, we tap into our group of medical experts, facilities, and networks to address your concerns promptly and provide you with a tailor-fitted healthcare intervention that suits your needs, lifestyles, and health goals. We take these worries with the utmost professionalism, ensuring that there is no shame and discomfort in the process, and we are dedicated to providing you with information and support right from the click of a button, the comfort of your home, and the convenience of your availability.

Book your consultation today and get the answers you need to optimize your wellness!