As more US states legalize medical and recreational marijuana, mounting concerns over the detrimental health effects of the drug have been juxtaposed with a cautious appreciation for its potential benefits. Marijuana’s illicit history of use presents issues for healthcare professionals, as the potential for misuse and misunderstanding is considerable. Here we explore six ways in which marijuana may impact men’s health.
1. Marijuana and male fertility
Both animal and human studies have found that exposure to marijuana reduces fertility in males. Regular contact with cannabis has been associated with lowered sperm concentration, altered sperm structure, and harmed motility and viability. With this in mind, health professionals should consider the potential impact on male fertility when prescribing medical marijuana.
2. Marijuana and testosterone
Research on the effect of marijuana on testosterone levels has produced varied results. One study found that men who used the drug at least four times a week for six months or more experienced a significant decline in testosterone levels. Low testosterone is connected to an increase in symptoms like enlarged breasts (gynecomastia), which has been linked to marijuana abuse. Further research on the impact of marijuana on testosterone levels has shown that THC (a psychoactive ingredient in marijuana) may reduce sex drive by disrupting testosterone production, with casual use leading to an increase in sex drive but a decline in libido with more chronic use.
3. Marijuana and the heart
Marijuana use has an immediate impact on the heart, leading to a rise in heart rate that could last several hours, along with elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels, chest pain, weakening of the heart (cardiomyopathy), and irregular heart beats. Marijuana use has also been related to triggering heart attacks in young males, with the risk of heart attack increased by a factor of 4.8 times in the hour after smoking the drug. The increased annual risk among daily cannabis users is an area of concern, with studies suggesting that it has a strong association with coronary arterial vasospasm.
4. Marijuana and the lungs
The effects of smoking marijuana on the lungs are still open to debate. Some experts claim that they are similar to those associated with smoking tobacco. This includes the increased production of sputum and serious lung diseases linked to chronic use, weakened immune system, and a potential risk for developing lung cancer, although this association is not conclusive.
On the other hand, a study by Emory University School of Medicine found that moderate marijuana use does not result in the same degree of harm to the lungs as cigarette smoking. However, these marijuana users were more likely to experience sore throat and cough compared to non-smokers.
5. Marijuana and memory loss
Research conducted at the University of Bordeaux in France demonstrated how marijuana use, particularly the cannabinoid delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), affects the brain and can result in memory loss. As THC and other cannabinoids in marijuana are similar to naturally occurring cannabinoids in the body, they can impact normal brain functioning by attaching themselves to cannabinoid receptors on neurons in the brain. Researchers found that THC can have an impact on the hippocampus, the area of the brain responsible for forming memories.
6. Marijuana and health benefits
Despite the potential negative effects of marijuana on men’s health, there are also some positive aspects to consider. Some experimental evidence has shown that prostate cancer cells have elevated expressions of two cannabinoid receptors, which, when stimulated, result in an increase in cell death, leading to a decline in cell viability, an effective factor in fighting prostate cancer. Marijuana is also recognized as beneficial in managing pain in men with bone metastatic cancer pain.
Furthermore, marijuana has shown to be helpful in some cases of glaucoma, as it can effectively lower intraocular pressure. However, the dosage used for treating glaucoma might also have a negative impact on both the cardiovascular and neurological systems of some individuals, thus it should only be used under the guidance of a physician. In addition, new reviews have highlighted other potential benefits associated with marijuana use. These include treatment for epilepsy, feeding disorders, pain, and multiple sclerosis. The National Institute of Drug Abuse also mentions that it may reduce inflammation and potentially treat mental illness and addiction. In some cases, it has shown promise in the fight against cancer.