What You Need to Know About Cannabis Use and Fertility
Now that recreational marijuana has become legalized in Canada, many women are beginning to ask questions about how smoking might affect one’s ability to become pregnant. Although the link between marijuana and fertility is not straightforward, with plenty of smokers having the ability to get pregnant, there was recently a study published by the Canadian Medical Association Journal which spoke to the impact of cannabis use on fertility. As people start out on their cannabis journey, it’s important to understand the effects of the plant on fertility so that doctors can begin to properly counsel those looking to get pregnant.Many people have heard that smoking cannabis can be harmful to sperm health. According to reports, continued use will decrease sperm count for men who smoke more than once a week. More specifically, they will have a 29% reduction in their sperm count in a three month period.
But for women for smoke, what can happen? A 2007 study in the Journal of Women’s Health involving 201 participants suggested ovulation was delayed by two days by frequent cannabis use and could increase up to 3.5 days.
One trend however that Dr. Maribelle Verdiales MD. ND of CNY Fertility in New York City has noticed is CBD being used in fertility treatment. She explains to me via e-mail that unlike THC, CBD is not mind-altering and has been known to have benefits, such as pain management, helping with depression and improving seizure disorders. “By adding CBD to our fertility protocols, we have seen an improvement in ovarian reserve and pregnancy outcomes.” Many of the patients who walk through the doors of CNY Fertility deal with inflammation and Dr. Verdiales notes it is the leading cause of infertility. “The inflammatory processes that cause tissue degeneration and pain, apply to the female and male organs as well. We see it in conditions like endometriosis, wherein our experience, CBD has made a significant difference.”
In addition to these indirect benefits, CBD might actually help women become pregnant directly. Dr. Verdiales explains via e-mail, “CBD has been found to help with keeping adequate estrogen and progesterone rations as well as improving abnormal fluctuations in hormone levels. This aids the natural cycle and promotes healthy ovulation.” For many who might be looking to cut back on their daily smoking habits, introducing CBD might be a good alternative. Dr. Verdiales thinks it could be used in conjunction with other modalities or medications.
The biggest thing through all of this that we need to stress is that: more research is still needed to better understand the effects of cannabis on the body. While there have been many studies conducted on what it means on using cannabis pre or post-pregnancy, and how it could interfere with a couple’s chance of conceiving, there are still a lot of unanswered questions. The best thing to do is become familiarized with the stats and figures, and of course - speak to a doctor, if you’re worried. From there, weigh the risks and benefits and decide if those are worth it. In your heart, you’ll know what’s right for you and your pregnancy.
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Amanda (Ama) Scriver (@amascriver) is a freelance journalist best known for being fat, loud, and shouty on the Internet (her words, not ours). Her writing work has appeared on Buzzfeed, The Washington Post, Healthline, FLARE, Now Magazine, and Greatist. She lives in Toronto.
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This article was published February 18, 2020.