Worried about whether CBD can effect your sperm count?
We’ve got all the information you need.
There has recently been concern regarding whether or not CBD can affect sperm count, sperm health, and sperm’s cellular makeup.
So, what do we know? What research has been done on this subject, and what can you expect from taking CBD?
Firstly, it is important to understand what CBD is, where it comes from, and why this question is even being asked.
What is CBD?
CBD is one of the 110 cannabinoids that are found in cannabis and hemp plants. It was first discovered in 1940 by Dr Dams and his research team at the University of Illinois.
Although CBD did not become popular until recent years, it has frequently been under the microscope due to many reasons. For example, CBD can be of great use as a dietary supplement. This is thanks to its high content of essential fatty acids (Omega-6 and Omega-3) and other nutrients.
Many people often confuse CBD with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the component in cannabis plants responsible for psychoactive effects. This leads many to hold the belief that CBD can cause the same mind-altering effects. However, this is not the case.
CBD is processed by the endocannabinoid system in our bodies and has not been known to produce any psychoactive effects – contrary to some beliefs.
CBD is incredibly versatile and can be found in many different products. From cosmetics and self-care products, all the way to dietary supplements, capsules and tablets, edibles, and even pet treats.
But if CBD is almost everywhere, should you worry about it affecting your sperm count?
The Effects on Your Sperm Count: Smoking Cannabis vs. Taking CBD
Smoking Cannabis
There have been a number of different studies conducted throughout the years focusing on the effects of smoking cannabis on sperm count and overall sperm health. A study conducted at the University of Copenhagen is a perfect example of these tests and their results.
They conducted the study on 1,215 men. Those who reported using cannabis once or more, in a week, experienced a 25% reduction in their average sperm count.
Of course, the researchers stated that lifestyle, diet, and the amount of exercise these men did might also contribute to a portion of the sperm loss experienced.
However, the final conclusion of the study was that smoking cannabis once a week or more can cause an average of a 25% decrease in sperm count.
But is it the same for those who take CBD and other cannabinoids?
Taking CBD
There isn’t enough research to know for sure how CBD and other cannabinoids can effect sperm count.
Many of the tests that have been done have come back inconclusive. But, we do know a couple things.
According to a study done in 2003 at Buffalo University, USA, cannabinoids can affect factors such as a sperm’s swimming ability. But as of now, we still don’t know exactly what happens to sperm when it processes cannabinoids such as CBD.
Is Vaping CBD Safe? Suggested Read: How Safe Is Vaping CBD?
A separate study, conducted by Dr Hans Hatt (Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany) found that sperm cells are part of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) in our bodies. When sperm processes cannabinoids (through their own internal ECS) the spermatozoa is activated, playing a large role in fertilization.
Why Would Smoking Cannabis Have a Different Effect to Taking CBD?
It could be easy to confuse these two concepts because, if someone is smoking cannabis, aren’t they also receiving cannabinoids such as CBD?
Well, the answer is not that simple. Although there is a possibility of receiving CBD and other cannabinoids through smoking cannabis, the act of actually smoking the plant does away with many of its nutrients.
As a result, the dosage is incredibly minimal.
However, when one takes CBD on its own or in an oil, a higher concentration of cannabinoids is received. Additionally, compared with smoking cannabis, the user doesn’t ingest the other substances released by cannabis plants when burned.
So, smoking cannabis has shown to significantly lower one’s sperm count, while the use of cannabinoids such as CBD has not (as of yet) shown the same results.
Therefore, if you’re concerned about your sperm count (and overall fertility) it is best you switch from smoking cannabis to using CBD.
Conclusion
As previously mentioned, there is not enough conclusive evidence to fully determine whether or not CBD has a direct effect on sperm count. However, there seems to be some research which could point to the possibility of CBD being safe in this respect.
On the other hand, smoking cannabis may have a direct effect on your sperm count. It is advisable that those who want to be healthy to stop its use.
