Researchers say, however, that it is unclear what effects the changes have or whether they are passed on to a man’s children.
New research shows that marijuana causes genetic changes in sperm, though it’s not clear what effect those changes have, or if they’re passed on to a man’s children.
But the scientists said their findings suggest that men trying to have children should consider avoiding marijuana.
In experiments with rats and a study involving 24 men, the Duke University team found that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana — affects genes in two major cellular pathways and alters DNA methylation, a process essential to normal development.
“What we have found is that the effects of cannabis use on males and their reproductive health are not completely null, in that there’s something about cannabis use that affects the genetic profile in sperm,” said senior study author Scott Kollins.
He is a professor in psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Duke.
