New research shows that men tend to use cannabis more than women, and we also now know why . Not only that, but there are also some worrying implications for dads and their kids. Men are more likely to use cannabis because it’s marketed as a manly product, with lots of images of guys in outdoor settings or with other men.
But there’s also growing evidence that using cannabis when you’re trying to have a baby can have negative consequences. Let’s take a look at what you need to know about men and cannabis when you plan on having kids.
Research Shows Men Are More Likely To Use Cannabis
There has been a lot of research lately into the differences between how men and women use cannabis. These studies have found that:
– Men are more likely to use cannabis than women.
– Men are also more likely to smoke tobacco when they use cannabis, but women are more likely to consume cannabis edibles.
– Men are more likely to use cannabis when they’re hanging out with friends, while women use cannabis more during times of stress.
– Men who use cannabis are more likely to be single, but women who consume cannabis are likely to be married.
– Men are more likely to use cannabis when they’re younger, while women start using cannabis at a younger age and tend to use it more frequently.
Does cannabis use affect sperm?
Most studies have found very little evidence that cannabis affects sperm. One study, though, found that men who had smoked cannabis at least once in the past six months had a 30% lower sperm count, compared with men who didn’t consume cannabis.
There is also some evidence that cannabis use might affect the amount of testosterone in the blood. This could have implications for male fertility, because testosterone is crucial for normal sperm production. More research is needed before any definite conclusions can be drawn.
Prenatal cannabis use is linked to negative effects
When you’re pregnant, you and your child are connected by the placenta. This organ transfers nutrients and oxygen from the mother’s blood to the fetus, and it also carries away waste products from the fetus. A small amount of cannabis is metabolized into an active substance called THC, which can cross the placenta and enter the fetus’s bloodstream.
There is some evidence that prenatal cannabis use can affect the fetus’s growth. This is because THC is a hormone disruptor. It can interfere with normal development by blocking the receptors that control the body’s natural hormones. Some research has found that children whose mothers used cannabis while they were pregnant have a higher risk of:
- Being born prematurely.
- Being born with a low birth weight.
- Developing behavioral problems.
- Having impaired intellectual development.
Babies of Cannabis Users Are Born Smaller And Weigh Less
A study of cannabis users found that babies born to cannabis users weigh less and are smaller than those born to non-cannabis users. It’s possible that THC interferes with the placenta’s ability to transfer nutrients and oxygen from the mother’s blood to the fetus.
It’s also possible that cannabis users may not eat as well or take as good care of themselves during pregnancy. This could lead to lower birth weights in their babies. Even if cannabis use doesn’t affect the fetus itself, it could still have an impact on the mother’s health. This might then have negative consequences for the baby.
Children of cannabis users are more likely to struggle in school
There’s some evidence that children whose mothers used cannabis while they were pregnant have poorer academic results as teenagers. One study found that children whose mothers used cannabis while they were pregnant had lower standardized math scores when they were teenagers. Another study found that these children had lower standardized reading scores as teenagers. A third study found that children whose mothers used cannabis during their pregnancy were more likely to be expelled from school. The effects of prenatal cannabis use on academic results are likely due to the child’s exposure to THC, which disrupts normal brain development.
The Problem With THC For Fertility In Men
When you want to conceive, the timing of your cannabis use is important. Generally, experts recommend that you stop using cannabis 6 months before you start trying to conceive. This is because THC has a long half-life and can remain in your semen for up to 10 weeks after you stop using cannabis. This means that if you use cannabis even once or twice during this period, you could expose your partner to THC. This can have negative effects on your sperm and fertility.
Final Words
Cannabis is a huge part of culture and society, and it’s increasingly becoming acceptable in many areas. For this reason, it’s important to be aware of how your use of cannabis could influence your health, relationships, and children. If you’re trying to conceive and use cannabis, it’s best to stop at least 6 months before you start trying. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you should stop using cannabis completely.
