Testosterone and Cannabis: What you should know

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5 Important things Men might be unaware of Testosterone and Cannabis:

Photo Source: Source: Pixabay Contributing Author: Jeffery N. Thompson

The medical benefits of cannabis have been researched and published for several decades. The medicinal uses date back to thousands of years and even today, you can buy cannabis for medicinal use at online stores such as Getkush. Recent studies have shown that cannabis can actually affect the male reproductive system and health through the ability of the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to influence circulating hormones by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Below are some of the facts about cannabis use and its impact on the male body system.

Impact of Cannabis On Testosterone And Your Body

1. Increases Testosterone Levels

Testosterone is the distinguishing steroid hormone in adult males. Production increases around adolescence to initiate the enlargement of male sex organs and the distinction of other male characteristics. Consequently, testosterone levels affect behavior as well. Recent studies have shown that chronic cannabis users have higher testosterone levels than their non-smoking counterparts. The study hypothesized that cannabis use led to poor semen quality. Contrarily, upon analyzing the blood samples of smokers for reproductive hormones, the research found that these men had higher concentrations of these hormones. The researchers, though, caution that little cannabis use could be beneficial as compared to higher doses.

2. Higher Sperm Count

A study on the effect of cannabis recently found that higher cannabis use is associated with higher sperm count. Upon analyzing semen samples of both smokers and non-smokers, the researchers found that for every milliliter of ejaculate, chronic cannabis users had 62.7 million sperms compared to 45.4 million for non-users. The World Health Organization marks 15 million/mL as the threshold for healthy sperm count. In the study sample, 5% and 12% of cannabis smokers and non-smokers had sperm counts below this level. These new findings suggest that cannabis could have potential benefits for male reproductive health. While pot has been used for various medicinal properties, male reproductive health has not been in the category of its uses and these findings might open a new chapter on the medical benefits of cannabis.

3. Sexual Health

Testosterone is the major sex hormone in men, and its concentrations will definitely affect a man’s sexual health. While it is not the only fuel for libido and sexual performance, low testosterone levels can lead to unsatisfying sex. An individual with low testosterone levels is likely to experience other conditions such as erectile dysfunction and low or lack of sex drive. Since studies show that Canada’s marijuana use increases testosterone levels and sperm count, this suggests that you are likely to have better sexual health with cannabis use. Cannabis is also a laxative that can lower sexual anxiety. Behavioral psychologists argue that this property could boost sex drive since it alleviates the anxiety associated with sex. The body’s natural endocannabinoid system is the control center for sensations like relaxation, pleasure, and pain. When cannabinoids in cannabis activate this system, it can leave the user with decreased sensation to pain and heightened feelings of pleasure.

4. Fat Metabolism

Testosterone is known to facilitate fat, protein, carbohydrate metabolism. Accordingly, testosterone has a high impact on the body’s fat composition. Low levels of testosterone have been found to correlate with impaired glucose tolerance, increased fat mass, low HDL-cholesterol, reduced sensitivity to insulin, and high triglycerides and cholesterol levels. Obese men have been found to have testosterone levels that are 30% below average.

So, can increased testosterone levels help you lose weight? Cannabis use is known to increase testosterone levels, which in turn increases the body’s metabolism. With a highly effective metabolic system, your body will be able to burn fats more and efficiently.

5. Muscle Mass

Many prominent agree that taking cannabis has an impact on gaining muscles. Adding cheap weed to your routine can help you fasten muscle building. But how does cannabis relate to bodybuilding? Recent studies have found that regular cannabis smokers have high testosterone levels.

As an anabolic hormone, testosterone has also been studied for use in the maintenance and improvement of muscle mass and physical function with positive results. In fat people, testosterone is quickly converted into estrogen by enzyme aromatase found in belly fat, which then limits the potential of testosterone in the body. This explains why such men need hormone replacement therapy to help boost testosterone levels and combat weight gain. The high testosterone levels can also be useful in bodyweight training exercises to help you pump more weight.

Both THC and CBD link with the CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are critical in the endocannabinoid system. Homeostatic functions such as immune functions, temperature regulation, appetite, pain sensation, and sleep are all controlled by the endocannabinoid system. Both muscle and fat tissues depend on these receptors, and when cannabis is used appropriately, it could boost the performance of both muscle and fat tissues.

Conclusion

Studies of cannabis have shown many medicinal properties but little has been studied regarding its impact on the male reproductive system. Nevertheless, the impact on testosterone levels is known. While these studies indicate a positive effect, cannabis use is discouraged before any major physical activity due to its laxative effect. Timing use is critical to get the desired results. While high testosterone might boost sexual health, smoking cannabis just before having sex may relax the body and limit sexual energy.

When it comes to the subject of men and cannabis the study findings are pretty much inconclusive unless you’re on one side of the fence or another. Now that’s an odd statement but the continual war in research is also odd. According to a 2009 article published in the journal Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, researchers have found ECS receptors in the sexual reproductive organs, such as the testicles. They’re also present in the brain – well of course they are.

What happens next is controversial. Some research studies have found that cannabinoids such as CBD and THC boost libido, while others have found they decrease it. One article in the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics reported that chronic cannabis use in males lowered sex drive. The more they use, the lower their sex drive is.

A review of currently available literature about CBD and anxiety published in the journal Neurotherapeutics found that CBD might help things out in the bedroom by reducing anxiety – specifically social anxiety that impedes the action. There haven’t been many trials that can substantiate this research so much of it is based on what consumers have to say. With a lack of clinical study it’s hard to recommend CBD dosages or say for sure it works unless you use it and find out for yourself as I have. I won’t go into details.