Despite all the medical studies focusing on the health benefits of marijuana, we have to remember that (no matter which way you slice it and package it) the little green plant is a mind-altering drug that can change the chemical composition of your body over time. For example, teens who use marijuana have a higher risk of impeding their IQ and intelligence, as shown through a recent study on young adult minds. Likewise, people who smoke the drug for a particularly long period of time are putting themselves at risk for cannabis dependency. However, did you know that men who smoke or eat marijuana area actually putting their most valuable system in jeopardy? In fact, the little herb not only decreases a man’s sperm count but can also warp each organism’s genetic code. Let’s take a closer look at how marijuana affects the male reproductive system.
Pot Warps Sperm DNA
As part of a study released by Epigenetics, a team of researchers at Duke University studied the sperm counts of two rats. While one test subject received a dose of THC (a primary psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana), the second rat did not receive any drugs. During the experiment, researchers also compared the sperm count of 24 pot smokers against a group of men who only used marijuana 10 times in their entire lives and did not ingest the drug in the past 12 months. Ultimately, the Duke team discovered that, for rats and humans like, marijuana completely changed the genetic makeup of their sperm.
Further Motivation for Men
Simply put, these radical changes to sperm DNA impact a variety of factors related to future development for organ size, cancer resistance, and tumor suppression. However, Susan Kay Murphy (gynecology professor at Duke) has explained that this information does not necessarily prove that children will be more susceptible to cancer or genetic deformities if their father smokes pot. Ultimately, this was a controlled study that was conducted to make a point: open men’s eyes so they can live healthier lives. If men are under the impression that their sperm changes could harm their future children, they might stop taking the drug for recreational purposes.
Marijuana Abuse and Addiction Recovery Treatment
Always remember that drugs do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.
