A new study from the University of California, Irvine has found that exposure to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a compound found in cannabis, at a young age can lead to a significant reduction in ovarian follicles and matured eggs in adulthood.
The study suggests that using cannabis in early life could have long-term effects on a woman’s ability to conceive.
The researchers used a mouse model to test their hypothesis that THC can cause adverse health effects in adulthood.
They injected THC into immature mice for two weeks and evaluated the effects on their models at different time periods post-injection.
They found that the number of healthy ovarian follicles decreased by nearly 50% in primordial follicles, which are the fundamental reproductive units of the ovary and are non-renewable.
The scientists suspect that the dramatic drop in ovarian follicle numbers was caused by accelerated activation of resting follicles, followed by DNA-damage-associated death of follicles at later stages of development.
These effects are likely mediated by the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a signaling complex that serves a vast array of bodily functions in mammals.
In line with this, the researchers also found that the ECS component proteins called cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) and type 2 (CB2R), which THC and its active metabolites activate, are present in ovarian follicles.
The team says that the findings are especially important because more teenagers and young adults are using cannabis with easier access to the substance.
In a 2019 survey, roughly 3.3 million adolescents aged 12 to 17 and 4.8 million people aged 12 and older had reported using cannabis.
Until now, very few studies have been conducted that demonstrate the long-term negative public health impacts of cannabis use, and even more unclear are the reproductive health implications on women.
The researchers that the study’s findings provide unexpected new insights into the long-term impact of THC on reproductive function and aging.
Their hope is that these findings will motivate teenage girls to make better, more informed decisions about whether or not to ingest cannabis products.
Overall, the study suggests that the use of cannabis at a young age could have serious consequences for women’s reproductive health later in life.
As cannabis becomes more widely available and acceptable, it’s important to consider the potential long-term effects of use on the body, particularly for vulnerable populations like young adults.
Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a plant that contains compounds called cannabinoids. The most well-known of these compounds are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).
There is some evidence to suggest that cannabis may have medical benefits for certain conditions, such as chronic pain, nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, and muscle spasms associated with multiple sclerosis.
In some cases, cannabis may also help to alleviate anxiety and improve sleep.
However, there are also potential risks associated with cannabis use.
One of the most well-known risks is that cannabis can cause a “high” or altered state of consciousness, which can impair judgment and increase the risk of accidents, injuries, and other negative outcomes.
Cannabis use can also lead to addiction, especially in people who start using the drug at a young age.
Regular cannabis use has been associated with respiratory problems and an increased risk of mental health problems such as psychosis, depression, and anxiety.
The risks and benefits of cannabis use depend on a number of factors, including the individual’s age, the frequency and amount of use, the method of consumption, and any underlying health conditions.
It is important for individuals to speak with their healthcare provider about the potential benefits and risks of using cannabis, especially if they have a history of mental health problems or substance abuse.
If you care about cannabis, please read studies that what you need to know about cannabis and heart attack, and CBD from cannabis may help inhibit COVID-19 infection.
For more information about cannabis, please see recent studies that medical cannabis could help reduce depression, and results showing this stuff in cannabis may protect aging brain, treat Alzheimer’s.
The study was conducted by Dr. Ulrike Luderer et al and published in Toxicological Sciences.
Copyright © 2023 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
