Effects of marihuana on sperm cells: a study conducted by Instituto Bernabeu and the University of Alicante.

Marihuana has become the most highly consumed illegal drug worldwide. 200 million people between the ages of 15 and 64 years admit to using it regularly. Spain is no exception; 1 out of every 5 young people in this country between 14 and 18 years old consumes it regularly.
One of the most popular beliefs regarding marihuana use is that it is a “soft drug”, as many people ignore the negative effects it has on fertility.

A joint research project carried out by the Biotechnology Department of the University of Alicante and Instituto Bernabeu, has identified harmful effects of marihuana on human sperm cells.

The study states that cannabinoids (the active substances of the drug) have a direct effect on the sperm membrane, drastically affecting their viability and mobility.
It is estimated that out of the 15 million sperm contained in a fertile man’s ejaculate, only less than half will survive when exposed to this substance, in addition to the alterations presented in its union with the egg.

The project, directed by Dr. Joaquín De Juan, Cellular Biology professor, was carried out by a team of researchers from the University of Alicante Biotechnology Dept. along with the Reproduction Biology Dept. of Instituto Bernabeu and defrayed with funds from Instituto Bernabeu Alicante.
These studies were selected to be presented in the National ASEBIR (Association for the Study of Reproductive Biology) Conference, which will be held in the first week of October.