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Cannabis impacts female fertility as evidenced by an in vitro investigation and a case-control study

Author

Listed:
  • Cyntia Duval

    (CReATe Fertility Centre
    University of Toronto)

  • Brandon A. Wyse

    (CReATe Fertility Centre)

  • Noga Fuchs Weizman

    (CReATe Fertility Centre
    Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center)

  • Iryna Kuznyetsova

    (CReATe Fertility Centre)

  • Svetlana Madjunkova

    (CReATe Fertility Centre)

  • Clifford L. Librach

    (CReATe Fertility Centre
    University of Toronto
    University of Toronto
    University of Toronto)

Abstract

Cannabis consumption and legalization is increasing globally, raising concerns about its impact on fertility. In humans, we previously demonstrated that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and its metabolites reach the ovarian follicle. An extensive body of literature describes THC’s impact on sperm, however no such studies have determined its effects on the oocyte. Herein, we investigate the impact of THC on human female fertility through both a clinical and in vitro analysis. In a case-control study, we show that follicular fluid THC concentration is positively correlated with oocyte maturation and THC-positive patients exhibit significantly lower embryo euploid rates than their matched controls. In vitro, we observe a similar, but non-significant, increased oocyte maturation rate following THC exposure and altered expression of key genes implicated in extracellular matrix remodeling, inflammation, and chromosome segregation. Furthermore, THC induces oocyte chromosome segregation errors and increases abnormal spindle morphology. Finally, this study highlights potential risks associated with cannabis use for female fertility.

Suggested Citation

  • Cyntia Duval & Brandon A. Wyse & Noga Fuchs Weizman & Iryna Kuznyetsova & Svetlana Madjunkova & Clifford L. Librach, 2025. "Cannabis impacts female fertility as evidenced by an in vitro investigation and a case-control study," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-63011-2
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63011-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Christos Kyprianou & Neophytos Christodoulou & Russell S. Hamilton & Wallis Nahaboo & Diana Suarez Boomgaard & Gianluca Amadei & Isabelle Migeotte & Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz, 2020. "Basement membrane remodelling regulates mouse embryogenesis," Nature, Nature, vol. 582(7811), pages 253-258, June.
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