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Irish Researchers Find Cannabis Linked to Infertility

BELFAST, March 31, 2004 (LifeSiteNews.com) - A new study has suggested that smoking cannabis can damage male fertility. Researchers at Queen's University, Belfast, have examined the effects on sperm of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. THC makes it more difficult for an individual sperm to penetrate the egg membrane. Researchers were alerted to the possible problems of THC in fertility when it was discovered that a large number of the men attending fertility clinics were heavy pot smokers.

The Irish government has reduced the illegality of cannabis, making it the equivalent of over-the-counter tranquilizers. Dr Sheena Lewis, from the university's Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, said, of the greater availability of cannabis and its effects on fertility, "It is estimated that 3.2m people in Britain smoke cannabis, and that figure may now increase. Add the two together and we may find that the use of recreational drugs will exacerbate male fertility problems."

In Canada, Parliament is still considering a bill to de-criminalize possession of small amounts of cannabis. C-10, which is in first reading in the House of Commons, would impose a fine or ticket for possession for 'personal use'. A Health Canada information page on Cannabis states that "In about half of all incidents in which law enforcement officers encounter individuals in possession of cannabis, no charge is laid." The Health Canada website also refers to the health hazards of cannabis use such as respiratory problems and impaired co-ordination and judgement.

BBC News coverage:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/3586115.stm

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