“In a new study, University of California, Irvine researchers found that exposure to the compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, a component of cannabis) at a young age could lead to depleted ovarian follicles and matured eggs in adulthood by nearly 50 percent.”
The study, which is published online in the journal Toxicological Sciences, shows that the use of cannabis earlier in a female’s life “could have long-term effects on her ability to conceive.”
Dr. Ulrike Luderer, professor of environmental and occupational health at the UCI Program in Public Health, explained:
“Given that more and more teenagers and young adults are using cannabis, especially with easier access to the substance, this study’s findings are especially important. It is imperative to widely broadcast the consequences of early-life exposure to cannabis on reproductive health in adulthood.”
Daniele Piomelli, co-author of the study, added:
“Our findings provide unexpected new insights into the long-term impact of THC on reproductive function and aging. Our hope is that our findings will motivate teenage girls to make better, more informed decisions about whether or not to ingest cannabis products.”
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