Does cannabis affect testosterone?

Cannabis does have an influence on testosterone levels, but the impact varies based on how frequently and how it is consumed. Smoking cannabis, especially when it's done chronicallly (more than twice a week), seems to reduce testosterone significantly. This reduction is associated with an increase in aromatase enzymes, which convert testosterone into estrogen 1. Moreover, chronic use can impact other related hormones and functions, leading to increased prolactin and estrogen, further influencing testosterone levels negatively 2.

The complexity of studying these effects stems from the variations in how individuals use cannabis (e.g., smoking vs. edibles, acute vs. chronic use), making the data on this subject nuanced and somewhat inconsistent. Therefore, while some evidence points to a decrease in testosterone due to factors like increased aromatase activity, the overall impact can vary widely among individuals 1 2.