The major phytocannabinoids, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), affect the function of CatSper calcium channels in human sperm

Abstract STUDY QUESTION: Do the main psychoactive phytocannabinoid delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and its non-psychoactive analog cannabidiol (CBD) affect human sperm function? SUMMARY ANSWER: THC and CBD affect the sperm-specific Ca2+ channel CatSper, suppress activation of the channel by progesterone (P4) and prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), and THC also alters human sperm function in vitro. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Marijuana (Cannabis sativa) is one of the most commonly used recreational drugs worldwide. Although the effects of phytocannabinoids on semen parameters have been studied,