Endocrine System

Sex hormones, reproduction and pregnancy...

This section addresses what is currently known about how the use of marijuana affects the reproductive system, the endocrine system (the organs and glands that produce hormones) and what the effects are on children whose mothers used marijuana during pregnancy.

Source Documentation:

Partnership for a Drug Free America, PBS, BUSTED America's war on marijuana.

Marijuana, Alcohol other drugs and pregnancy.

"Heavy marijuana use can affect hormones in both males and females. Heavy doses of the drugs may delay the onset of puberty in young." (BUSTED America's war on marijuana, PBS online)

"...Marijuana also can have adverse effects on sperm production. Among women, regular marijuana use can disrupt the normal monthly menstrual cycle and inhibit the discharge of eggs from the ovaries." (BUSTED America's war on marijuana, PBS online)

"It is possible that marijuana use in pregnancy is associated with premature labor and small babies, with all the associated dangers of low birth weight including infections and breathing problems." (Marijuana, Alcohol other drugs and pregnancy)