Are you looking for a treatment option to increase your testosterone levels? Read on to know whether CBD may be a good option for you.
How CBD May Help With Testosterone Production
The reproductive hormones are activated when the cannabinoid receptors are triggered(1).
Plant-based cannabinoids, such as CBD and THC, may mimic the actions of endocannabinoids and thus interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors(2).
CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are phytocannabinoids found naturally in the resin of the cannabis plant.
THC is the psychoactive component of cannabis. Meanwhile, CBD is non-psychoactive and has purported health benefits, including analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties(3).
The ECS (endocannabinoid system) maintains bodily homeostasis or balance. It comprises cannabinoid receptors, namely CB1 and CB2 receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids.
The cannabinoid receptors present throughout the body respond to endocannabinoids, which are naturally occurring chemical substances.
For instance, CB1 receptors are expressed in the pituitary gland and hypothalamus(4). The hypothalamus is a gland in the brain that controls the hormone system.
The ECS has a role in stress response by influencing the endocrine hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis or HPA(5).
The HPA axis comprises endocrine pathways that respond to negative feedback loops involving the adrenal gland, anterior pituitary gland, and hypothalamus.
This neuroendocrine mechanism mediates the effects of stressors by regulating various physiological processes, including the autonomic nervous system, immune responses, and metabolism(6).
Stress can lead to lower testosterone levels(7). The respondents of a 2021 survey focusing on the self-perceived effects of CBD claimed that the non-psychoactive compound was effective for stress, sleep problems, and anxiety(8).
The endocannabinoid system also affects reproduction by modifying fertility, sexual behavior, and gonadotropin release(9).
The hypothalamus creates the gonadotropin-releasing hormone. The hormone influences the pituitary gland in the brain to produce and secrete LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone)(10).
In women, LH and FSH influence the ovaries to make progesterone and estrogen, while they cause the testicles to produce testosterone in men(11).
Testosterone is a primary sex hormone in men that regulates the following(12):
- Sex drive
- Bone mass
- Fat distribution
- Muscle mass and strength
- Sperm and red blood cell production
On the other hand, prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland.
In men, elevated prolactin levels interfere with the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, leading to erectile dysfunction (difficulty in keeping an erection) and decreased serum testosterone level(13).
CBD may only increase prolactin levels at doses greater than 120mg per kilogram of body weight(14).
In addition, a study from the Asian Journal of Andrology examined the link between reproductive hormone levels and fat intake among young, healthy men(15).
The results showed that fat intake, especially omega-3, omega-6, and trans-fatty acids, may influence testicular function(16).
After extracting CBD from the hemp plant, CBD manufacturers infuse cannabidiol into a carrier oil.
Hempseed oil is a commonly utilized carrier oil. It contains a high concentration of unsaturated fatty acids, particularly omega-3 fatty acids(17).
A study from the Journal of Reproduction and Infertility indicated that inflammatory reactions within the male genital tract may have a negative impact on male fertility and sperm quality(18).
CBD may have anti-inflammatory properties(19).
Although there is no direct study suggesting how CBD may help with testosterone production, the compound’s therapeutic potential and activity in the ECS may help researchers who want to conduct future studies on CBD’s effects on the male reproductive system.
Benefits of Using CBD for Testosterone Production
The autonomic nervous system, known as the fight or flight response in the male anatomy, produces testosterone and activates the sympathetic nervous system, creating arousal(20).
Stress triggers the human body to release cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisol is vital to blood pressure regulation and the normal functioning of various body systems(21).
Excess cortisol can affect how the male reproductive system functions(22). Specifically, a high ratio of cortisol to testosterone is a sign of chronic stress(23).
A 2019 study from the Permanente Journal mentioned that plasma cortisol levels decreased significantly when patients with primary anxiety concerns took 300 or 600mg of CBD orally(24).
Meanwhile, a 2021 study from the Journal of Hypertension observed that male residents of St. Petersburg had higher cortisol levels than women(25).
Additionally, researchers observed that elevated cortisol levels are associated with high blood pressure and normal blood pressure(26).
A study from JCI Insight suggested that CBD may reduce high blood pressure(27).
Low endogenous testosterone levels may be related to the increased incidence of psychological conditions like anxiety(28).
A study from Neurotherapeutics suggested that CBD has considerable potential as a treatment for multiple anxiety disorders(29).
Meanwhile, animal research from Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology suggested that cannabinoids, like CBD and THC, at low concentrations may directly interfere with Leydig cells’ testosterone and protein synthesis(30).
Leydig cells (testicular interstitial cells) are responsible for the production of testosterone(31).
A study from the journal Biology of Reproduction mentioned that chronic exposure to cannabinoids, like CBD and THC, in man and rodents may decrease testosterone production, secretion by Leydig cells, testes’ weight, and spermatogenesis(32).
Spermatogenesis refers to the process of sperm cell development.
Meanwhile, a study conducted in rats from Drug Metabolism and Disposition suggested that CBD cannot reduce the circulating serum testosterone levels in the blood(33).
Studies regarding the use of CBD for testosterone production are limited and inconclusive.
For this reason, more longitudinal studies are necessary to elucidate whether CBD can increase or decrease testosterone levels and whether the compound’s putative health benefits are plausible to explore the benefits of using CBD oil for overall male wellness.
How to Use CBD for Testosterone Production
Inhaling CBD using vape pens is the fastest way to benefit from the effects of the compound(34). The onset time of CBD via the inhalation route is between 2 to 15 minutes(35).
However, nicotine, a primary agent in regular cigarettes and vape pens, is highly addictive(36).
In addition, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) advise people against using THC-containing e-cigarettes or any vaping products, mainly from informal sources, such as online sellers and non-commercial sources like family and friends(37).
Most lung injury cases in the United States are associated with vaping(38).
On the other hand, the sublingual (under the tongue) delivery method also provides rapid effects without exposing the lungs to tar and heat(39).
The tiny blood vessels (capillaries) under the tongue and within the mouth can absorb cannabinoids, like CBD and THC, into the bloodstream before being swallowed(40).
If you opt to take CBD sublingually, you will feel its effects within 15 to 30 minutes, and these effects may last from 2 to 4 hours(41).
How Long Does CBD Take to Help With Testosterone Production?
How long CBD takes to help with testosterone production depends on several factors, including delivery methods and the individual’s body weight.
For instance, if you take CBD via the inhalation route, you will feel its effects within 2 to 15 minutes(42). However, vaping may damage your lungs(43).
On the contrary, the onset time of CBD via the sublingual route is between 15 and 30 minutes(44).
How Long Will CBD Help With Testosterone Production?
How long CBD’s effects will last after the compound starts to help depends on its bioavailability and half-life.
Bioavailability is the extent to which a particular substance becomes entirely available to its intended biological destinations.
On the other hand, half-life refers to the length of time required for a specific drug to be reduced to half of its starting dose.
A review from Frontiers in Pharmacology mentioned that the half-life of cannabidiol was between 1.4 and 10.9 hours following oromucosal spray use and 31 hours after smoking(45).
Oromucosal sprays and tinctures are common sublingual products.
Meanwhile, the bioavailability of CBD after smoking is 31%(46). On the other hand, CBD’s bioavailability via the sublingual route is between 6% and 20%(47).
The Potential Risks and Side Effects of Using CBD for Testosterone Production
The American Urology Association determines low testosterone as less than 300ng/dl (nanograms per deciliter)(48).
Low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, irritability, and fatigue are a few symptoms that may accompany low testosterone(49). Fatigue and irritability are minor side effects of CBD use(50).
Research suggests that testosterone levels are reduced in response to stress(51). Hence, your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to manage stress and help with medical conditions associated with it.
For example, your doctor may prescribe antidepressants if you are experiencing anxiety and depression(52).
Stress may trigger anxiety(53). Meanwhile, chronic stressful life events can increase the risk of developing depression(54).
If you plan to use antidepressants simultaneously with CBD, make sure to talk with your doctor to know about possible drug interactions.
CBD is a potent inhibitor of CYP2D6, an enzyme that metabolizes various antidepressants. Additionally, cannabidiol may increase serum concentrations of these types of medications(55).
Legality of CBD
Cannabis (sometimes called marijuana) remains a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act(56).
The United States Drug Enforcement Administration or DEA said that substances listed in the Schedule I drugs category have a high abuse potential with no accepted medical use(57).
In Indiana, Gov. Eric Holcomb signed Senate Enrolled Act No. 52 into law, allowing the distribution and retail sale of “low-THC hemp extract,” defined as products derived from Cannabis sativa L. that meet industrial hemp’s definition(58).
The Farm Bill states that Cannabis sativa L. and other derivatives of cannabis with no more than 0.3% THC content on a dry weight basis are deemed legal under federal law(59).
In New York, adults 21 years and older can buy up to three ounces or 85g of cannabis flower and 24g of concentrated cannabis(60).
Meanwhile, in Texas, the local government passed laws in June 2019, creating a state industrial hemp program(61).
Under House Bill 1325, the Texas Department of State Health Services is in charge of issuing licenses to people who want to manufacture or sell consumable hemp-derived products in the Lone Star State.
FAQs
- How can CBD help with testosterone production?
There is no scientific data directly suggesting that CBD can help with testosterone production. However, low and high testosterone levels are linked to significant cardiovascular risks(62).
A research study from the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology mentioned that CBD may reduce the cardiovascular response to different types of stress(63).
Stress triggers the human body to release cortisol, which is vital for the normal functioning of various body systems, including cardiovascular and male reproduction(64).
Chronic stress may affect testosterone production, leading to a decline in sex drive or impotence(65). CBD has a purported calming effect(66). Thus, this therapeutic potential of cannabidiol may help with stress, and possibly, testosterone production.
- What evidence or research exists to say that CBD helps with testosterone production?
Studies regarding CBD’s effect on testosterone production are limited and inconclusive. However, a study suggests that testosterone levels are reduced in response to stress(67).
Stress is a major contributor to anxiety disorder(68). CBD has purported anti-anxiety properties that may help with multiple anxiety disorders(69).
- Is there any evidence that CBD can worsen the male reproductive system’s functions and affect testosterone production?
Testosterone is a sex hormone that modulates libido or sex drive in men.
No study directly suggests that CBD can negatively affect testosterone levels. However, an animal study from the Journal of Applied Toxicology hypothesized that chronic doses of CBD may impair sexual behaviors in mice(70).
Since the study was conducted on mice, more longitudinal human trials are needed to elucidate whether CBD has an adverse effect on the male reproductive system, particularly testosterone production.
- Will CBD interact with any current medication I may be taking to help with testosterone production?
Depression may accompany low testosterone levels(71). CBD has shown promise as a potential novelty drug to help with psychiatric disorders like depression(72).
Nevertheless, it is worth noting that CBD is not a biologically inert compound, so it may interact with other medications(73).
For instance, taking CBD concomitantly with antidepressants may increase fatigue and sleepiness(74). In addition, CBD may increase serum concentrations of antidepressants(75).
- Are there other treatments I should consider alongside CBD to help with low testosterone?
Testosterone replacement therapy may help manage the symptoms of low testosterone in men(76).
Symptoms of low testosterone depend on age and may include decreased sense of well-being, moodiness, irritability, and fatigue(77). Irritability and fatigue are common side effects of taking CBD(78).
For this reason, if you are undergoing testosterone replacement therapy or planning to take any supplement to increase your testosterone level, make sure to talk with your doctor.
Some individuals may choose to take magnesium supplements. A study suggested that magnesium supplementation may increase free and total testosterone values in athletes and individuals living in a sedentary lifestyle(79).
Your healthcare provider can recommend the right supplement that can help increase your testosterone levels. They can also warn you regarding possible risks should you wish to take CBD alongside other treatments for increased testosterone production.
- Can I fail a drug test if I use CBD for testosterone production?
CBD does not induce a euphoric effect(80). Therefore, it will not make you high.
However, full-spectrum CBD products include trace amounts of THC that may build up in the body when taken regularly in a span of four to six days(81). An increased THC level in the bloodstream may result in a positive drug test.
- What is the CBD dosage for low testosterone?
The FDA does not recognize CBD as a medical treatment for low testosterone. Thus, there is no standard CBD dosage for the condition.
However, a study from Psychiatry Investigation mentioned that lower stress levels may lead to increased testosterone levels in men, up to a certain threshold(82).
Micro doses of CBD in the range of 0.5mg to 20mg daily may help with stress(83).
- Endocannabinoids and the Endocrine System in Health and Disease
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6813821/ - The Endocannabinoid System, Our Universal Regulator
https://www.jyi.org/2018-june/2018/6/1/the-endocannabinoid-system-our-universal-regulator - Cannabidiol
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Cannabidiol - The Emerging Role of the Endocannabinoid System in Endocrine Regulation and Energy Balance
https://academic.oup.com/edrv/article/27/1/73/2355171 - Ibid.
- The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis: Development, Programming Actions of Hormones, and Maternal-Fetal Interactions
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnbeh.2020.601939/full - Salivary Testosterone Levels Under Psychological Stress and Its Relationship with Rumination and Five Personality Traits in Medical Students
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5128352/ - Reasons for Cannabidiol Use: A Cross-Sectional Study of CBD Users, Focusing on Self-Perceived Stress, Anxiety, and Sleep Problems
https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-021-00061-5 - The Emerging Role of the Endocannabinoid System in Endocrine Regulation and Energy Balance
https://academic.oup.com/edrv/article/27/1/73/2355171 - Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/gonadotropin-releasing-hormone - Ibid.
- Understanding How Testosterone Affects Men
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/understanding-how-testosterone-affects-men - Hyperprolactinemia and Erectile Dysfunction
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1476085/ - Translational Investigation of the Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD): Toward a New Age
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6161644/ - Fatty Acid Intake in Relation to Reproductive Hormones and Testicular Volume Among Young Healthy Men
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5312216/ - Ibid.
- Hemp Seed Oil Properties
https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/hemp-seed-oil-properties.html - Impact of Inflammation on Male Reproductive Tract
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4508350/ - Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7023045/ - Stress Effects on the Body
https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body# - Ibid.
- Ibid.
- Cortisol, Testosterone, and Coronary Heart Disease
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circulationaha.104.489088 - Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series, page 2.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326553/pdf/18-041.pdf - The Relationship of Cortisol Levels With High Blood Pressure in Residents of St. Petersburg
https://journals.lww.com/jhypertension/Abstract/2021/04001/THE_RELATIONSHIP_OF_CORTISOL_LEVELS_WITH_HIGH.705.aspx - Ibid.
- A Single Dose of Cannabidiol Reduces Blood Pressure in Healthy Volunteers in a Randomized Crossover Study
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5470879/ - Increased Frequency of Anxiety, Depression, Quality of Life and Sexual Life in Young Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadal Males and Impacts of Testosterone Replacement Therapy on These Conditions
https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/endocrj/59/12/59_EJ12-0134/_article - Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/ - Effects of Cannabinoids on Testosterone and Protein Synthesis in Rat Testis Leydig Cells In Vitro
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/226440/ - Histology, Leydig Cells
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556007/ - Expression of Type-1 Cannabinoid Receptor During Rat Postnatal Testicular Development: Possible Involvement in Adult Leydig Cell Differentiation
https://academic.oup.com/biolreprod/article/79/4/758/2557680 - Mechanism for Inhibitory Effect of Cannabidiol on Microsomal Testosterone Oxidation in Male Rat Liver
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2907469/ - How to Safely Use CBD: Should You Inhale, Spray, Apply, or Eat It?
https://www.consumerreports.org/cbd/how-to-use-cbd-inhale-spray-apply-eat/ - Healing With CBD, page 190.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view - 5 Vaping Facts You Need to Know
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/5-truths-you-need-to-know-about-vaping - Outbreak of Lung Injury Associated with the Use of E-Cigarette, or Vaping, Products
https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html - Ibid.
- CBD: A Patient’s Guide to Medicinal Cannabis, page 105.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MILU_6ZjYkII-XMUPHLFPiPQbrz__5Sh/view - CBD: A Patient’s Guide to Medicinal Cannabis, page 104.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MILU_6ZjYkII-XMUPHLFPiPQbrz__5Sh/view - Healing With CBD, page 192.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view - Healing With CBD, page 190.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view - Is It Safe to Vape CBD?
https://www.consumerreports.org/cbd/is-it-safe-to-vape-cbd/ - Healing With CBD, page 192.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view - A Systematic Review on the Pharmacokinetics of Cannabidiol in Humans
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6275223/ - Ibid.
- Healing With CBD, page 192.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view - What is Low Testosterone?
https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/l/low-testosterone - Ibid.
- Cannabidiol (CBD)-What We Know and What We Don’t
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476 - Salivary Testosterone Levels Under Psychological Stress and Its Relationship with Rumination and Five Personality Traits in Medical Students
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5128352/ - How to Manage Stress
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/stress/treatment-for-stress/ - Anxiety Disorders
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/symptoms-causes/syc-20350961 - Can Chronic Stress Cause Depression?
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/expert-answers/stress/faq-20058233 - Medical Cannabis: Adverse Effects and Drug Interactions, page 11.
https://doh.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/doh/publication/attachments/Medical%20Cannabis%20Adverse%20Effects%20and%20Drug%20Interactions_0.pdf - State Medical Cannabis Laws
https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-medical-marijuana-laws.aspx - Drug Scheduling
https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling - Senate Enrolled Act No. 52
https://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/indiana-sb52.pdf - FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products, Including Cannabidiol (CBD)
https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd - Social Equity and Responsible Access to Adult-Use Cannabis for New Yorkers Ages 21 and Over
https://cannabis.ny.gov/adult-use - Cannabis and the Law
https://guides.sll.texas.gov/cannabis/cbd - Association of Serum Testosterone and Luteinizing Hormone With Blood Pressure and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Middle‐Aged and Elderly Men
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.120.019559 - Is the Cardiovascular System a Therapeutic Target for Cannabidiol?
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3579247/ - Stress Effects on the Body
https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body - Ibid.
- Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326553/ - Salivary Testosterone Levels Under Psychological Stress and Its Relationship with Rumination and Five Personality Traits in Medical Students
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5128352/ - Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/ - Ibid.
- The Effects of Cannabidiol on Male Reproductive System: A Literature Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31313338/ - What Is Low Testosterone?
https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/l/low-testosterone - Cannabidiol: A Potential New Alternative for the Treatment of Anxiety, Depression, and Psychotic Disorders
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7699613/ - Potential Adverse Drug Events and Drug-Drug Interactions with Medical and Consumer Cannabidiol (CBD) Use
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6678684/ - CBD and Other Medications: Proceed With Caution
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cbd-and-other-medications-proceed-with-caution-2021011121743 - Medical Cannabis: Adverse Effects and Drug Interactions, page 11.
https://doh.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/doh/publication/attachments/Medical%20Cannabis%20Adverse%20Effects%20and%20Drug%20Interactions_0.pdf - Testosterone Therapy: Potential Benefits and Risks As You Age
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/sexual-health/in-depth/testosterone-therapy/art-20045728 - Low Testosterone (Male Hypogonadism)
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15603-low-testosterone-male-hypogonadism - Cannabidiol (CBD)-What We Know and What We Don’t
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476 - Effects of Magnesium Supplementation on Testosterone Levels of Athletes and Sedentary Subjects at Rest and after Exhaustion
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12011-010-8676-3 - Cannabidiol (CBD)-what we know and what we don’t
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476. - Can You Take CBD and Pass a Drug Test?
https://www.consumerreports.org/cbd/can-you-take-cbd-and-pass-a-drug-test/ - Salivary Testosterone Levels Under Psychological Stress and Its Relationship with Rumination and Five Personality Traits in Medical Students
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5128352/ - CBD: A Patient’s Guide to Medicinal Cannabis, page 129.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MILU_6ZjYkII-XMUPHLFPiPQbrz__5Sh/view