Cannabis and Paternal Epigenetic Inheritance

Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug in Western counties and its abuse is particularlyhigh in male adolescents and young adults. Its main psychotropic component, the cannabinoid delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC), interferes in the endogenous endocannabinoid system. Thissignaling system is involved in the control of many biological activities, including the formation ofhigh-quality male gametes. Direct adverse effects of ∆9-THC in male reproduction are well known inboth animal models and humans. Nevertheless, the possibility of long-term effects due to epigeneticmechanisms has recently been reported. In this review, we summarize the main advances in the fieldsuggesting the need to pay attention to the possible long-term epigenetic risks for the reproductivehealth of cannabis users and the health of their offspring.