Adolescent Cannabis Use - a Young Adult and Middle Age Urologic and Reproductive Dilemma: The Niger Delta Malady

The sudden affluence in the Niger delta area of Nigeria due to the oil and gas industry, brought with it certain vices like the increasing use of Cannabis (Marijuana) by its younger population. This exposure to Cannabis has increased the incidence in urological and reproductive pathologies. Frequent marijuana use significantly increase testicular cancer risk and several urologic dysfunctions. This study clinically investigates the epidemiological evidence on the major adverse health effects of cannabis use and the link associated with urological dysfunctions and considers its implications for policy. A cross-sectional sample of 2290 males attending urology primary care clinics and inpatients in healthcare institutions in the Niger Delta Region was undertaken, 75 of the cases were included in the randomized follow-up study from March 2009 to March 2011. Those who use marijuana weekly or who have had exposure to marijuana since adolescents had twice the cancer risk, erectile and infertile anomalies, when compared to men who never smoked marijuana. Cannabis use was associated with urological dysfunctions like erectile dysfunctions, infertility and testicular cancer.