A specific gene associated with autism appears to undergo changes in the sperm of men who use marijuana, according to new research from Duke Health.
The gene change occurs through a process called DNA methylation, and it could potentially be passed along to offspring.
Publishing online Aug. 27 in the journal Epigenetics, the researchers said…possible connection warrants further, urgent study, given efforts throughout the country to legalize marijuana for recreational and/or medicinal uses.
"This study is the first to demonstrate an association between a man's cannabis use and changes of a gene in sperm that has been implicated in autism," said senior author Susan Murphy, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Duke University School of Medicine.
