Young men with a history of heavy cannabis abuse are more likely to experience sexual dysfunction, according to a report in the Daily Mail today.
advertisementThe number of young men with lifelong impotency seeking their GP's advice has risen, with doctors claiming most are habitual users.
Ian Russell, a specialist nurse practitioner in andrology and urology at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary in Scotland, told the newspaper: "In my clinic I see youngsters from the age of 17 onwards with sexual dysfunction.
"The age of onset of smoking cannabis is young, ten-year-olds in some areas.
"Puberty's kicking in and they're smoking regularly - five, six joints a week.
"This can potentially suppress and traumatise the formation of leydig cells, which secrete testosterone, in the testes.
"It means these kids, when they hit 14 or 15, will have sexual problems; for instance, not being able to get an erection, and possibly not have any sexual desire and a very, very low testosterone level.
"This is not healthy, let's put it that way."
The news came as Gordon Brown decided to defy the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs which claims in an official report that cannabis should remain classified as a "soft" drug.
Whitehall sources believe Mr Brown is now almost certain to over-rule the experts whose review recommends that cannabis should keep its Class C classification.
