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New Study: Sex and Cannabis Use

Understanding Cannabis and Sexual Wellness

In the realm of human sexuality, the interplay between physical and emotional factors creates a complex and dynamic experience. A recent scientific review of cannabis and its effects on sexual activity, published in the journal Psychopharmacology, sheds light on this fascinating relationship. The review highlights that while the effects of cannabis on sexuality are multifaceted, its use is generally associated with increased sexual activity, desire, and enjoyment.


cannabis and sexual wellness partners


Top 10 Article Highlights:

  • Increased Sexual Activity: Frequent cannabis use is associated with higher levels of sexual activity and increased sexual desire and enjoyment.

  • Optimal Dosage: Lower doses of cannabis are more effective for enhancing sexual satisfaction, while higher doses may decrease desire and performance.

  • Gender Differences: Women experience more significant benefits from cannabis, such as reduced pain during intercourse and enhanced sexual pleasure.

  • Alleviating Anxiety: Cannabis can help reduce anxiety and promote intimacy, making sexual experiences more enjoyable.

  • Mixed Effects in Men: The effects of cannabis on men's sexual health are conflicting, with some studies suggesting negative impacts and others indicating improvements in erectile function and satisfaction.

  • Frequency Matters: Regular, moderate cannabis use correlates with better sexual function, including increased desire, arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction.

  • Female Orgasmic Disorder (FOD): Cannabis has shown potential in improving orgasm ease and frequency in women, supporting advocacy for recognizing FOD as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana.

  • Positive and Negative Outcomes: Cannabis exerts a multifaceted influence on sexuality, with both positive and negative effects depending on dosage and individual differences.

  • Closing the Orgasm Gap: Cannabis use before sex has been reported to increase desire and improve orgasms, helping to close the orgasm inequality gap between men and women.

  • THC and THCV May Enhance Experience: THCV and THC products designed to enhance sexual wellness, supporting individuals in their journey towards sexual fulfillment.


Cannabis and Sexual Activity: A Positive Correlation

The review underscores a key takeaway: individuals who use cannabis more frequently tend to report higher levels of sexual activity. This suggests that cannabis, in moderate amounts, can act as a catalyst for a more active and fulfilling sex life. But what’s the secret behind this intriguing connection?


Lower Doses for Enhanced Satisfaction

One of the standout findings from the research is that lower doses of cannabis may be more effective in enhancing sexual satisfaction. Higher doses, on the other hand, could potentially lead to decreases in desire and performance. This delicate balance underscores the importance of mindful consumption.



handing cannabis joint to sexual partner


Gender Differences in Cannabis Effects

The review also highlights that the effects of cannabis on sexual experiences can differ based on gender. Women, in particular, appear to experience more significant benefits. Research suggests that cannabis can alleviate painful intercourse (dyspareunia) and enhance sexual pleasure, reducing anxiety and promoting intimacy. These effects are particularly pronounced with low doses of cannabinoids, including THC and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV).


Conflicting Findings in Men’s Sexual Health

For men, the research presents a more complex picture. Some studies suggest that cannabis use may lead to erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, or postponed ejaculation. Conversely, other studies indicate that regular cannabis use can enhance erectile function and overall sexual satisfaction. These conflicting findings highlight the need for further research to fully understand the impact of cannabis on male sexual health.


Frequency of Use: Finding the Right Balance

The frequency of cannabis use also plays a crucial role in its effects on sexual function. Regular, moderate use appears to correlate with improved sexual function. A survey of female cannabis users found that those who used cannabis more frequently scored higher on measures of female sexual function, including desire, arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction. This reinforces the idea that consistent, mindful consumption of cannabis can enhance sexual wellness.


Addressing Female Orgasmic Disorder (FOD)

Cannabis’s potential to improve sexual function in women has sparked advocacy for recognizing conditions like female orgasmic disorder (FOD) as qualifying conditions for medical marijuana. Clinical sexologist Suzanne Mulvehill and cannabis specialist Jordan Tischler have been at the forefront of these efforts. A 2022 survey found that among women struggling to achieve orgasm, over 70% reported increased ease and frequency of orgasm with cannabis use. These findings highlight the transformative potential of cannabis for women’s sexual health.


The Multifaceted Influence of Cannabis

The new literature review makes it clear that cannabis exerts a multifaceted influence on various aspects of human sexuality, encompassing both positive and negative outcomes. The need for further research is evident to expand our scientific understanding and optimize the benefits of cannabis for sexual wellness.



cannabis flower


A Promising Future for Sexual Wellness

As the evidence continues to grow, it’s becoming increasingly clear that cannabis can play a significant role in enhancing sexual function, regardless of sex or gender. A study in the Journal of Cannabis Research found that over 70% of adults reported increased desire and improved orgasms with cannabis use before sex. Another study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that frequent cannabis users experienced better sex. These findings are promising, suggesting that cannabis can help close the orgasm inequality gap and improve sexual satisfaction for all.


Discovering the Difference

The recent scientific review of cannabis and human sexuality provides compelling insights into the intricate relationship between cannabis use and sexual experiences. The findings suggest that while cannabis can enhance sexual activity, desire, and enjoyment, these effects are most beneficial at lower doses, with higher doses potentially leading to diminished sexual satisfaction. Gender differences play a significant role, with women experiencing more pronounced positive effects, such as reduced pain during intercourse and enhanced pleasure. For men, the effects are more varied, highlighting the need for further research.


The review emphasizes the importance of frequency and dosage, indicating that regular, moderate use of cannabis correlates with improved sexual function in both men and women. The potential for cannabis to alleviate anxiety and promote intimacy underscores its multifaceted influence on sexual wellness. As the body of research grows, it is clear that cannabis has the potential to significantly impact sexual experiences, offering both opportunities for enhancement and areas for caution. Continued exploration and understanding of these effects will be crucial in optimizing the benefits of cannabis for sexual health and well-being.




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