New Study Unravels the Complex Relationship Between Cannabis and Sexuality

A recent scientific review of academic research published in the journal Psychopharmacology has shed light on the intricate relationship between cannabis use and human sexuality. The study concludes that while the relationship is multifaceted, cannabis use is generally associated with more frequent sexual activity and increased sexual desire and enjoyment.

Cannabis and Sexual Satisfaction

The review highlights that lower doses of marijuana may be best suited for sexual satisfaction, while higher doses could lead to decreased desire and performance. The effects of cannabis on sexuality also appear to differ based on gender.

“Reports suggest that cannabis has the potential to enhance sexual pleasure, reduce inhibitions, alleviate anxiety and shame, and promote intimacy and connection with sexual partners,” wrote the research team from The Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center at Bar-Ilan University in Israel. “Furthermore, it has been associated with increased pleasure during masturbation and enhanced sensory experiences during sexual encounters.”

Effects on Sexual Activity and Function

The nine-page literature review indicates that sex is influenced by various physical and emotional factors, and marijuana impacts both aspects, potentially influencing sexual experiences. Individuals who use cannabis more frequently tend to report higher levels of sexual activity.

For women, cannabis use is often associated with more beneficial sexual effects, although less research has focused on women’s experiences. The study suggests that marijuana can relieve painful intercourse (dyspareunia) and that low doses of cannabinoids, including THC and THCV, may alleviate anxiety associated with sexual activities, consequently enhancing sexual desire and arousal.

Some advocates argue that the potential of cannabis to improve sexual function in women supports adding conditions such as female orgasmic disorder (FOD) as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana.

Mixed Findings for Men

The effects of cannabis on men’s sexual function are more conflicted. Some studies suggest cannabis can cause erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and postponed ejaculation, while others claim the opposite. Dosage appears to be a key factor, with lower doses generally showing positive effects and higher doses potentially leading to diminished sexual experiences.

Frequency of Use and Sexual Function

The review found that more frequent cannabis use correlates with greater sexual function. A survey of female cannabis dispensary customers indicated that women who used cannabis more often scored higher on measures of female sexual function. Increasing cannabis usage frequency was associated with higher scores in desire, arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction domains.

For men, some research suggests a correlation between daily cannabis use and difficulties in achieving orgasm. However, another study found no significant association between the frequency of cannabis use and trouble maintaining an erection. Yet another study indicated that men who used cannabis regularly scored higher on measures of erectile function.

The Need for Further Research

The researchers called for more investigation into the effects of cannabis on human sexuality, noting that the current findings are diverse and occasionally conflicting. Standardizing frequency measurements and controlling for more covariates in studies would help validate future findings.

“Studies investigating the impact of cannabis use frequency on human sexuality have yielded diverse and occasionally conflicting findings,” the researchers wrote. “Our findings make it evident that cannabis exerts a multifaceted influence on various aspects of human sexuality, encompassing both positive and negative outcomes.”

Implications for Medical Cannabis and Sexual Health

The review highlights the potential for cannabis to improve sexual function and alleviate sexual disorders. Clinical sexologist Suzanne Mulvehill and cannabis specialist Jordan Tischler have contributed research indicating that cannabis can increase orgasm ease and frequency, and improve orgasm satisfaction in women. Mulvehill has also advocated for recognizing female orgasmic disorder as a qualifying condition for medical cannabis.

A growing body of evidence suggests that marijuana can improve sexual function regardless of gender. A study in the Journal of Cannabis Research found that over 70 percent of surveyed adults reported increased desire and improved orgasms with cannabis use before sex. Another study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that women who used cannabis more often had better sex.

However, more marijuana does not necessarily mean better sex. A literature review published in 2019 indicated that cannabis’s impact on libido may depend on dosage, with lower amounts of THC correlating with higher levels of arousal and satisfaction. Most studies showed positive effects on women’s sexual function, but too much THC can have adverse effects.

Psychedelics and Sexual Function

Separately, a paper published earlier this year in Nature Scientific Reports explored the effects of psychedelics on sexual functioning, finding that drugs such as psilocybin mushrooms and LSD could have beneficial effects on sexual functioning even months after use.

The psychological aspects of sexual function, including body image, attraction to partners, and intimate connection, are crucial to psychological well-being in sexually active adults. This research emphasizes the need for innovative approaches to understanding and enhancing human sexuality through substances like cannabis and psychedelics.

The new review underscores the complexity of the relationship between cannabis and sexuality, highlighting both positive and negative outcomes. As the scientific community continues to explore this intricate dynamic, further research will be essential to fully understand how cannabis can be used to enhance sexual health and satisfaction.