How Might Cannabis Use Affect Sexual Function?

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a plant which has been used for centuries in traditional medicine practices and outside of those for purposes relating to spirituality and recreation. Within cannabis, there are over 400 different compounds. Of these, over 100 belong to the class known as cannabinoids, which are responsible for their well-known calming and psychotropic effects. The most common cannabinoids sold commercially are Delta 9-THC (THC), and cannabidiol (CBD), the latter of which offers more calming effects.

With rising popularity and legality in commercial spaces across North American countries, there has also been a rise in research on sexual health effects. Research supports the thought that cannabis has stimulating effects on the body which can enhance orgasm across the gender spectrum. Indirectly, it may assist sexual functioning by reducing anxiety and increasing relaxation and sensory focus, specifically one’s taste and touch. It’s known in most literature that anxiety is a key inhibitor of sexual function, and often a force behind some orgasmic disorders in both males and females.

In a study involving cannabis dosages, it was shown that cannabis cigarettes with 1% THC content increased sexual desire, but any further positive effects were not noticeable when THC content increased. Despite this, frequent cannabis users may continue to use it prior to sexual activity in an effort to enhance the experience.

Female Sexual Function

Most research has supported the benefits of cannabis on female sexual function (FSF), especially with regard to sexual pain disorders. A study of 410 women with orgasmic disorders revealed that increased frequency of cannabis use (frequency of cannabis use was presented on the survey as between over 3 times and under 3 times per week) benefited FSF in the areas of desire, arousal, orgasm, and overall satisfaction. Even an increase of one additional use per week showed higher FSF. It’s believed this may have to do with the endocannabinoid system in the body which helps inform anxiety and sexual response, amongst other things. The addition of existing cannabinoids may lead to the activation of this system, resulting in improved anxiety and FSF.

A 2022 study of cannabis and FSF revealed that in moderate doses, cannabis improves orgasm, libido, and arousal, however, in higher doses, cannabis may have more (unnamed) negative effects on FSF, with reports of diminished sexual experience or satisfaction. Keep in mind, that “moderate doses” are different for everyone, and that researchers were unable to specify what amount of THC constitutes, “moderate.” While not yet supported by clinical guidelines, more frequent use of low-moderate concentrations of THC may be beneficial to FSF.

Male Sexual Function

As far as male sexual functioning is concerned, there is mixed information. Most research has revealed that cannabis has negative effects on male sexual function. However, most agree that cannabis use prior to sexual activity increases sexual desire in men. Primarily, research shows that cannabis may cause erectile dysfunction (ED), which is when an erection cannot be sustained long enough for satisfactory sex.

With regard to ED, some studies relate cannabis to the relaxation of muscles, which may prevent sustained erections. A 2020-published study surveyed 325 men who used a variety of THC and CBD, such as flower, edibles, smoking concentrates, tinctures and oils, and vaping. This study reported that non-users were more likely to experience ED than those who habitually use prior to sexual activity. Some studies also report that while ED is less likely amongst cannabis users, orgasmic disorders such as premature or delayed ejaculation were more likely. There has also been speculation that the smoking aspect of cannabis is the true culprit behind ED, so with the rise of edible cannabis products, this may be mitigated.

Similar to FSF, excessive cannabis use may promote more inhibiting factors in male sexual functioning. While still being investigated by research teams, some may find frequent cannabis use with low THC concentrations to be beneficial for their libido and perceived sexual pleasure.

Conclusion

Despite conflicting research, most studies have generally agreed that frequent cannabis use prior to sexual activity can be beneficial to sexual function in low concentrations of THC. This has been attributed to the aphrodisiac-like qualities, such as increased sensitivity, sexual satisfaction, and orgasm intensity. Additionally, the psychotropic effects of THC can alter perceptions of time and sensation, leading to an artificial concept of more intense and pleasurable sexual encounters.

Additionally, women may benefit from cannabis use prior to sexual activity in terms of sexual pain disorders like dyspareunia, vulvodynia, and more, due to the relaxing and anxiety-reducing nature of many cannabinoids. While not much is known as to the reasoning behind these effects on sexual functioning, it’s believed that the endocannabinoid system becomes activated by cannabis consumption, therefore relieving anxiety and activating sexual response.

References:

Bhambhvani, H. P., Kasman, A. M., Wilson-King, G., & Eisenberg, M. L. (2020). A survey exploring the relationship between cannabis use characteristics and sexual function in men. Sexual Medicine, 8(3), 436–445. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esxm.2020.06.002

Kasman, A. M., Bhambhvani, H. P., Wilson-King, G., & Eisenberg, M. L. (2020). Assessment of the association of cannabis on female sexual function with the female sexual function index. Sexual Medicine, 8(4), 699–708. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esxm.2020.06.009

Lissitsa, D., Hovers, M., Shamuilova, M., Ezrapour, T., & Peled-Avron, L. (2024). Update on cannabis in human sexuality. Psychopharmacology, 241(9), 1721–1730. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-024-06643-4

Moser, A., Ballard, S. M., Jensen, J., & Averett, P. (2023). The influence of cannabis on sexual functioning and satisfaction. Journal of Cannabis Research, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-022-00169-2

Mulvehill, S., & Tishler, J. (2024). Assessment of the effect of cannabis use before partnered sex on women with and without orgasm difficulty. Sexual Medicine, 12(2). https://doi.org/10.1093/sexmed/qfae023