Cannabis for better sex
Key Takeaways
Female sexual dysfunction impacts 40% of women globally, with orgasmic issues being common and many women reporting “faking” orgasms.
Cannabis has been shown to improve sexual satisfaction and make achieving orgasms easier for women; it can also alleviate conditions like pelvic pain and vulvodynia. For men, its effects are mixed and include the potential risk of erectile dysfunction.
The impact of cannabis varies by dosage and frequency, with moderate use offering benefits but high doses potentially reducing sexual performance.
Cannabis is having a moment. With over 21,000 species of the plant, containing more than 100 active compounds (cannabinoids)—including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabichromene (CBC)—its potential medical applications are vast.[]
From pain management, to reducing inflammation, to improving nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy, cannabis is already helping patients across the US. But could it also be the answer to sexual dysfunction?
Impact on female sexual dysfunction
Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) affects 40% of women worldwide,[] but the condition is understudied and often undertreated.
Orgasmic dysfunction, one of the most common FSDs, affects 35%–60% of women, paralleled by a high incidence of "fake" orgasms. Studies indicate that 30%–74% of women have reported "faking" an orgasm.[]
Orgasms are more than just pleasure, of course. They help in maintaining a healthy libido, reducing anxiety and depression, and improving sleep quality and immune function. Current treatment options for orgasmic dysfunction in women are limited and lack empirical validation. However, cannabis shows promise.
In a 2024 study focusing on women who struggled to achieve orgasms, using cannabis before intercourse helped them reach orgasms more easily, more frequently, and with greater satisfaction.[] The study described the following findings related to cannabis use:
67% of women with initial orgasmic dysfunction reported improved sexual satisfaction
71% found that cannabis made the process of achieving orgasm easier
The frequency of cannabis use before sex was significantly positively correlated with a higher frequency of orgasms
In clinical studies, cannabis use has also benefited conditions like pelvic pain, dyspareunia, vulvodynia, and pain associated with urogenital diseases.[]
A 2022 literature review provided support for four possible theories explaining these positive effects:[]
Amygdala reduction theory: Cannabis can reduce activity in the amygdala, which is linked to fear and anxiety. By reducing these feelings, it could help improve sexual experiences and orgasms.
Dishabituation theory: THC disrupts habitual patterns of thought, helping women focus more on their sexual sensations and achieve orgasm, especially if they were previously distracted.
Neuroplasticity theory: THC and the body’s own cannabinoids help the brain adapt and grow—explaining why some women learn to orgasm with cannabis, and then don’t need it anymore to achieve orgasm.
Multi-modal treatment theory: Due to the multiple therapeutic uses of cannabis, it can reduce sexual dysfunction even if the reason for using it isn’t related to sex.
Cannabis and male sexual health
For men, the relationship between cannabis and sexual health is complex. A 2024 review in Psychopharmacology notes a "bidirectional effect" on sexual functioning: While cannabis may boost sex drive or libido, it increases the risk of erectile dysfunction.[] Another report, however, found this risk to be nearly four times higher.[]
Research indicates mixed results; consider the following:
A recent study published in Journal of Cannabis Research suggested cannabis may impair male sexual function due to its muscle relaxant properties, though it could benefit women.[]
A report from the Canadian Urology Association Journal found self-reported benefits, such as increased sexual activity, did not hold up in rigorous analysis. Cannabis users showed higher androgen deficiency symptoms.[]
The action of cannabinoid agonists on cannabinoid receptors in human cavernosal tissue can hinder cavernosal relaxation.
In a 2024 study, mild cannabis use improved penile vascular response but was linked to greater relationship instability and higher prolactin levels, with no effect on testosterone.[]
The sexual response cycle
The sexual response cycle—comprising desire, excitement, orgasm, plateau, resolution, and satisfaction—is influenced by multiple factors, including physical health, relationship quality, and mental well-being. Cannabis impacts both the physical and emotional facets of sexual experience, influencing every stage of this cycle.[]
Desire: Cannabis is a known aphrodisiac that boosts desire and arousal, especially in women, and alleviates pain during intercourse, enhancing sexual pleasure. In a 2023 study,[] cannabis improved sexual desire and orgasm intensity in 70% of participants. Subjects also noted enhanced sensory experiences, such as heightened taste and touch during sexual activity while under the influence of cannabis.
Excitement: In women, cannabis prolongs and enhances foreplay by increasing blood flow and lubrication. In men, it negatively affects the excitement phase.
Orgasm: Cannabis can make orgasms more intense and prolonged for both genders. Yet, its daily use in men is linked to difficulties achieving orgasm, though those who do reach orgasm report higher quality and intensity.
Plateau: Cannabis may extend intercourse duration for men by altering time perception or increasing foreplay.
Resolution: Cannabis enhances pleasure, including during oral sex, and boosts sensory experiences. It also promotes tender, slower, and more compassionate sexual interactions, with partners feeling more relaxed.
Other positive effects include reduced inhibitions, lower levels of shame and anxiety, and increased connection and intimacy with sexual partners.[]
Factors at play
Two primary factors determine the impact of cannabis on sexual functions: dosage and frequency.[]
Frequency
More frequent usage in women is associated with higher female sexual function index (FSFI) scores, better arousal, desire, and orgasmic satisfaction, with reduced sexual dysfunction.
However, in men, daily use of cannabis can cause difficulties in attaining orgasms and lead to premature or delayed ejaculation.
Dosage
An inverted U-shaped relationship exists between the dose of cannabis and sexual function. Moderate doses enhance sexual pleasure, while higher doses can reduce performance and desire in both men and women.
Despite its many benefits, cannabis has addictive potential. It is estimated that 10% of Americans who have ever used cannabis tend to use it daily, and an additional 20%–30% use it weekly. Therefore, incorporating cannabis into treatment plans for sexual dysfunction should be done with caution, ensuring patients are fully informed of the benefits and risks.
What this means for you
Sexual dysfunction is a serious medical condition that requires careful diagnosis, identification of precipitating factors, and timely management. While male sexual dysfunction has received considerable research attention, female sexual dysfunction remains largely unexplored despite its higher prevalence. Cannabinoids can offer potential therapeutic benefits if used judiciously and under proper supervision to avoid the risk of maladaptive behaviors or addiction in patients.