Using cannabis can have a big impact on your physical and mental health—for better and, once in a while, for worse. That’s why it’s important to consult a healthcare provider before experimenting.
Here at GreenState, cannabis clinician Dr. Leigh Vinocur is here to answer your questions on healthy living with cannabis.
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Editor’s Note: The answer to this question is meant to supplement, not replace, advice, diagnoses, and treatment from a healthcare provider. Always consult a medical professional when using cannabis for medicinal purposes, and do not disregard the advice of your healthcare provider because of anything you may read in this article.
Q) How does cannabis affect my sexual function?
We know cannabis has been used as a medicinal agent for thousands of years. Ancient Chinese texts discuss its use for sexual dysfunction.
Additionally, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a significant role in various physiological processes, including those related to sexual function. The primary receptors involved are CB1 and CB2, which are distributed throughout the body, including the reproductive organs of both men and women.
The effects of cannabis on our sexual function can be primarily attributed to its interaction with our endocannabinoid system (ECS). These interactions can affect sexual arousal and response.
Cannabis may influence hormonal levels, such as testosterone, which is crucial for libido and sexual function. Some studies suggest that THC may transiently increase testosterone levels, leading to enhanced libido in males. Additionally, testosterone can also play a role in enhancing libido in women. Furthermore, much of our arousal begins in the brain, and cannabis’ interaction with these endocannabinoid receptors can also help regulate these moods.
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A survey study published in 2023 found both men and women felt that their cannabis use increased their sexual satisfaction and functioning as well as increased their desire and orgasm intensity. Another published survey study found that cannabis helped them relax, heightened their sensitivity to touch, and increased the intensity of feelings.
And we know that cannabis can sometimes have anti-anxiety effects that may contribute to this, as well as mitigate any performance anxiety. The relaxation and heightened sensory perception associated with cannabis use may contribute positively to sexual experiences.
A study out of Stanford University School of Medicine, published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, found a link between cannabis use and increased sexual frequency. The researchers commented that increased cannabis use did not seem to impair or hamper sexual function or performance.
Cannabis could have mixed results when it comes to sex
While there is some animal research that finds cannabis may improve erectile quality through vasodilation, as cannabinoids can induce relaxation of the vascular smooth muscle, there is also contradictory research that finds it may have a role in erectile dysfunction(ED). A primate study published in Fertility and Sterility found that chronic cannabis use may impact fertility by causing decreased testosterone levels and testicular atrophy. A review study examining several different research studies looking at the prevalence of ED in cannabis users versus nonusers found that ED was twice as common in cannabis users.
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Another survey study done in Australia published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that for women, the frequency of cannabis use was unrelated to sexual problems. However, in men, when comparing daily cannabis use to no cannabis use at all, there was an association of inability to reach orgasm.
But again, some contradicting evidence was found in a study looking at men with substance use disorders, including cannabis use disorder. They found the men who had problematic use of cannabis did not have any difference in sexual dysfunction or ED than the control-matched groups who did not use cannabis.
In conclusion, not all users will experience positive or negative effects. The impact of cannabis on sexual function is not uniform and varies between individuals and contexts. Cannabis’ effect on sexual function in men and women is multifaceted, presenting both potential benefits and risks. Like much medical cannabis use, it is a very personalized therapeutic. It can vary widely based on individual physiology, dosage, and frequency of use.
While many users may report enhanced libido, sexual satisfaction, and reduced performance anxiety, the effects are not universal. Some people may experience adverse effects such as increased anxiety and decreased libido with heavy use. As societal acceptance and use of cannabis continues to grow, further research is needed to better understand its implications on sexual health, including any long-term effects and the physiological mechanisms involved.
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Furthermore, reliance on cannabis for sexual enhancement may lead to psychological dependence, which may adversely affect overall sexual health and relationships. We need more long-term studies to assess the impacts of cannabis use on sexual health, as well as controlled clinical trials to determine dosage-dependent effects.
Additionally, as always, I caution against self-medication with cannabis. If you are having any issues with your sexual function, you need to talk with a knowledgeable health professional before starting any medical cannabis treatment.
Got cannabis questions? Ask Doctor Leigh. Send your questions to GreenState’s Editor Rachelle Gordon at editor@greenstate.com and keep an eye out for new answers from Dr. Leigh Vinocur every month.
The response to this question was not written or edited by GreenState. The authors are solely responsible for the content.