Cannabis may enhance sexual experience, especially for women
Recent research updates the current perception of cannabis and sexuality, revealing that consumers could have better sex lives versus those who abstain. Researchers assessed previous literature and developed an online survey to collect the data to reach results that reveal cannabis consumption or application not only promotes sexual desire but leads to a stronger orgasm.
This survey was developed to bridge the gap between cannabis and sexual functioning research, as scientific data exploring that intersection is limited. The East Carolina University Institutional Review Board approved the survey. The lead investigator distributed the survey on their social media channels and shared it with relevant cannabis groups on sites like Facebook to collect a “snowball sampling” of participants, a majority of which were women.
Respondents opted into the survey on their own accord and included adults over 18 with a history of cannabis consumption. The study used a combination of models to assess the sexual response scale, honing in on the desire, excitement, orgasm, plateau, resolution, and satisfaction associated with sexual functioning. Arousal was measured by sex, with two questions about achieving and maintaining an erection for males and lubrication for females.
In addition, participants answered questions about their cannabis consumption, including the methods used, types of cannabis products consumed or applied, and where they were acquired. Chosen methods and products were then applied to future questions, requiring respondents to report how each type of cannabis affects the sexual response scale.
The survey attracted 811 participants ranging from 18 to 85 years old, with an average reporting age of 32. Most participants reported being in a monogamous sexual relationship. A quarter identified as LGBTQ+, 80.1% are college educated, and 78.9% are white.
Results showed that 70% of respondents experienced an increased desire for sex after consuming or applying cannabis products. Additionally, 70% of those surveyed attributed cannabis use to better, stronger orgasms.
Around the same percentage of respondents also shared that cannabis increased the perception of other senses like their taste (71.9%) and touch (71%), those who reported masturbating claimed that cannabis also enhanced that experience.
Researchers are excited about this update to the literature on cannabis and sexual function and the implications of cannabis treatment for sexual dysfunctions, especially in women. With these results, more researchers may pursue funding to expand our understanding of the relationship between sexuality and the plant.