Many women find that using marijuana (cannabis, weed) improves their sexual experiences, although there has been little scientific research on the subject.
In a 2019 Sexual Medicine study of 373 women, marijuana use was associated particularly with better orgasms. Most users reported more sexual interest and less pain, but little change in vaginal lubrication. (Read more about the study here.)
Experts aren’t sure why marijuana boosts sexual pleasure for some women, but they have some ideas:
- Women may feel more relaxed and less anxious when using marijuana.
- The drug may raise the senses of touch, taste, smell, hearing, and sight. In turn, a pleasurable sensation may become even more pleasurable.
- Perceptions of time may be prolonged, making these sensations “last” longer.
- Marijuana can affect areas of the brain that trigger the release of sex hormones, oxytocin (the “love hormone”), and dopamine.
It’s important to note that while many women feel that marijuana has positive effects on their sex lives, not all women feel this way.
The drug can affect people in different ways depending on the strain used, the amount taken, and the way it’s taken. For example, some people find that marijuana takes effect more quickly when they smoke it than when they take it in edible form.
Others advise using marijuana in low doses, since higher doses can make people lose focus on the sexual encounter.
Also, situational factors, like mood, attraction, and the state of a relationship, can play a role in how pleasurable sex is.
Consent is also harder to give and receive when a person uses marijuana. It’s essential for both partners to consent to a sexual act before it takes place. Being under the influence of any drug (or alcohol) impairs judgment, increasing the chances of risky behaviors like unprotected intercourse.
Women are encouraged to discuss any concerns they have regarding sex and marijuana with their healthcare provider.
For information on marijuana’s effects on men’s sexual health, please click here.
Resources
GlobalNews.ca
Cain, Patrick
“Cannabis can help with better sex, but low doses are key”
(January 19, 2019)
https://globalnews.ca/news/4848963/sex-marijuana-cannabis/
Psychology Today
Castleman, Michael, MA
“The Largest, Best Studies Yet on Sex and Marijuana”
(August 16, 2018)
Sexual Medicine
Lynn, Becky K., MD, et al.
“The Relationship between Marijuana Use Prior to Sex and Sexual Function in Women”
(Full-text. Published online: March 1, 2019)
https://www.smoa.jsexmed.org/article/S2050-1161(19)30009-1/fulltext