Health ConditionsChevron
Sexual and Reproductive HealthChevron
All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors.
However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
Cannabis (marijuana) has a bit of a mixed reputation when it comes to sex.
Amanda K. Behrens
You may have heard that itsa traditional herbal aphrodisiacwith nearly mythical libido-boosting powers.
Or maybe you heard that it canreduce sperm countorcontribute to erectile dysfunctionandpremature ejaculation.
Here’s what the limited research tells us about cannabis and sex.
Amanda K. Behrens
Most of what we know about cannabis and sex comes from self-reported surveys.
But research directly linking cannabis to sexual enjoyment is somewhat lacking.
You cant exactly give participants weed and measure how their sex habits change, for example.
Amanda K. Behrens
But a study like this comes with a few drawbacks.
Researchers also have no way of corroborating what survey respondents say.
Is it a concentrate or an edible?)
Amanda K. Behrens
Surveys also only show us a correlation between two things, like cannabis use and the enjoyment of sex.
They can’t assess the mechanism behind that correlation or even necessarily tell us why it exists.
Plus, many of these studies have historically focused mostly or entirely on the experience of men.
Amanda K. Behrens
Those who had firsthand experience with the topic (39 percent) were asked to answer from that perspective.
So it’s not clear how well their results would translate to the experience of people outside those groups.
I wanted to know what women really thought, she says.
Did they think that marijuana was improving their sex life?
And 127 of the 176 cannabis users reported ever using cannabis before sex.
However, like many of the other studies on this topic, the participants were primarily white and heterosexual.
This is how cannabis could theoretically impact sex.
But what happens when you add cannabis to the mix?
It has direct effects on the cannabinoid receptorsin the skin and nerve pathwaysthat are involved in perceiving pain.
It can also affect some higher order functions, includingmemoryand feelings offear and anxiety.
There are just theories on why this works, Dr. Lynn says.
Theres really no definitive answer.
But, again, these studies have their drawbackstheyre not measuring arousal or libido directly.
In some cases though, delayed ejaculation may become problematic.
But that study also found that cannabis use was associated with premature ejaculation.
There is also some evidence in humans to suggest that frequent use of cannabis can cause undesirable effects.
Nearly half of that sample (45 percent) reported using cannabis within the previous three months.
Interestingly, astudypublished this month inHuman Reproductiondid not find the same results.
But, if youre in a position to try it, our experts do have some words of wisdom.
Here’s what to know before you mix cannabis and sex.
Cannabis is a psychoactive drug and different people react differently to it.
Dr. Tishler suggests trying cannabis on your own before incorporating a partner.
The same rules of consent apply.
We know that cannabis (especially when smoked) can affect the lungs and exacerbate conditions like asthma.
It can also increase the heart rate and cause anxiety in some cases.
Despite the lack of research, there area tonof sex-related cannabis products.
In case you’re curious.
As weve discussed, the research surrounding cannabis and sex leaves a lot to be desired.
And the good ol placebo effect may dictate a good amount of what happens.
(And weve already covered the benefits of vaping over smoking cannabishere.)
Below are a just a few of the cannabis products out there purported to enhance sex.
All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors.
If you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
DosistArouse Pen
Dosist pens have gained a reputation for delivering consistent doses of cannabinoid and terpene blends.
Buy it:Find it at a dispensaryhere.
Based ontons of testimonials, Foria says that Pleasure users report more intense orgasms with the product.
It should begin working within 15 minutes and last for up to three hours.
CanndescentConnect
Canndescent cannabis is available in five different varieties, each claiming to deliver a specific effect.
Connect is available as flower, in a prerolled joint, and now ina vape cartridge.
But it:Find it at a dispensaryhere.
