Introduction
When it comes to sex and cannabis, there’s a lot of misinformation out there. Masters and Johnson (1966) established the sexual response cycle that includes four phases: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution. Each phase is identified by physiological responses of the body during sex; however, each phase may not be distinguishable from the next
From ancient cultures to modern science, the connection between sex and cannabis has always been a topic of debate. While it’s widely known that cannabis affects many aspects of human physiology, there’s still a lot to learn about how it influences sexual functioning and satisfaction.
In this article, we explore the research from both human and animal studies to get a better understanding of what role cannabis plays in sexual health. We look at the most common questions about sex and weed and provide insight into how to use cannabis in a way that promotes sexual pleasure and satisfaction.
Ultimately, this article will help readers gain an understanding of the potential benefits that cannabinoids can have on enhancing the sexual experience.
An Overview of Cannabis and Its Influence on Sex
What impact does marijuana really have on sex? According to a recent study in 2023, the use of cannabis was seen to have improved benefits of both desire and satisfaction.
Smoking weed has been linked to greater arousal and heightened orgasmic response. It can also reduce pain, leaving sex more comfortable for those with physical issues such as endometriosis or vulvodynia. On the other hand, frequent use has been associated with difficulty achieving orgasm, delayed ejaculation, and decreased libido, especially among women.
It’s important to remember that cannabis affects every person differently and that its influence on sexual functioning and satisfaction depends largely on context. Cannabis may be an effective way to enhance physical pleasure in some cases but can be detrimental in others—such as when used to cope with uncomfortable feelings during sex or when consumed in high quantities.
How Cannabis Can Influence a Person’s Sexual Functioning
It’s no secret that marijuana can have a profound effect on your libido. Both anecdotal evidence and an increasing body of scientific research suggest that cannabis can have a positive impact on sexual functioning, satisfaction, and pleasure. (Moser 2023)
The two main active components in marijuana, CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), can work together to produce an experience of heightened sensations and relaxation. THC is a psychoactive component that is known for its relaxing effects; it has been shown to reduce anxiety and lead to feelings of euphoria. Meanwhile, CBD is thought to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate things like mood, sleep, appetite, and pain responses all of which are essential components of healthy sexual functioning.
Together, these cannabinoids may help enhance arousal by providing the physical relaxation necessary to let go and enjoy sex more fully. Cannabis may also make it easier to achieve orgasm by helping you become more mindful of your physical sensations; this is especially true with both marijuana-infused lubes and edibles because they enter the bloodstream quicker than other forms of ingestion.
Cannabis and Its Effects on Sexual Pleasure and Satisfaction
Cannabis has been found to influence sexual functioning and satisfaction in both positive and negative ways. Research has shown that it can increase feelings of pleasure and satisfaction through its effects on the endocannabinoid system, which plays an important role in regulating sexual arousal. However, it can also impair sexual function such as by delaying ejaculation or reducing libido. The negative effects of THC which mainly include paranoia, anxiety, inhibited orgasm, lack of interest might be counteracted by taking CBD which counteracts the negative reactions ( Russo 2018; Guy 2005). Therefore the balance of CBD and THC is important to avoid adverse reactions.
For many users, the use of cannabis helps create a sense of relaxation and an overall improved sense of well-being, which can make sex more enjoyable. Cannabis can also reduce anxiety associated with sexual performance and help enhance physical pleasure. Additionally, its effects on the endocannabinoid system can increase sensations of touch.
Cannabis was shown to intensify feelings of connection and intimacy between two people, making it easier to reach higher levels of satisfaction during a sexual encounter. This heightened connection can enhance communication and make it easier to talk about preferences or desires without fear or judgment – leading to increased pleasure for both partners.(Testa 2020)
CBD’s Influence on the Sexual Experience
CBD (cannabidiol) has become a popular supplement for many people looking to improve their overall health and well-being. While there are plenty of studies looking at CBD’s effects on physical health, there is still much to explore when it comes to how it can offer benefits for sexual functioning and satisfaction.
When it comes to CBD’s potential effect on sexual functioning and satisfaction, the research is still in its infancy. So far, research has shown that CBD can help with boosting libido, reducing anxiety and stress, improving focus, enhancing sensation, and increase pleasure.
Here are some of the key ways that CBD can influence the sexual experience:
- Reducing Anxiety & Stress: By helping to reduce feelings of stress or anxiety in the mind and body, CBD can make engaging in sexual activity more enjoyable.
- Enhancing Pleasure: Research suggests that CBD may interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) in a way that helps increase pleasure during sex by stimulating certain receptors.
- Improving Focus & Clarity: When you’re feeling relaxed but focused, you’ll be better able to appreciate the sensations of sex and fully enjoy it with your partner or alone.
- Enhancing Sensations: The calming effects of CBD have been shown to help relax both the mind and body, allowing for greater sensation recall throughout the entire experience.
Research Findings on Marijuana Use Before Sex
Research suggests that consuming cannabis prior to engaging in sexual activities can have various effects on the user’s experience. In fact, one study found that marijuana use before sex increased the likelihood of more sexual pleasure and satisfaction.
In addition, another study of heterosexual couples who used marijuana before sex concluded that cannabis use was associated with an increase in pleasure, orgasm intensity, and increased desire for physical closeness during their encounters. Moreover, the study found that marijuana users rated their overall sexual experience as more positive than those who did not use cannabis before engaging in sexual activities.
This potential benefit of using cannabis prior to sex is consistent with some research that suggests marijuana can improve mood and relaxation levels, which are intrinsically linked to sexual pleasure. Furthermore, cannabis is believed to help some with the anxiety surrounding sex and can reduce pain – both factors which can have a direct impact on a person’s performance and satisfaction when it comes to sexual activity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the effects of cannabis on sexual functioning and satisfaction remain largely unclear, often influenced by the individual dose, potency of the strain, the frequency of use, and personal expectations. For some, cannabis may improve sexual functioning and pleasure while for others it may lead to decreased performance and satisfaction. Ultimately, the use of cannabis during sex and its effects on sexual satisfaction should be seen as an individual experience and further research is needed to elucidate the possible effects of cannabis use on sexual functioning and satisfaction.
However the research sheds light on the possibility of using cannabis products to improve the overall experience in certain subgroups of people or specific cases.
references
Moser A, Ballard SM, Jensen J, Averett P. The influence of cannabis on sexual functioning and satisfaction. J Cannabis Res. 2023 Jan 20;5(1):2. doi: 10.1186/s42238-022-00169-2. PMID: 36658600; PMCID: PMC9854104.
Testa M, Wang W, Derrick JL, Leonard KE. Marijuana Use Episodes and Partner Intimacy Experiences: A Daily Report Study. Cannabis. 2019;2(1):19-28. doi: 10.26828/cannabis.2019.01.002. Epub 2019 Feb 9. PMID: 30923794; PMCID: PMC6433396.
https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sex/cbd-and-libido#drawbacks