Cannabis and Sex: What’s the Deal?
/The use of cannabis has been associated with a number of anecdotal and empirical accounts describing sexual effects ranging from beneficial aphrodisiac-like properties to destructive and undesirable (Gorzalka & Hill, 2006). With the legalization of cannabis in Canada, contemporary research has expanded its efforts to understand the role that cannabis plays in human sexuality (Balon, 2017). Although controversial, research has suggested that cannabis may have differential effects on sexual functioning and behaviour depending on dose, such that shorter-term use appears to enhance sexual functioning and longer-term use appears to inhibit sexual functioning (Balon, 2017). This blog explores the potential role of cannabis in sensitivity, sexual desire, sexual dysfunction, and fertility.
Anecdotal accounts often point towards the profound effects that cannabis has on the physiological responses of individuals (Gorzalka & Hill, 2006). That’s a fancy way of saying that cannabis use is associated with many different effects on one’s body, ranging from distorted perceptions to loss of coordination and to problems with memory and thinking (perhaps many readers can relate to some of these experiences!). In addition, it also seems to have an effect on how people perceive sensations in their body, and this association has been supported by research finding that, with moderate doses, cannabis appears to enhance sensory (e.g., taste) and tactile (touch) experiences (Balon, 2017). So, if cannabis can enhance sensory experiences, what happens in a sexual context? Does it help make the experience better?
Research has shown that cannabis can enhance one’s sensitivity to touch during sexual activity, levels of sexual desire, and feelings of relaxation and satisfaction (Weller & Halikas, 1984; Gorzalka & Hill, 2006). This finding is important given that, collectively, these experiences can play an important role in the number, quality, and duration of orgasms (Weller & Halikas, 1984) as well as in increased feelings of intimacy (Balon, 2017). So, perhaps some individuals may benefit from using cannabis during sexual activity because it may promote sexual sensation, desire, and response—as long as you have obtained consent from your partner/s and do not experience negative effects like paranoia, panic attacks, and other wonky side effects of the drug (because yes, those can happen as well and they are not usually promoting of positive sexual experiences, unfortunately) (Bolla et al., 2002; Johns, 2001)! Also, because cannabis use can impair one’s judgment, risky sexual behaviour (e.g., inconsistent use of methods to protect against sexually transmitted infections) has been associated with cannabis use (Smith et al., 2010).
So it seems, for some people who use cannabis in moderate doses, there are some potentially positive effects on sexuality. Now, are there any potential negatives? Yes, of course! Research has suggested that the endocannabinoid and cannabinoid system (helps to keep your insides running smoothly) may play a significant role in modulating the biological processes involved in sexual responses that regulate erections and ejaculations (Gorzalka & Hill, 2006), likely involving at least two pathways (brain [hypothalamic] and penile [corpora cavernosa]) (Pizzol et al., 2019). Although this may seem like a good thing, modulation in either direction (increases or decreases) may be associated with sexual dysfunction in people with penises (we don’t know much about what happens on this level in people with vulvas or vaginas right now). This is a fancy way of saying that cannabis use may actually contribute to ejaculation difficulties, like ejaculating too fast, or taking a really really long time to ejaculate (Gorzalka & Hill, 2006). Likewise, cannabis use may also be correlated with problems in erectile function, like difficulties getting and maintaining an erection (Gorzalka & Hill, 2006). Distressing issues with penile function, in those who value erect penises that work in a certain way, can certainly contribute to decreases in sexual satisfaction and motivation (Balon, 2017).
And that’s not all: Cannabinoids and endocannabinoids also appear to be involved in hormonal and reproductive processes (Gorzalka & Hill, 2006), and not necessarily in a good way. Researchers have noted that chronic cannabis consumption may be associated with a decrease in testosterone levels in males (Balon, 2017), and this decrease can play a role in decreased fertility and reduced sperm count, which can pose challenges in those who would like to have children (Balon, 2017). Likewise, researchers have suggested that chronic cannabis consumption may decrease progesterone levels in females (Gorzalka & Hill, 2006), which can also affect fertility, but it also poses challenges for sustaining a pregnancy, given that progesterone plays an important role in supporting the uterine environment (Gorzalka & Hill, 2006). Cannabis use during pregnancy is absolutely not recommended: It contributes to an increased likelihood of miscarriage, and to low birth weights and premature births (Gorzalka & Hill, 2006).
So, as with many things in life, there are advantages and disadvantages associated with cannabis use and the story isn’t as clear as we may assume. Some research has shown that dose matters, such that low doses of cannabis may have faciliatory effects and large doses may have inhibitory effects on sexual functioning (Balon, 2017). It’s difficult to gauge an appropriate dosage, as individual differences probably play a role on the effects of cannabis on the body (Gorzalka & Hill, 2006). So, should people use cannabis for sexual purposes, or not? Well, that is something that this blog will not answer for you. You need to do more research, weigh the pros and cons, and decide what is best for you, knowing the potential benefits and risks. What research suggests is that, with shorter-term use and lower doses, cannabis may enhance sexual functioning in some people, and that longer-term use with higher doses is associated with more negative effects in some people (Balon, 2017). The big take-away here is be sure you think, research, take precautions, discuss consent and cannabis use with your partner/s, and see what works for you (and what doesn’t).
SexLab has just launched a study examining cannabis use and sexuality! If you are interested in participating, please click here for more information.
Philip Travado (BAH, Psychology, 2021)
References
Balon, R. (2017). Cannabis and Sexuality. Current Sexual Health Reports, 9(3), 99–103. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-017-0112-7
Bolla, K. I., Brown, K., Eldreth, D., Tate, K., & Cadet, J. L. (2002). Dose-related neurocognitive effects of marijuana use. Neurology, 59(9), 1337–1343. https://doi.org/10.1212/01.wnl.0000031422.66442.49
Gorzalka, B. B., & Hill, M. N. (2006). Cannabinoids, Reproduction, and Sexual Behavior. Annual Review of Sex Research, 17(1), 132–161. https://doi.org/10.1080/10532528.2006.10559840
Johns, A. (2001). Psychiatric effects of cannabis. British Journal of Psychiatry, 178(2), 116–122. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.178.2.116
Pizzol, D., Demurtas, J., Stubbs, B., Soysal, P., Mason, C., Isik, A. T., Solmi, M., Smith, L., & Veronese, N. (2019). Relationship Between Cannabis Use and Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. American journal of men's health, 13(6), 1557988319892464. https://doi.org/10.1177/1557988319892464
Smith, A. M., Ferris, J. A., Simpson, J. M., Shelley, J., Pitts, M. K., & Richters, J. (2010). Cannabis use and sexual health. The journal of sexual medicine, 7(2 Pt 1), 787–793. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01453.x
Weller, R., & Halikas, J. (1984). Marijuana use and sexual behavior. The Journal of Sex Research, 20(2), 186–193. https://doi.org/10.1080/0022449840955121