Recently, the amount of people that consume cannabis has been growing worldwide. And the amount of people that have been curious to how weed affects their body is growing alongside it, naturally. One of the things most people are curious about is sex. Weed and sex, is it better? Or worse? Or does weed have no effect on it at all?
Let’s look at the science. Y’all know how I like to break it down for you. I read a few papers and then spew out whatever I learned in a way that I feel most people would understand without having a science major. So there’s been a few studies about weed and sex. First, if you wanna know why weed can make you feel horny, check out my other article. Second, let’s get down to business.
Anecdotal evidence of weed’s effect on sex has been reported by users for a long time. Even Carl Sagan, in his previously anonymous essay on marijuana, talked about his experiences with sex and weed. Like many, he reported that marijuana tends to enhance the physical sensations he experienced during sex, as well as a delay in orgasm, and a higher satisfaction when it is reached. Something similar to the use of sex toys and why people love making them part of their sexual encounters.
Scientists have been curious about weed’s effects on sexual desire and sexual activity for a while. Studies done on women’s sexual health suggest that marijuana has a facilitatory effect, including increases in desire, orgasmic function, satisfaction, enjoyment and pleasure. In men, it’s been reported that there is an increase in sexual satisfaction, as well as a decrease in erectile dysfunction symptoms. It’s been found that male marijuana users experience a higher sexual frequency than non-users, and they tend to score higher on their sexual health inventory and serum testosterone.
Although these studies are based on self reported data, scientists have some theories as to how marijuana affects sexual activity. One of these is that marijuana has an effect on anxiety. Due to the disinhibition induced by cannabis, people may find themselves increasingly relaxed, and are able to focus on their sensory perceptions. This, in turn, increases the pleasurable sensations that are experienced during sex.
On the molecular level, THC interacts with receptors in our calls that are called CB1 and CB2. In this article, we’re only going to talk about the CB1 receptors, as they’re the ones relevant to our question of weed and sex. CB1 receptors are located in the axon terminals of our neurons, that is to say, the part of the neuron that talks to the adjacent neuron. When the THC molecule binds itself to these receptors, the cell gets activated to release neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin, which play key roles in sexual functioning and behavior. These two neurotransmitters tend to activate or excite the cells next to them, like clicking on a rocker switch.
Marijuana may also have effects on GABA, glutamate and acetylcholine release. In contrast to serotonin and dopamine, these last three neurotransmitters tend to have an inhibitory function. Like clicking off the switch previously mentioned. However, it’s been found that in higher doses marijuana can actually stop the release of these inhibitory molecules, allowing the excitatory neurotransmitters to run amok without any interference.
CB1 receptors can be found in some parts of our brain which regulate sexual function, such as the such as the ventral tegmental area, hippocampus, amygdala and hypothalamus. But most interestingly, these receptors can also be found in peripheral tissues that are also implicated in sexual function, such as the adrenal glands (which are a source of androgens), and reproductive tissues such as the ovaries (which are a major source of both estrogens and androgens in women). Scientists still need to research exactly how the endocannabinoid system affects sexual physiology, but there is sure to be a link, due to the effects of cannabinoids on our cells.
Despite the evidence that marijuana has beneficial effects regarding sexual function, scientists still encourage the public to be cautious with it. Due to the fact that drug use is associated with risky behaviors, such as unprotected sex, it can lead to unsafe sexual encounters. The relaxation, euphoria and disinhibition associated with cannabis consumption can make users perceive risk even less, and experience a decrease in their self control. So it’s really important that, if you’re planning on consuming cannabis and have sex, to be cautious and not forget about the importance of safe sex.
So if you wanna get it on while high, remember to be safe. Always make sure that your partner is consenting to both the sex and drug use, as well as to use condoms or other contraceptive methods to prevent disease and unwanted pregnancies. Although the evidence suggests that weed can make sex better, it’s not going to be worth it if we forget to take care of our bodies, minds, and our health.
Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. The information on this article is for informative and entertainment purposes only. Nothing here substitutes advice you can get from a medical doctor. If you have a question about medical or recreational marijuana use, you should talk to a licensed physician.
Author: Kite
Roman, P. (2021) The Influence of Cannabis and Alcohol Use on Sexuality: An Observational Study in Young People (18-30 Years)- Europe PMC- Retrieved from: http://europepmc.org/article/MED/35052235#B22-healthcare-10-00071
Klein, Caroline (2013). Circulating Endocannabinoid Concentrations and Sexual Arousal in Women - National Institute of Health. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3856894/
Birak, Christine (2018) This is your brain on pot. - CBC. Retrieved from: https://newsinteractives.cbc.ca/thc/#:~:text=GABA%20builds%20up%2C%20calming%20activity,that%20is%20pleasant%20and%20unpleasant.
Kite (2022). Why does weed make you horny? - HOJ. Retrieved from: https://www.hoj.life/blogs/viden/why-does-weed-make-you-horny
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