The science between cannabis and sex
With the recent cannabis "craze" you've probably come across someone talking about how to experience sex with marijuana, or if cannabis can help us enjoy our sexuality more, alone or in company. If you want to know more about it, read on, here's how!
This blog is only informative, at ICAN we are interested in the access to information and the right to sexual health of cannabis users. This text should not be considered as an indication, diagnosis or medical treatment, and does not replace the opinion of health professionals.
Although there is already a lot of research on the health effects of cannabis, there are still many areas to be studied and one of them is sexual health. This week we will tackle two taboo subjects together: cannabis and sex!
At ICAN we want to inform you about the advances in cannabis research and its effects on the human body. Here we show you some results of studies about sex that have been done with marijuana, what some surveys say about the users of the plant, and some scientific explanations about it. We will also talk about how the adult use of cannabis can help improve your sexual experience in a responsible and safe way.
In women...
Although in recent times sexuality is more freely discussed, talking about sex openly is still "frowned upon", or approached in a stiff and uncomfortable manner.
This modesty is intensified when we talk about the way women experience their sexuality. However, there is no reason why this should be so; sexuality is natural for both sexes.
Fortunately, some researchers at St. Louis Medical University in Missouri don't have that mental barrier and in 2019 published a study in the journal Sexual Medicine regarding sex along with marijuana use in women. This study is titled, "The relationship between marijuana use before sex and sexual function in women." [1]
This research evaluated the responses of 373 female patients from a single hospital who responded anonymously to a survey about their sexual behavior and its relationship to cannabis use. Thirty-four percent reported having used cannabis before engaging in sexual activity, and most of these reported feeling an increase in sexual desire. Overall, those who used cannabis were 2.13 times more likely to experience more satisfying orgasms than those who did not, and the use of the plant decreased the sensation of pain. [1]
In men.
On issues of disparity, research has privileged the study of men's health, and men's sexual health is no exception. There are more solutions for sexually based problems in men than there are for women. However, the impact of cannabis is almost equally new and understudied for both sexes.
In 2017, urologist Andrew Sun and obstetrician Michael Eisenberg, both from Stanford University, published the study "The Association Between Marijuana Use and Sexual Frequency in the United States" in The Journal of Sexual Medicine. [2] Taking results from nationwide surveys (National Survey of Family Growth), they found that there is an association between the frequency of sexual intercourse and cannabis use.
In this study, 22,943 adult men were surveyed, and those whose cannabis use was weekly or daily reported having sexual encounters significantly more frequently than those who had never used. This may seem like anecdotal evidence, but it provides clues and new questions for future research and further exploration. [2]
These studies admit to having several biases: their population sample is primarily white and of mature adults; the surveys and questionnaires may have had design problems; and there was no control or knowledge of the strain of cannabis used by the participants. For these and other reasons, more studies on the science behind having sex with marijuana use and the effects it causes are still lacking.
Does cannabis chemistry improve sexual chemistry?
Doctors like Melanie Bone, an obstetrician-gynecologist from Florida, also investigate the psychological impact of the plant on our sexuality. The psychotropic effect felt when smoking cannabis can make sex more pleasurable by reducing anxiety and stress, and basically "letting go of your worries and enjoying the moment." It seems that THC helps to reduce inhibitions, improving self-confidence and reducing any insecurities we might have. [4]
Dr. Sandra Carrillo, an expert in medical cannabis, suggests that the sensation of increased arousal could be due to the fact that cannabinoids stimulate the alteration of the perception of time, prolonging the sensation of pleasure. [5] This is why sex with the effects of marijuana can be perceived as much more pleasurable.
Everything points to the endocannabinoid system (ECS) playing a fundamental role in the chemistry and balance of our bodies. The ECS is a network of receptors in the brain and nervous system involved in various processes such as pain control, appetite, temperature, stress and metabolism, among others. The cannabis plant contains several cannabinoids such as THC and CBD that interact with SEC receptors.
Some research has revealed that cannabinoids indirectly affect hormones and sexual behavior. Several animal studies have shown that CB1 receptors help release oxytocin and dopamine in females (hormones related to sexual pleasure), and in males it alters their testosterone level. [5] Dr. Gorzalka argues that adult use of cannabis influences sexual behavior and arousal in both sexes, although females are more likely to have better experiences. [3]
Can you improve your sexuality with cannabis?
Cannabis is a psychoactive plant that can cause different effects in different people. Specialists suggest that if you are new to using this substance it is important to take it slowly, taking precautions to ensure that the experience is as enjoyable and safe as possible. You should be aware of the legal and medical considerations and risks inherent in the adult use of cannabis under any circumstances.
Medical cannabis expert Jordan Tishler suggests that you start by trying cannabis individually before trying it as a couple, experimenting with masturbation; this way you will know how your body reacts to the effects of cannabis, especially on your level of arousal and the quality of your orgasm.
Another alternative, according to Dr. Becky Lynn, a specialist in gynecology and obstetrics, is to try cannabis for the first time with a partner you trust, so you can avoid having episodes of anxiety or paranoia alone. [6]
Dr. Tishler recommends using inhalable cannabis derivatives (such as cigars or electronic cigarettes or vapes) instead of consumingedibles. This is because it is easier to measure and administer inhalable doses and thereby moderate the intensity and duration of their effects. [6]
But remember...
It is important that you do not forget that you have the right to decide and you can always say no. In sex, with or without marijuana, there should always be mutual consent.
It is also important to differentiate between whether your cannabis use is aimed at improving your sexual experience or if you need help to manage a diagnosis of sexual dysfunction. In the latter case, it is best to seek the advice of a physician trained in the subject. [6]
Regardless of the clues you may find in this blog, remember that we all have the right to sexual health, which the World Health Organization defines as: "(...) a state of physical, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality. It requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the opportunity to have pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence." [7]
References
[1] Lynn, B. (2019). The Relationship between Marijuana Use Prior to Sex and Sexual Function in Women. Sexual Medicine. Recuperado de <sitio web>, última consulta 7 de febrero del 2020.
[2] Sun, A. (2017). Association Between Marijuana Use and Sexual Frequency in the United States: A Population-Based Study. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. Recuperado de<sitio web>, última consulta 7 de febrero del 2020.
[3] Gorzalka, BB. (2009). Male-female differences in the effects of cannabinoids on sexual behavior and gonadal hormone function. PubMed. Recuperado de <sitio web>, última consulta 7 de febrero del 2020.
[4] Pandika, M. (23 de enero de 2020). How does weed affect sex?. Mic. Recuperado de<sitio web>, última consulta 7 de febrero del 2020.
[5] Miller, M. (17 de octubre de 2019). Mother Nature’s Little Blue Pill? The Science of cannabis and sex. LA Weekly. Recuperado de <sitio web>, última consulta el 7 de febrero de 2020.
[6] Jacoby, S. (25 de marzo de 2019). How does cannabis actually affect sex?. SELF. Recuperado de<sitio web>, última consulta el 7 de febrero de 2020.
[7] OMS. (s.f.) Salud sexual. Recuperado de<sitio web>, última consulta el 7 de febrero de 2020.