Marijuana has been likened to a “cure-all” for innumerable maladies. And indeed, studies abound regarding its healing properties.* But it’s long been known to pot aficionados that one of its primary benefits is how it induces a more gratifying experience during sexual intercourse.
Is Pot the high-way to Happiness?
“According to a research study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine (JSM), entitled the Association Between Marijuana Use and Sexual Frequency in the United States: A Population-Based Study, the goal of the study was, “To elucidate whether a relation between marijuana use and sexual frequency exists using a nationally representative sample of reproductive-age men and women.”
“The analysis represented 28,176 women and 22,943 men nationwide who were surveyed by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) via a questionnaire. The CDC’s broad, all-encompassing survey is often utilized by researchers as a basis for further, more specific analysis.”**
Since marijuana has been illegal under Federal Law – indeed it has been categorized as a Schedule 1 “drug” as is heroin – few scientific studies have been conducted (or even allowed). Other countries have filled in the void, including Israel.*
Euphoria? You be the Judge
In general, anecdotal evidence, such as wide-spread word-of-mouth (so to speak), including social media reports, validate the supposition – namely, people with a buzz tend to enjoy sensual experiences with a greater degree of satisfaction. Simply stated, cannabis, acts as a sex aid for many participants. Unlike alcohol, which can have the opposite effect when consumed to a deleterious level, pot increases sexual pleasure with few negative side effects – not withstanding an appetite for the munchies.
Orgasmically Organic
“Your body’s natural endocannabinoid system is key in regulating things like pleasure, pain, relaxation, and homeostasis. When it is activated by the cannabinoids in cannabis, it can leave users feeling relaxed with increased pleasure and decreased pain. This can lead to increased arousal and make sex even more enjoyable.” ***
Several years ago, a survey was conducted with “responses of 373 participants (the majority of whom were straight, white women) who all sought care at a specific OB/GYN practice between March 2016 and February 2017. The survey included questions about overall sexual activity—including how satisfied they were with their current sex life, drive, orgasms and lubrication. The survey also asked whether or not they used marijuana, if they used prior to having sex and how frequently they partook.”
“Of the sample, 176 women said they use cannabis. Among those who reported using marijuana before sex, 68.5 percent stated that the overall sexual experience was more pleasurable, 60.6 percent noted an increase in sex drive, and 52.8 percent reported an increase in satisfying orgasms…”****
Turn on and Tune in to your Body
CNN reports: “People who use marijuana may have more sex because they put less pressure on themselves when they are high, so they don’t have the same performance anxiety as those who are sober,” suggested sex therapist Amanda Pasciucco, who practices in Connecticut, where medical use is legal. “A small amount of marijuana may also help increase your ability to communicate your preferences to your partner.”
“Sex therapist Lawrence Siegel noted that in particular, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol — the cannabinoid THC — appears to target a part of our brain associated with sexual arousal…”
It’s no surprise that weed usage is so popular. According to the United Nations, 158.8 million people around the world use marijuana—more than 3.8% of the planet’s population. Pew Research reports: “A majority of Americans support marijuana legalization. About six-in-ten Americans (62%) say the use of marijuana should be legalized, according to a fall 2018 survey.”
Similar to partner sex, using cannabis-infused massage oil or lubricants may further enhance the experience of self-pleasure and libido sensitivity when doing masturbation.
Cannabis has been used as an aphrodisiac in many cultures for centuries. Is weed as aphrodisiacs a placebo effect? Susie Bright, a “sexpert,” stated to Motherboard:
“If you hold a party and everyone uses marijuana or CBD, there will be a few people who withdraw and don’t feel sexy, while others will feel flirty and receptive to advice. So, it’s challenging to pinpoint general truths regarding cannabis and pleasure.” Weed is known to promote relaxation. So it really depends what you might feel if you do weed.
* https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2015/06/marijuana-science-drug-research-legality/
*** https://www.greenstate.com/explained/marijuana-aphrodisiac-can-used-sex-aid/