Does Marijuana Increase Sexual Desire?
The Misconception About Marijuana
Many people think that using marijuana makes you lazy. They imagine users just sitting around, snacking, and being too lethargic to do much, including having sex. Yet, recent research has debunked this stereotype. A study from the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that marijuana users have sex up to 20% more often than non-users.
Revealing the Truth Through Research
A research team from Stanford University dived into data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, analyzing the responses of 28,000 women and 22,000 men. Their findings showed no signs that marijuana lowers sexual desire or capabilities. In fact, those who used marijuana had sex more frequently.
Michael Eisenberg, the lead author of the study and an assistant professor of urology at Stanford, said that marijuana doesn’t seem to harm sexual motivation or performance. If anything, it increases sexual activity. He noted, however, that the study couldn’t confirm whether marijuana directly boosts sexual desire. Instead, the results simply indicate a positive association between marijuana use and the frequency of sex.
Broad-Based Findings
The study’s patterns were consistent across different demographics—gender, race, age, education, income, religion, health status, and marital status didn’t affect the overall trend. Another study conducted in early 2017 found that 68% of women who used marijuana before sex reported enhanced pleasure.
Legal and Cultural Shifts
According to the United Nations World Drug Report, up to 238 million people globally use cannabis. In the U.S., states like California, Colorado, and Washington, D.C., have legalized recreational marijuana for adults, and many more permit its medical use. Scientific studies, like the one from Stanford, are essential in changing outdated views about marijuana and its effects. Notable figures, including Richard Branson, Steve Jobs, Barack Obama, and Oprah Winfrey, have been known to use marijuana, which helps to further dismantle the stereotype of the lazy user.
Marijuana and Sexual Intimacy: Four Benefits
Enhanced Sexual Desire
While marijuana affects everyone differently, many adults report increased sexual desire when using it. For instance, a survey conducted by Michael Castleman in 2011 for Psychology Today revealed that 67% of respondents experienced a boost in libido, whereas only 12% felt a decrease. These findings align with a 2017 study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, where 62% of female participants linked marijuana use with heightened sex drive.
More Frequent Sex
A general survey indicated that adults typically engage in sexual activity once a week or a few times a month. For those looking to increase their sexual encounters, using marijuana might help. The Journal of Sexual Medicine’s 2017 study revealed that daily marijuana users had 20% more sex than non-users.
Better Sexual Experience
Beyond frequency, marijuana also seems to make sex more enjoyable. Female participants in the aforementioned studies often reported better experiences and more pleasurable orgasms when using marijuana before sex. A smaller percentage also noted increased vaginal lubrication.
Reduced Anxiety
Performance anxiety can negatively impact sexual experiences. Low doses of marijuana might help ease this stress. Research from the University of Washington suggests that while low doses can reduce anxiety, higher doses could make it worse. Therefore, those looking to stay calm during intimacy should consider moderating their marijuana consumption.
Important Considerations
If you’re thinking about using marijuana to enhance your sexual experiences, be mindful. Start with a low dose and experiment with different strains to find what works best for you. Importantly, never pressure your partner into using marijuana for sex without their express consent. Consent is crucial in all sexual encounters.
Conclusion
The increasing legality and popularity of marijuana have highlighted its many benefits. Some advertisements even claim that cannabis products can boost libido, arousal, and orgasm. While research is still limited, recent surveys suggest that marijuana users have more frequent sex. Men and women from various backgrounds report a positive link between marijuana use and sexual activity.