cannabis and sex

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Cannabis and Sex: What Science Says About Pleasure, Hormones, and Performance

Breaking down the impact of cannabis on sex.

Cannabis and sex have always had a close relationship, at least anecdotally. Plenty of cannabis users say the plant enhances sexual pleasure, increases satisfaction, and helps them feel more connected during sexual encounters. But does weed actually make you hornier? Can cannabis consumption improve sexual function, or does it sometimes get in the way?

Here’s what the latest research tells us about cannabis, sexual health, and sexual enjoyment.

The Science Behind Cannabis and Sex

cannabis and sex

Ballint Szabo

Cannabis can change the way sex feels, but not always in predictable ways. That’s why the same joint that sparks desire for one person might make someone else feel disconnected or distracted. Some people say cannabis helps them get out of their head and into their body, making touch feel better and orgasms come easier. Others find that if they use too much, they end up overthinking or losing the thread entirely.

What’s clear is that cannabis changes how the body and brain process sexual stimuli. Whether that results in better sex or a buzzkill depends on the specific cannabinoids involved, the user’s mindset, and how cannabis interacts with the brain, body, and hormones during sex. Below, we break down how it all works.

The Brain and Sexual Enhancement

cannabis and sex

Luiz Rogerio Nunes

The endocannabinoid system controls a lot of what happens during sexual response. It helps regulate mood, stress, pain, and arousal by interacting with cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) that are spread throughout the brain and body. When these receptors are activated, they can change how the brain processes pleasure, how the body senses touch, and how blood flow is managed during sex.

In the brain, neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine are part of what fuels sexual excitement; they’re tied to desire, physical response, and motivation. Serotonin, on the other hand, can work against sexual response by decreasing feelings of desire and delaying orgasms. Cannabis alters this system by activating CB1 receptors, which regulate how fast these neurotransmitters are released and how intensely the body and brain respond to sexual stimuli.

These neurotransmitters also interact with sex hormones like testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and oxytocin. That’s why cannabis doesn’t just change how sex feels in the body; it changes how it feels in the brain, too.

Cannabis and Sex Hormones

Sex hormones shape how the body responds to sex, and cannabis interacts with those systems in ways we’re still trying to fully understand.

Testosterone and Cannabis

Testosterone is essential for sexual desire and sexual function in both men and women. Does cannabis reduce testosterone? It depends.

  • Short-term cannabis use: Some studies suggest minor increases in testosterone immediately after cannabis consumption, likely tied to stress relief and relaxation.
  • Chronic cannabis use: Long-term, heavy cannabis users may experience reduced testosterone, which could contribute to sexual dysfunction in men. A 2019 meta-analysis found that men who used cannabis were nearly four times more likely to experience ED than non-users.

However, large-scale meta-analyses have found no significant association between cannabis use and testosterone levels, suggesting this effect might not happen to all users.

Estrogen and Cannabis

Cannabis interacts with hormones like estrogen and progesterone, but the research is still pretty early, and the results aren’t always consistent. Some studies suggest cannabis might affect the menstrual cycle or shift hormone balance in ways that change sexual response, but those effects can vary a lot from person to person.

What’s clearer is how cannabis shows up in real-life sexual experiences, especially for women. Many report feeling more aroused or interested in sex after using cannabis, and some say it helps reduce discomfort during intercourse. Others find that cannabis leads to stronger, more satisfying orgasms or increases the frequency of sexual activity in general. But these effects don’t happen the same way for everyone.

Most of the available research relies on self-reported data from cannabis consumers. Observational studies reveal patterns, but controlled clinical trials remain rare. That makes it difficult to draw clear conclusions about how cannabis consistently affects sex hormones across different populations.

Stress Hormones and Sexual Function

cannabis and sex

Vidar Nordli

Stress can kill the mood, and cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, plays a significant role in that. When cortisol is high, it can get in the way of sexual arousal and make it harder to reach orgasm. That’s one reason some people turn to cannabis before sex. Research shows that cannabis can lower cortisol levels in the short term, which might help ease tension, reduce sexual inhibitions, and make it easier to stay present with a partner.

That said, there’s a line between using cannabis to relax and relying on it so often that it starts to mess with your system. Long-term or heavy use might disrupt the body’s normal stress response, and that could eventually affect sexual health in ways we don’t fully understand yet. More research is needed to figure out exactly where that line is.

Best Weed Strains for Sex

cannabis and sex

we vibe

Strain choice matters, but not because there’s one perfect weed for sex. It depends on how you like to feel. Some people want something that helps them loosen up, laugh, and get playful with their partner. That kind of social, buzzy vibe usually comes from sativa-leaning strains; they tend to energize the mind and keep the conversation flowing. For people who want to stay present and connected, a mild sativa can set the mood without making things too intense.

If your goal is to slow down and sink into the moment, indica strains might be the better choice. They can quiet the racing thoughts and help you focus on how your body feels, whether that’s amplifying touch or making things more comfortable if you’re dealing with tension or pain. Some people find that indicas help them relax into sex in a way that makes the experience fuller and less rushed.

Of course, there’s always the middle ground. Hybrids offer a blend of mental uplift and physical calm, making them ideal if you’re seeking both connection and comfort.

For specific strain recommendations, check out Herb’s guide to the best weed for sex.

Cannabis Oil and Sex: Topical and Internal Applications

cannabis and sex

Ransford Quaye

Cannabis oil and sex go together in more ways than one. You don’t have to smoke cannabis to get sexual benefits; topical cannabis oils and lubricants are a popular option for both individuals and couples.

Topical cannabis oil is used locally to increase comfort during sex. It can help reduce sexual pain, support lubrication, and heighten sensitivity without affecting the rest of the body.

Internal cannabis products, like tinctures or edibles, work differently. These are more about relaxing the body as a whole and reducing performance anxiety. However, too high a dose can backfire by causing sedation or reducing sexual desire. Start low, especially if you’re new to combining cannabis oil and sex.

Can Cannabis Cause ED? Understanding Sexual Dysfunction Risks

cannabis and sex

Gabriel Matula

Many cannabis users ask: Can cannabis cause ED?

The research here is mixed.

Contradictory Findings

  • A 2019 meta-analysis found that cannabis users were nearly 4 times more likely to report erectile dysfunction.
  • However, other studies, like the 2023 cannabis and sex survey, found that male cannabis users reported more frequent sex and better sexual satisfaction, with no significant increase in sexual dysfunction.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Use

  • Short-term use: Cannabis before sex may reduce anxiety and enhance sexual arousal.
    Long-term use: Daily cannabis or high-THC consumption may increase the risk of ED, especially in men with other health issues.

Dosing Considerations

  • Low doses: May improve sexual pleasure, promote relaxation, and increase orgasm frequency.
  • High doses: May cause sexual dysfunction, premature ejaculation, or loss of arousal for some people.

As with any recreational drug, cannabis alters sexual experience differently for each person. Pay attention to how your body responds.

Final Thoughts

cannabis and sex

Cannabis can change sex, but it won’t work the same way for everyone. Some people feel more relaxed and connected. Others get stuck in their head or lose interest if they’ve had too much.

For some people, using cannabis before sex makes it easier to stay present and focus on sensation. For others, especially at higher doses, it can lead to distraction or difficulty reaching orgasm.

There’s no universal rule for dose or product; you have to figure out what works for you. That might mean starting with less than you think you need and paying attention to how your body responds. Some people prefer flower because it’s easier to control the effects. Others go for oils or edibles for better sex. It depends on the individual, the situation, and what you’re looking for.

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