A new scientific review of academic research on cannabis and human sexuality concludes that while the relationship between marijuana and sex is a complicated one, use of cannabis is generally associated with more frequent sexual activity as well as increased sexual desire and enjoyment.
The article, published this week in the journal Psychopharmacology, also suggests that lower doses of marijuana may actually be best suited for sexual satisfaction, while higher doses could in fact lead to decreases in desire and performance. And it suggests the effects may differ based on a person’s gender.
“Reports suggest that cannabis has the potential to enhance sexual pleasure, reduce inhibitions, alleviate anxiety and shame, and promote intimacy and connection with sexual partners,” wrote the five-author research team from The Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center at Bar-Ilan University in Israel. “Furthermore, it has been associated with increased pleasure during masturbation and enhanced sensory experiences during sexual encounters. These observations indicate that cannabis may have notable effects on sexual experiences.”
The nine-page literature review says that while sex is a complex dynamic influenced by various physical and emotional factors, marijuana “affects individuals in an integrative manner, impacting both physical and emotional aspects, which can potentially influence sexual experiences.”
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