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Maybe you’ve noticed that you’re more in the mood since you started consuming cannabis. Maybe your partner says sex is more enjoyable after they’ve taken marijuana. Maybe your best friend told you that cannabis is the only thing that gets their sex drive to even show up in the first place.
You’re not imagining these benefits when consuming cannabis. Now there’s a growing body of scientific research exploring marijuana’s effect on sex—and confirming what many already report anecdotally.
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Stanford University Study: Cannabis Users Have 20% More Sex
An October 2017 study conducted by Stanford University was published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine and billed as the first “to examine the relationship between marijuana use and frequency of sexual intercourse.”
The study reveals a compelling association: Regular cannabis users have 20% more sex than non-cannabis users. The study is based on data collected in the annual National Survey of Family Growth, sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The survey was particularly useful not only due to its large sample size, but because it included explicit questions about family structures, sexual practices and cannabis use.
The responses of more than 28,000 females and 22,000 males between the ages of 24–45 were evaluated. Women who reported daily cannabis use had sex with a male partner 7.1 times per month on average, compared to six times a month for non-cannabis users. Men who reported using cannabis daily also reported having sex with women 6.9 times on average per month, compared to 5.6 times for non-users. These results crossed over a wide range of demographics, including sex, race, age, education level, income, religion, overall health, marriage and parental status.
Researchers also found what they call a “dose-dependent” relationship in which the more cannabis that was consumed, the more sex was reported. This finding supports “a possible active role for marijuana fostering sexual activity,” but falls short of proving a definitive causal relationship between cannabis use and more sex.
The Science Behind Cannabis as a Libido Booster
Why would cannabis consumers possibly have more sex than non-users? Is sex more enjoyable under the influence of cannabis? Does cannabis increase libido?
The findings from a 2012 study support the hypothesis that “the endocannabinoid system is involved in female sexual function” and can heighten female’s sexual arousal.
In a more casual and far from definitive look into cannabis and sex, Psychology Today asked their readers how cannabis affects their sex life. Sixty-seven percent of respondents said cannabis use enhances their sexual experience.
Beyond cannabis, an even wider body of research supports the hypothesis that regular sex has overall health benefits. These include:
- stress relief,
- reduction in depression
- an increase in brain power—as studied in rats
Cannabis Products for a Boost in the Bedroom
The growing evidence regarding the relationship between cannabis and sex has inspired quite a few cannabis products. If you’re interested in experimenting with cannabis to increase your sex drive, performance or arousal, here are some products that may help.
- Foria Pleasure – This oil aims to enhance female pleasure by increasing sensitivity, leading to stronger orgasms. When using Foria Pleasure, it’s advised to apply 25–30 minutes before sexual activity.
- Bliss Sensual Cannabis Elixir by Herbabuena – Organic cannabis, kava, damiana, yarrow, guarana, ginger, orange, vanilla and vegetable glycerin all come together to create this arousing tincture. Take five to 10 drops of Herbabuena’s elixir to give your libido a boost.
- Apothecanna Sexy Time Personal Intimacy Oil – From Apothecanna, one of the most popular cannabis topical brands, comes this personal lubricant. Similar to Foria’s Pleasure, this product should be applied to the neck, chest and erogenous zones 15 minutes before sexual pleasure.
If you’d prefer to smoke or vaporize cannabis before sex, check out our recommendations to bring cannabis into the bedroom for more passion.
Photo Credit: Haley Powers
If you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our Cannabis 101 post. HelloMD can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.
