Study: Cannabis Has Positive Impact on Sexual Quality

A study published last month in the Journal of Cannabis Research suggests that cannabis use has a positive impact on sexual quality. In the study, an online survey of 811 people, more than 70% of respondents reported increased sexual desire and orgasm intensity with cannabis use and more than 40% of the women surveyed indicated an “increased ability to have more than one orgasm per sexual encounter.” 

The majority of study participants identified as female (64.9%), white (78.9%), and college-educated (80.1%). Twenty-three percent of the participants identified as LGBTQ and 73.7% of the participants said they were in a monogamous sexual relationship.

A majority of participants also indicated that cannabis enhanced their pleasure while masturbating (62.5%) and that cannabis enhanced their sense of taste (71.9%) and touch (71.0%). Another 87.7% of respondents reported slight-to-significant increases in relaxation during sex when using cannabis. 

“This study updates the current literature on cannabis and sexuality and provides implications for improving sexual quality. Medical implications of this study include the possible use of cannabis for treating sexual dysfunctions, especially within women.” — “The influence of cannabis on sexual functioning and satisfaction,” Jan. 20, 23, Journal of Cannabis Research 

The researchers note that previous studies have found more than 90% of men report usually experiencing orgasm during sex, while less than 50% of women regularly experience orgasm during intercourse, and just 6% of women reported always experiencing an orgasm during sex. 

A study published last year found similar results, concluding people between the ages of 18 to 30 who use cannabis and alcohol may have better sexual functions and orgasms than those who abstain from the substances.  

A 2017 study found that individuals who consume cannabis have an average of about 20% more heterosexual sex than those who don’t. That study by the Stanford School of Medicine found women who consumed cannabis daily had sex an average of 7.1 times during the previous four-week period, compared to 6 times for women who didn’t consume cannabis in the last year. For men, the rate was 6.9 percent for consumers, compared to 5.6 percent for those who abstain.