Journal of Sexual Medicine: More Weed = More Action
Cannabis in the bedroom is not a half-baked idea. Whether you smoke it, pop an edible, or use a topical all over your body (dealer’s choice), the results are clear: Marijuana makes sex better. Is this a hot take? Maybe lukewarm at best. But it gets very spicy when science starts backing it up.
Some studies say it can make women more aroused and lead to more and better orgasms. Let’s close that orgasm gap! And for men, it can help reduce performance anxiety and related symptoms like the psychological causes of erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. But let’s break it down.
Action, Satisfaction
A huge study (50,000 people-huge) found that folks who use weed tend to get more action. That’s right, lighting up might mean you’re getting something else up more often in bed. Not only that, but it can make your sexual experience better. This study, published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, found a positive association between marijuana use and sexual frequency. In simpler terms, people who toke up seem to get it on more often. The findings were consistent across all genders, age groups, and demographics, suggesting a broad potential influence of cannabis on sexual activity.
Another smaller study (200 people) of both women and men who already use cannabis found that a majority reported an increased desire for sex, while nearly 74 percent reported increased sexual satisfaction. But remember, everyone’s different. This study highlighted that many participants used cannabis specifically to enhance their sexual experiences, with a significant portion reporting improved sensations and pleasure.
Does Cannabis Really Crank Up the Heat?
There’s some back-and-forth on this. Some studies say weed can make you more aroused and lead to better orgasms, especially for women. But, the research on men isn’t as thorough. Plus, controlled studies are still kind of rare, so take this with a grain of salt. For instance, one study involving 373 women suggested that weed could increase arousal, enhance performance, and lead to better orgasms. Yet, this study was limited to a single office of a medical practice.
Another study from 2023, involving over 800 participants, found similar results but was also predominantly focused on women. The lack of male-focused studies leaves a gap in understanding the full picture of cannabis’s effects on sexual arousal and performance.
But the through line throughout most of these studies is that there are numerous benefits women experience as a result of combining weed and sex. Namely that it helps with common detractors of sexual activity like sleeplessness, anxiety, self-image, and pain—and that’s a win.
Which Strain Works Best?
Honestly, there’s no magic strain. Avoid ones that make you paranoid or sleepy. Go for those that relax you or make you feel euphoric. Remember, sex is super personal—do what feels good for you. There’s a lot of anecdotal evidence about specific strains being better for sex, but without solid research, it’s all about trial and error. Some popular strains reported to enhance sexual pleasure include Sour Diesel for its energizing effects and Granddaddy Purple for its relaxing properties.
Weed vs. Alcohol
Both can lower inhibitions, but in the wrong doses, both might also mess with performance. While alcohol might loosen you up, it’s notorious for causing whiskey dick, and too much weed can leave you too stoned to bone. Frequent use can affect your mood (hello, anxiety), memory (don’t you wanna remember that great night?), and appetite (munchies aren’t always a good thing). It’s all about finding that sweet spot where you feel relaxed but not incapacitated.
But like everything, sex is a subjective experience—everybody likes what they like, and people like different things—so do what makes you happy. If you enjoy smoking weed and having sex, keep on enjoying it. If you’re unsure, talk to your partner about mixing weed and sex. And if you don’t feel horny or sexy when you smoke, there’s no reason to force it. If you have a lot of anxiety about sex and smoking a joint generally alleviates stress for you, then marijuana may be an aphrodisiac for you.
Weed and sex can be a fun combo for some, but it’s not a magic bullet for everyone. If your goal is a night to remember, make sure you’re comfortable, relaxed, and open with your partner. The key is to enjoy the moment and have fun. After all, the best aphrodisiac is feeling good and confident in yourself.
Fun fact: Did you know that astronomer Carl Sagan was a longtime marijuana user and that he also weighed in on the benefits of combining weed and sex? He wrote in a 1971 essay that cannabis “enhances the enjoyment of sex” and “gives an exquisite sensitivity.” Anecdotally and science notwithstanding, that’s proof enough.
