Cannabis Helps Women Hit the High Note
Should you light up before they go down? Science says yes. You might already know this little secret, but here’s your daily reminder that scientists are catching up to what many have known anecdotally for quite some time: cannabis and sex go together like Netflix and chill. And not just sex, but orgasmic sex – especially for women.
Women’s orgasms have been the subject of quite a few debates over the years, with more myths and misinformation than there are toys in the nightstand. But if you’re like many women who’ve found the big ‘O’ elusive, there’s hope on the horizon. A growing body of research suggests that marijuana might just be the magic bullet (or wand; dealers’ choice, really) that helps you reach the promised land of pleasure and even out that orgasm gap.
Several state governments are getting in on the action, including Oregon, Ohio, Illinois, New Mexico, and Connecticut. Representatives are considering whether to officially recognize Female Orgasmic Disorder (FOD) as a condition treatable by medical marijuana. And honestly, it’s about time.
The (Not So) Shocking Stats
Let’s talk numbers, because nothing says “hot and heavy” like statistics, right? Female orgasmic disorder is thought to affect up to 41 percent of women globally. That’s a staggering number of folks who aren’t getting their fair share of fun under the sheets. What’s worse? Many of these women are dealing with more than just a lack of orgasms – they’re also more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health issues. In other words, it’s not just about the fireworks; it’s about the entire emotional rollercoaster that comes with sexual satisfaction, or the lack thereof.
This is where cannabis comes into play. Dr. Suzanne Mulvehill, founder and executive director of the Female Orgasm Research Institute (yes, that’s a real thing), has been championing the cause, pushing for FOD to be recognized as a medical condition treatable with marijuana. Her research indicates that a little green can go a long way toward turning a cold night into a warm, fuzzy memory.
Female Orgasmic Disorder is defined as being rarely or never able to reach orgasm, even when sexually aroused. Symptoms last for six months or more and the problem causes significant distress or challenges in relationships. Specifically, these difficulties are not exclusively caused by another medical condition or medication. Even out of those women who can orgasm regularly, about three out of four say they can’t orgasm through vaginal penetration alone—contrary to what most porn sites largely illustrate.
Research on FOD can be found as far back as the ‘70s, and more recent studies have confirmed that marijuana before sex can boost the chances of both orgasms and multiple orgasms, ease orgasm difficulty and contribute to overall satisfaction. In her own research as a clinical sexologist, Mulvehill found through an observational study as part of her dissertation, that more than half of female subjects suffered from the disorder.
The Highs and Lows of Cannabis in the Bedroom
Now, before you start rolling joints with the express purpose of rolling around in bed, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Research shows that cannabis can indeed enhance sexual pleasure, but like most things in life, it’s all about moderation. Too much THC and you might find yourself more interested in Netflix than chill. In other words, while a small dose of THC might turn you into a sexual dynamo, too much could leave you lost in thought, pondering the existence of the universe rather than the existence of your partner’s orgasm.
Studies have shown that 70 percent of people who use cannabis before sex report enhanced desire and better orgasms. Meanwhile, a lower, more controlled dose of THC seems to strike the perfect balance between arousal and satisfaction, proving once again that size – when it comes to dosing – does matter.
The Politics of Pleasure
Given all this evidence, you’d think getting medical marijuana approved for FOD would be easy, but the fight for recognition is a tough one. In a society that still gets weirdly uncomfortable talking about sex and drugs (despite a certain *very high* number of late-night Google searches on both topics), pushing for medical marijuana as a treatment for sexual dysfunction is no walk in the park.
However, with states like Ohio leading the way, and Illinois, New Mexico, and Connecticut not far behind, the tide might just be turning. It’s high time we start treating female sexual pleasure as the serious health issue that it can be.
Closing the Gap, One Orgasm at a Time
For those of us who’ve been using cannabis recreationally, this isn’t exactly new information. But the fact that state governments are finally considering this as a legitimate medical treatment is a game-changer. If we can close the orgasm gap – where women who have sex with men are statistically less likely to orgasm than their partners – one joint at a time, then sign us up.
Because at the end of the day, whether you’re a seasoned stoner or just someone looking to add a little extra spice to your life, there’s something deeply satisfying about knowing that cannabis might just be the key to unlocking better, more fulfilling sex lives for women everywhere.
