Can Cannabis act as an Aphrodisiac?

Researchers are beginning to study the connection between cannabis and sexual desire, and the results are compelling. In one recent study, for example, investigators found that regular consumers of cannabis had about 20% more sex than their peers who don’t. What’s more, many regular cannabis users will tell you that cannabis increases sensitivity to touch and sensations for the better.

A Stanford University study conducted a survey measuring sexual activity for cannabis smokers. The researchers found that “a positive association between marijuana use and sexual frequency is seen in men and women across all demographic groups.” Additionally, this study found that marijuana doesn’t “appear to impair sexual function.” In another study, 68.5 percent of people in one study said intercourse while using cannabis was more pleasurable.

“People who use marijuana may have more sex because they put less pressure on themselves when they are high, so they don’t have the same performance anxiety as those who are sober,” suggested sex therapist Amanda Pasciucco, who practices in Connecticut, where medical use is legal. “A small amount of marijuana may also help increase your ability to communicate your preferences to your partner.”

“Interestingly, the aphrodisiac qualities of cannabis seem to only occur in low to moderate doses,” pointed out its creator, Barsoom. “In high doses, cannabis can have an opposite effect.”

In other words, if the cannabis you consume doesn’t have biological aphrodisiac effects, the relaxing and mellowing-out effect of cannabis may still help improve your intimacy with your partner. Whereas alcohol usually tends to dull the senses, cannabis can do the opposite, heightening sensations and increasing pleasure. 

Another theory is that at least some of the time it could be that there’s a placebo effect at work. Experience with marijuana is pretty subjective. The “sexpert” Susie Bright told Motherboard: “If you have a party and everybody smokes pot, there's going to be a couple of people who turn inward, and don't feel sexy...others will feel flirtatious, and open to suggestion. So it's hard to identify universal truths when it comes to cannabis and pleasure." On the other hand, the same article also includes words from Harvard Medical School psychiatric and cannabis advocate Dr. Lester Grinspoon, who speculates that for some people, cannabis simply enhances their experience with sensuality and therefore, increases their libido. 

In the end, as is necessary with cannabis, users must experiment and see what works for them! While studies show that cannabis can help you relax and be more vulnerable with your partner, or improve your touch-sensitivity, it’s up to you to see what is comfortable and effective for you and your partner. If you have a hard time relaxing in the bedroom, you might want to try cannabis before getting intimate. Most experts recommend a dosage per person between 2.5mg-10mg, but if your tolerance is higher, you can increase that accordingly. Just remember to take it slowly, and maintain comfortable and open communication with your partner.