Does Weed Increase Libido? Cannabis, Sex Drive and the Downsides

Can weed boost your sex drive? For some people, maybe. Most of the evidence on cannabis and sex comes from surveys and personal reports, which suggest the right dose can heighten the senses, ease anxiety and pain and make orgasms more satisfying, while heavy, long-term use has been linked to lower testosterone and erection problems. Cannabis has a reputation as a traditional aphrodisiac with almost mythical libido-boosting powers, and plenty of ancient texts show it was used for exactly that. So where does the hype end and the evidence begin?

Does weed increase libido? Myth vs. reality

It's hard to say for sure that cannabis will boost your desire or improve your sex life, but the evidence, mostly anecdotal, suggests that the right dose of cannabis can make orgasms more satisfying for women and increase sexual desire. 

So how could weed and sex work together like that?

Part of it is that cannabis can heighten the senses and ease some of the things that kill desire, like anxiety, insomnia or pain. It can also have upsides for men, but some downsides too, and women should also be aware of the potential drawbacks.

Some studies look at cannabis and fertility , and there are also plenty of myths about erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation tied to weed. 

When it comes to using weed to boost sexual pleasure, a lot of things come into play:

• biological, social and psychological factors that shape attraction, arousal, orgasm and overall satisfaction
• the dose,
• the THC content,
• how you consume it,
• your personality,
• your expectations and past experience
• the setting you're in

Most of what we know about weed and sex comes from self-reported surveys. Since many people use cannabis for anxiety and pain, it makes sense that it could indirectly improve sex for some by easing those problems. But there's still a lack of research directly linking cannabis to sexual enjoyment.

How weed affects your sex life

Weed and sex: the downsides

Cannabis use has a range of health effects, and dependence is one of the most talked about. For some people, dependence can drive up anxiety, and as a result some report premature ejaculation, or even erectile problems over the long term. In the short term, weed can relax some men so much that they don't reach orgasm.

Some long-term effects have been reported too. Some studies have also linked heavy use to a higher risk of testicular cancer, possibly because the testicles are packed with cannabinoid receptors.

Another effect of using weed for sex: research has found a correlation between chronic cannabis use and lower testosterone, and in some cases even late-onset hypogonadism.

Weed and sex: the upsides

Those downsides don't hit everyone, and occasional use can actually help some people. According to some experts, having sex high could help people who feel anxious or scared about sex for one reason or another, letting them relax in the moment. Then again, as the same experts point out, "it may also affect them differently and doesn't always lead to relaxation."

Some people do find that weed makes sex better by boosting arousal and desire. Cannabinoids act on the brain's reward system and influence dopamine, the neurotransmitter tied to pleasure and reward. Either way, ideally you'd start using it under a doctor's supervision. 

Beyond libido: what does the science say?

Beyond sexual health, it's important to remember that heavy use of psychoactive substances like this one can take a toll on physical and mental health:

• Regular cannabis use can cause lasting neuropsychological deficits, mainly affecting attention, memory, psychomotor speed and executive functions (mental flexibility, decision-making, the ability to tune out irrelevant information). 

• Using it is a risk factor for schizophrenia in vulnerable people, especially with high doses, potent products and starting young.

• Smoking it can affect lung function and raise cancer risk, and it can also increase cardiovascular risk and affect the immune system.

On the other hand, other studies have found that some women use cannabis to help manage menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia and vaginal changes such as dryness, all of which can drag libido down when left untreated. It's also used for menstrual cramps.

What happens in your body when you use cannabis?

Your body's own endocannabinoid system is key to regulating things like pleasure, pain, relaxation and overall balance (homeostasis). When cannabinoids from the plant activate it, people can feel more relaxed, experience more pleasure and feel less pain.

For some people, weed boosts libido, which can amp up arousal and make sex even more enjoyable. For others, the benefit of cannabis during sex is all about the heightened sensations it can bring.

Smoke a joint before sex or try another method?

Ideally, avoid smoking weed or using oil vape pens, because they can damage your lungs, experts say.

Our pick is medical cannabis tinctures, concentrated cannabis extracts you take by mouth. They make it easy to measure exactly how many milligrams you're taking.

How much should you take?

Start with 5 mg of THC. If you want it to kick in faster, take a hit from a dry herb vaporizer before getting intimate. There are also THC edibles and THC lubes.

Some products made to spice up your sex life contain CBD but no THC. These are usually topical creams or lubes that rely on the apparent anti-inflammatory effects of CBD.

There are CBD lubes designed to calm inflammation and boost circulation, which in turn may improve sexual function and arousal for women dealing with conditions like endometriosis and other types of pelvic pain.

If you want to try a cannabis-based topical or lube, the most important thing is to check with a doctor first. Natural doesn't mean it's for everyone, or that it'll feel the same for everyone. Listen to your body and have an honest conversation with your partner or partners so you can enjoy sex, cannabis and the two together. 

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