Does Weed Make You Horny?

Can Marijuana Really Make Intimacy Better?

Cannabis has been used for thousands of years for many things, such as relaxation, creativity, and even improving sex. But can cannabis really make sex better?

The practitioners of tantric sex in ancient India certainly thought so. They have been using cannabis to enhance the sexual experience for hundreds of years.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at whether consuming cannabis really can improve sex and how it may work to influence your sexual experiences.

What Does Cannabis Do to Your Body?

When you use cannabis, it interacts with your body's endocannabinoid system. This system governs all manner of things, such as mood, appetite, pain, and pleasure. The main psychoactive compound in cannabis, THC, is known for its ability to make people feel relaxed, happy, and sometimes more sensitive to touch. This increased sensitivity is one reason some people feel more aroused or horny after using cannabis.

Can Cannabis Make Sex Better?

For many people, the answer appears to be yes. In a survey from the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 76% of men reported that cannabis increased their sexual pleasure, and 68% said it enhanced their orgasms. Women in the same survey reported even higher levels of satisfaction, with 90% saying that cannabis increased their sexual pleasure to varying degrees, and 40% stating that it improved the quality of their orgasms.

A survey with 50,000 respondents published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that people who used cannabis had sex more frequently than those who didn't. This applied to both men and women across all demographic groups.

Another survey from Psychology Today found that 67% of respondents felt that cannabis enhanced their sexual experiences, though 12% said it had the opposite effect, and 20% noted that the outcome depended on factors like dosage, strain, and mood.

It's well-documented that cannabis can help reduce anxiety, making it easier for people to relax and enjoy the moment. This reduction in anxiety might explain why some people feel more confident and less self-conscious during sex after using cannabis. Younger or inexperienced people are more prone to suffering from performance anxiety, so they could benefit more from cannabis before sex.

The late scientist Carl Sagan, who was a cannabis user, wrote that weed "enhances the enjoyment of sex" by increasing sensitivity and delaying orgasm, which can lead to prolonged pleasure.

The Role of Mood, Strain, and Dosage

The effects of cannabis on sex can vary greatly depending on the strain, dosage, and the user's mood.

Different strains of cannabis have different effects—some might make you feel energetic and talkative, while others are more likely to make you feel relaxed or even sleepy. This is crucial when it comes to sex because a strain that energizes one person might be too stimulating for another, while a relaxing strain might make someone feel too tired to be interested in sex.

The way in which you consume cannabis can also play a role. Smoking and vaping cannabis have almost instant effects, while edibles need longer to take effect and can often make people more lethargic.

A concept known as the "dose effect" is also important. This means that the amount of cannabis you use can significantly impact your experience. In lower doses, cannabis might make you feel more relaxed and sensitive to touch, enhancing your sexual experience. However, in higher doses, cannabis can have a sedative effect, making you too tired or disinterested in sex. 

General tips and tricks

If you are going to experiment with cannabis and sex, you should discuss this with your partner first and set clear boundaries before getting started. We'd recommend using a vape pen for easy dosage and more predictable instant effects. Edibles are not a good idea as they can be too slow and unpredictable. You could also consider a CBD/THC lubricant or massage oil.  

Start with a low dosage and go slowly. If you are using a vape cart pen, then take a few puffs and wait ten minutes to see how you feel before consuming any more. Keep some water and lubricant on hand. There is nothing sexy about cotton mouth or vaginal dryness when you're trying to get your groove on.

Does Cannabis Always Make Sex Better?

Not everyone has a positive experience with cannabis and sex. While many people report that cannabis enhances their sexual experiences, others find it doesn't help at all or even detracts from their desire. In some instances, a high dose of cannabis can cause feelings of lethargy or a lack of motivation, which can be counterproductive to having a good time under the sheets.

The effects of cannabis can also depend on a person's mood or the situation they're in. The sociology department at the University of California, Santa Barbara, suggests that while some people feel more aroused after consuming cannabis, most people's reactions fall somewhere in between. The experience can vary based on the strain used or the user's emotional state at the time.

Cannabis and Sexual Health

While cannabis can enhance pleasure, it's not without potential downsides. Some men have reported difficulty with erections or reaching orgasm when using cannabis. On the other hand, many women report that cannabis helps them feel more connected to their bodies, which can lead to more satisfying sexual experiences.

Interestingly, a survey from HelloMD found that 14% of respondents used cannabis specifically to boost their sex drive. However, it's important to remember that these benefits are not universal, and what works for one person might not work for another.

Is Cannabis a Magic Solution for Better Sex?

Cannabis can make sex better for some people, but it's not a guaranteed solution. It's all about finding what works best for you and your sexual partner. If you decide to try cannabis to enhance your sexual experiences, start with a small amount and see how it affects you.

Pay attention to how you feel and talk with your partner about what works best for both of you.

Sex is more than just a physical act; it's also about connecting with your partner on an emotional level. Cannabis might help some people feel more relaxed and connected, but it's not the only way to enhance your intimate experiences. What matters the most is finding what makes you feel good, whether that's with or without cannabis.