Sex & Weed: A Match Made In Heaven

Marijuana is often considered to be an “experience enhancer.” Enthusiasts everywhere around the world claim that certain activities are that much better while under its influence. We’d be hard pressed to argue against that view as it’s been our experience that music sounds more amazing, food tastes better than ever, and jokes are that much funnier while you are high. Whether it’s getting non-stop giggles from a racy sativa while watching your favorite comedies to using a mellow indica to relax and listen to some tunes, a little weed can be the difference between having a “good” time or a “great” time and this also holds true when it comes to sex.

Researchers have been trying to hone in on the biological reasons as to why and how cannabis can enhance sexual experiences. According to a recent study by the Journal of Sexual Medicine, they have apparently discovered a bio-chemical link between the human orgasm and the cannabis plant. Given the plant’s reputation for enhancing sexual experiences, researchers sought to determine whether our brains showed similar behavior along a certain set of neuro-chemical pathways we all have, known as the “cannabinoid system,” in response to chemicals called cannabinoids. The cannabinoid, THC, is also known to trigger the flow of dopamine and anandamide, also known as the “bliss molecule.”

So, can weed truly be considered an aphrodisiac? In another study, also by the Journal of Sexual Medicine, women who used cannabis daily had sex 7.1 times on average during the four week study while those that didn’t use marijuana averaged having sex only 6 times in the same time period. They also found comparable results with men who didn’t use cannabis stating that they had sex an average of 5.6 times in the four weeks before the survey, compared with daily marijuana users who reported having sex 6.9 times. These differences in average sexual encounters between those that use and don’t use weed could lend some support to the theory that cannabis should fall under the aphrodisiac category but more research is definitely needed on the matter.

Anecdotally, enthusiasts may turn to weed not necessarily as an aphrodisiac but for its different effects. For example, some may use cannabis as a way to relax and ease their anxiety thereby making it easier for folks to at least temporarily forget about their hang-ups and worries so that they can enjoy the moment. Weed can also enhance your sense of touch to an extent making foreplay that much more enjoyable and usually leading to it lasting longer than usual.

Similar to alcohol, weed will likely improve your mood and at times may help make you more communicative. Since communication is a key part of sex anything that can help both partners understand each other’s needs goes a long way. And unlike alcohol, guys won’t suffer from the dreaded “whiskey dick” that has ruined many a good evening.

However, there can be “too much of a good thing” when it comes to cannabis and sex. Research has shown that high and frequent doses can contribute to erectile dysfunction and other related ailments in men and women so the trick is to keep your use sporadic and your doses low in order to avoid ruining what should be a good time.