How Weed Affects Sex

From legalization and decriminalization in states across the country to CBD oil used in everything from lube to soda, weed is having a moment. Whether you call it marijuana, weed, cannabis, or the devil’s lettuce (and by the way, the language we use for weed is important), if you are among the millions of Americans that partake, you may have enjoyed a pre-sex sesh. But what’s the science behind how cannabis affects sex?

Smoking Or Ingesting Weed Before Sex

Smart vibrator Lioness founder Anna Lee is doing goddess’ work out here and posts videos about her orgasm data including how they are affected by caffeine, alcohol, stress, and you guessed it, weed. Like Anna discovered, THC can change the way you cum, making climax take longer and leading to longer, more pleasurable orgasms. Because cannabis research is hard to fund, most evidence of its effect on sex is anecdotal. But the research that does exist suggests that cannabis can improve libido, especially for cis women. Cis men are more likely to have issues related to sex when using cannabis, including lower motivation, premature ejaculation, and lowered sperm count. Again, this is not terribly well-researched and can vary person-to-person.

Topically applied CBD and THC products

These be used for pain management and relaxation and take the form of soaks, lubes, lotions, and oils. Cannabis is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties and can help folks suffering from a wide range of pain during sex — from vaginismus to cancer-related pain. Topicals, especially those with CBD also have the benefit of typically not causing a psychoactive effect for those uninterested in getting high.

Suppositories

We typically advise folks not to put anything in their vagina or anus (unless it’s a finger, sex toy, menstrual product, or penis). That said, you do have the option of using weed suppositories (a small round or cone-shaped object that dissolves to deliver medicine.) There is some evidence that they help relieve localized pain without a high, which is good news for folks who don’t like the feeling of ingesting or smoking weed.

A Word On Consent

The party line is that you can’t consent if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. But this doesn't reflect the lived experience of many adults who want to have a little weed or wine before they get down to it. Our advice is to discuss what you are interested in doing before you get high and to create a plan with your partner(s) for if you change your mind or feel too high. A safe word or motion can also be helpful in this case. And when in doubt, stop.

What If I Have Too Much?

If you’re not familiar with how your body reacts to cannabis, it’s always recommended to start low and go slow. If you do end up having too much or reacting badly, there are a few things you can do. Drink water to alleviate dry mouth and calm you down, try sniffing or chewing black peppercorns, and find a safe, quiet place to come down.

Weed and Drug Interactions

Like any other drug, cannabis can interfere with other medications or supplements that you are taking. Its effects on mental illness are also not well-studied. Your best bet is to check with your doctor if you’re concerned.

The Bottom Line

While cannabis is potentially beneficial, it’s still a drug that affects everyone differently. Start low, go slow, and try it with solo sex the first time so you can learn about how your body reacts. Got any tips for cannabis newbies? Drop them in the comments!