Sex, Drugs, and Rock n’ Roll
It’s almost impossible to parse all the information out there on how marijuana impacts sex. The purpose of this blog is to provide clarity on the question of how marijuana impacts your sex life. And of course, we can have a little fun with musical references while we talk about your chemical romance. Before we dive in, the first thing I want to note is caution around sex and drugs. Being high impacts one’s ability to consent. Some would argue that consent cannot be given when high and this ought to be top of mind when it comes to sex and any type of drugs. Furthermore, the ability to make sound decisions is impacted when high. Deciding to engage in sex while high has its risks.
Let’s start with the basics of biology. Marijuana use diminishes erectile functioning. If you’re a regular user, it may be more difficult to achieve an erection, and as Marvin Gaye says, “Get It On.” Some studies even indicate difficulties with orgasm for men, or in other words, you may have a “Hang Fire” situation. It’s also important to note that regular use can decrease sperm functioning in men and can negatively impact fertility. Furthermore, regular marijuana use can decrease testosterone, so you may not even want to work on any “Night Moves.”
So far, we’ve discussed, primarily, issues that male bodies can experience as a result of marijuana use. However, female bodies experience the analogs of male experiences. Instead of erectile dysfunction, women can experience decreased vaginal lubrication and blood flow. It’s possible to even tear the lining of the vagiina when there is not enough lubrication. Ouch. Not an “Afternoon Delight.” Given the decrease in blood flow, it also makes orgasm less likely. If this doesn’t convince you to have your “Last Dance with Mary Jane,” then continue reading to understand why some folks have sex while high and enjoy it.
The upside is that some folks report benefits of using cannabinoids when getting “Physical.” These include increased desire, pleasure, satisfaction and better orgasms. For some folks, use of cannabis during sex can reduce sexual pain. As a side note, sexual pain should be addressed by a professional and if you’re having pain, talk to your doctor.
So why is there such a disparity in impact of using cannabinoids? How can people report literally the opposite experiences related to use of cannabinoids and sex? First of all, bear in mind that we’re not comparing apples to apples. Issues of sexual dysfunction and decreased fertility are based on more consistent, long-term use. Whereas the folks reporting positive impacts from using cannabinoids are reporting based on isolated sexual encounters.
That being said, not everyone who uses cannabis recreationally during sex reports positive experiences. Some folks don’t experience much difference, and others really don’t enjoy the experience of having sex while high. For me, this speaks to the complicated nature of sex. Our relationship with sex depends greatly on so many factors such as our unique biology and mental health, our relationship with our partner or partners, the messages we received in our families about sex as young people, and the greater social factors that play a role in our understanding of sex.
Experimenting with sex and marijuana is a deeply personal decision and it’s difficult to know ahead of time what your experience might be if you have “A Whole Lotta Love” while high. However, if you do decide to experiment in this way, be sure to make a plan for your safety before you go to the “Candy Shop.”
