Meta-Analysis Shows Marijuana Improves Sex

There’s been little research on how marijuana affects sexual function. But a new analysis of the studies that do exist—some dating back to the 1970s—found marijuana has positive effects on libido, orgasm, and sexual pleasure. The research was published in Sexual Medicine Reviews.

Studies agree that marijuana boosts sexual pleasure and is associated with prolonged or more intense orgasms. One study found that frequent but not daily marijuana use was associated with increased sexual pleasure in 70% of users. Women who regularly used marijuana before sex were more than twice as likely to report satisfactory orgasms.

When it comes to libido, it may depend on how much you smoke. One study found that a low dose  of marijuana—about one joint—was sexually stimulating, but higher doses were inhibiting.

Multiple neurotransmitters and hormones play a role in sexual excitation and inhibition, though it’s unclear how cannabinoids affect these systems. Additional research is needed to help understand these mechanisms better and how marijuana can help restore sexual function.