The Link Between Marijuana And Sex

If you've been high frequently enough, you're likely aware of how cannabis impacts your senses. Food tastes more delicious. Music sounds so good you can feel it in your body. Mediocre TV show jokes are suddenly hilarious.

But, according to a recent study, sex may be another thing to add to the list of things that are just plain better high. The majority of participants reported that marijuana heightened their sensitivity to touch, increased their desire for sex, and even intensified orgasms.

Nehal Vadhan, PhD, a clinical psychologist at Northwell, explains that this is likely due to the stimulant effects of cannabis. “Cannabis is known to increase sensory stimulation by releasing neurochemicals in the part of the brain responsible for sensation and perception,” he says. “The reward processing part of the brain gets activated when using cannabis, which is the same part that makes us understand and feel pleasure.” This explains why you may have a more heightened sexual experience while high.

However, Vadhan says it's important to note that study participants were regular marijuana users who had experienced using cannabis before—which is likely why responses were overwhelmingly positive. “The experience would be different for novice users who haven't used cannabis or don't use it regularly, both in terms of using it and using it with sexual behavior,” he adds.

And whether you're a regular marijuana user or a novice curious to see how the drug may improve intimate experiences, it's important to keep a few ground rules in mind. Here's what you need to know about marijuana and sex drive.

How does marijuana impact sexual experience? While it’s true that cannabis affects everyone differently based on certain factors, here’s a look at the changes noted in the study.

More than half of participants experienced an increased desire for sex. “Tactile or touch sensation is heavily involved in sexual arousal,” Vadhan explains. Marijuana can heighten our sense of touch, which is why some people may experience increased arousal while high.

Over half of participants reported more intense orgasms. “Cannabis use produces relaxation, increases imagination, reduces inhibitions, and decreases pain in experienced users—all of which would be conducive to a more intense orgasm,” says Vadhan.

A small number of participants reported feeling sleepy and less focused. Cannabis has peak effects within 15 minutes and lasts for an hour or so. Fatigue will likely thwart your sexy time plans if you attempt it much later than that, which Vadhan says may account for these experiences.

In an ideal scenario, having sex while high is something fun you and your partner are interested in occasionally adding to the mix. It's important to note that marijuana shouldn't be used as a fix for sexual issues. “If something's not working right, seek sex and couples counseling and have any sexual function-related issues addressed by a professional,” says Vadhan.

Also, if you do decide to get high before having sex, don’t make it an all-the-time thing. “Cannabis—when used regularly for any specific reason—can make you become dependent on it for that purpose,” says Vadhan. When used too frequently, it's possible you won't be able to experience arousal without cannabis—so make sure this is something you and your partner only do occasionally.

Experienced marijuana users who are comfortable with how the drug impacts them are more likely to have a positive experience than those trying marijuana for the first time. For novice users, Vadhan says marijuana should be approached slowly and gradually before using it during a sexual experience. “Start with low-potency cannabis from a trusted source first,” he recommends. “Try it with a trusted partner or friend so you can judge its effect on you—but without the pressure of sex.”

Also, pay attention to the potency and strain of cannabis you’re using. Indica strains provide more of a body high, while sativa strains produce more of a psychological effect, like relaxation and loosening inhibitions. Choose your strain based on your personal needs. Potent strains that are very high in THC—the chemical responsible for the psychoactive effect of cannabis—are more likely to cause anxiety. Ideally, you'd want to choose low-potency cannabis that's low in THC and contains CBD, a chemical in marijuana that reduces anxiety.

After trying marijuana in a non-sexual setting a few times amongst friends, Vadhan suggests testing the waters with masturbation. “Try it for sexual purposes with just yourself and see how it impacts you,” he says. If solo sex doesn't feel pleasurable to you while high, chances are you won't feel that way with someone else.

If all systems are a go, you're clear to move on to having high sex with your partner—who should be someone you know and trust. “It's important not to try high sex with strangers or in unsafe or unpredictable environments,” says Vadhan, which has the potential to be dangerous.

And, even if you've had a positive solo experience or pleasurable session with your partner, Vadhan says it's important to set expectations that results can vary. “Even if it seems to be working, it still may not be a perfect experience for the millions of reasons sex is not always a perfect experience,” he says. “It may be a good experience one time and not the next, so set the expectation that this is not the magic pill that will solve all sexual issues or intimacy problems.”

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