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Melissa Hutsell is an award-winning freelance journalist with a deep rooted passion for both community and international journalism. She was born and raised in Northern California, and has lived, studied, worked, and traveled in more 20 different countries. Melissa holds a Master's degree in Global Journalism from City University London, as well as degrees in Journalism and Globalization from Humboldt State University. Though she covers various topics as both a writer and editor, she specializes in business and cannabis journalism.
Cannabis, The Ultimate Aphrodisiac?
Step aside oysters – if you’re looking to get in the mood, marijuana may be your best bet at a natural aphrodisiac.
A study published last week in the "Journal of Sexual Medicine" found that people who consume cannabis have more sex.
Researchers examined the responses of 50,000 people who participated in the Central for Disease Control’s (CDC) annual surveys between the years 2002 and 2015. They found that those who use marijuana had approximately 20 per cent more sex than nonusers.
Female (daily) users reported having sex an average of 7.1 times per month; for women who didn’t use cannabis, that number is 6. Male users reported having sex 6.9 times per month whereas men who didn’t use reported having sex 5.6 times per month.
Previous studies have suggested a similar link between cannabis and sex drive. However some experts say this may not have to do with marijuana, but rather the personality types of users who may be more willing to seek thrills, etc.
Others, such as Dr. Ramy Shamloul, point to recent studies that show "cannabinoid receptors in the penis itself, and experiments in the lab show an inhibitory response," he says. While results were mixed, he noted that “cannabis might increase [sexual arousal] frequency in the brain, but also decrease erectile function in the penis.”
While the effects of cannabinoids on sex drive are still unraveling, one thing remains true — cannabis users have more sex overall. Perhaps it’s because of marijuana’s ability to heighten senses, says psychologist Earleywine: "It gets people to appreciate the moment more anyway. They like food more, find humor in things more easily, so it wouldn't be stunning to think they would enjoy sex more."
