SEX AND CANNABIS

Diana Urman
March 28th

In a recent interview with Huffington Post, I discussed the usage of cannabis in my clinical practice and the effect of cannabis on sexual desire. The chemical compound in marijuana known as THC is responsible for making you feel high. Because of this, THC can intensify sexual experiences. During these experiences, cannabis has the ability to slow you down, alleviate anxiety, and elevate mood. Physical touch becomes more sensitive, offering a more tangible sense of emotional connection and closeness. Many couples note that there is even an increased willingness to engage, which enhances sexual pleasure and orgasmic abilities.

The effects of THC are especially apparent with women, as women also have much more variable sex drives that are significantly more responsive to their environment. For the many women with worries about being too in their heads, not feeling desired by their partners, and having negative body image, cannabis can play an important role in mellowing body image-based anxiety, and feeling more present and complete in their bodies. Scientific data bridges this gap between emotional stability and sexual satisfaction, suggesting that one of the key elements for women to reach their orgasmic potential is a deep sense of relaxation and an absence of overbearing anxiety.

I have had several female clients experiencing anxiety and a lack of a willingness to engage sexually with her partner, who reported that he felt her body being resistant to his touch. He shared that she was flinching, clenching her muscles, and thus not letting him explore her body in different ways and different sexual positions. I recommended for her to start using THC-infused Gummicares edibles an hour before being sexual with her partner. She reported back to me that she felt much more aroused, yet relaxed at the same time. She also felt that her body sensations were much deeper than usual, and she was more comfortable allowing her partner to explore her body in various ways. Her partner also reported that she became more adventurous in her desires to be pleasured. Another excellent cannabis product I have recommended to many couples is Foria, a lubricant infused with THC that promotes blood flow to genitals and increases sensitivity of sensations.

However, although I greatly recommend using cannabis to treat sexual anxiety and improve sexual experiences, there are a few factors to be cautious of. Some studies suggest that using cannabis regularly may increase risk of ED because of cardiovascular complications associated with smoking weed. Additionally, using marijuana in large doses may decrease a man’s ability to achieve orgasm and could delay ejaculation. It should also be noted that using a mind altering substance like cannabis can influence our ability to make sound decisions. For example, high risk behavior while using cannabis regularly may increase a risk of contracting an STI. It may impart our judgement and impact our ability to be rational in our decision making, which is imperative when it comes to sexual relationships.

Overall, cannabis can be an excellent way to experiment with the physical and emotional
aspects of sexual experiences in a safe space.

Diana Urman

Diana Urman, LCSW, PhD, is an accomplished sex and relationship therapist based in San Francisco. She views sexuality from the perspective of pleasure and quality of life, not from a dysfunction-based model. Diana's therapeutic process emphasizes self-healing and growth, helping clients realize their full potential through expressing their sexuality. Leveraging her advanced training in a variety of approaches, Diana has helped countless clients address sexual dysfunction, increase confidence, discover fantasies, explore alternative lifestyles, tap into orgasmic abilities, and reach new levels of intimacy with their partner. Diana has a PhD in Human Sexuality from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality and a graduate degree (MSW) in Clinical Social Work. She is a California State Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW #26883), Certified Clinical Sexologist, Certified Sex Educator, and member of AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists).