Study Reveals Cannabis Users Have More Frequent Sexual Activity
A study indicates that cannabis users have more frequent sexual activity, though the direct impact of cannabis on libido remains unclear
Key Points
- 1Cannabis users report 20% more sexual activity compared to non-users
- 2Daily cannabis use linked to increased sexual frequency in both genders
- 3Study analyzed data from 50,000 Americans over several years
- 4Potential enhancements in bodily sensations may contribute to findings
- 5Cannabis may affect erectile function despite increasing libido
A recent study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine suggests that individuals who consume cannabis tend to engage in sexual activity more frequently than those who abstain. The study, which analyzed data from 50,000 Americans who have participated in a national survey since 2002, found that daily cannabis users reported approximately 20% more sexual encounters than non-users. However, the study does not definitively conclude whether cannabis directly influences sexual frequency
Dr. Michael Eisenberg, a urologist at Stanford University Medical Center and lead author of the study, explained that the research tracked participants' cannabis consumption frequency alongside their sexual activity over the past month. The findings revealed that women who used cannabis daily had an average of 7.1 sexual encounters per month, compared to 6 for non-users. Similarly, male cannabis users reported 6.9 encounters, whereas non-users had 5.6
Despite controlling for various confounding factors such as age, alcohol, and other drug use, the study maintained a consistent correlation between cannabis use and increased sexual activity. Dr. Eisenberg noted that this pattern was evident across nearly all demographic groups studied, indicating a robust association. However, the study stops short of claiming a causal relationship between cannabis and heightened libido
Psychologist Mitch Earleywine from the University of Albany offered insights into potential reasons behind these findings. He suggested that cannabis might enhance bodily sensations, leading to a more enjoyable sexual experience. Earleywine noted that cannabis users often report heightened enjoyment in various aspects of life, such as food and humor, which could naturally extend to sexual activities
While the study highlights a link between cannabis use and increased sexual frequency, it also points to potential drawbacks. Dr. Rany Shamloul from the Ottawa Hospital mentioned that cannabis might negatively affect erectile function due to cannabinoid receptors in the penis. This dual effect suggests that while cannabis may boost libido in the brain, it could simultaneously inhibit physical sexual performance