Cannabis and libido: How weed affects your sex drive

Cannabis affects libido through interactions with the endocannabinoid system, which regulates arousal and pleasure responses. Research shows that cannabis use before sex correlates with increased sexual frequency and improved satisfaction for men and women.

Microdosing cannabis is a natural, controlled approach to intimacy enhancement. nama CBD™ Love gummies contain precise doses of THC and CBD, as well as ingredients such as Ashwagandha and Damiana leaf, which are also known to boost libido.

How does cannabis affect libido?

Cannabis influences libido through the endocannabinoid system's role in sexual function. CB1 and CB2 receptors exist throughout reproductive organs and areas in the brain that control arousal. When cannabinoids activate these receptors, they can increase sensitivity and pleasure perception, as well as reduce performance anxiety.

A population-based study of over 50,000 Americans found that cannabis users reported higher sexual frequency compared to non-users. The research showed that people who used cannabis daily had sex 20% more than those who never used it. This correlation held across age groups, races, education levels, and relationship status.

Low to moderate cannabis doses typically intensify arousal and pleasure, while higher doses may have the opposite effect. This explains why cannabis microdosing has emerged as the preferred method for sexual enhancement. Small, controlled amounts of THC provide benefits without sedation or decreased motivation.

Cannabis and libido in women

According to research, cannabis use during sexual activity can have a positive impact on women. A study of 373 women who used cannabis before sex found that the majority reported improved overall sexual experience. The research revealed that 68.5% experienced more satisfying orgasms, while 60.6% noticed increased sex drive after cannabis use.

Women with orgasm difficulties saw particular benefits. Recent research examining 811 women found that those who used cannabis before partnered sex were 2.13 times more likely to report satisfactory orgasms than women who didn't use it. 

Low doses of cannabis appear to reduce the anxiety and self-consciousness that can inhibit arousal in women. Small doses of cannabis calm the nervous system and enhance sensory perception, so women can focus on physical pleasure rather than performance. Many participants reported that cannabis helped them feel more present and connected during intimate moments.

Cannabis and libido in men

Men's sexual function responds positively to cannabis in clinical observations. A 2021 study tracking 5,516 men over 10 years found no significant difference in erectile function between cannabis users and non-users. Among the sexually active men, cannabis use didn't correlate with premature ejaculation or difficulty achieving orgasm either.

The research challenges outdated assumptions about cannabis harming male sexual performance. While high doses might temporarily impact libido, the clinical impact on sexual function appears minimal at typical use levels. Most men report more sensation and reduced performance anxiety when using moderate amounts before sex.

Some men find that cannabis increases stamina and sensation, while others experience no noticeable difference. Cannabis may also help men overcome psychological barriers to intimacy. 

The anxiety-reducing effects of THC in low doses can decrease the pressure and self-consciousness that contribute to erectile difficulties. By promoting relaxation and presence, small doses help men engage more fully in the sexual experience.

Why microdose cannabis for libido?

Microdosing delivers the sexual benefits of cannabis without the drawbacks of higher doses. Taking 2.5 mg to 5 mg of THC provides enough cannabinoids to activate the endocannabinoid system without causing impairment or the "couch lock" that can kill romantic momentum.

The difference between a better experience and an uncomfortable one comes down to a few milligrams. Smoking or vaping makes it nearly impossible to control your dose (One hit might contain anywhere from 1 mg to 5 mg, depending on the strain and other variables). Precisely-dosed THC drinks and edibles provide exact amounts every time.

Microdosing also prevents the paranoia or racing thoughts that some people experience with higher THC doses. These effects counteract the relaxation and presence needed for good sex. The therapeutic window of 2.5 mg to 5 mg THC gives you anxiety relief and a sensory boost without mental fog.

The onset time of edibles (45–60 minutes) works better for planned intimate encounters than the immediate hit from smoking. This gives you time to transition from daily stressors into a more relaxed state and builds anticipation rather than rushing the experience.

Read more about how to microdose cannabis.

Try nama CBD microdosed gummies for libido

Our Love gummies contain 5 mg of THC and 5 mg of CBD per gummy, the optimal ratio for sexual enhancement without excessive psychoactive effects. We also include natural aphrodisiac ingredients to complement the cannabinoids.

Each bottle contains precisely dosed gummies made from premium American hemp. Third-party testing confirms the exact cannabinoid content, so you know you're getting 5 mg of THC every time.

If you're new to cannabis or have a lower tolerance, start with half a gummy (2.5 mg THC). You can adjust your dose based on your response, but most people find that 2.5 mg to 5 mg provides the sweet spot between relaxation and arousal.

The effects last 4–6 hours, which gives you plenty of time without needing to redose. Unlike smoking, which can leave you coughing and smelling like weed, our gummies are discreet and won't interrupt the mood.

Resources

Lissitsa, D., Hovers, M., Shamuilova, M., Ezrapour, T., & Peled-Avron, L. (2024). Update on cannabis in human sexuality. Psychopharmacology, 241(9), 1721–1730. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-024-06643-4

Sun, A. J., & Eisenberg, M. L. (2017). Association between Marijuana use and sexual frequency in the United States: A Population-Based Study. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 14(11), 1342–1347. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2017.09.005

Lynn, B., Miller, C., Thompson, J., & Campian, E. (2016). 355 The relationship between marijuana use prior to sex and sexual function in women. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 14(Supplement_1), S105. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2016.11.242

Mulvehill, S., & Tishler, J. (2024). Assessment of the effect of cannabis use before partnered sex on women with and without orgasm difficulty. Sexual Medicine, 12(2), qfae023. https://doi.org/10.1093/sexmed/qfae023

Shiff, B., Blankstein, U., Hussaen, J., Jarvi, K., Grober, E., Lo, K., Lajkosz, K., & Krakowsky, Y. (2021). The impact of cannabis use on male sexual function: A 10-year, single-center experience. Canadian Urological Association journal = Journal de l'Association des urologues du Canada, 15(12), E652–E657. https://doi.org/10.5489/cuaj.7185 

Further reading

Is a 10 mg edible too much for a beginner?

How much CBD is too much?

Will 5 mg of Delta 9 THC get me high?

How do THC drinks make you feel?

How fast do Buzz Packs kick in?

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