While Alcohol Might ‘Facilitate’ Sexual Encounters, Marijuana Better Enhances Sexual Satisfaction, Study Finds

A new study reveals that while alcohol might “facilitate” sexual encounters, marijuana enhances sexual sensitivity and satisfaction. Conducted by the University of Huelva and the University of Córdoba in Spain, this research examined 483 individuals who have used both substances.

The study, published in Revista Internacional de Andrología, found that alcohol increases feelings of attractiveness, extroversion, and desire, whereas marijuana users report greater sensitivity and sexual satisfaction. The research concludes that although alcohol facilitates sexual encounters, cannabis users feel more sexually satisfied.

In the survey, 19 percent said marijuana improved their sexual experience, compared to just 8.4 percent who said alcohol did. About 27.2 percent noted no changes in their sexual experience with cannabis, while 13.4 percent said the same about alcohol. Mixed effects were reported for both substances, but more so for alcohol.

Cannabis was found to promote orgasm, excitement, and relaxation, enhancing sensitivity to physical contact and increasing satisfaction. There were no significant differences in sexual intensity between alcohol and marijuana use. However, alcohol consumption was associated with longer sexual encounters, particularly among frequent users.

Despite these findings, respondents generally preferred not to be under the influence of any substances during sex. When choosing between the two, they favored cannabis over alcohol. The authors caution that the non-random nature of the survey may affect the results, but the findings contribute to a growing body of literature on the benefits of cannabis on sexual function.

A recent review published in Psychopharmacology echoed these results, associating cannabis use with more frequent sexual activity and increased desire and enjoyment. The review suggested that lower doses of cannabis might be optimal for sexual satisfaction, while higher doses could reduce desire and performance, with effects varying between men and women.

Studies have suggested that cannabis could improve sexual function in women, potentially qualifying conditions like female orgasmic disorder (FOD) for medical marijuana. For men, research results are mixed, with some studies indicating that cannabis may cause erectile dysfunction or ejaculation issues, while others report the opposite.

A 2020 study in Sexual Medicine found that frequent female cannabis users had better sex. Numerous online surveys also highlight positive associations between marijuana and sexual activity. However, a 2019 literature review noted that cannabis’s impact on libido might depend on dosage, with lower THC levels leading to higher arousal and satisfaction.

Additionally, a study in Nature Scientific Reports explored the effects of psychedelics like psilocybin mushrooms and LSD on sexual functioning, finding beneficial effects even months after use. This type of research underscores the importance of understanding the psychological aspects of sexual function for overall wellbeing.

These findings shed light on the complex relationship between intoxicating substances and sexual experiences, highlighting the potential benefits of marijuana for enhancing sexual satisfaction.