Cannabis and Sexual Function: What Current Evidence Reveals About Desire, Arousal and Anxiety

Thanks to legalization in Canada and expanding markets in the US, clinicians and researchers are seeing growing interest in how cannabinoids influence sexual behaviour and sexual function. Although cannabis has long been associated with intimacy in popular culture, recent data provides a more structured understanding of its potential effects on desire, arousal, orgasm and psychological readiness for sexual activity.

This area of study is evolving rapidly. Many individuals are now seeking medically informed guidance to navigate these effects safely and effectively. If you want personalized recommendations rooted in clinical science, consider booking an appointment with Dr. Ife Abiola for professional cannabis consulting.

Sexual Frequency and Cannabis Use

A large population study conducted by Stanford University found that individuals who used cannabis daily reported approximately 20% more sexual activity than non users. This association remained consistent across gender and demographic variables. The authors concluded that although the findings were reassuring, additional research is required to understand how cannabis influences sexual physiology and sexual function.

Earlier research dating back to the 1980s showed similar trends. In a study published in The Journal of Sex Research, many respondents reported that they consumed cannabis specifically before intercourse. Twenty per cent said this was a habitual practice. Although the study relied on anonymous self reporting and did not include clinical controls, it helped introduce questions about cannabis mediated changes in sexual pleasure and desire.

These early patterns prompted more structured investigation, including modern studies with larger sample sizes and more detailed measures of sexual response.

Key Findings From the 2019 Journal of Sexual Medicine Study

One of the more informative contemporary studies was published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine in 2019. Researchers analyzed more than 200 surveys from individuals who used cannabis during sexual activity. The results were notable:

• 38.7% reported that sex was better with cannabis

• 16% said it improved some aspects

• Only 4.7% indicated that cannabis worsened the experience

Participants also reported measurable changes in specific domains of sexual function:

• 58.9% experienced increased sexual desire

• 73.8% reported increased sexual satisfaction

• 74.3% reported heightened sensitivity to touch

• 65.7% experienced intensified orgasms

• 69.8% reported improved relaxation during sex

• 50.5% reported an improved ability to focus

• Among those with difficulty reaching orgasm, half reported that cannabis made orgasm easier

While this study relied on self reported data rather than clinical observation, the consistency of these findings adds important insight into how cannabinoids may influence sexual experience.

If you are curious about how these findings could apply to your specific sexual health concerns, book a private consultation with Dr. Ife Abiola to receive individualized, evidence informed advice.

The Role of Anxiety in Sexual Performance

One of the most consistent psychological variables affecting sexual performance is anxiety. High arousal from stress, self consciousness or performance pressure can interrupt natural sexual response. In men, anxiety is a leading contributor to erectile dysfunction. Approximately 39% of men in their forties report erectile difficulties, and many cases have a psychological origin. However, performance anxiety impacts people of all genders.

Cannabinoids have well documented effects on anxiety modulation. Both THC and CBD interact with the endocannabinoid system, which influences mood regulation, stress response and reward processing. Activation of cannabinoid receptors may promote a more relaxed psychological state, which in turn supports more effective sexual functioning.

CBD is known to enhance signaling at serotonin receptors, which play key roles in mood regulation, social behavior, sexual desire and sexual function. Low serotonin levels are associated with increased anxiety and decreased sexual satisfaction. Increased serotonin activity may therefore indirectly support sexual arousal and enjoyment.

It is important to clarify that cannabis does not directly induce physiological sexual arousal. For example, cannabinoids do not trigger spontaneous erections. However, they may influence the psychological environment that allows sexual arousal to occur naturally. Reduced anxiety, improved focus and increased body awareness can all contribute to better sexual outcomes.

For patients experiencing anxiety driven sexual challenges, structured medical guidance can help determine whether cannabis may be an appropriate adjunct therapy. Dr. Ife Abiola can assess your history, symptoms and goals to provide a safe and tailored plan.

The Endocannabinoid System and Sexual Experience

The endocannabinoid system regulates several processes related to sexual function, including pleasure, stress recovery, mood regulation and sensory perception. When cannabinoids such as THC or CBD interact with this system, they may modulate these pathways in ways that affect sexual experience.

Although more clinical research is required, the current evidence suggests that cannabis may support:

• enhanced relaxation

• increased sensory responsiveness

• improved focus during sexual activity

• heightened orgasm intensity

• stronger subjective satisfaction

These findings help explain why many individuals incorporate cannabis into their sexual routines.

If you are considering cannabis as part of your sexual wellness strategy, professional oversight is strongly recommended. Book a consultation with Dr. Ife Abiola to ensure safe dosing, product selection and medical alignment with your overall health profile.

The Bottom Line: Promising, but Requires Guidance

Cannabis appears to influence sexual experience for many people, primarily through psychological and sensory pathways. Early evidence supports its potential role in reducing anxiety, enhancing arousal and increasing subjective sexual satisfaction. However, responses to cannabinoids vary significantly, and not all products or doses are appropriate for sexual health.

A personalized medical assessment can help determine what is safe, effective and suitable for your physiology.

To explore this topic with expert guidance, book an appointment with Dr. Ife Abiola. He provides evidence based cannabis assessments designed to help patients improve sexual function, reduce anxiety and support overall sexual well being.