There’s been a lot of debate about whether or not it’s a good idea to use marijuana before having sex. For some time, the assumption has been made that being high probably isn’t going to improve what happens in the bedroom, but research says otherwise.

Instead, it seems that the majority of users experience some benefit from using weed before sex. Here’s a look at four specific ways marijuana makes for better intimacy.

Increased Sexual Desire

If we’re being totally upfront, and that’s how we do things around here, the effect of marijuana on libido varies from person to person. Of course, this shouldn’t be all that surprising since we already know that not everyone experiences a high in the same way.

That being said, there is some evidence that marijuana can increase sexual desire in a large percentage of adults. For instance, in 2011, Michael Castleman, MA, surveyed his readers at Psychology Today to find out how marijuana affected their libido. Only 12% reported decreased desire while using marijuana while 67% said they experienced increased libido. The remaining respondents said that dose and strain seemed to influence their experience.

These results are in line with additional research published in 2017 in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, which found 62% of study female participants associated marijuana use with increased sex drive.

More Frequent Sex

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A look at the general population reveals that nearly half of adults are engaging in intercourse roughly once a week, or a few times a month. More frequent sex doesn’t necessarily improve happiness, but individuals who hope to have more frequent sex might give regular marijuana use a try.

Here’s why. In 2017, analysis of self-reported marijuana use and sexual frequency was published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine. Both men and women who use weed daily self-reported having 20% more sex than those who abstain.

Better Sex

As if more frequent sex and an increased desire for sex isn’t good enough, it appears that weed makes the whole experience better. Who doesn’t want that?

In the research mentioned above, the female participants also reported experiencing more pleasure during sex if they used marijuana before becoming intimate. More specifically, 68 percent shared that sex was better while high and 62 reported a more pleasurable orgasm when they used marijuana before sex. A smaller percentage said that weed use seemed to increase vaginal lubrications as well.

Reducing Anxiety

The pressure to perform can have a negative effect on how both men and women experience sex. Erectile dysfunction can be caused by or worsened by feeling anxious.

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The right dose of marijuana could help lessen anxiety. According to research published by the University of Washington, a low dose of marijuana is the most effective for calming anxiety. In contrast, a high dose might increase symptoms of anxiety. This means, if your hope is to keep cool in the bedroom, your best bet to take it easy and start slow with pre-love making marijuana consumption.

For those who experience anxiety while high, trying different strains may help. Additionally, cannabidiol, which is a non-psychoactive cannabis product, has been found to reduce anxiety at all doses.

Here’s What You Need to Know First

Thinking about using marijuana before sex? There are a few things you need to know beforehand. In general, it isn’t a good idea to just go for it. Take some time to experiment with different doses and strains before having sex while high. In general, it seems that starting with a low dose is probably the best.

Lastly, and this goes without saying, never ever dose your partner without permission or pressure them into using marijuana before sex. Like all sexual experiences, consent is a non-negotiable when you’re using weed in the bedroom.