Medical Marijuana

Insights on Libido and Pleasure

Published

10 months ago

January 19, 2024

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In the “Ask Well” column, there’s been chatter about treatments for low libido in women. After that, a bunch of folks started wondering if cannabis might just be one of those potential remedies.

Now, this isn’t just a random question. The U.S. House of Representatives just passed a bill decriminalizing marijuana on a federal level. Marijuana, the most commonly used federally illegal drug, is now allowed for medical use in 37 states and for adult use in 18. According to a 2020 survey, about 18% of Americans over 12 had tried it in the past year, and over 67% are all for legalization, based on various polls.

To dive deeper into the connection between cannabis and sexuality, we reached out to some experts, including a gynecologist who’s been studying marijuana use in women.

Here’s the bottom line: It’s tough to say for sure if cannabis will boost sexual desire or enhance one’s sex life. But, there’s plenty of stories out there suggesting that the right dose of cannabis can make women’s sexual experiences more fulfilling and increase their libido. Part of this might be because cannabis can heighten the senses and ease symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, and pain that can put a damper on desire. It might also have some positive effects for men, but there are some potential downsides women should be aware of. So, what’s the research saying?

For ages, both men and women have reported that cannabis changes their sexual experience. Way back in 1971, the astronomer Carl Sagan, a regular toker himself, wrote that cannabis “enhances the enjoyment of sex” and gives an “exquisite sensitivity.”

But, research on cannabis and libido is kinda thin, partly because of the challenges in funding studies on a federally illegal substance in the U.S. Most of the research leans on survey data, which can be biased towards folks who already use cannabis and doesn’t necessarily represent the general population. Plus, these surveys don’t give the full picture on dosage, how it’s taken, or when.

Despite these hurdles, the limited evidence suggests that marijuana seems to enhance the sexual experience for many women who already partake.

Dr. Becky K. Lynn, a sexual medicine and menopause expert and founder of Evora Women’s Health in St. Louis, has had patients come to her with low libido complaints. Some have said, “I’ve got low libido. Can you help?” and then mentioned that cannabis helps them climax without a hitch. They also reported a libido boost from using marijuana.

Dr. Lynn, who also teaches at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, led a 2019 study surveying 373 women at an OB-GYN clinic in Missouri. Of them, 34% said they’d used marijuana before getting intimate, and most said it led to increased desire, more satisfying orgasms, and less pain.

Other research has found that some women use cannabis to manage menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, and vaginal changes like dryness – all things that can tank libido if left unchecked.

Additionally, an online survey of over 200 women and men cannabis users found that about 60% said cannabis boosted their desire, while nearly 74% reported greater sexual satisfaction. However, this study, done by experts in Canada and published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, noted that 16% said they saw improvements in some sexual areas but not others, and just under 5% felt their sexual experience was worse.

Research on cannabis use and male sexual function is also sparse and has mixed results. The International Society for Sexual Medicine reports that some men say marijuana improves their performance, while others might experience issues like reduced motivation for sex, erectile dysfunction, trouble climaxing, or premature ejaculation. Plus, cannabis use has been linked to reductions in sperm count, concentration, motility, and viability.

Starting low and going slow is key when it comes to any substance, including cannabis.

If a doctor gives the green light for cannabis use in a legal state, Dr. Peter Grinspoon, a primary care doc at Massachusetts General Hospital and a cannabis medicine expert, advises newbies to start with a “small dose”, sometimes as low as 1 milligram of THC, marijuana’s main psychoactive compound. According to him, in low doses, cannabis might help increase libido, but in high doses, it might not work as well and could even cause anxiety and paranoia. Plus, in high doses, it might inhibit climax, achieving the opposite of what’s desired.

Dr. Lynn agrees that it’s essential to start small and go slow.

The right amount of marijuana can vary from person to person, so it’s crucial to pay attention to how your body responds individually.

Since cannabis can affect judgment, coordination, and reaction times, folks using psychoactive substances before or during intimacy should make sure both they and their partners are in a position to have safe and consensual relations.

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Cannabis

What’s Next For Legal Marijuana

Published

1 week ago

November 6, 2024

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Going into 2025, the cannabis industry will have to be more limber.

The election is done and Donald Trump will be returning to the White House and Republicans having greater control in Congress. The election showed the majority of people want recreational in Florida, Nebraska will finally have medical marijuana, and cannabis wasn’t a deciding factor in swinging votes. With the House firmly in Republican hands, Mike Johnson has greater power to battle legal cannabis, but don’t count the industry out yet.

Nebraska, passed two ballot initiatives to legalize medical marijuana and regulate the industry on Tuesday. A whopping 67% of the public said yes, which is great for a traditional lyconservative state. Nebraska was one of the few holdouts for medical marijuana. The legality of the ballot initiatives is being questioned regarding discrepancy over fraudulent signatures and fraudulent notarizations. It is a civil case with a ruling expected after the election is cleared up. The Governor spoke out against cannabis. Those arguing on behalf of the petitioners said there was no “clear and convincing evidence” of fraud, and throwing out entire petitions would punish thousands of Nebraskan voters. If the cannabis backers and voters win the civil suit, medical marijuana should start by the end of 2025.

While the initiative failed to reach the 60% of votes needed in Florida, it garnered an impressive 56% of public support. Showing the population of the sunshine state is for fully legal weed, but could be 4 years until it is available. There are issues are Governor DeSantis use of public assets to combat the issue, so my legal wrangling in Florida.

A portion of the industry supported the incoming president, but the biggest industry influence for the upcoming administration will be alcohol and pharmaceutical companies. Alcohol alone is probably one of the biggest investors in the industry with over $13 billion. Wana Brands, which is partial owned by Constellation, launched hemp gummies that can be sold in most states and are as effective as THC gummies. A smart expansion of their products.

Cannabis is popular with the public with Pew Research saying 88+% of the population supporting legalization in some form. Even the traditional AARP has come around to extoll the medical and wellness benefits of the plant. A clearer pathway will be laid out in December with the DEA rescheduling.

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Cannabis

How Cannabis Helps With A Good Mood

Published

1 month ago

October 10, 2024

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There is lots going on in the world…but marijuana may be able to lift your spirits.

Back to the office, weather, politics, Karens, all taking a bite of your spirits. Over 50% of Gen Z feels anxiety, While it looks like it can be a rough autumn, there is hope. Some are born with a set of genetic variants making it easier to feel happy, while others are less fortunate. Genetic variants also play a role in an individual’s responsiveness to the environment. Some need a little more help, be it music, pets, or more. Here is how cannabis helps with a good mood.

Cannabis has gained popularity not only for its recreational use but also for its potential mood-enhancing effects. The science behind cannabis’s ability to influence mood is complex and multifaceted, involving various chemical compounds and their interactions with the human brain and body. At the heart of cannabis’s mood-altering effects is the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters found throughout the body. The ECS plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, including mood, appetite, and pain sensation.

Ancient Chinese Tomb Shows Evidence Of Cannabis Use — Photo by CRYSTALWEED cannabis via Unsplash

The two main compounds of make the difference. First is THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). This is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. It binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, particularly in areas associated with pleasure, memory, and cognition. By stimulating these receptors, THC can induce feelings of euphoria and relaxation. The other is CBD (Cannabidiol). Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive but still interacts with the ECS. It has been shown to have anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties, which may contribute to improved mood.

Another path to helping is cannabis compounds can influence the release and reuptake of various neurotransmitters. Those including

Dopamine: THC can increase dopamine release in the brain’s reward centers, leading to feelings of pleasure and euphoria.

Serotonin: CBD may enhance serotonin signaling, which is associated with mood regulation and anxiety reduction.

GABA: Cannabis can affect GABA signaling, potentially promoting relaxation and stress relief.

.The anxiolytic effects of certain cannabis compounds, particularly CBD, may help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm. This stress-reducing effect can contribute to an overall improvement in mood.

It’s important to note that the mood-enhancing effects of cannabis are often dose-dependent. Lower doses tend to have antidepressant and anxiolytic effects, while higher doses may increase the risk of anxiety or paranoia.

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alcohol

Is Smoking Marijuana Bad For Your Lungs

Published

1 month ago

October 9, 2024

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It is clear tobacco is bad for the lungs and body, but what about cannabis?

More people are consuming marijuana, and it is taking a toll on the alcohol industry. But while marijuana is healthier than alcohol, what about tobacco? Is smoking marijuana bad for your lungs? There are multiple ways to consume cannabis – gummies, oils, vapes and smoking. Smoking is currently holding on to the most popular way to consume, but new users consider it “old school”. One key reason is the effort needed to smoke. Vapes and gummies are easier to use “on the go” and have don’t have the smell. So they are easier in larger social situations. But there is still a faithful core committed to smoking. And for them, the lung question is important.

Smoking marijuana damages the lungs and can lead to chronic respiratory issues. Regular marijuana smokers often experience symptoms like chronic cough, increased phlegm production, wheezing, and acute bronchitis. The smoke from marijuana combustion contains many of the same toxins, irritants, and carcinogens found in tobacco smoke.

Interestingly, studies have shown mixed results regarding marijuana’s effects on lung function measures. Some research indicates marijuana smoking is associated with airway inflammation and increased airway resistance. However, other studies have found that low to moderate marijuana use may not significantly impair lung function and may even be associated with increased lung capacity. The reasons for these conflicting findings are not fully understood, but may relate to the bronchodilating and anti-inflammatory properties of some cannabinoids.

Emphysema rates appear higher in marijuana smokers compared to tobacco smokers and non-smokers. Marijuana smoking has been linked to large air pockets forming between or within the lungs, especially in heavy users. However, the evidence for increased risk of lung cancer or COPD from marijuana alone remains inconclusive and requires further research

While marijuana smoke contains harmful compounds similar to tobacco smoke, there are some key differences. Marijuana is typically smoked less frequently than tobacco, leading to lower overall exposure.

But Marijuana smokers tend to inhale more deeply and hold smoke in their lungs longer, potentially increasing damage. And additionally, unlike tobacco, marijuana smoke is usually not filtered, which may increase toxin exposure.

Occasional use cases much less harm, so this information is for more for daily consumers, which can lead to other issues.

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