Is THC (Delta-9 THC) A Sexual Activity Enhancer, Or A Flop?

Introduction

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) is the primary psychoactive ingredient present in the Cannabis sativa plant, consumed as a recreational drug of choice in the form of marijuana and hashish (Kocis & Vrana, 2020) ⁽¹⁾.

It is one of the most recognized cannabinoid molecules in marijuana. In traditional ayurvedic medicine, cannabis is classified as an aphrodisiac, as it has been thought to improves ejaculatory functions and delay the time of ejaculation (Chauhan et al., 2014) ⁽²⁾.

To understand the association between cannabis and sexual activity in medicine, this article aims to discuss and explain facts with the help of scientific evidence.

Notable Anecdotal Studies That Suggest THC Improves Sexual Performance

Scientific evidence has not merely focused on THC, rather they have explored the influence of marijuana use on sexual performance. The most recognized ingredient found in marijuana is THC, so this evidence can indirectly suggest that THC improves sexual performance. A population-based study in the United States by Sun and Eisenberg (2017) ⁽³⁾ proposed that men and women using marijuana weekly, monthly, or daily showed significantly higher sexual frequency as compared to those who have never consumed it. Moreover, the results found no apparent sexual impairment among marijuana users.

In a similar context, Balon (2017) ⁽⁴⁾ proposed that cannabis when taken in acute and small doses improves sexual functioning including satisfaction and sexual desire. However, chronic and higher doses of cannabis negatively influence sexual performance, for instance, inhibited orgasm, erectile dysfunction, and lack of interest.

Sandoiu (2017) ⁽⁵⁾ also stated that even though the effect of marijuana is not clear on sexual functioning, but larger studies indicated that marijuana may increase sexual drive. Recent studies by Lynn et al. (2019) ⁽⁶⁾ and Kasman et al. (2020) ⁽⁷⁾ also claimed that sexual activity among women improves in terms of reduction in pain, improvement in orgasm, and enhancement in the sexual drive when they consume marijuana beforehand. The method of consumption of cannabis and the reason for use has no impact on the results (Kasman et al., 2020) ⁽⁷⁾.

Common Male Sexual Problems and THC

One of the most common health problems among men is erectile dysfunction, which is affected by THC. However, the evidence is not clear in terms of whether it improves sexual function or contributes to erectile dysfunction. This is because some studies proposed that it boosts sexual performance while some found that it can contribute to erectile dysfunction (Holland, 2019) ⁽⁸⁾.

Higuera (2018) ⁽⁹⁾ stated that there is no definitive evidence indicating that the use of cannabis leads to erectile dysfunction. However, there is a high risk of erectile dysfunction among those who consume a mixture of tobacco and marijuana. On the other hand, a metanalysis found that erectile dysfunction is two times higher among the users of cannabis in contrast to non-users (Pizzol et al., 2019) ⁽¹⁰⁾.

Balon (2017) ⁽⁴⁾ also claimed that long-term use of higher doses of cannabis can lead to inhibited orgasm and erectile dysfunction. Another commonly found sexual health issue in males is premature ejaculation. Regarding this, Chauhan et al. (2014) ⁽²⁾ found that cannabis enhances ejaculatory functions and delay the time of ejaculation.

Some men get an erection when consuming THC because cannabinoids receptors are found in the smooth muscles of the penis (Assured Pharmacy, 2020) ⁽¹¹⁾. The activation of these receptors by THC might lead to an erection. The medical use of cannabis has been legalized in several U.S. states and the United Kingdom for several health issues such as epilepsy (Higuera, 2018) ⁽⁹⁾. However, the use of cannabinoids for sexual health issues among men has not been legalized because the effect of THC has not been studied as a medical treatment.

Common Female Sexual Problems And THC

Among women, the main sexual health issues affected by THC are arousal, desire, orgasm, and satisfaction. Lynn et al. (2019) ⁽⁶⁾ and Kasman et al. (2020) ⁽⁷⁾ both have found a positive impact of cannabis use on arousal, desire, orgasm, and satisfaction domains of sexual function of women. After the use of cannabis, the satisfaction level with the orgasm increases 2 times as compared to non-users (Lynn et al., 2019) ⁽⁶⁾.

However, the problem related to lubrication of the vagina was not affected by the use of cannabis (Kasman et al., 2020) ⁽⁷⁾. A review by Lynn et al. (2019) ⁽⁶⁾ indicated that a low dose of cannabis generally improves sexual receptivity and desire among women or has no impact, but higher doses inhibit it.

Hence, the evidence suggests that consumption of THC has a positive effect on the sexual function of females, but the effect is dose-dependent. Higher doses have been linked to negative effects. Moreover, the main sexual health issues that can be dealt with cannabis are arousal, desire, orgasm, and satisfaction.

How Using Cannabis for Sex Can Be Strain Related

With the legalization of marijuana, people have started using cannabis to achieve the desired sexual result. However, it is significant to understand that the type of cannabis strains used as they differ in cannabinoid profile. The two major types of cannabis are Indica and Sativa, which are now classified as chemovars (chemical varieties), instead of being referred to as strains.

• Type I: high THC
• Type II: THC/CBD combined
• Type III: high CBD

Cannabis Sativa is popular for its head-high, energizing, and exhilarating effect that can facilitate the reduction of stress and anxiety. In contrast, Cannabis Indica is linked to effects on the whole body, for instance, improving insomnia and relaxation (Holland, 2021) ⁽¹²⁾. However, it is not that simple as the growing technique and chemical composition of the plants influence its effects.

Chemovars are differentiated based on their terpene (aromatic) content and cannabinoid referred to as cannabinoid profiles. This profile helps in understanding a person about the suitable chemovar according to the need. The two main cannabinoids found in cannabis are THC and cannabidiol (CBD), which are responsible for producing the majority of the effects of cannabis.

Top 5 Cannabis Strains for Male Arousal

Name	Strain Type	THC	CBD	Discussion
Trainwreck	Hybrid (65% Sativa and 35% Indica)	12%- 21%	<1%	It causes euphoria and energizes a person. It helps in getting ready to be sexually active by increasing sexual arousal.
Strawberry Diesel	Hybrid	17% and 27%	0.22%	It can be used for arousal because it also has a euphoric and energizing effect. It reduces anxiety and calms the body to be ready for sex.
Locktite	Hybrid	18%	<1%	It is a calming chemovar, which gives a euphoria burst. It is effective to get in the mood after a tiring day.
Sour Diesel	Sativa	20–22%	<1%	It can have a positive effect on sex, as the full-body high impact may increase sensitivity leading to increased arousal and pleasure.
Hindu Skunk	Hybrid (Indica 70% and Sativa 30%)	22%	<1%	It affects the whole body, making a person relaxed a well as energized. It uplifts the mood and increases arousal after a long day.

 

Top 5 Cannabis Strains for Female Arousal

Name	Strain Type	THC	CBD	Discussion
Granddaddy Purple	Indica	17–23%	<0.1%	It leaves a person with a feeling of happiness and eutrophic, which helps in boosting sexual pleasure and arousal.
Girl Scout Cookies	Hybrid	17-28%	0.09-0.2%	This chemovar also gives a euphoric effect following the waves of whole-body relaxation. It helps to stay in the mood and relaxed through sexual activity.
Trainwreck	Hybrid	12%- 21%	<1%	It causes euphoria and energizes a person. It helps in getting ready to be sexually active by increasing sexual arousal.
Northern Lights	Indica	16%	0.1%	Many women experience difficulty reaching orgasm due to insecurities, work, or stress. This strain improves the mood and arouses a female to have an intimate session.
Green Crack	Hybrid	15% to 25%	<1%	It contains mood-elevating terpenes, which deliver ecstatic euphoria. The uplifting effect of this strain will increase the libido.

 

Overall, the strains mentioned give energy, reduces anxiety, and improves the mood of the individuals, helping them to focus on sexual activity.

Another factor that might affect the use of cannabis is gender. Research has begun to determine if there is any link between gender and the effects of cannabis. Sex hormones seem to play a role. It has been shown that the effects on the brain are gender-dependent and that women have fewer cannabinoid CB1 receptors in certain areas of the brain (Cooper & Craft, 2018; Spindle et al., 2021) ^(13,19). Research has also shown that progesterone contributes to women's dependence on THC and testosterone can prevent men from becoming addicted (Sharma & Balhara, 2018) ⁽¹⁴⁾.

The varying effects of cannabis between genders may also be partially related to differences in muscle mass and fat distribution between men and women. Since cannabinoids are easily lipid-soluble and accumulate in fat cells, and women tend to have a higher percentage of body fat, they may experience the effects of cannabis in different ways.

In a similar context, the effect among obese people might vary also. Men are more likely to be diagnosed with cannabis use disorder (Kerridge et al., 2018) ⁽¹⁵⁾, but research shows women are more concerned about cannabis use and dependence. Young women tend to become addicted to cannabis faster than men (Nia et al., 2018) ⁽¹⁶⁾. Hence, it can be said that age, gender, and weight are some of the factors that might affect the impact of cannabis.

Can THC Help You Get More Lucky Finding Sex?

It is not necessary to get luckier finding sex when consuming marijuana. However, a study by Andrade et al. (2013) ⁽¹⁷⁾ indicated that cannabis use is linked to risky sexual behaviour, for instance, unprotected sex, having a high number of sexual partners. This means that people under the influence of cannabis are more likely to be available for sex due to their risky behaviour.

What Is Better for Sex THC or CBD?

THC is better for sex because of its psychoactive properties. It helps in feeling high during sexual activity. Whereas CBD does not possess psychoactive properties; however, it can facilitate pain alleviation and relaxation, which may indirectly lead to improved sexual performance due to related underlying conditions. CBD is less euphoric, so it is best suitable to use after sex as a recovery regime. It does not provide a psychological or mental shift like THC to directly affect sexual performance.

What About Delta-8 THC For Sex?

Delta-8 THC is a slightly smaller molecule than delta-9 THC, making it less potent than normal THC. Similar to delta-9 THC, Delta-8 THC also reduces the anxiety that helps in relieving stress-related to sexual performance. The scientific evidence to support Delta-8 THC for sexual performance is scarce while certain blogs and articles claim these effects of Delta-8 THC.

THC Drops, Massage Oil, Vapes for Sex

THC in combination with CBD is available in different forms to improve sexual experience. THC+CBD ingestible drops are available that affect the entire body. The product reduces anxiety and uplift mood.

On the other hand, massage oils are available that have a localized effect on the specific sexual organ on which it is applied. THC+CBD-based oils increase blood circulation, which improves erection among males as well as reduces pain and increases arousal among women.

Another way to consume THC is via vapes, which is an effective and fast way to experience the effect of cannabis. A study at the John Hopkins University revealed that vaping cannabis delivers a higher amount of THC than smoking (Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2018) ⁽¹⁸⁾. Consumption of vapours develops the desire and may help the individuals to improve arousal and experience intense orgasm.

Conclusions

In conclusion, it can be said that there is a need to conduct more scientific studies to explicitly say whether THC is a sexual enhancer or is detrimental. The present available presently indicates that the consumption of cannabis increases sexual performance among females and produces no side effects. On the other hand, there is conflicting evidence related to the impact of THC among men.

Some studies claim its beneficial effects irrespective of their doses while some show association between negative effects with higher doses. This shows that further longitudinal and randomized controlled trials are needed. Hence, cannabis users are advised not to use it in high doses for getting improvement in sexual performance.

  

References

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Please note that this article was written by a 3^rd-party author who is a specialist on the topic of CBD, hemp and cannabis.  Any information or recommendations contained within this article, are independent to the opinion of RUDERALEX CBD and our employees.  We make no claims for any of our products, please read our disclaimer for additional information.