A new systematic review has revealed promising evidence that cannabis could serve as an effective treatment for female orgasmic disorder. The potential connection between cannabis and the enhancement of female orgasm offers hope to millions of women who struggle with this common but under-discussed condition.
The study, published in this month edition of the journal Sexual Medicine, analyzed data from 16 studies involving nearly 9,000 women. Researchers found consistent evidence that cannabis use improved various aspects of orgasmic function, including frequency, ease, satisfaction, and intensity.
Researchers of the study noted that female orgasmic disorder affects up to 41% of women worldwide, yet no FDA-approved medications currently exist to treat this condition. The disorder is characterized by persistent difficulty reaching orgasm or significantly reduced intensity of orgasmic sensations, causing considerable distress for those affected.
Research Findings on Cannabis and the Female Orgasm
The systematic review examined three categories of cannabis use: before sexual activity, general cannabis use, and cannabis combined with other substances. The most compelling results came from studies focusing on cannabis use specifically before sexual encounters.
All nine studies that evaluated pre-sexual cannabis use reported improvements in female orgasmic function. One randomized controlled trial involving women with gynecologic cancer showed statistically significant improvements in orgasm function when participants used cannabis suppositories combined with mindful practices.
The research revealed that 72.8% of women with orgasm difficulties experienced increased orgasm frequency when using cannabis. Additionally, 71% of women with orgasmic challenges found it easier to reach orgasm, while many reported enhanced satisfaction and intensity.
Multiple studies also documented the ability to experience multiple orgasms per sexual encounter among cannabis users, with more than 40% of women reporting this benefit in one large study.
The Science Behind Cannabis and Sexual Function
Cannabis appears to address several factors that can interfere with healthy sexual response. The plant’s primary psychoactive compound, THC, interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating mood, stress response, and sexual function, among many other things.
Researchers propose several mechanisms by which cannabis may enhance orgasmic function. THC may reduce anxiety and inhibitions by affecting brain regions associated with stress and executive function. This could be particularly beneficial for women whose orgasmic difficulties stem from psychological factors like performance anxiety or trauma.
Cannabis also appears to enhance sensory perception and sexual fantasy, both of which are linked to improved orgasmic response. The altered state of consciousness that cannabis can produce may help women become more present and attuned to physical sensations during sexual activity.
Other research from Queens University in Canada supports these findings, showing that cannabis use significantly enhanced sexual desire and arousal while reducing sexual distress. This dual-study approach, which included both survey data and daily diary analysis, provided compelling evidence of cannabis’s positive impact on sexual experiences.
Addressing Trauma and Sexual Health
The research holds particular significance for women with histories of sexual trauma, who often face additional challenges achieving orgasm due to trauma-related hypervigilance and anxiety. Cannabis’s ability to reduce activity in brain regions associated with threat detection may help these individuals feel more relaxed and present during sexual encounters.
One study specifically noted improvements in orgasmic function among sexual abuse survivors, suggesting cannabis could offer a valuable therapeutic tool for this vulnerable population.
Clinical Implications and Future Directions
The study authors concluded that female orgasmic disorder should be considered a qualifying condition for medical cannabis programs. They suggested that medical cannabis deserves evaluation as a potential first-line treatment, given the limited effectiveness of current therapeutic options.
Researchers of the study on cannabis and female orgasm noted that their findings support decades of speculation about cannabis as a treatment for orgasmic difficulties. The research aims to develop cannabis-based prescription medications specifically for female sexual dysfunction.
However, researchers did emphasize that more clinical trials are needed to establish optimal dosing protocols, determine the best delivery methods, and understand how different cannabis strains might affect various types of orgasmic difficulties.
A Natural Alternative for Women’s Health
While the research shows great promise, experts acknowledge that cannabis doesn’t work for everyone. About 4% of women with orgasmic dysfunction in the study still didn’t experience orgasm despite using cannabis.
The findings represent a shift toward evidence-based understanding of cannabis’s therapeutic potential beyond traditional medical applications. As social attitudes evolve and research barriers continue to diminish, studies like these illuminate how cannabis might enhance quality of life in unexpected ways.
For the millions of women who struggle with orgasmic difficulties, this research offers hope for a natural, effective treatment option. The consistent positive results across multiple studies and diverse populations suggest that cannabis could play an important role in addressing this common but often overlooked aspect of women’s health.
As cannabis legalization expands and research opportunities grow, we can expect continued investigation into the plant’s role in sexual health. The combination of growing scientific evidence and changing legal landscapes creates an opportunity to develop new therapeutic approaches for conditions that have long lacked effective treatments.
