The potential benefits of using cannabis to treat female orgasmic disorder (FOD) are being explored in a new study published in the journal Sexual Medicine. This research comes ahead of an important decision by Ohio officials on whether to add FOD as a qualifying condition for the state’s medical marijuana program.
The study, which surveyed sexually active women who used cannabis, revealed that the majority of participants experienced positive effects on their orgasm ease and satisfaction when using cannabis. More than 70% of respondents reported that cannabis increased orgasm ease and frequency, while about two-thirds said it improved orgasm satisfaction. These findings support decades of anecdotal evidence suggesting that cannabis could be beneficial for women with FOD.
One interesting discovery from the study was that women with mental health diagnoses who used cannabis before sex had a more positive orgasm response, regardless of whether they had FOD. The prevalence of anxiety disorders among participants was high, indicating a potential link between anxiety and FOD. Additionally, survivors of sexual abuse reported experiencing more orgasms when using marijuana, possibly due to the drug’s effect on reducing traumatic memories stored in certain areas of the brain.
The authors of the study, clinical sexologist Suzanne Mulvehill and Dr. Jordan Tishler from the Association of Cannabinoid Specialists, emphasized the positive impact that cannabis could have on women struggling with FOD. They noted that cannabis use before partnered sex correlated with increased orgasm frequency for women with difficulty achieving orgasm.
While these findings are promising, the study also highlighted some limitations. Not all women experienced improved orgasms with cannabis use, and the type and amount of cannabis used were not documented. Additionally, the results may not be generalizable to all women, especially those who rarely or never use cannabis before sex or those without female genitalia.
In light of this research, multiple states are considering adding FOD as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana programs. In Illinois, officials recently voted in favor of this addition, pending approval by the state Department of Health. New Mexico and Connecticut are also reviewing similar proposals to include FOD as a qualifying condition.
The study’s authors proposed several theories for how cannabis might improve sexual function in women with FOD. These include dishabitation theory, which suggests that cannabis can reduce habits like cognitive distraction that contribute to FOD, and neuroplasticity theory, which posits that some women may learn to orgasm while using cannabis.
Overall, the research suggests that cannabis could be a promising treatment option for women with FOD. By modulating brain activity and disrupting negative thought patterns associated with sexual dysfunction, cannabis may offer a novel approach to improving sexual pleasure and function in this population. As more states consider adding FOD as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana programs, further research will be needed to better understand how cannabis can benefit individuals with this condition.
