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For the Boys – Can Cannabis Improve Male Sexual Performance?

May 8, 2025 06:00 am ET Estimated Read Time: 11 Minutes

Fact checked by Precious Ileh Medically reviewed by Dr. Abraham Benavides

For the Boys – Can Cannabis Improve Male Sexual Performance?

One of the best things about cannabis is that it offers several benefits. However, most people use it strictly for fun – recreational purposes. But what if you could make another enjoyable activity even more pleasurable with cannabis? Well, according to multiple anecdotal and scientific reports, cannabis might help men put the ram in their rods for more sensual and explosive intimate experiences.

The Cannabis Effect

Cannabis gets you high mainly because of its tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content, with terpenes enhancing these effects. The more THC, terpenes, and whole-plant components there are in your cannabis, the stronger its euphoric effects will be. This mood-altering effect can help ease stress, anxiety, and nervousness.

However, THC does more than cause mind-altering effects. It also triggers vasodilation, meaning it causes blood vessels to expand, increasing blood flow. It’s why your eyes turn red after consuming cannabis – the blood vessels in your eyes widen, becoming engorged and more visible.

This phenomenon occurs throughout your body’s extremities once THC enters your bloodstream, including in the male reproductive organs. Now, if you didn’t know, being able to get and maintain an erection depends on healthy blood flow to your penis.

When aroused, your brain sends signals that cause blood vessels in the penis to relax and widen, causing more blood to flow into the organ. The blood flow inflates your penis like a balloon and is then trapped inside to keep you erect. Staying hard requires keeping that blood trapped until your climax or arousal ends.

How Cannabis Might Affect Male Sexual Performance

Medications like sildenafil (Viagra®, Revatio®) and tadalafil (Cialis®, Adcirca®, etc.) help men have and maintain erections by improving penile blood flow. Cannabis, especially its THC cannabinoid, may have the same effect by causing vasodilation. According to research into The Impact of Marijuana on the Cardiovascular System, THC can relax blood vessels by boosting nitric oxide levels and certain antioxidant activities.

Besides helping you stay hard, increased penile blood flow may improve sensitivity, enhance pleasure, and lead to stronger, more satisfying orgasms. How? More blood flow leads to livelier nerve endings in your genitals, making them more responsive to touch. This heightened sensitivity can intensify pleasure from physical contact, leading to a more explosive climax.

Also, THC and cannabidiol (CBD) help lower anxiety, stress, and depression, which are states of mind that typically interfere with male sexual performance. Anxiety or stress can raise the levels of stress hormones that disrupt the blood flow required for getting and maintaining an erection.

THC triggers feelings of relaxation and euphoria, while CBD reduces anxiety and stress by interacting with serotonin receptors in the brain. CBD’s effect helps regulate mood, reduce fear responses, and promote a sense of calm.

The more relaxed you are before or during sex, the less anxious, stressed, and distracted you’ll be. This can help you enjoy the moment and perform better both mentally and physically. The reduced tension may also help you last longer, as anxiety is a common cause of premature ejaculation.

Is There Proof of Cannabis Helping Men in Bed?

Oh yes! A 2019 survey-based study titled How Cannabis Alters Sexual Experience: A Survey of Men and Women provided some proof. It had 216 participants, including both cisgender and transgender individuals. Here are the insights from their questionnaire responses:

112 participants, or 52.3%, admitted to using cannabis to alter their sexual experience
82 participants, or 38.7%, said sex was better with cannabis
52 participants, or 24.5%, said sex was sometimes better with cannabis

Out of 202 participants, 119 (58.9%) reported an increased desire for sex, while 149 (73.8%) claimed increased sexual satisfaction. Also, 132 of 201 participants (65.7%) said they had more intense orgasms, while 144 of 199 (74.3%) reported heightened sensitivity to touch.

In another study on The Influence of Cannabis on Sexual Functioning and Satisfaction, 70% of male and female participants reported increased sexual desire. The men also reported higher sexual satisfaction and functioning, especially those who intentionally used cannabis before sex.

Real-Life Experiences and Testimonials from Redditors

Here are some testimonies from men on the Reddit thread, Marijuana Improves Sex and Could Help Close ‘Orgasm Inequality Gap’ Between Men And Women, New Study Indicates.

“Anecdotally, as a guy, I can attest that orgasming while high on THC makes the orgasm more ‘complete’ — longer, warmer, more satisfying. But I’m a data point of one.”
“After some edibles, I thought im gonna have a stroke, orgasm was mind-shattering. It also lasted so long, my thought was “so that’s what it’s like to be a pig” (they are known for long-lasting climax for those who don’t know).

Here are quotes from another Reddit thread titled, “Men who smoke marijuana, what’s your experience with sex/orgasm combined with the devil’s lettuce?”

“I get max hard and last about 50% longer when I’m high, but the best thing about it is sex sessions that last an hour or longer, my mind is 100% sex focused. Of course, usually during those sessions it is anyway, but occasionally I have to fight away the “damn cat doing zooms” thoughts or something, but if I’m stoned, naw, 100% focused and into it 100% of the time.”
“For me, personally, it’s 50/50 depending on how I smoke or just how I handle the high. It can either be some really great sex, or I’m too stoned or paranoid and have a bad time.”

Within the same thread, a Redditor had a less satisfying experience to share, which makes sense since cannabis affects everyone differently.

“All seem to be positive comments, but I’ll go against the grain and say I don’t like it. I find myself to be a lot less interested in sex when high. It is a lot more difficult for me to stay hard, and I have trouble finishing. The physical sensations from intimacy are better, but the actual orgasm is the same, if not slightly muted.”

A Double-Edged Sword

While cannabis has helped multiple men become better lovers, others don’t respond well to it. Take, for example, this feedback from Melonqualia, a Redditor, “I really envy what normal people must experience with THC, because even a tiny microdose sends me into an endless pit of combined anxiety, exhaustion, and random hallucinations that leave me in no shape to even think about sex.”

If you’re one of the few men who don’t respond well to cannabis, using it for sex won’t help. In fact, it might worsen things. In fact, the 2019 questionnaire mentioned above notes how 10 respondents (4.7%) said it made sex worse. Cannabis may also negatively impact your sexual performance if you use too much or consume a high-THC product.

Instead of lowering stress and anxiety, high doses of THC can cause or exacerbate such issues, which can frustrate lovemaking. In worse cases, it may even lead to paranoia, which completely takes sex off the table.

According to the International Society for Sexual Medicine, men who use high doses of cannabis or consume it frequently may be more likely to experience sexual problems. These problems may include erectile dysfunction, reduced sexual desire, and difficulty reaching orgasm. They may also experience premature ejaculation caused by elevated dopamine levels and anxiety. On the flip side, some men may experience reduced anxiety and improved ejaculatory control after using cannabis.

READ: 5 Cannabis Strains Guaranteed to Get You Hot and Steamy

How to Use Cannabis for Better Sex

You can roll cannabis flower into a joint and enjoy it the old-fashioned way before sex. Alternatively, you could vape it. Both methods are fast-acting, letting you feel cannabis’ effects within minutes. However, if smelling like a stoner will turn your partner off, then joints are off the table. Smoking or vaping is also unsafe if you have pre-existing respiratory issues.

An alternative that works just as fast but without respiratory or odor risks is a cannabis tincture applied under your tongue. If you want a more discreet consumption method, ingesting cannabis oils, pills, or edibles is a good choice.

Just keep in mind that ingesting cannabis typically takes longer to kick in (30 to 90 minutes), and its effects are stronger and last longer. You can also use a cannabis lube topically on your member to minimize friction and enhance sexual stimulation.

Whether you’re smoking, vaping, or ingesting cannabis for sex, it’s best to start with a small dose. You can then gradually work your way up until you find the dosage that delivers your desired results.

If you take too much, you may experience increased anxiety, reduced sensitivity, trouble focusing, and other issues that make it harder to perform. You should also experiment with different strains to find one that fits your sexual goals. Highly recommended strains for sex include:

Blue Dream: A balanced hybrid for a relaxing body high and gentle cerebral buzz. It may help you enhance intimacy without causing couch-lock.
Strawberry Cough: An uplifting and euphoric strain with a smooth, berry flavor. It may help enhance your mood and lower your inhibitions, turning you into a more relaxed and open-minded lover.
Blueberry Lambsbread: A sativa-dominant hybrid ideal for those prone to anxiety. It calms the mind while keeping energy levels steady, both of which may help you perform better.
Green Crack: It’s energizing and mentally stimulating. These effects may help you stay present, alert, and engaged during sex.
ACDC: A high-CBD, low-THC strain for first-timers who want to lower the risk of getting too high to perform. Its calming effect may help reduce performance anxiety and boost relaxation without impairing focus or arousal.

Dos and Don’ts for Men Using Cannabis to Elevate Sexual Experiences

Dos

Do start with a small dose, especially if it’s your first time mixing weed and sex.
Do choose the right strain, such as hybrid strains, for relaxation, mood elevation, and body euphoria.
Do set the mood by making your space comfortable, safe, and not distracting to enhance both the high and the intimacy.
Do stay hydrated to avoid uncomfortable and distracting cottonmouth.
Do slow down, so cannabis can heighten sensation and you can enjoy every touch.

Don’ts

Don’t overdo doses because too much cannabis can cause anxiety, numbness, or distraction, which can kill the vibe.
Don’t assume cannabis affects everyone the same because what works for one man may not work for you.
Don’t mix with alcohol or other substances, as this may dull arousal or cause unwanted side effects.
Don’t ignore your body’s signals – If you feel too high or uncomfortable, pause and take a break.
Don’t rely on it every time, as frequently using cannabis to enhance performance may affect natural arousal over time.

Men Who Shouldn’t Use Cannabis for Sex

If you don’t respond well to THC, you may experience increased anxiety, reduced sensitivity, or difficulty reaching orgasm – all of which can ruin intimacy. Also, if you’re on medications that interact poorly with cannabis, such as antidepressants and sedatives, you should avoid using cannabis for sex.

Lastly, some studies indicate that cannabis may worsen heart disease. So, if you have a history of hypertension or other cardiac issues, using cannabis may be unsafe. To stay on the safe side, talk to your doctor before using cannabis.

Can CBD Isolates or Distillates Improve Male Sexual Performance?

There’s no conclusive evidence that just the CBD cannabinoid can help improve male sexual performance. In fact, a study of the Effects of Cannabidiol on Male Reproductive System suggests that CBD may negatively affect male fertility and sex drive.

However, since CBD can help with relaxation, the right dose may reduce performance anxiety that gets in the way of intimacy. But using too much may lead to adverse effects like fatigue and sedation that interfere with sexual desire and performance.

Another consideration about any isolate or distillate, whether THC or CBD, is the fact that those exclude other beneficial, synergistic whole-plant compounds like terpenes. Terpenes work alongside THC to increase highs, relieve anxiety, pain, and more, so you should ideally pick whole-plant formulations to maximize benefits. With respect to sexual performance, one terpene known as beta-caryophyllene is shown to improve sexual performance in rats – both alone and in combination with sildenafil, a common ED medication – but we still have much to learn about how it affects humans.

Are you a man who’s tried cannabis to improve intimacy? Don’t be shy to share how it went in the comments.

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Posted by Tobi Moyela

Tobi Moyela is an avid cannabis enthusiast who enjoys creating helpful, educational content that helps others better understand cannabis, especially its potential uses and benefits. When he's not researching or writing for brands, you can find him watching anime, cooking, or reading his latest fiction finds.