Study: Cannabis Can Serve as an Aphrodisiac and Enhance Pleasure/Satisfaction
Cannabis can serve as an aphrodisiac as well as enhance pleasure and satisfaction during and following sex.
This is according to a new study published by the journal Pharmacological Research. It’s been e-published ahead of print by the U.S. National Institute of Health.
According to the study, which examined preclinical trials using human subjects, approximately 50% of those who consumed cannabis reported feeling “aphrodisiac effects”. 70% of users said that they experienced “enhancement in pleasure and satisfaction” in their sex lives. The study found no significant differences in the results of men compared to women.
The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Catania in Italy as well as Charles University and Masaryk University, both in the Czech Republic. Its full abstract is below:
The endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is composed of the cannabinoid receptors types 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2) for marijuana’s psychoactive ingredient; Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the endogenous ligands (AEA and 2-AG) and the enzymatic systems involved in their biosynthesis and degradation, recently emerged as important modulator of emotional and non-emotional behaviors.
For centuries, in addition to its recreational actions; several contradictory claims regarding the effects of Cannabis use in sexual functioning and behavior (e.g. aphrodisiac vs anti-aphrodisiac) of both sexes have been accumulated. The identification of Δ9-THC and later on; the discovery of the ECS have opened a potential therapeutic target for sexual dysfunctions; given the partial efficacy of current pharmacological treatment. In agreement with the bidirectional modulation induced by cannabinoids on several behavioral responses, the endogenous cannabinoid AEA elicited biphasic effects on sexual behavior as well. The present article reviews current available knowledge on; herbal, synthetic and endogenous cannabinoids with respect to the modulation of several aspects of sexuality in preclinical and human studies, highlighting their therapeutic potential.
The full text of the study can be found for free by clicking here.