While marijuana is often used to enhance sex, it may also lead to problems in the bedroom. Erectile dysfunction, which is the inability to achieve an erection, is just one of the possible side effects of cannabis.
In this guide, we'll discuss whether weed can cause erectile dysfunction, along with all of its sexual pros and cons.
Quick FAQs
The most common effects are a euphoric high and increased hunger. Common potential negative effects include anxiety and tiredness.
Some studies have shown that marijuana may cause ED, while others have not found that connection.
One study found CBD to be effective in improving erectile function. More research is needed to form a definitive conclusion.
Plus, we'll look at ways to quit marijuana and cultivate healthier habits that can help to prevent ED and improve sexual stamina.
Marijuana is a flower containing psychoactive chemicals such as THC, which produces a feeling of euphoria, or a high, at certain dosages. It also contains a number of other chemicals, like CBD, that can aid in relaxation.
Marijuana is frequently smoked in a joint, which contains the ground up leaves from the cannabis plant.
Beyond smoking the leaf, users can also isolate and consume the THC from the plant to achieve a more potent effect. In some cases, users may even isolate the non-psychoactive chemicals, like CBD, to achieve calming effects without a pronounced high.
Some other methods of cannabis consumption include:
Tinctures
Capsules
Edibles (such as cookies, brownies, or gummies)
Vaporizers
When consumed, marijuana may produce:
A euphoric high
An increased libido
Increased hunger
Changes in perception
Laughter
While those are some of the desired, positive effects of cannabis, some potential negative effects include:
Tiredness
Decreased motivation
Insomnia
Anxiety
Depression
Decreased sexual functioning
Paranoia
In rare cases, excessive marijuana usage may even cause psychosis in certain individuals.
Can Smoking Weed Everyday Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
Can weed cause erectile dysfunction? While one sought after effect of marijuana is an increased libido, the drug has also been shown to potentially limit sexual functioning and even cause ED in certain cases.
In a study of 3,395 men, where 1/3 of the men were cannabis users and the other 2/3 were not, researchers found that ED was found in 69.1% of cannabis users. In comparison, only 34.7% of users in the sober control setting had ED.
This research shows a potential link between marijuana consumption and ED. With roughly twice the amount of ED found in cannabis users, it’s important for men to be aware of this possible effect, and to take notice of their own erectile health when partaking in cannabis.
Another potential drawback of marijuana is how it increases tiredness and potentially confusion. Both of these effects may lead to a lowered libido, which could affect erection strength as well.
Marijuana may also lead to high blood pressure in certain individuals, which can affect circulatory health, leading to increased instances of ED.
Some users may also experience high blood pressure if they neglect positive lifestyle choices in favor of marijuana. This includes:
Not exercising
Having a poor diet
Being dehydrated
Not getting enough sleep
Another concern is that long-term marijuana usage may inflame blood vessel walls, leading to coronary artery disease along with ED.
Despite the concerns, other studies have not found a direct link between marijuana and ED. In fact, some studies show marijuana as being overall helpful for sex, with benefits such as:
Heightened pleasure
Stronger orgasms
General relaxation
ED can often be caused by stress and anxiety, and in those instances, marijuana may actually help to overcome any psychological hurdles.
However, supplements like VitaFLUX may also help against ED without the potential risks of cannabis.
While studies will continue to come in over the years to paint a clearer picture on cannabis and ED, it’s worth taking the subject seriously, especially given the current data.
If you’re using marijuana and are noticing signs of ED, it’s important to quit or at least take a break to see if your condition improves.
Does CBD Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive chemical found in cannabis, and it’s often sold without THC so that users can experience its purported effects without feeling high.
In some cases, CBD may have traces of THC in it which can cause some users to feel unwanted side effects.
CBD is often taken as a capsule or tincture, although it can also be smoked as well. Some of the commonly reported effects of CBD include:
Relaxation
Tiredness
Stress-relief
Anti-inflammation
There’s relatively little research available on the effects, good or bad, of CBD on erectile functioning. More research is needed to say whether it’s harmful or if CBD can cause ED.
However, one study based on user-reported effects shows that CBD may help to improve ED outcomes in some individuals.
This may be due to its calming and anti-anxiety effects, which could allow a man to achieve an erection more easily if their ED stems from psychological issues.
Beyond this case, little is known about whether CBD positively or negatively affects male hormones or the delicate penile tissues.
Does Tobacco Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
There’s a strong amount of data that smoking tobacco can directly cause erectile dysfunction in otherwise healthy males.
This is due to the negative vascular effects of tobacco, and how it can weaken blood vessels throughout the penis over time, decreasing blood flow. This effect is more pronounced in older males, although tobacco negatively affects men of all ages.
Pro Tip:VitaFLUX Nitric Oxide Booster helps to relax blood vessels and allow more blood flow through increased nitric oxide production.
However, tobacco cessation has been shown to improve outcomes of ED in affected individuals.
To help quit marijuana, and stay off of it for good, you can utilize these tips to form better habits and find healthier replacements for cannabis:
Build a Support Network
Do Physical Activities
Discover New Hobbies
Drink Herbal Tea
Focus on the Benefits of Quitting Marijuana
Build a Support Network
You don’t have to quit alone. Sharing your struggles with people close to you can help to stay on track while quitting.
It will allow you to vent your frustrations, while also providing you with positive reinforcement as you continue on your journey. One study found that support groups showed promise in helping patients overcome addiction.
Doing Physical Activities
Some people report feeling irritable or anxious when quitting marijuana. Doing physical activities can be a great way to let out excessive energy and feel more relaxed throughout the day.
Studies have shown that aerobic exercises are effective at reducing anxiety and depression.
They advise one part of that plan should be identifying triggers and strategizing how to deal with them. Consider what pressures you to use marijuana and find a healthy way to cope with it.
Takeaways
Does weed cause erectile dysfunction? While research is still ongoing, there is a potential trend of weed and ED being closely related.
If you use cannabis and are experiencing ED, it's worth stopping to see if your symptoms improve. Likewise, it may be worthwhile to cease or limit usage before ED occurs.
Always make sure to speak with your doctor as well when it comes to your health, and especially with ED. They can help you discover the root cause and aid in any treatment plan.
When stopping marijuana, you can utilize the tips in this guide while also speaking with your doctor to ensure you follow the most effective strategy for quitting.
Our team has over a decade of experience in the sexual wellness field and are experts in sexual dysfunctions, like premature ejaculation. We help couples and individuals better understand treatment options available for different types of sexual needs and educate the public on all things related to intimacy. All of our authored content is medically reviewed for accuracy and reliability.
Sources:
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The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
