Four States to Evaluate Recognizing Female Orgasmic Disorder as a Qualifying Condition for Medical Cannabis Use

Within the United States, a minimum of four states are actively considering the formal recognition of Female Orgasmic Disorder (FOD) as a condition warranting the prescription of cannabis-based therapies. This growing inclination is supported by an expanding corpus of scientific literature, which posits that the therapeutic use of cannabis may markedly improve orgasmic frequency, ease the attainment of orgasm, and elevate overall sexual satisfaction for those diagnosed with FOD.

The state of Ohio is leading these exploratory efforts. Earlier in the current month, the Ohio State Medical Board made public its plans to conduct an expert review and gather public opinions on this subject. This initiative follows the submission of online petitions that advocated for the recognition of FOD, along with autism spectrum disorder, as conditions eligible for cannabis-based treatment. The Board has welcomed public input up until a specified Thursday, demonstrating an open-minded stance toward the evolution of cannabis therapy policies.

In parallel, regulatory authorities in Illinois are gearing up for a forthcoming meeting intended to assess the advisability of including FOD among the conditions eligible for cannabis therapy. The state of New Mexico is also slated to evaluate this matter in May, propelled by the advocacy and coordination efforts of the nonprofit Female Orgasm Research Institute. The state of Connecticut is similarly engaged in contemplations regarding this inclusion, although a definitive meeting schedule remains to be established, as reported by the institute.

Suzanne Mulvehill, occupying the role of founder and executive director of the Female Orgasm Research Institute, has emerged as a prominent proponent for the formal recognition of the therapeutic merits of cannabis for individuals grappling with FOD—a condition she estimates to impact up to 41 percent of women on a global scale. In pursuit of this acknowledgment, she previously submitted a petition to integrate the disorder into Ohio’s catalog of conditions eligible for cannabis therapy.

As a clinical sexologist, Mulvehill relies on a comprehensive array of research dating back to the 1970s, further validated by contemporary studies. This body of work collectively underscores that the pre-sexual activity consumption of cannabis can significantly enhance the likelihood of achieving orgasm or realizing multiple orgasms. Furthermore, it is suggested that cannabis assists in mitigating challenges associated with reaching orgasm and in amplifying overall sexual gratification. Noteworthy is Mulvehill’s doctoral dissertation in clinical sexology, which concentrated on the application of cannabis in managing FOD. This empirical investigation unveiled a pivotal insight: a majority of the study’s female subjects (52 percent) were impacted by the disorder, highlighting the substantive potential of cannabis therapy as a beneficial intervention.

Exploring the Intersection of Cannabis Therapy and Female Sexual Health

Women diagnosed with Female Orgasmic Disorder (FOD) frequently encounter a multitude of mental health challenges, necessitating a more comprehensive approach to their care, as articulated by Suzanne Mulvehill in a detailed interview. According to Mulvehill, these individuals often find themselves grappling with an increased prevalence of mental health issues, necessitating the use of a variety of pharmaceutical medications. The spectrum of these conditions encompasses anxiety, depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), alongside a higher incidence of sexual abuse histories. Mulvehill emphasizes that the discourse surrounding FOD transcends the boundaries of mere pleasure-seeking, framing it instead as a matter of fundamental human rights.

She further asserts the legitimacy of FOD as a medical condition, meriting appropriate and dedicated medical intervention. This stance underlines the necessity of recognizing and addressing FOD not just as a quality-of-life issue but as a significant health concern deserving of formal medical treatment.

The notion that cannabis-based therapies could potentially facilitate the achievement of female orgasms is not a revelation within communities of cannabis users. Contemporary research suggests that approximately one-third of women who utilize cannabis report doing so to enhance their sexual experiences—a statistic that Mulvehill notes has remained relatively constant over the years.

This longstanding awareness, however, contrasts starkly with the emerging openness of governmental bodies to deliberate on the matter. Mulvehill observes that Ohio represents a pioneering state in giving serious consideration to the inclusion of FOD as a condition warranting the use of cannabis-based treatments. She highlights the significance of Ohio’s recent public meeting as a historic moment, marking the first instance of a governmental forum addressing the challenges associated with female orgasmic difficulty/disorder in such an explicit manner.

Jordan Tishler, a medical doctor with a focus on cannabis treatment and the vice president of the Female Orgasm Research Institute, offered perspectives on the challenges encountered by proponents advocating for the therapeutic advantages of cannabis in treating FOD. Tishler points out the dual stigma surrounding both cannabis use and sexual health issues in American society, noting the unique challenges this poses for advancing understanding and acceptance of cannabis-based treatments for FOD. The confluence of these two taboo topics amplifies the difficulty in fostering a public discourse on the subject, underscoring the need for sustained advocacy and education efforts to illuminate the potential benefits of cannabis therapy for women suffering from FOD.

In the realm of scientific inquiry, the exploration of cannabis’s impact on sexual health has seen notable advancements in recent years. A series of investigations have significantly propelled our understanding forward, characterized by their methodological rigor, substantial participant numbers, and quantifiable outcomes. Despite these advancements, the pursuit of the highest standard of scientific evidence, the randomized controlled trial, presents a unique set of challenges. Dr. Mulvehill and her colleague have encountered obstacles in securing approval and funding for such a study, primarily due to the complex legal and regulatory landscape surrounding cannabis.

This area of research, while rich with anecdotal evidence spanning decades among cannabis users, has only recently begun to capture the attention of the broader medical and scientific communities. There exists a vast population of Americans who stand to gain from the therapeutic applications of cannabinoids, extending beyond the realm of sexual health.

The conversation surrounding cannabis and sexual function transcends gender and sexual orientation, with emerging research supporting its potential benefits. A notable study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research last year revealed compelling statistics: over 70 percent of participants reported an increase in sexual desire and enhanced orgasmic experiences when using cannabis before engaging in sexual activity. Furthermore, 62.5 percent of respondents noted an improvement in pleasure during masturbation. These findings are particularly relevant against the backdrop of existing research, which suggests that women engaging in sexual activities with men often experience orgasms at a lower rate than their male counterparts. The authors of the study posited that cannabis could play a role in bridging this orgasmic disparity.

Further corroborating the positive correlation between cannabis use and sexual satisfaction, a 2020 study published in the journal Sexual Medicine reported that women who frequently consumed cannabis reported higher levels of sexual satisfaction. This is in line with a plethora of online surveys that have consistently found positive associations between cannabis use and various aspects of sexual function. Intriguingly, one study observed an uptick in sexual activity following the legalization of cannabis, suggesting a broader societal impact.

However, the relationship between cannabis consumption and sexual health is not without its complexities. A comprehensive literature review conducted in 2019 offered a nuanced perspective, indicating that the effects of cannabis on libido might vary depending on the dosage. This review highlighted that while lower doses of THC—the psychoactive component in cannabis—were associated with increased arousal and satisfaction, higher doses might have the opposite effect or no impact at all. This dose-dependent dynamic underscores the intricate balance between cannabis consumption and its influence on sexual desire, suggesting that moderation may be key to harnessing its potential benefits. The body of research, though still evolving, generally supports the notion that cannabis can positively affect women’s sexual function, yet cautions against excessive consumption which could potentially diminish these benefits.

Cannabinoids and Sexual Health: Navigating the Complexities of Therapeutic Benefits

In the evolving landscape of scientific research, the exploration into the therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids on sexual health has witnessed a significant progression. Recent investigations have contributed to advancing the field with well-executed, reasonably large, and quantitative studies. However, the pursuit of the highest echelon of scientific evidence through randomized controlled trials has encountered notable challenges. Dr. Mulvehill, alongside her colleagues, has faced difficulties in obtaining the necessary approvals and funding for such studies, attributed in part to the complex regulatory and legal status of cannabis.

For decades, the anecdotal evidence supporting the positive effects of cannabinoids on sexual experience has been widely acknowledged within communities of cannabis users. Yet, there exists a broader demographic of the American population that remains largely untapped, which could potentially reap considerable benefits from cannabinoid-based therapies.

The impact of cannabinoids on sexual function has been the subject of increasing scientific scrutiny, transcending the boundaries of sex and gender. A pivotal study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research last year revealed that a substantial majority of participants experienced heightened sexual desire and improved orgasms when using cannabinoids before sexual encounters. Furthermore, a significant portion of respondents reported that their experiences of pleasure while masturbating were enhanced.

Historical data has often highlighted a discrepancy in orgasmic frequency between women and their male partners during sexual interactions. The findings of the aforementioned study suggest that cannabinoids could play a crucial role in mitigating this orgasmic inequality, offering a potential avenue to bridge the gap.

Further supporting this notion, a study featured in the journal Sexual Medicine in 2020 discovered that women who incorporated cannabinoids into their lives more frequently reported enhanced sexual experiences. This aligns with a multitude of online surveys that have consistently drawn positive correlations between the use of cannabinoids and various facets of sexual health. Interestingly, some research has even identified a link between the enactment of cannabis legalization measures and an uptick in sexual activity, indicating broader societal implications.

However, the relationship between cannabinoid use and sexual health is complex and nuanced. A comprehensive literature review conducted in 2019 highlighted that the effects of cannabinoids on libido might vary according to dosage. This review underlined that while lower concentrations of THC—the primary psychoactive constituent in cannabis—were associated with increased sexual arousal and satisfaction, higher doses might lead to diminished desire or have no impact whatsoever. This dose-dependent dynamic emphasizes the importance of moderation and suggests that the beneficial effects of cannabinoids on sexual function are most pronounced at lower dosages. The preponderance of research supports the positive impact of cannabinoids on female sexual function, yet caution is advised to avoid excessive consumption which could negate these benefits.

The mechanism through which cannabis enhances orgasmic experiences is purported to involve a complex interaction with the brain’s default mode network, as elucidated by Dr. Tishler. He elaborates that many women facing difficulties in reaching orgasm experience a complex interaction between the frontal lobe—the part of the brain tasked with thinking and reflecting on possible actions—and the limbic system, which handles emotions, fear, traumatic recollections, and anger. This delicate coordination and control of cognitive functions are managed by the default mode network, indicating its crucial influence on sexual satisfaction.

Dr. Tishler elaborates that the modulation of the default mode network is a fundamental principle not only in the context of cannabis therapy but also forms the basis of various psychedelic-assisted therapies. This emerging field of study suggests a potential crossover in the therapeutic mechanisms of both groups of substances in enhancing sexual pleasure and function.

Recent scholarly work published in Nature Scientific Reports ventures into previously uncharted territory, claiming to be the inaugural scientific investigation into the impacts of psychedelic substances on sexual function. This study, examining the use of psilocybin mushrooms and LSD, uncovered that these substances could potentially yield improvements in sexual functioning that persist for months post-consumption. The implications of such findings extend beyond mere enhancement of sexual pleasure, touching on deeper aspects of psychological health and well-being.

One of the study’s authors remarked on the significance of this research, emphasizing that while the investigation into the psychological dimensions of sexual function—encompassing body image, attraction to partners, and the capacity for intimate connection—might appear unconventional, it holds substantial importance for the psychological health of sexually active individuals. This perspective underscores the complex interplay between mental health and sexual satisfaction, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to understanding and enhancing sexual function.

It is important to note a correction regarding Dr. Mulvehill’s professional background. She is recognized as a clinical sexologist, specializing in the study of sexual behavior and therapy, rather than a clinical psychologist. This distinction underscores her expertise in addressing sexual disorders and enhancing sexual health and satisfaction through both research and clinical practice.