Study Shows Marijuana Boosts Orgasm Frequency and Satisfaction in Women

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In the evolving landscape of medical marijuana legalization across the United States, a compelling discourse has emerged surrounding the potential inclusion of female orgasmic disorder (FOD) as a qualifying condition for its prescription. This discussion has been significantly advanced by the publication of a scholarly article in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, authored by key figures actively involved in advocating for this cause. The article, published in the current month, represents a pivotal contribution to the body of research on the subject, offering robust evidence of the therapeutic benefits of cannabis in enhancing sexual health, particularly regarding orgasm frequency, satisfaction, and the ease with which orgasms are achieved.
The research, conducted in 2022, is the collaborative effort of Suzanne Mulvehill, a distinguished clinical sexologist, and Jordan Tishler, a physician affiliated with the Association of Cannabinoid Specialists and inhaleMD, a healthcare service focusing on the medicinal use of cannabis. This study stands as a groundbreaking exploration into the specific effects of marijuana on female orgasmic disorder, a topic that, despite being embedded within decades of sexuality studies advocating cannabis for ameliorating sexual difficulties, had not been directly addressed in scientific research until now. According to the authors, their investigation is the inaugural study to specifically evaluate the impact of cannabis on FOD, yielding evidence of its significant therapeutic benefits.
The methodology involved surveying 387 individuals, revealing that a notable majority, 52 percent, identified difficulties in achieving orgasm. Among these respondents, the data indicated a remarkable trend: the use of cannabis before engaging in partnered sexual activities not only increased the frequency of orgasms for 72.8 percent of participants but also enhanced the satisfaction derived from these orgasms for 67 percent of them. Furthermore, an impressive 71 percent of those experiencing challenges with orgasm reported that cannabis facilitated a more effortless achievement of orgasm.
This study not only enriches the existing research on the intersection of cannabis use and sexual health but also provides a compelling argument for policymakers and medical professionals considering the inclusion of female orgasmic disorder among the conditions qualifying for medical marijuana treatment. The findings underscore the potential of cannabis to serve as a viable therapeutic intervention for women facing challenges with orgasm, thereby contributing to a broader understanding and acceptance of its medical applications in the realm of sexual health and well-being.
“Fifty years of sexuality research support use of cannabis for sexual difficulties.”
Advancing Medical Marijuana for Female Orgasmic Disorder: A Comprehensive Advocacy Effort

Suzanne Mulvehill and Jordan Tishler have been at the forefront of a pioneering advocacy movement for the integration of medical marijuana as a recognized treatment for female orgasmic disorder/difficulty (FOD) in various U.S. states. These states are now actively deliberating on the inclusion of FOD as a qualifying medical condition within their medical marijuana frameworks. Mulvehill, the esteemed founder of the Female Orgasm Research Institute, and Tishler, who holds the significant role of vice president within the same institution, have been instrumental in propelling this advocacy forward.
In a revealing conversation, Mulvehill passionately articulated the rationale behind their advocacy, stating, “It’s a medical condition that warrants medical treatment.” She further elaborated on the profound implications of FOD on women’s health, highlighting the increased prevalence of mental health disorders, elevated pharmaceutical medication usage, and greater instances of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and histories of sexual abuse among women diagnosed with FOD. Mulvehill’s remarks underscored the notion that addressing FOD transcends the pursuit of sexual gratification; it is fundamentally about acknowledging and respecting a basic human right.
The research published by Mulvehill and Tishler substantiates these claims with compelling statistics, revealing that women with FOD report a 24% higher rate of mental health issues, a 52.6% greater incidence of PTSD, 29% more depressive disorders, 13% more anxiety disorders, and a 22% increase in prescription drug use compared to women without FOD. Additionally, the study indicates that women suffering from FOD are significantly more likely to have a history of sexual abuse.
The state of Illinois is actively engaging with this issue, as demonstrated by the Medical Cannabis Advisory Board’s recent initial meeting to discuss the proposition of adding FOD to the state’s list of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana use. Similarly, Ohio is poised to welcome public testimony on an analogous initiative this Wednesday, following a petition previously submitted by Mulvehill last year.
Moreover, New Mexico is currently inviting public commentary in anticipation of a forthcoming hearing on the matter scheduled for May. The state of Connecticut is also contemplating a proposal to address this critical health issue, as reported by the Female Orgasm Research Institute, although a specific date for a meeting has yet to be established.
This collective movement across multiple states, spearheaded by Mulvehill and Tishler, represents a significant stride towards the recognition and treatment of FOD within the medical community. It not only highlights the therapeutic potential of medical marijuana in addressing complex sexual health disorders but also emphasizes the broader implications for women’s health and well-being. Through their rigorous advocacy and research, Mulvehill and Tishler are pioneering a shift in the medical paradigm, advocating for a more inclusive and empathetic approach to treating female sexual disorders.
Jordan Tishler, shared insights into the challenges advocates face when promoting the potential advantages of cannabis for treating female orgasmic disorder (FOD). He elucidated the complex nature of this advocacy work, pointing out that it involves navigating societal taboos surrounding both cannabis and sexual health. “One of the many complexities we encounter in this domain is the intersection of two particularly taboo subjects,” Tishler remarked. He noted the societal discomfort with cannabis, as well as the broader reluctance to openly discuss sexual health, as significant barriers to advancing research and acceptance in this field.
However, Tishler highlighted the positive shift in recent years, driven by a growing body of research that has begun to illuminate the benefits of cannabis for sexual function and satisfaction. “A series of studies in recent times have significantly propelled our understanding forward, showcasing well-conducted, quantitatively robust research in this arena. Yet, the cornerstone of our research endeavors—the randomized controlled trial—remains elusive, primarily due to the regulatory and funding challenges inherent to cannabis research,” Tishler explained. He and Dr. Suzanne Mulvehill are at the forefront of efforts to conduct such a trial, facing obstacles related to the regulatory status of cannabis and securing the necessary funding.
The conversation around cannabis and sexual function extends beyond gender, with accumulating evidence suggesting benefits across the spectrum of sexual experiences. A pivotal study published last year in the Journal of Cannabis Research revealed that a majority of adults surveyed reported enhancements in sexual desire, orgasm quality, and overall pleasure both in partnered sex and masturbation as a result of cannabis use. Specifically, the study noted that over 70 percent of respondents experienced increased desire and improved orgasms, while 62.5 percent found cannabis to enhance pleasure during masturbation.
This research is particularly relevant in light of findings that women engaged in heterosexual intercourse often report lower orgasm frequencies compared to their male partners. Authors of the mentioned study propose that cannabis may serve to narrow this orgasmic disparity, offering a potential bridge to achieving sexual equality.
Further supporting this narrative, a 2020 investigation published in the journal Sexual Medicine observed that frequent cannabis use correlated with enhanced sexual satisfaction among women. This aligns with numerous online surveys reporting positive links between cannabis use and sexual enjoyment. One such study even suggested that the legalization of marijuana might be associated with increased sexual activity.
Nonetheless, the relationship between cannabis and sexual health is not without its nuances. A comprehensive literature review from 2019 cautioned that the effects of cannabis on libido could vary depending on the dosage. This review indicated that while lower THC concentrations might boost arousal and satisfaction, higher doses could either diminish desire or have no impact at all. This dose-dependent dynamic underscores the intricate balance between cannabis consumption and its effects on sexual function.
Tishler also shed light on the biological mechanisms through which cannabis might enhance sexual experiences, particularly in terms of orgasm. He suggested that cannabis interacts with the brain’s default mode network, a neural network implicated in self-referential thought processes. “For many women who struggle to achieve orgasm, there appears to be a complex interaction between the brain’s frontal lobe, responsible for critical thinking, and the limbic system, which governs emotions and memories. Cannabis modulation of the default mode network may play a role in this,” Tishler explained.
The potential of substances to modulate the default mode network isn’t limited to cannabis; it extends to psychedelic-assisted therapies as well. Recent studies, including one published in Nature Scientific Reports earlier this year, have begun to explore the effects of psychedelics like psilocybin mushrooms and LSD on sexual functioning. These substances have shown promising results in enhancing sexual pleasure and function, with effects persisting months after usage.
This burgeoning field of research not only challenges conventional views on sexual health and substance use but also emphasizes the importance of psychological well-being in sexually active adults. As Tishler and his colleagues continue to pioneer in this area, their work underscores the critical need for a nuanced understanding of the intersection between cannabis, psychedelics, and sexual health, highlighting the potential for these substances to significantly improve quality of life and psychological well-being.