A 2006 report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimates that four percent of the world’s adult population uses marijuana annually.  My guess is that some of those people are also having sex while high and that’s why today, on the unofficial pot smoking holiday, 4/20, we will take a look at the interplay of the two.

Marijuana, just like every other drug legal or not, has different effects in different people based on the individual’s body chemistry.  For some, pot is clearly not sexy especially if it increases their anxiety.  A little anxiety can sometimes enhance a sexual experience - think back to when you were younger, making out or having sex in a parked car with the very real possibility that you might get caught - exciting!  But, too much anxiety - racing thoughts, paranoia, feeling like you might have a heart attack - generally serve to take you out of the mood real quick.

On the other hand, getting high can also positively effect sexuality.  Some people report feeling more physical pleasure and connection to their partner(s).  Due to pot’s effect on time perception sex can seem to last forever under the influence.  Also, we know from research that marijuana works as a vasodilator, opening blood vessels which allows more blood to flow to the genitals thereby increasing sensation.

Unfortunately, due to prohibition, there are very few studies on the effects of cannabis on sex.  With approximately 162 million pot smokers on the planet, perhaps it’s time to fully research and understand the sexual effects of marijuana.  For now, we are limited to anecdotal reports.  Care to share your own experience of sex while high?  I look forward to your comments!