Cannabis enhances all sensory perception, and yes, that includes boinking, bumping uglies, knocking boots, or whatever you want to call it. Don’t look at me: science says so.
Less aggressive, more sensitive and present, a booster of orgasms and, overall, a great ally for steamy moments in company or solo. Not always (but often), weed has proven to be a key ingredient when things get a little bit raunchy.
If you’re the type who, after a few hits (or edibles, whatever rocks your boat) starts feeling cuddly or a little flirty, and thinks “this hits different…”, good news: it’s not your imagination. You’re not alone, and it’s definitely not just you. It’s the weed. And yes, science’s got your back.
Pleasure —in almost every form— has been criminalized, stigmatized, and policed for centuries, especially when it’s intentional. And nothing brings those tensions to the surface like sex and weed: two deeply personal, but still taboo experiences.
So let’s get down to business, because science, sex, and weed are overdue for a threesome.
Does weed make you feel sexier?
Tricky question. Sex is already a wildly subjective experience. When you throw weed into the mix, things can go either way: from divine to pure hell.
For some, cannabis turns every sensorial experience up a notch: confidence, comfort, sensuality. Skin feels electric. Eye contact lingers. You feel hot, wanted, magnetic. For others? Not so much. Anxiety creeps in, mouths go dry, and suddenly you’re wondering if you left the oven on mid-makeout.
It’s all about set, setting, and knowing your strain.
Some people say cannabis makes everything slower, wetter, deeper, louder. Others feel distracted, sleepy, or self-conscious. And that makes sense. Your high is shaped by so many variables: the dose, the strain, your tolerance, your mood, your hormones, the way your body metabolizes cannabinoids, even (and especially) the vibe of the person next to you.
According to Dr. Damián Cantaloube, a physician and specialist in endocannabinology, weed can help you feel more at ease and open during intimacy: “Cannabis can make you feel relaxed or help drop inhibitions, which may relate to feeling ‘sexier’.” Still, he cautions that not everyone will get the same glow-up from lighting up: “These effects can vary widely, and not everyone will experience an increased sense of personal attractiveness from cannabis use.”
That volatility is echoed by Martín Rieznik, author and TEDx speaker focused on the science of seduction: “Speaking with friends about this, we all agree that sometimes weed enhances connection, relaxation, and pleasure with others—but other times it does the opposite: inhibition, insecurity, difficulty expressing yourself, nervousness, and paranoia.”
In other words, weed might make you feel like a sex god—or it might make you want to crawl under the sheets alone. And that’s okay. The way cannabis plays with confidence, comfort, and arousal is as personal as your playlist.
The thing is, people are clearly thinking about this. And searching. A lot. Google searches for “CBD for sex” and “marijuana for sex” have surged by 238% and 162% respectively.
So, popular opinion? Check. But, what does science say?
high + horny: a scientific overview
When we think “science,” we usually picture lab coats, beakers, and controlled experiments. But in the world of cannabis and sex, science often looks like something far more intimate: asking people how they feel—and actually listening to them.
Because of legal restrictions and ethical limitations, many studies in this area rely on self-reported, anecdotal experiences rather than lab-controlled data. However, that’s not a flaw, it’s part of the human science of pleasure. And according to those experiences, the verdict is pretty clear: yes, cannabis and sex are vibing. Touch feels touchier. Kisses, wetter. And moans? Louder.
Jonathan Bohun, CEO of cannabis tech company WEEDAR, puts it like this: “Studies show that 70% of people experience higher sexual desire and more intense orgasms when cannabis is involved.” He adds, “the music sounds better, food tastes better, and sex feels better.”
Backing that up with fresh data, a 2025 study by Kayla M. Mooney, a PhD candidate at Queen’s University in Canada, conducted two studies:
- An online survey of 1,547 cannabis users
- A 28-day diary from 115 participants, most of whom used cannabis regularly
She found that “More frequent cannabis use was linked with greater daily sexual desire.” Also, “on sexual activity days, participants reported significantly higher sexual desire and arousal on days they used cannabis compared to non-use days.”
Last, but not least: “across all study days, participants reported significantly higher sexual desire and lower sexual distress on days they used cannabis compared to non-use days.”
Roughly half of the survey participants even admitted they use cannabis specifically to enhance their arousal.
So, yeah, science is right there screaming “Ohhhh, yeah” with you.
It’s not just what, it’s the way, the why, the how, even the where…
But there’s more. A 2022 survey by Goldleaf and The Intimacy Journal writer, Sophie Saint Thomas, dug into exactly how and why people mix weed with sex. They asked 200 sexually active cannabis users from all identities and preferences. The results? A love letter to plant-based pleasure.
Among the favorite ways people use weed before sex, the survey found that:
- 34% smoked it
- 25% went for edibles or drinks
- 19% vaped
- Others used dabs, topicals, sublinguals—even mucosal methods.
About the preferred dosage:
- 35% liked medium-high doses
- 27% preferred medium
- Only 6% microdosed
- 19% went all-in with very high doses
And why do they do it?
- 35% said greater sexual pleasure
- 18% wanted more intimacy and connection
- Others cited relaxation, reduced anxiety, better orgasms, boosted libido, and performance
Even location played a role: 82% preferred getting it on at home, 44% specifically in the bedroom, and 1% confessed to public hookups while high. Naughty, naughty.
And then there’s the big data: a study published by Stanford University in the Journal of Sexual Medicine reviewed responses from over 50,000 Americans. It found that women who used cannabis daily had sex 7 times per month vs. 6 times for non-users. Men showed a similar trend—7 vs. 5.
Of course, not everyone buys into self-reported data. As Martín Rieznik warned: “These surveys are biased. People who report positive experiences are usually those who already enjoy how it hits.”
We’ve mentioned the bedroom, but what happens in the lab?
While rare, there are clinical studies that dive into the physical side of cannabis and sex. Researchers have taken into account that:
- THC and CBD are vasodilators — molecules that actively expand blood vessels and improve circulation
- Devices like vaginal photoplethysmographs to measure internal arousal
Scientists have long suspected that the body’s natural endocannabinoid system plays a role in sexual pleasure.
One study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine measured levels of natural endocannabinoids (such as anandamide, also known as “the happiness molecule”) in women before and after watching erotic films. As women became more aroused, their endocannabinoid levels dropped, a sign that the system was actively responding to sexual stimuli.
Why does it matter? Because THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, mimics those naturally produced chemicals. So, when people say that weed makes sex better, they may literally be activating the same system the body uses during arousal.
These experiments suggest cannabis may enhance physical readiness for sex, especially in people dealing with anxiety, pain, or low desire. But just like all-things weed, the outcome depends on dose, strain, body chemistry, and mood.
Is it subjective? Totally. But is it scientific? Also. Because sensations—when repeated across thousands of people, documented, analyzed, and echoed in study after study—are data.
Weed vs. wine: Who’s a better lover?
A study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior found that most people preferred having sex while high over being drunk. And it’s not hard to see why.
As sexologist Nick Karras puts it: “Unlike alcohol, which dulls the senses, cannabis enhances awareness.” While alcohol can make you bold and daring, it often pulls you out of your body, numbing sensations, blurring memories, and sometimes leading to regret. Weed, on the other hand, tends to tune you in.
Cannabis encourages presence, intimacy, and attunement. It helps many people stay focused on their partner, tap into tactile sensations, and avoid the kind of poor judgment or emotional distance that alcohol can induce. It’s also worth noting that alcohol is strongly linked to male sexual dysfunction and aggression—both intimacy killers. Cannabis? Not so much.
So, in short: cannabis helps you connect, while alcohol helps you escape—sometimes a little too far. But let’s be real: weed can send you drifting too, if you’re not careful. That’s why dose is everything.
Dosing is also foreplay
When it comes to weed and sex, less might be more. In fact, the difference between a sensual high and a mental spiral could just be one puff away. As sexologist Francesca Gnecchi explains, a small dose can enhance intimacy, but too much might take you out of the moment, just like alcohol. “A little disinhibits you, but too much isn’t helpful. And with cannabis, it’s the same. Depending on the amount used, it can help—or not.”, she says.
Research backs her up. Lower doses of THC have been linked to enhanced sexual desire and pleasure, while higher doses can cause anxiety, dissociation, or just plain zoning out. So, starting slow is always the best option. One puff and you can be a sex wizard. Eight in a row, and you’re worrying about your taxes.
So tread with caution: there’s always time for another toke. Also, high doses can blur boundaries if you’re not careful. And there’s nothing sexy about blurred boundaries. Gnecchi says: “If we’re under the influence of any drug that makes it hard to give explicit consent—or if the other person isn’t fully lucid—it’s best not to have sex.”
Feeling good is not inherently being in the right state of mind. If you’re too high to articulate your needs or listen to your partner, it’s a clear sign to pause. Consent must be enthusiastic and explicit—before, during, and after.
As a pro tip, try flying solo first. Masturbation while high helps you understand your own responses, so you’re better equipped if and when you share the experience with someone else.
Solo sessions can’t be left out of the convo
Now, let’s focus on why riding the love-train alone is just as important as taking a trip together.
Ashley Manta, sex coach and creator of the term Cannasexual, preaches the gospel of intentional self-pleasure + weed. Her approach is all about slowing down, being present, and reclaiming pleasure as something powerful—not shameful.
To set the scene, she suggests creating a sensual space: light some candles, press play on your sexiest playlist, and explore your body with curiosity, not pressure. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try applying CBD oil directly to your genitals—just make sure it’s made with a safe carrier oil like coconut. Wait about 20 minutes after applying before diving in and notice how your body responds. This is about tuning in, not zoning out.
“Any time something is deeply stigmatized, I ask—who benefits from that shame?” Ashley says. Pleasure isn’t shameful. It’s a radical act of care. And here, as well, weed can be a great ally.
CBD between the sheets
From lubricants to massage oils, CBD-infused intimacy products are no longer niche; they’re everywhere, and they actually work.
Both THC and CBD are vasodilators, meaning they increase blood flow and sensitivity. When applied directly to the genitals (such as clitoral and vaginal use), CBD can help boost natural lubrication, enhance sensation, and create a deeper sense of body bliss—all without the head high.
As Gnecchi explains: “It produces a warming sensation, and depending on the person, may help intensify orgasm.” This is also backed by science. As Bohun puts it: “Our intimate zones have cannabinoid receptors. CBD enhances sensitivity and pleasure.”
Whether accompanied or alone, CBD in between the sheets might just be your new favorite ritual.
Cannabis is not a cure-all solution, but it can help
Let’s get one thing straight: weed is not a magic potion. It won’t fix a broken relationship, spark instant chemistry, or do the emotional heavy lifting for you. Good sex still requires trust, communication, presence, and respect -and that load is on you.
But it can help you tap into your body. It can quiet down the noise in your head and make you feel more comfortable in your own skin. So, when used intentionally, it can be a powerful tool, but, just like a hammer, it could be dangerous in the wrong hands.
So, TLDR: if you’re curious, take it slow. Tune with your body. Be honest with your needs. Try solo sessions. Talk to your partner(s). Start low, go slow, and always, always, get consent.
Pleasure is sacred, and if weed helps you unlock that? Then, come on, baby. Light my fire.
Photo by Martin Moore on Unsplash
