Combining cannabis with bedroom activities makes sense for many. Studies have observed cannabis’ ability to enhance physical sensations, lower inhibition, and even have social-enhancing effects. And many people are taking advantage of cannabis’ enjoyable properties by combining weed with masturbation.
While we lack much empirical evidence on the subject, some research has discovered that smoking cannabis can trigger the release of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for feelings of intimacy. THC also acts similarly to one of the body’s pleasure chemicals - anandamide - to produce feelings of happiness, contentment, and even pain relief.
However, what exactly is involved with masturbating while high? Why do many report pleasurable experiences, and are there health benefits involved in combining self-pleasure with weed?
Read on to learn everything about masturbating while high, how cannabis impacts enjoyment, and how to pair weed with your solo activities.
Key Takeaways:
- Most evidence on cannabis and sex comes from self-reported surveys.
- Smoking weed before masturbating can heighten enjoyment and improve chances of orgasm.
- Men and women have different reactions to using cannabis before masturbation, with some negative impacts being reported by men.
Cannabis and Masturbation: What the Science Says
Before diving in, it's important to recognize that cannabis’ current status as a controlled substance makes research into its impact on sex an uphill battle. Most available studies, therefore, are based on participant responses to surveys rather than controlled clinical trials. These self-reported surveys are therefore subjective, however they do provide clues as to cannabis’ effect on sex and the sexual experience.
It is also important to remember that masturbation is inherently complex. Different biological, environmental, psychological, and even some social factors play into one’s relationship with their body. Some people may have an easy time masturbating, while others feel intimidated, even if they’re alone in the bedroom. These individual differences are important factors to consider.
Cannabis works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex set of physiological receptors that regulate mood, metabolism, sleep, and sexual function. A recent study found that orgasms led to increased 2-AG (a natural cannabinoid) in blood samples, which indicates that the ECS is greatly involved with sexual activity. Studies have also found evidence of increased blood flow with cannabis use, which plays a role in physical arousal. Increased skin sensitivity after cannabis consumption has also been observed.
More recent research has shed light on cannabis’ ability to enhance women’s sexual enjoyment. A 2019 study indicated that women who used weed before sex doubled their chances of achieving orgasm. In addition, the women reported less pain and more pleasure during encounters. Another study suggested that cannabis increased the intensity of orgasms and heightened young adults’ overall enjoyment of sex.
Cannabis may also increase the initial desire to have sexual encounters, which can be helpful for those who are intimidated or shy about sex. A 2017 study found that women and men had 34% and 22% more sex, respectively, with weekly cannabis use.
Why such an improvement? Some sex researchers believe weed’s ability to shift the perception of time and intensify physical sensations can make sexual encounters seem more psychedelic. Weed can also soothe anxiety, lowering inhibitions and making participants more likely to enjoy a sexual experience.
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Cannabis and Female Masturbation
So now that we understand how cannabis interacts with sex, what is its role in solo sex: or masturbation? The current science suggests differences across genders, though these are by no means hard and fast rules.
In the studies mentioned above, female participants reported heightened enjoyment and increased likelihood of orgasm when they incorporated cannabis in their sex lives. Many of the properties of cannabis that yielded these results apply to solo play, including lower inhibition, enhanced skin sensitivity, and improved mood.
The sex toy brand Lioness and cannabis company Bae recently sponsored a study to determine how smoking impacts masturbatory success. Lioness’ smart vibrator can measure vaginal contractions and record when and the length of a female orgasm. In the study, seven volunteers used the vibrator sober and then masturbated after using Bae’s vaporizer to compare.
The results suggested that not only did stoned women orgasm longer, but they also had repeat orgasms during a single session. Test subjects’ masturbation sessions were longer, on average by a full minute, and the total time spent orgasming jumped from 50 seconds sober to 75 seconds with cannabis use.
Other research has pointed to the health benefits of masturbation for women, such as relieving cramps, strengthening the pelvic floor, and improving sleep. Effectively, cannabis and masturbation together can help women achieve healthier lives.
However, it’s important to note that one study found that women were more likely to report sexual dysfunction following cannabis use than men. Cannabis can also dehydrate the body, which can dry out natural vaginal mucus and necessitate the use of lubricant for masturbation.
Cannabis and Male Masturbation
Interestingly, cannabis can enhance sexual enjoyment but perhaps compromise sexual activity in men. Many studies reported the same sensory enhancement and perceived sexual pleasure in men as in women, thanks to enhanced nerve receptors and increased blood flow from THC.
However, a study found that men who partake in daily cannabis use were more likely to report delayed or premature ejaculation versus men who didn’t use cannabis. The same study also found that cannabis use could make men unable to orgasm, though no such results were found in women participants.
Consuming weed can also hinder male arousal, particularly if the weed is too potent. In the case of male masturbation, it may be best to keep THC content to a minimum. This will help maximize enjoyment while avoiding any issues intruding on masturbation.
Benefits and Risks of Masturbating While High
Benefits
Female masturbation coupled with cannabis may increase sexual enjoyment. A 2015 survey found that only 39% of women can only orgasm when masturbating or using a sex toy. For those who struggle with masturbation, cannabis could be a key factor in helping women explore their bodies and determine how to achieve sexual enjoyment.
For both men and women, improved sexual satisfaction, more pleasurable orgasms, and increased occurrences of sexual activities can result from cannabis use.
Risks
It’s important to choose the right strain when masturbating with cannabis, as some varieties can make masturbating a challenge. Indica-leaning hybrids are great for a physical response, but too high of a potency with an indica strain can make consumers too-sleepy and skip the masturbation part altogether. Furthermore, some varieties have numbing, pain-reliving properties, which make it harder to feel sensations that make masturbation more enjoyable.
Conversely, some sativa varieties can make people more paranoid and anxious, which kills the relaxation required to enjoy sex play. Again, men who smoke too much may experience erectile dysfunction or an inability to orgasm.
Using Cannabis to Masturbate
Strains
There are a number of strains that are good for sex, and some anecdotal reports indeed suggest that specific cannabis varieties are better than others for masturbation. Indica-dominant types that produce more euphoria and relaxation may boost enjoyment and relieve pain during sex. Working CBD into the mix may also help with pain management while lessening the psychoactive experience of THC.
Those who are struggling with fatigue may opt for a sativa strain with the terpene limonene, which energizes and can make masturbation feel more exciting. The decision is entirely personal and worthy of exploration.
Dose
Dosage is a crucial factor in using cannabis to masturbate. You should understand your tolerance level, starting with a small amount and gradually increasing cannabis intake to achieve the right dose for you. Consuming too much cannabis too quickly can induce nausea or paranoia, and can hinder a good solo session.
Consumption Methods
Different consumption methods can impact the solo sexual experience. Topicals like infused lotions or body oils may enhance the sensations in the skin and make touch more enjoyable without the “high.” Smoking or vaping flower, conversely, will produce a fast-acting euphoria with effects that last up to two hours - perfect for a relaxing night in the bedroom. Edibles like cannabis-infused gummies will produce similar feelings to smoking or vaping, but will take longer to take effect.
The Bottom Line: Should You Masturbate While High?
Enough anecdotal reports and cannabis brands catering to the sexually curious make it clear there’s masturbating while high may increase pleasure, even if the science supporting it is lacking. Since sex is highly personal, it’s essential to explore your body’s response to cannabis. This exploration should include experimenting with different doses, strains, and consumption methods.
Our line of CBD and delta-9 cannabis products are ready to serve as the perfect companion for your next solo session, no matter what experience you’re looking for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to come when high?
It depends on your unique physiology, the strain and dosage you use during masturbation. Being high makes it easier for women to orgasm, though some men have reported delayed ejaculation with frequent cannabis use.
Do you feel more pleasure when high?
Many people report enhanced sensory experienced and heightened enjoyment when masturbating or engaging in sexual activities while high.
