Can excessive cannabis use cause hypersexuality?

From the Guidelines

Cannabis does not typically cause hypersexuality, and excessive use can lead to decreased sexual desire and function. While some users report mild enhancement of sexual experiences at low to moderate doses, higher doses and chronic heavy use of cannabis more commonly lead to decreased sexual desire and function. THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, can initially increase sensory perception and reduce inhibitions at lower doses, which some might interpret as increased sexual interest. However, with excessive use, cannabis can disrupt hormonal balance, particularly testosterone levels, and impair sexual function in both men and women. Regular heavy users may experience decreased libido, erectile dysfunction in men, or difficulty with arousal in women. The sedative effects of high-dose cannabis can also reduce sexual motivation and energy. Individual responses vary based on the specific cannabis strain, consumption method, personal tolerance, and psychological factors. If someone is concerned about cannabis affecting their sexual function, reducing consumption or taking a tolerance break may help restore normal sexual desire and function 1.

Some key points to consider:

• Cannabis use can have varying effects on individuals, and its impact on sexual function is not universally understood 1.
• The THC concentration in cannabis has increased over the years, potentially elevating the risk for health problems, including those related to sexual function 1.
• Mental health and chronic respiratory problems are among possible health effects in people who use cannabis over the long term, which may indirectly affect sexual function 1.
• Cannabis use may have a deleterious effect on adolescent brain development and well-being, and its use in early youth is associated with conditions that include neuropsychological and neurodevelopmental decline 1.
• Older adults who use cannabis may be at higher risk for behavioral health issues, including anxiety and depression, which can affect sexual function 1.
• People who use cannabis regularly are at risk for developing cannabis use disorder, a condition that can have various symptoms, including those related to sexual function 1.
• The therapeutic use of cannabis and cannabinoids is being explored, but its effects on sexual function are not well understood 1.
• Reducing cannabis consumption or taking a tolerance break may help restore normal sexual desire and function in individuals who are concerned about the impact of cannabis on their sexual health 1.

From the Research

Cannabis Use and Hypersexuality

• The relationship between cannabis use and hypersexuality is complex and not fully understood, with some studies suggesting a potential link between the two 2.
• A study on college students found that marijuana lifetime use and hypersexuality were significantly and positively related, suggesting that cannabis use may be associated with increased sexual behavior 2.
• However, another study on male sexual function found that increased frequency of cannabis use was associated with increased male sexual function, but the clinical significance of this finding was considered low 3.
• The effects of cannabis on female sexual function are also dose-dependent, with low doses generally facilitating or having no effect, but high doses inhibiting sexual desire and receptivity 4.

Mechanisms and Risk Factors

• Cannabis use can have both acute and lasting adverse effects on psychological functioning, which can elevate the risk of sexual offending behavior 5.
• The link between cannabis use and sexual offenses remains poorly understood, with a scarcity of studies examining this relationship 5.
• Marijuana effect expectancies, such as perceptual and cognitive enhancement, may play a role in the relationship between cannabis use and hypersexuality 2.

Limitations and Future Research

• More research is needed to develop a better understanding of the effects of cannabinoids on female sexual function and the relationship between cannabis use and hypersexuality 4, 2.
• The current evidence is limited by the scarcity of studies and the complexity of the relationship between cannabis use and sexual behavior 3, 6, 5.