Can marijuana for erectile dysfunction be a boon or bane? Well, erectile dysfunction or ED may be the result of certain lifestyle choices and certain medical and health conditions. If you are being constantly disappointed in bed, you are not alone. Erectile dysfunction is one of the biggest health concerns people face in the US. To balance it out, people sometimes resort to alternatives like alcohol to fill the gaps. Though alcohol does the trick when you are under the sheets, it has its drawbacks.
Apart from usual problems like dryness in the vagina, fuzzy memories, and hangovers, its prolonged use can also damage the liver and give rise to other health complications. Medications consumed to overcome erectile dysfunction — like Viagra, Revatio, others — also come with several health complications. However, some people are now vouching for marijuana, claiming it can be the ultimate solution for erectile dysfunction. The scientific community has so far believed that marijuana can only make things worse for you. So what is the actual truth? In this article, we shall explore the usage of marijuana for erectile dysfunction and its pros and cons.
Let’s get going!
What is marijuana?
Marijuana or cannabis is a plant, which grows in the fields and can be extracted from its shredded and dried parts. All its body parts, including stems, seeds, leaves, and flowers, have a plethora of uses for medical as well as recreational purposes. It has countless names in the popular culture — weed, hash, pot, and marijuana, to name a few. As its popularity grows, people have found various ways to consume it. While some people may like to smoke marijuana, others may not want to put an unnecessary burden on their lungs, and thus, be happy drinking hash tea or pot cake.
The effects may vary — smoking can have a faster and deeper impact, while it may take longer to feel the effect if you eat marijuana. Cannabis is made up of around 500 chemical compounds, also known as cannabinoids, that come into play when you have it. The effect is beautifully complex and magical. Now, let’s talk about all the major ingredients of marijuana, what they do, and their benefits.
Marijuana and erectile dysfunction
The studies conducted on marijuana’s effect on erectile dysfunction suggest its regular use can lead to ED. However, a meta-analysis conducted in 2018 concluded that there isn’t enough evidence to establish marijuana’s direct link to your inability to perform in bed. But, it suggested that those mixing marijuana with tobacco may be at a heightened risk of erectile dysfunction. If you are a regular tobacco consumer, blood flow veins will be restricted. It’s also being seen that those smoking cigarettes may suffer from erectile dysfunction, and if you mix marijuana with tobacco, the risk is even bigger. There are cannabinoid receptors present in our whole body, including smooth muscle tissue of the penis.
THC, which is present in abundance in marijuana, can theoretically impair penile function, thus leading to erectile dysfunction. A smaller level study conducted by NIDA also suggests that marijuana can cause drowsiness and a slower reaction time during sexual activity. Regular overuse of marijuana with tobacco can also lead to disinterest in sex. The federal government in the US also thinks that marijuana may have an impact on the circulatory system and lead to increased blood pressure and heart complications. Some studies also point towards a reverse complication — over a period of time you may also fail to reach an orgasm. However, the research on this topic is still lacking. A lot of federal curbs have so far restricted researchers to come up with large-scale studies explaining everything in detail.
What are the pros of using marijuana?
Firstly, if you are a marijuana user, who believes in consuming it for fun but in limited doses, you may see it affecting positively. The regulated use of marijuana can lead to increased sexual desire and arousal in some people. Those affected by high cholesterol problems may experience lesser damage if they use marijuana on a controlled basis. We all know that high cholesterol is also associated with erectile dysfunction. According to a study conducted by Clinical and Developmental Immunology in the US, if you are a mild marijuana user, high cholesterol may not affect your body as it blocks tissue build-up. The study, however, was conducted on rats. In some people, marijuana may also uplift mood, cause arousal, and increased sex desire. The effect is not uniform among all marijuana users.
What are the cons of using marijuana?
The first drawback of using marijuana is obviously that its overuse can cause ED or erectile dysfunction. Some people also fail to reach an orgasm as marijuana impacts their penile erection. The impacts vary for people and marijuana responds as per your body’s biology. Some people feel heightened sex desire and they’ll give better performance in bed, while others will fail to orgasm and, sometimes, even arousal. THC is found in higher quantities in cannabis or marijuana and it’s the compound that causes intoxication, meaning altering your state of mind. Sometimes, this may affect the body’s normal functions and even the penis’ smooth muscle and cause erectile dysfunction. Besides, some research also points towards marijuana overuse being the leading cause of gynecomastia, a condition in which men’s breasts become bigger as their hormones imbalance. This hampers their ability to perform in bed.
The bottom line
Marijuana can be a hazardous substance if you abuse it. However, if you try to strike a balance, it can provide you with health benefits. If you want to explore marijuana to boost your sex desire, go for it and see the results for yourself. Don’t get attached too much. Start with small doses and see how you are performing in bed. If it’s helping you satisfy your and your partner’s sexual desires, keep using it. However, don’t overuse it cause it’ll start impacting negatively if you become too addicted to it. Try to avoid mixing tobacco with marijuana and find other ways to consume it. In essence, research lacks the marijuana front, but you can consider it for long-term use, depending on how it’s impacting your body.
