Keywords: Marijuana and Sex, Cannabis and Sex
Marijuana and Sex: A Global History
Cannabis, known for its myriad health benefits, has a long history intertwined with human sexuality. Across various cultures and centuries, it has been used in rituals and practices aimed at enhancing sexual experiences. Whether smoked, ingested, inserted, or smeared all over the body, cannabis has played a significant role in sexual practices around the world.
Ancient Cultures and Cannabis
Ancient China: The Roots of Cannabis Use
The earliest recorded use of cannabis dates back 10,000 years to an ancient village on the island of Taiwan off the coast of mainland China. The Chinese initially utilized the cannabis hemp plant for practical purposes, creating shoes and clothing. Many ancient Chinese manuscripts are filled with passages urging people to plant cannabis hemp. Among the agricultural crops, hemp held a significant place, valued for both its superior male fibers and the rich seeds produced by female plants. The legendary emperor Shen-Nung, who lived around the 28th century BC, is credited with experimenting with China’s plant life to discover curative medicines, including the use of cannabis for treating rheumatism, gout, and malaria.
As hemp and marijuana became more integrated into Chinese culture, their use spread to India, where one of the world’s most profound marijuana-based cultures began to flourish.
Ancient Rome: Cannabis played a dual role in ancient Rome, both as an aphrodisiac and a suppressant. Priapus, the Greek god of the erect penis, was central to Roman religious practices involving cannabis.
Men seeking prophetic words from Priapus priestesses underwent purification with a concoction called satyrion, containing snake venom, alcohol, ivy, and cannabis. This mixture induced a hallucinogenic state, aiding the priestesses in their ritualistic sexual practices. Contrarily, cannabis was also used to suppress sexual desire, as noted by Greek physician Pedanius Dioscorides.
India: From the second century onward, cannabis became integral to Tantric rituals in Hinduism and Buddhism. These rituals aimed at achieving a higher plane of consciousness and oneness with the universe, often included cannabis consumption.
Devotees would prepare with a bowl of bhang and engage in mantra chanting before engaging in ritual lovemaking, seeking to elevate their spiritual and sexual experience.
Scandinavia: In Viking Age Scandinavia, Freya, the goddess of love and fertility, was associated with hemp fields where pagan and erotic rituals were performed.
Young women would roll naked in hemp fields, creating wreaths and participating in fertility rituals that intertwined sexual symbolism and agricultural prosperity.
Medieval Europe: During the Inquisition, cannabis was used for various ailments, including low libido, despite being banned by the church. Herbalists and healers utilized hemp seed oil in "flying ointments" used by witches for both pleasure and pain management. These ointments were believed to induce ecstatic frenzies during supposed satanic rituals.
19th Century America: Cannabis-based aphrodisiacs were popular in 19th century America. Dr. Frederick C. Hollick's "The Marriage Guide" promoted a hashish-based mixture for newlyweds to enhance their sexual experience. Though later debunked, his book and its recipes enjoyed widespread popularity.
20th Century Soviet Union: In Uzbekistan, cannabis was used as a traditional remedy for young brides on their wedding night. A mixture called nasha, combined with lamb fat, was applied vaginally to reduce pain and potentially enhance pleasure.
Cannabis and Sex in the Modern Era
Cannabis continues to be explored for its potential to enhance sexual experiences. Modern research and anecdotal evidence suggest that cannabis can positively affect various aspects of sex, from desire and sensitivity to orgasm intensity.
Recent Studies on Marijuana and Sex
- Study #1 (University of British Columbia): This study surveyed 216 cannabis users and found that:
- 74% reported increased sensitivity to erotic touch.
- 74% reported improved sexual satisfaction.
- 70% felt more relaxed and present during sex.
- 66% experienced enhanced orgasm pleasure.
- 59% had increased sexual desire.
- 50% of those with orgasm issues found cannabis helpful.
- 41% noted mixed impacts, with some positive and some negative effects.
- 39% always found cannabis sex-enhancing.
- Only 5% said it always spoiled sex.
- Study #2 (St. Louis University): Surveying 373 women visiting gynecologists, this study found that those who used cannabis before sex were twice as likely to report deeply satisfying orgasms compared to non-users.
Cannabis vs. Alcohol in Sexual Enhancement
While alcohol is widely used to enhance sexual experiences, it often leads to sexual impairment. Cannabis, on the other hand, tends to improve sexual encounters by increasing sensitivity and relaxation without the depressant effects of alcohol.
A Personal Testimonial
I am 60 years old and have been using cannabis for several years. I smoke cannabis a few nights a week and sometimes during the day. During the day, I use sativa vape that allows me to focus and have energy while working. In the evening, I smoke flower to relax and unwind. My wife and I enjoy sex two three times a week. Cannabis helps me sustain a strong erection for 30 to 45 minutes, and we both experience strong and pleasurable orgasms. I even have a "residual" erection in the morning sometimes!
The Science Behind Cannabis and Sex
Cannabis interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which regulates various bodily functions, including sexual arousal and response. German researchers found that orgasm releases endocannabinoids, the body’s natural cannabis-like compounds associated with pleasure.
Key Findings:
- Cannabis can increase sexual desire and orgasm intensity.
- It can help achieve and maintain erections in men.
- It enhances relaxation and sensory focus, contributing to better sexual experiences.
- Women report higher rates of increased sexual desire from cannabis use compared to men.
Conclusion
Cannabis has a rich history of use in sexual rituals and practices across cultures. Modern studies and personal testimonials continue to highlight its potential to enhance sexual experiences. Whether you're seeking to elevate your spiritual connection or simply improve your sex life, cannabis offers a promising natural alternative.
Feel free to consult with your healthcare provider to explore the benefits and potential risks of incorporating cannabis into your sexual wellness routine.