Is Cannabis the New Viagra? One Study Suggests its Potential

A recent study suggests that cannabis could be a great aphrodisiac. Published in the Pharmacological Research journal on November 21, the study shows that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a role in the sexual motivation processes. The research behind this new study was headed by researchers in Italy’s University of Catania and the Czech Republic’s Charles University and Masaryk University.

The preclinical trials and studies that involved human subjects yielded some pretty compelling results on the side of cannabis having a positive effect on sex. Seventy percent of users admitted to gaining “enhancement in pleasure and satisfaction.” Half of the people also reported to feeling “aphrodisiac effects” after consuming cannabis.

The reports of positively affecting sex did not differ much between men and women. More research still needs to be done on the relationship between the plant and sex. However it is clear that humans’ endocrinological, neurological and psychological systems all play a role. It is known that cannabinoids interact with our cannabinoid receptors in our brains when ingested. These then influence many functions of our body from memory and coordination to thinking and pleasure.

Researchers in this study looked into past investigations done back in the 1970s and 1980s in order to get more insight into sex and cannabis. The previous studies investigating how cannabis consumption affected sexual intercourse. Business Insider reported on one of the studies, which was done in 1970 by Erich Goode, a former sociology professor. Goode’s report showed that 50 percent of subjects in his study reported that cannabis gave had aphrodisiac effects, while 70 percent reported increased pleasure due to cannabis. The researchers of the latest study found similar results.

While this may be news to some, CULTURE already knew a little about cannabis’ libido boosting properties. Check out some suggestions on how to bring this miracle planet into your bedroom.