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Weed Withdrawal

Changes in Sex Drive are Common During Marijuana Withdrawal

By January 10, 2020December 21st, 20219 Comments

Talking about changes in your sex drive can be awkward or viewed as taboo, and for this reason, there is often a sense of shame surrounding the topic. But changes in libido are really quite common in those that quit using marijuana after periods of heavy use.

Some studies indicate that over a quarter of users experience this withdrawal symptom during the cessation period, and this is likely a vast underrepresentation of the true figure due to underreporting (Levin, Drug Alcohol Depend, 2010). So, let’s talk about it.

Your libido, or sex drive, is influenced by both biologic and psychologic factors. On a biologic level, sex drive is modulated by several areas of your brain, most importantly the dopamine-driven reward center. The series of receptors that are modulated by marijuana, termed the endogenous cannabinoid system, are also important in modulating sexual arousal and sex drive (Klein, J Sex Med, 2012).

After prolonged marijuana use, signaling through both these systems is altered. Dampened signals in the reward center, in particular, can make it difficult to achieve the same amount of sexual pleasure or even want to engage in sex at all.

Though most individuals with altered libido do report a decrease in sexual desire, it is also possible to experience an increased sex drive. These differences are likely related to the unique biology of the individual as well as the duration and frequency of marijuana use.

On a psychological level, major changes in your life can lead to altered sex drive, especially if marijuana was part of your sex life. Emotions play a big role, too, and if you’re like most, abstinence from marijuana may cause you to feel like you’re on an emotional rollercoaster. Don’t judge yourself during this time, whatever your symptoms may be. Know that you’re not alone in this.

Brian Canfield, Ed.D.

Contributing Author

Professor, Counselor Education at Florida Atlantic University. Founder of the International Association of Psychology and Counseling.

Cannabis Consumption & Sexual Function: An Observational Study

Do you currently, or have you previously used marijuana? Have you experienced a change in sexual function?

If you are an adult (18+) and answered “yes” to these questions, please consider completing the survey, embedded below (click here to open the survey in a new window).

Participation is completely anonymous, and will contribute to research regarding the possible relationship between marijuana use and sexual function.

About Weedless.org

Weedless.org is a free, web-based resource and community created by a team of healthcare professionals and researchers. We distill the facts about marijuana use and its effects into practical guidance for interested persons or for those who are thinking about or struggling to quit weed. Finding reliable, easy to understand information about marijuana should never be a struggle—that is why our core mission is to provide the most up to date information about marijuana use, abuse, addiction, and withdrawal. While we seek to empower individuals to have control over their use, we are not “anti-weed” and we support efforts to legalize adult marijuana use and study.

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