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Weed Withdrawal

Changes in Sex Drive are Common During Marijuana Withdrawal

By January 10, 2020December 21st, 202113 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.

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.

13 Comments

  • Nadj11 says:

    Good work

  • Chris says:

    My sex drive has disappeared since I gave up smoking pot.

  • Zach says:

    I’ve smoked all day and night for over 20 years. I’m normally horny all the time. I’m on day 4 of quitting and sex is the furthest thing from my mind.

    • chris says:

      Same here. Weed after sex is the best for me. Not smoking change that for me. My wife been sex crazy as of late. I just not been inn the mood.

  • When does it come back?

  • Yousef says:

    I quit one week ago, I’m smoking much more tobacco than before, my sex drive (erection) and quality of sleep are the most significant withdrawal symptoms that I encounter.

  • Mimi says:

    Done it 2 years nonstop and almost 8 blunts a day. Got a military deployment where weed is extremely illegal. Has helped me quit weed and the symptoms are relatively easier than I though. However, 0 sex drive for someone who had sex almost daily. My sleep is just littered with weird or horrific dreams, though luckily I remember only few when I wake up

  • Dev says:

    is my sex drive going to come back?

  • Micky says:

    The reason why I kept coming back to weed was because weed and sex was so amazing. Now I’m not on weed and it’s not the same. But cause bad stomachaches so I’m finally done with weed. Still after 3 weeks my stomach is a mess.

  • Anonymous says:

    I smoked dope for 50 years and noticed a severe drop in sex drive and frequency when I stopped 7 months ago. It has not really returned, though I still have sex occasionally I also had crazy vibrant dreams and still do

  • Jock says:

    I never touched weed or any drug at all till I was 52 years old. I tried weed out of boredom one day but didn’t enjoy the smell or actually smoking.
    My wife picked up a weed vape for me one day and i didn’t mind that at all. My wife has always had an extremely high libido and i literally could never keep up with her, honestly I had turned down more sex from my poor wife than most men have ever had. But I would smoke a bit of weed vape and could pound on my wife for two hrs at a time non stop . I could ejaculate multiple times( I was always a one shot and stop guy previously) and being that my wife regularly has multiple orgasms anyways, I could regularly give her 10-15 orgasms during a session. (honestly)
    Men don’t usually have an orgasm when they ejaculate but on weed If I had an orgasm , many times I felt like I was leaving my body and three times I actually blacked out. After two years of weed use and probably 900 of the craziest sex sessions I have ever had I started to worry about having a habit , no matter how awesome my sex life was. Now I have only ever smoked weed at night after work(never during the morning or day) but I decided that I should stop for many reasons but I never expected that It would literally kill my sex drive, I can’t even get a full erection right now and I hope it returns. It has been 15 days since I quit marijuana.

  • JJ says:

    When I used to smoke weed (quit January 1st) I would have the best sex! Would try all types of things most women wouldn’t try but ever since I stopped I just don’t even crave it

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