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Learn how weed impacts your libido, sexual pleasure, and more
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Weed use is on the rise in the US, and some studies show that up to about half of participants use it before sex.[1] This begs the question: Does weed make you horny? Marijuana is definitely associated with more frequent sex, increased pleasure, and a higher sex drive, but the true connection between weed and sex is still being explored. In this article, we break down how weed impacts sex, which strains are supposedly best for sex, and why weed might make some people horny. Keep scrolling to learn more!

Weed and Horniness: What’s the Connection?

Some research shows that weed can make you horny and promote better sex. Plus, studies show that people who use weed have more sex than those who don’t. Weed is also linked to a higher sex drive, increased relaxation during sex, and more intense orgasms. However, not everyone experiences these positive results.

Section 1 of 6:

The Effects of Weed on Sex: Does It Make You Horny?

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  1. There is some intriguing evidence that marijuana has aphrodisiac-like effects on some users. There’s definitely a connection between weed and sex, but more studies are needed to say with 100% certainty that weed makes you horny (but the data we do have is pretty convincing). Here’s what the science says so far:
    • For both men and women in all demographics, using weed is associated with more frequent sex without impairing sexual function. In fact, the more frequent the usage, the more frequent the sex.[2]
    • For many people, weed makes sex better—but not for everyone. In one study, 39% of participants said marijuana made sex better, 16% said it was better in some ways (and worse in others), and 25% said it was sometimes better. However, about 5% of users reported it made sex worse.[3]
    • What does it all mean? Weed is definitely associated with more and better sex for many people, but not everyone. So, you could tentatively say that weed can make you horny. However, it’s worth noting that these studies are anecdotal and self-reported, meaning that participants’ own experiences and biases could be influencing the results. More research is needed to really understand how and why weed works this way.
  2. There’s evidence to support that weed can increase your desire for sex and even improve your sexual performance, but this doesn’t apply to everyone. (You know how weed makes some people feel relaxed and playful, but others feel sleepy or anxious? It’s kind of the same idea—weed can really rev up some people’s engines, but not others’). Let’s go back to the science:
    • In one small study, 59% of participants reported that cannabis increased their desire for sex, and 74% reported increased sexual satisfaction.[4]
    • Another study found that the majority of women who used marijuana before sex (or in general) have an increased sex drive. However, no equivalent study has been conducted for men.[5]
    • A similar survey (including some men and LGBTQ+ participants) also found that weed use increased sex drive in 70% of people. Age and gender weren’t found to have a significant impact.[6]
    • What does it all mean? It seems that for most people in any demographic, weed does increase sex drive. However, it can have the opposite effect on some people, depending on their tolerance for marijuana. Larger and more diverse studies are needed to pinpoint exactly why this is and how weed impacts libido.
  3. Yes, for many people, weed does make sex better. We can answer this one with a bit more certainty! Participants in studies and surveys about how weed impacts sex weren’t shy about how. Research has found that:
    • Women who use marijuana frequently are more than twice as likely to report satisfactory orgasms compared to women who use it infrequently or not at all.[7]
    • Weed can increase pleasure from masturbating as well as sex.[8]
    • 70% of participants in one study reported increased orgasm intensity.[9]
    • About 74% of users have an increased sensitivity to touch, and 70% say they can relax more during sex.[10]
    • About 51% of users can focus better during sex.[11]
    • About half of those who struggle to reach orgasm report having an easier time while they’re high.[12]
    • What does it all mean? Most people who use marijuana before sex report better orgasms and increased sensitivity, relaxation, focus, and overall satisfaction. Like all things related to weed, though, not everyone experiences the same positive results, and it could even negatively impact some users. It all depends on how your body reacts to weed.
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Section 2 of 6:

Why Weed Might Make You Horny

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  1. We’ve seen that weed can stimulate libido in both men and women, lead to more frequent sex, and increase the pleasure and satisfaction of sexual experiences. But why exactly is that? There’s no conclusive answer (yet), but there are several factors that could be at play, like:
    • It can lower your inhibitions and soothe anxiety. In low dosages, THC has been found to decrease feelings of anxiety. This can lead to more sexual self-confidence and less inhibition or performance anxiety. (Just know that in high dosages, weed might actually cause anxiety for some people).[13]
    • It can relieve pain or physical discomfort. If you’re in pain, chances are you’re not feeling very aroused or focused on sex, and that’s where weed might help. This is especially notable for women, since 75% of women experience pain during sex at some point.[14]
    • It can boost your overall mood. Studies have shown THC can reduce negativity bias in your emotional processing (AKA, make you less likely to dwell on negative stimuli or experiences).[15] This can put some extra pep in your step, making you feel more confident and positive when it comes to sex.
Section 3 of 6:

Which strains of weed are best for sex?

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  1. There’s no FDA regulation, medical recommendation, or clinical research that indicates if one strain of weed is better than any other for sex. Essentially, the best strain is whatever works for you personally! Strains that make you feel relaxed, aroused, or more comfortable are more likely to make sex feel better compared to strains that make you sleepy, anxious, or nonverbal.
    • Generally, indica strains are more likely to make you feel relaxed, possibly making them a good counter to sexual stress or anxiety. Sativa strains tend to have an energizing, motivating effect, while hybrid strains combine the best of both worlds.[16]
    • Edibles also give you more of a “body high” (compared to smoking, or a “head high”) that may make you feel intensely relaxed or weightless.[17]
    • Remember that these are just general recommendations. The exact effects of any strain of weed (and how much of it you need) depend on your tolerance to marijuana and how your body reacts to it.
  2. While there hasn’t been research done to support these claims, many people have reported that the following strains improve their sexual experiences:[18]
    • Wedding Cake and Northern Lights are calming strains that may help alleviate performance anxiety.
    • Trainwreck may promote relaxation and help boost your libido.
    • Mimosa is a sativa-dominant hybrid that reportedly boosts your mood and energy levels, leading to increased sex drive and performance.
    • Dosidos is said to have pain-reducing properties that can relieve physical tension or discomfort.
    • Green Crack is said to boost your energy, possibly leading to improved stamina and performance.
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Section 4 of 6:

Products That Enhance “High Sex”

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  1. Nowadays, people have access to all kinds of toys, vibrators, lingerie, kink supplies, and whimsical pipes that can help blend their love of cannabis and pleasure. Some retailers, like Horny Stoner, even cater to people who enjoy pairing weed and sex. If you’re interested in exploring and elevating high sex more, consider incorporating some of these fun options into the bedroom.
    • The look and feel of your smoking accessories can really change the vibe of your session. Whether you like sleek and minimalist bongs or quirky hand pipes made from your favorite crystal, you can set the mood you want from your first puff, whether that’s intense and passionate or glittery and carefree. (Plus, having a dedicated pipe for intimate encounters can really help create a ritual and set the mood.)
    • Of course, your intimate accessories are important too! Insertables (like vibrators) are great for traveling or a quick solo session, while remote-controlled stimulators and whimsical lingerie are perfect for partners wanting to share a sexy high. Who knows? After your first puff, you may just be inspired to try something new.
    • Why separate the worlds of sex and cannabis culture? Feel free to try new toys, smoke from a new contraption, and curate your own experience that’s fun, flirty, and functional. There’s no right or wrong way to enjoy sex and weed!
Section 5 of 6:

Potential Side Effects of Weed as an Aphrodisiac

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  1. The evidence seems to indicate that weed generally makes sex more enjoyable for many people—but not for everyone, every time. Here are some potential side effects some people may experience if they use weed before sex:
    • It might make sex worse for some people. In one questionnaire study, 5% of respondents said weed made sex worse, and 16% said it made sex better in some ways but worse in others.[19] If you don’t usually take well to weed, there’s a chance it could negatively impact your next sexual encounter.
    • It might increase anxiety for some people. High doses of THC can induce anxious feelings in some users.[20] However, what counts as a “high dose” (no pun intended) is different for everyone, depending on what your marijuana tolerance is like.
    • Some short-term effects may make sex unpleasant. Weed can make you feel amazing, but it can also cause dizziness, coordination issues, dry mouth, nausea, increased heart rate, and even hallucinations—all things that might not make for the best sex.[21]
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Section 6 of 6:

Final Thoughts

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  1. The evidence we have so far shows that for many people, weed is associated with more frequent sex, higher sexual satisfaction, and an increased sex drive. However, not everyone has the same experience—for some, being high can make sex more uncomfortable or anxiety-inducing. It all comes down to your preferences, your tolerance for weed, and your idea of what constitutes a better sexual experience.
    • Is it worth trying? If you generally react well to weed and feel relaxed or euphoric, there’s a good chance it can rev up your libido and make sex better. However, if you typically react poorly and get sleepy or anxious, it may not be worth trying.

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About This Article

Horny Stoner
Co-authored by:
Adult Toys and Smoking Accessories Shop
This article was co-authored by Horny Stoner and by wikiHow staff writer, Dan Hickey. Horny Stoner is a female-founded online one-stop shop for all of your intimate pleasure toys and cannabis products based in New York City. Since 2019, they have been known for curating the most aesthetic, unique collection of pleasure products that caters to all levels of kinks and experience, and is inclusive of all sexualities, genders, and body types. Their collections include intimacy essentials like lingerie, massage oils, and toys, and smoking products like vapes, pipes, and other accessories. The founder of Horny Stoner, Carly, is a pleasure educator and the voice behind Dildo or Dildon’t, and is passionate about making pleasure more accessible.
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Updated: September 18, 2025
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