What Women Want: Medical Marijuana To Treat Female Orgasmic Disorder, 4 States So Far Obliging

Several U.S. states are exploring the possibility of adding female orgasmic disorder (FOD) to their lists of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana use. The move comes amid growing research suggesting cannabis may improve orgasmic frequency, ease and satisfaction in women with FOD.

The reported prevalence of female orgasmic problems has ranged from 10% to 42%, depending on factors such as age, culture and symptom duration and severity, reports Medscape.

Ohio Leading The Charge

At the forefront of the medical marijuana initiative, Ohio’s Medical Board recently announced FOD, along with autism spectrum disorder, would undergo expert review and public comment after receiving online petitions. Illinois, New Mexico and Connecticut are also considering the same.

Advocates Cite Research And Personal Experience

Supporters, like Suzanne Mulvehill, founder and executive director of the Female Orgasm Research Institute, highlight research dating back to the 1970s showing cannabis use before sex can be beneficial for women with FOD. Mulvehill, a clinical sexologist, conducted her own research, finding over half of female subjects suffered from the disorder.

Women with FOD have more mental health issues and are on “more pharmaceutical medication,” Mulvehill told Marijuana Moment. “They have more anxiety, depression, PTSD, more sexual abuse histories. It's not just about pleasure, it's about a human right.”

Mulvehill said that among cannabis users, awareness that it can help achieve female orgasms is not new. What she does find new and welcomes is the willingness of state cannabis regulators not to shy away from the issue.

Research On Orgasm Gaps

According to a 2016 study from the Archives of Sexual Behavior that looked at over 52,500 adults of all sexual persuasions in the U.S., 95% percent of heterosexual men reported they usually or always achieve orgasm during sex, compared to 65% of heterosexual women, who were the least likely. A recent study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research revealed perceived enhancements in sexual satisfaction and function with cannabis, including heightened desire and orgasm intensity, among both genders.

Challenges And New Frontiers: Orgasms And Marijuana

Dr. Jordan Tishler, vice president of the Female Orgasm Research Institute, suggests marijuana may improve orgasms by disrupting the brain’s default mode network, which can be overactive in individuals struggling with FOD. He and Mulvehill are working on setting up a randomized controlled trial to further research the issue. Tishler, president and CMO of the Massachusetts-based medical practice InhaleMD, specializes in treating male and female sexual dysfunction with cannabis.

Beyond FOD: Broader Impact On Sexual Function

Studies suggest marijuana use can improve sexual function beyond FOD. A 2023 study found over 70% of surveyed adults reported improved desire and orgasms with cannabis before sex. Another study linked increased cannabis access to higher sexual activity.

Now read: Five Questions About Weed And Sex You’ve Always Wanted To Ask A Professional Sexologist

Photo by Milan Popovic on Unsplash