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Have longer sex
Do edibles make you last longer in bed, or will they just make you hungry?
There are so many tips and tricks out there when it comes to lasting longer in bed. Some are backed by science, like getting on medications for erectile dysfunction (ED) and receiving treatments for premature ejaculation (PE). Other methods for lasting longer tend to come anecdotally.
You may have heard that cannabis edibles may provide sexual health benefits, such as improved erectile function, longer-lasting sex, and better orgasms. But is there any truth to these claims?
Keep reading to find out.
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First, let’s get some background info. Edibles are food products that contain extracts from the cannabis plant. Cannabis contains active ingredients known as cannabinoids, which are thought to interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network of tiny receptors that can set off a series of stimulating reactions in the body.
The most popular cannabinoids found in edibles and most cannabis products are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD doesn’t have psychoactive effects, which means it’s the part of the cannabis plant that won’t get you high. THC, on the other hand, is psychoactive — it’s the part that gets most marijuana users high.
There’s a lot we don’t know about the effects of cannabis on the body, but potential benefits include:
Chronic pain relief
Reduced anxiety
Anti-nausea
Appetite stimulation
Some side effects you might experience with marijuana use in any form include impaired thinking, poor memory, mood changes, hallucinations, changes in appetite, and increased heart rate.
Men who have trouble lasting in bed may be struggling with a sexual dysfunction like premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction.
If you have PE, you may feel like you can’t control the timing of ejaculation. If you have ED, you may find it difficult to get or maintain an erection long enough to have satisfying sex.
Both conditions can lead to distress, relationship issues, and low sexual satisfaction.
Some research has found endocannabinoid receptors in sexual reproductive organs, implying that cannabis might be important for fertility and reproduction. However, research on the effects of cannabis on sexual performance is mixed, and more data is needed to form any concrete conclusions.
Let’s look at how edibles may help you last longer based on what we know about CBD and THC.
CBD is a popular option for stress relief. But is there any science behind using CBD for sex?
Some research shows that CBD interacts with the central nervous system. It may have a calming effect and reduce anxiety levels in some people.
How does this make sex last longer?
Since sexual performance anxiety is a common cause of sexual dysfunctions like ED and PE, cannabis may indirectly support better and longer-lasting sex by relieving the root cause. But this is a stretch.
Other research has found that cannabis use may increase sensation and sensuality, leading to longer and more intense sexual experiences. However, it’s unclear if CBD is the contributing factor to this increased satisfaction, or another part of the cannabis plant.
Currently, there’s not enough reliable scientific evidence showing that CBD improves sexual performance or issues like PE or ED. As our guide to CBD for erectile dysfunction details, eating or smoking cannabis isn’t a scientifically proven cure for ED.
Are CBD gummies good for sex in other ways? If you’re asking “Does CBD make you horny?,” here’s what you should know. The research cited above claims that cannabis has been historically used as an aphrodisiac, and may increase sexual interest. But these findings are more apparent in women than men.
For now, the link between CBD gummies and sex is still too murky to know if it’s worth exploring.
THC edibles will typically be labeled as indica, sativa, or a hybrid. Sativa is known to have more energizing effects. Indica is meant to be more relaxing.
Some research shows THC could support sexual function, while other studies actually show it has adverse effects on sexual performance.
One 2011 study found that chronic cannabis use containing THC led to a number of adverse effects, like ejaculation problems, erectile dysfunction, and low sex drive. Cannabis also reduced sperm count and quality.
And according to the International Society for Sexual Medicine, cannabis may have the following adverse effects on your sexual experiences:
Low sexual arousal. You may lose your motivation to have sex.
An increased risk of PE. Because cannabis increases dopamine levels in the brain, it may actually lead to increased anxiety and a higher risk of PE.
Erectile dysfunction. If THC interacts with endocannabinoid receptors within the penile tissues, it may impede blood flow, an important component of getting an erection.
Trouble reaching orgasm. Cannabis users may have difficulty reaching orgasm which can lead to less satisfaction with your sex life.
On the other hand, a different 2020 study found a link between the frequency of cannabis use and increased sexual function in men. Most frequent users tended to consume THC-dominant cannabis and reported improvements in erectile function, orgasms, and sexual satisfaction. Still, take these findings with a grain of salt; most frequent users preferred smoking or vaping cannabis, and there’s not enough research to conclude if THC edibles would produce the same results.
Unfortunately, there isn’t enough scientific evidence to prove that consuming or smoking cannabis can make you last longer in bed. Here’s what we know:
While edible products may relieve sexual anxiety, potentially leading to improved sex, results can vary by individual. Currently, there are no definitive studies on edibles and longer-lasting sex.
Some research shows cannabis products may improve erectile function, orgasms, and sexual satisfaction. Conflicting research shows cannabis may cause ejaculation problems, low libido, erectile dysfunction, and other issues.
If you struggle with sexual dysfunction, there are better options available. For premature ejaculation, a healthcare provider can recommend common treatment options, such as sertraline, depending on your symptoms and other factors. You can also explore options for erectile dysfunction, such as sildenafil (Viagra®), tadalafil (Cialis®), avanafil (Stendra®), vardenafil (Levitra®), or chewable ED meds like Hims Hard Mints.
If you’re struggling to last during sex, see if you qualify for medication or other treatments by scheduling an online consultation with a healthcare provider. You can also explore over-the-counter remedies to help you last longer like penis rings, delay wipes, and climax control condoms that contain a numbing agent on the inside.
Looking for more tips to beat sexual anxiety and last longer? Learn how to break the cycle of performance anxiety.
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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here.
Dr. Kelly Brown is a board certified Urologist and fellowship trained in Andrology. She is an accomplished men’s health expert with a robust background in healthcare innovation, clinical medicine, and academic research. Dr. Brown was previously Medical Director of a male fertility startup where she lead strategy and design of their digital health platform, an innovative education and telehealth model for delivering expert male fertility care.
She completed her undergraduate studies at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (go Heels!) with a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science and a Minor in Chemistry. She took a position at University of California Los Angeles as a radiologic technologist in the department of Interventional Cardiology, further solidifying her passion for medicine. She also pursued the unique opportunity to lead departmental design and operational development at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, sparking her passion for the business of healthcare.
Dr. Brown then went on to obtain her doctorate in medicine from the prestigious Northwestern University - Feinberg School of Medicine and Masters in Business Administration from Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management, with a concentration in Healthcare Management. During her surgical residency in Urology at University of California San Francisco, she utilized her research year to focus on innovations in telemedicine and then served as chief resident with significant contributions to clinical quality improvement. Dr. Brown then completed her Andrology Fellowship at Medical College of Wisconsin, furthering her expertise in male fertility, microsurgery, and sexual function.
Her dedication to caring for patients with compassion, understanding, as well as a unique ability to make guys instantly comfortable discussing anything from sex to sperm makes her a renowned clinician. In addition, her passion for innovation in healthcare combined with her business acumen makes her a formidable leader in the field of men’s health.
Dr. Brown is an avid adventurer; summiting Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania (twice!) and hiking the incredible Torres del Paine Trek in Patagonia, Chile. She deeply appreciates new challenges and diverse cultures on her travels. She lives in Denver with her husband, two children, and beloved Bernese Mountain Dog. You can find Dr. Brown on LinkedIn for more information.
Education & Training
Andrology Fellowship, Medical College of Wisconsin
Urology Residency, University of California San Francisco
M.D. Northwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineB.S. in Radiologic Science, Chemistry Minor, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Published as Kelly Walker
Cowan, B, Walker, K., Rodgers, K., Agyemang, J. (2023). Hormonal Management Improves Semen Analysis Parameters in Men with Abnormal Concentration, Motility, and/or Morphology. Fertility and Sterility, Volume 118, Issue 5, e4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/fertility-and-sterility/vol/120/issue/1/suppl/S
Walker, K., Gogoj, A., Honig, S., Sandlow, J. (2021). What’s New in Male Contraception? AUA Update Series, Volume 40. https://auau.auanet.org/content/update-series-2021-lesson-27-what%E2%80%99s-new-male-contraception
Walker, K., Shindel, A. (2019). AUA Erectile Dysfunction Guideline. AUA Update Series, Volume 38. https://auau.auanet.org/content/course-307
Walker, K., Ramstein, J., & Smith, J. (2019). Regret Regarding Fertility Preservation Decisions Among Male Cancer Patients. The Journal of Urology, 201(Supplement 4), e680-e681. https://www.auajournals.org/doi/10.1097/01.JU.0000556300.18991.8e
Walker, K., & Smith, J. (2019). Feasibility Study of Video Telehealth Clinic Visits in Urology. The Journal of Urology, 201(Supplement 4), e545-e545. https://www.auajournals.org/doi/10.1097/01.JU.0000556071.60611.37