In a significant stride towards addressing female orgasmic disorder (FOD), four U.S. states are contemplating recognizing it as a condition that qualifies for medical marijuana treatment. This development is bolstered by a recent study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, which sheds light on cannabis’s potential to enhance orgasm frequency, satisfaction, and the ease of achieving orgasm for those affected by FOD.

The study, an observational endeavor from 2022 led by Suzanne Mulvehill, a clinical sexologist, and Jordan Tishler, a physician with the Association of Cannabinoid Specialists and inhaleMD, marks a pioneering investigation into FOD’s treatment with cannabis. Surveying 387 individuals, the study revealed that over half reported difficulties with orgasms, with significant improvements noted among those who used cannabis before partnered sex.

This research aligns with five decades of studies advocating cannabis for sexual difficulties, emphasizing its significance in treating FOD, a condition intertwined with broader mental health and well-being issues. Women with FOD often report higher rates of mental health challenges, pharmaceutical medication usage, and histories of sexual abuse, underscoring the need for comprehensive treatment options.

State-level discussions, such as those in Illinois and Ohio, are underway, with public hearings and comment periods set to further explore adding FOD to the list of medical marijuana qualifying conditions. New Mexico and Connecticut are also engaging in similar deliberations, highlighting a growing recognition of cannabis’s therapeutic potential in this domain.

The conversation around cannabis for FOD is complex, navigating the intersections of two often-stigmatized topics: cannabis and sexual health. Despite these challenges, the push for rigorous research, including randomized controlled trials, continues as advocates like Mulvehill and Tishler seek to substantiate cannabis’s benefits for sexual function.

Broader studies on cannabis and sexual health reinforce this direction, with findings suggesting improvements in desire, orgasm quality, and overall sexual satisfaction across genders. However, research also cautions against oversimplification, noting that cannabis’s effects on libido may vary with dosage, and excessive THC levels could potentially dampen sexual desire.

Understanding cannabis’s influence on sexual function involves exploring its interaction with the brain’s default mode network, a critical area implicated in the emotional and cognitive aspects of sexual experiences. This research parallels investigations into psychedelics, which also suggest potential enhancements in sexual pleasure and function through similar neural pathways.

As the dialogue around medical marijuana for FOD advances, the integration of scientific inquiry and patient advocacy remains pivotal, aiming to address not only the physiological aspects of FOD but also its profound impacts on individuals’ mental health and quality of life.