Effects of Cannabinoids on Female Sexual Function

With the legalization of both medical and recreational marijuana in some countries and a few US states, its use has become more widely prevalent. Both exogenous cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) have been shown to affect female gonadotropin pathways and female sexuality. Yet, our understanding of the mechanisms and effects on female sexual function is limited.

To review the literature regarding the effects of both endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids on female sexual function in both animals and humans.

We performed a PubMed search for English-language articles in peer-reviewed journals between 1970 and 2019. We used the following search terms: "cannabinoids," "endocannabinoids," "marijuana," "cannabis," and "female sexual function" or "sexual function." The main outcomes of the papers were reviewed.

The main outcome measure was sexual function in females.

A total of 12 human studies and 8 animal studies that evaluated the relationship between cannabinoids and female sexual function were included. Study types in animals were blinded, prospective, placebo-controlled trials. Human studies were based primarily on questionnaire data. The data indicate dose-dependent effects on female sexual desire and receptivity, such that low doses generally facilitate or have no effect but high doses inhibit.

More research is needed to develop a better understanding of the effects of cannabinoids on female sexual function. There does appear to be an effect on both animals and humans, but whether the effect is positive or negative along dose and species lines requires more study. With the legalization of marijuana occurring in more countries and more US states, there needs to be more well-controlled studies evaluating the effects. Lynn B, Gee A, Zhang L, et al. Effects of Cannabinoids on Female Sexual Function. Sex Med Rev 2020;8:18-27.