{"id":1636,"date":"2022-03-24T09:42:23","date_gmt":"2022-03-24T09:42:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vertica-labs.com\/de\/?p=1636"},"modified":"2023-11-01T10:13:55","modified_gmt":"2023-11-01T10:13:55","slug":"cannabis-and-sexual-function","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vertica-labs.com\/de\/blog\/cannabis-and-sexual-function\/","title":{"rendered":"Is cannabis conducive to Erectile Dysfunction?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cannabis is one of the most commonly used illicit soft drugs to which various health benefits are attributed, but can it affect men’s performance in the bedroom?<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a very common condition involving the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient enough for sexual intercourse.<\/p>\n

Although ED becomes more common as men age, it is not considered a natural part of aging and it can hurt the self-confidence and sex life of many men. In fact, the development of ED can indicate an underlying medical problem, such as diabetes, heart disease, a neurological problem or high blood pressure.<\/p>\n

In recent years a close link between the use of different psychoactive substances (such as alcohol) and ED was discovered, but does it apply to cannabis use as well?<\/p>\n

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Cannabis and the Endocannabinoid System<\/h2>\n

When talking about cannabis, the reference is to the flowers, leaves, seeds and stems of the Cannabis sativa<\/em> plant. This plant contains a wide range of active constituents including a major group of substances called cannabinoids, of which THC and CBD are the most researched and well-known ones.<\/p>\n

The cannabis plant affects many biological functions in the body and it does so by interacting with the endocannabinoid system \u2013 a body system comprising a network of receptors (CB1 and CB2 receptors) that are found in different tissues and organs, to which natural substances called endocannabinoids bind. The endocannabinoid system has an important role in maintaining internal balance and stability (homeostasis) in the body, including in relation to sleep, mood, immunity, the inflammatory response, and all these are just a part of its numerous functions. Apart from our natural endo-cannabinoids, cannabinoids in the cannabis plant can likewise bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors and in turn trigger various responses in the body and brain. For example, chronic symptoms of pain, inflammation, nausea, anxiety and many others are improved following cannabis consumption. In addition, THC is known as psychoactive: on one hand it can improve mood, creativity and appetite and on the other, it can alter the senses, make thinking difficult, cause some impairment of movement and alter time perception.<\/p>\n

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Cannabis and Male Sexual Function<\/h2>\n

Similar to most synthetic medications, cannabis too has several positive therapeutic effects together with some unwanted side effects, including in relation to sexual function. So far however, the science behind this has been mixed, with some studies showing that cannabis improves measures relating to male sexuality and others indicating the opposite.\u00a0Therefore, before considering cannabis as a treatment for sexual dysfunction it is important to understand the pros and cons to combining it with sex. Highlighted below are some benefits and risks to using cannabinoid therapy for sexual wellbeing.<\/p>\n

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