Talking about changes in your sex drive can be awkward or viewed as taboo, and for this reason, there is often a sense of shame surrounding the topic. But changes in libido are really quite common in those that quit using marijuana after periods of heavy use.
Some studies indicate that over a quarter of users experience this withdrawal symptom during the cessation period, and this is likely a vast underrepresentation of the true figure due to underreporting (Levin, Drug Alcohol Depend, 2010). So, let’s talk about it.
Your libido, or sex drive, is influenced by both biologic and psychologic factors. On a biologic level, sex drive is modulated by several areas of your brain, most importantly the dopamine-driven reward center. The series of receptors that are modulated by marijuana, termed the endogenous cannabinoid system, are also important in modulating sexual arousal and sex drive (Klein, J Sex Med, 2012).
After prolonged marijuana use, signaling through both these systems is altered. Dampened signals in the reward center, in particular, can make it difficult to achieve the same amount of sexual pleasure or even want to engage in sex at all.
Though most individuals with altered libido do report a decrease in sexual desire, it is also possible to experience an increased sex drive. These differences are likely related to the unique biology of the individual as well as the duration and frequency of marijuana use.
On a psychological level, major changes in your life can lead to altered sex drive, especially if marijuana was part of your sex life. Emotions play a big role, too, and if you’re like most, abstinence from marijuana may cause you to feel like you’re on an emotional rollercoaster. Don’t judge yourself during this time, whatever your symptoms may be. Know that you’re not alone in this.
Brian Canfield, Ed.D.
Contributing Author
Professor, Counselor Education at Florida Atlantic University. Founder of the International Association of Psychology and Counseling.
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Good work
My sex drive has disappeared since I gave up smoking pot.
I was a porn star at 52yo, metaphoricall! Major stoner! From day 1- present (2 weeks) have 0 desire to fuck
I’ve smoked all day and night for over 20 years. I’m normally horny all the time. I’m on day 4 of quitting and sex is the furthest thing from my mind.
Same here. Weed after sex is the best for me. Not smoking change that for me. My wife been sex crazy as of late. I just not been inn the mood.
When does it come back?
I quit one week ago, I’m smoking much more tobacco than before, my sex drive (erection) and quality of sleep are the most significant withdrawal symptoms that I encounter.
Done it 2 years nonstop and almost 8 blunts a day. Got a military deployment where weed is extremely illegal. Has helped me quit weed and the symptoms are relatively easier than I though. However, 0 sex drive for someone who had sex almost daily. My sleep is just littered with weird or horrific dreams, though luckily I remember only few when I wake up
is my sex drive going to come back?
The reason why I kept coming back to weed was because weed and sex was so amazing. Now I’m not on weed and it’s not the same. But cause bad stomachaches so I’m finally done with weed. Still after 3 weeks my stomach is a mess.
I smoked dope for 50 years and noticed a severe drop in sex drive and frequency when I stopped 7 months ago. It has not really returned, though I still have sex occasionally I also had crazy vibrant dreams and still do
I never touched weed or any drug at all till I was 52 years old. I tried weed out of boredom one day but didn’t enjoy the smell or actually smoking.
My wife picked up a weed vape for me one day and i didn’t mind that at all. My wife has always had an extremely high libido and i literally could never keep up with her, honestly I had turned down more sex from my poor wife than most men have ever had. But I would smoke a bit of weed vape and could pound on my wife for two hrs at a time non stop . I could ejaculate multiple times( I was always a one shot and stop guy previously) and being that my wife regularly has multiple orgasms anyways, I could regularly give her 10-15 orgasms during a session. (honestly)
Men don’t usually have an orgasm when they ejaculate but on weed If I had an orgasm , many times I felt like I was leaving my body and three times I actually blacked out. After two years of weed use and probably 900 of the craziest sex sessions I have ever had I started to worry about having a habit , no matter how awesome my sex life was. Now I have only ever smoked weed at night after work(never during the morning or day) but I decided that I should stop for many reasons but I never expected that It would literally kill my sex drive, I can’t even get a full erection right now and I hope it returns. It has been 15 days since I quit marijuana.
When I used to smoke weed (quit January 1st) I would have the best sex! Would try all types of things most women wouldn’t try but ever since I stopped I just don’t even crave it
My sex drive has increased since I stopped smoking
I was a well known stoner in my community, and also had a high sex drive, since I quit snoking my sex drive and strength has decreased significantly. I hate it here.