New research shows marijuana results in changes in sexual behavior
First, the bad news. Science has shown that marijuana can negatively affect female and male reproductive health. The good news is that marijuana also causes changes in sexual behavior that completely negate the biological drawbacks. An enhanced sexual experience is certainly a plus for marijuana, but there could be an unexpected consequence.
Researchers at the University of Connecticut conducted a study that followed sexual behavior and birth rates in states that have legalized medical marijuana. The study, which was led by the university’s Michele Baggio, revealed that those states with legalized marijuana had a higher rate of intercourse and a lower rate of contraceptive use. The result – more marijuana, more babies.
An annual survey of youth that was conducted from 1997 to 2015 was the basis of the research. Among the survey’s questions are items that ask participants to detail their sexual activity, as well as their marijuana use. Interestingly, a decline in condom sales followed on the heels of marijuana legalization in the individual states.
Marijuana has already been shown to heighten sensory perception and reduce anxiety while leading to an increased sense of relaxation. The study was limited in scope – only concentrating on these two aspects – but the results are interesting, all the same.
Marijuana has been used as an aphrodisiac for centuries. It has been found associated with a number of ancient cultures and was often taken through a beverage. There have been a number of new innovations recently, though, that also provide delivery through edibles, vaporizers and even lubricants. Just remember to take cannabis in moderation – too much can have the opposite effect and suppress the libido.
