Can Smoking Weed Every Day Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

Marijuana also referred to as weed, is the dried flowers, stems, and seeds from the Cannabis indica or Cannabis sativa plant. It is commonly used by people for recreational purposes.

The psychoactive compound present in weed, namely tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), has numerous effects on male sexual health, including erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, is a form of sexual dysfunction in men characterized by the inability to maintain and get a penile erection. It is the most common sexual problem in men [1].

Read on to learn more about the link between weed and ED.

Can Weed Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

Pros Of Weed

Smoking Cannabis can cause euphoria (intense feeling of excitement, well-being, and happiness). As a result, this could lead to elevated mood, increased arousal, and increased sexual desire [2].

In research by Amanda Moser et al., published in 2023, it was stated that the use of cannabis increases sexual functioning and satisfaction, particularly orgasm intensity and sexual desire.

High cholesterol is one of the most common factors causing erectile dysfunction. A study published in Clinical and Developmental Immunology found that weed (cannabis) may help reduce tissue buildup and damage resulting from high cholesterol. The study was conducted on mice, so more research is required.

Cons Of Weed

Weed may not always provide sexual boost to people.  A literature review published in 2011 in The Journal of Sexual Medicine concluded that marijuana may increase the risk of erectile dysfunction in men [3].

Studies found that when THC  reaches the brain, it makes users feel high. This interferes with the normal functioning of the body. It may also interfere with the normal functioning of the smooth muscles present in the penis, resulting in ED [4].

In a study with 3,395 men, 1,131 men used cannabis, and the rest did not. Among weed users, 69.1% experienced ED. This suggests a link between the use of marijuana and erectile dysfunction [5].

The use of cannabis can cause hormonal imbalances in men, which can lead to impaired sexual function.

Therefore, by looking at the evidence mentioned above, we can conclude that the connection between weed and ED isn’t crystal clear, and more research is required.

Home Remedy For ED

Below, we have discussed some home remedies for erectile dysfunction [7] –

Exercise

There are many lifestyle changes that help to reduce the symptoms of ED, but among them, exercising can have the greatest impact, “says Zachary R. Mucher, MD, a urologist in Sugar Land, Texas.

Learn about the best exercises for erectile dysfunction in detail by just visiting our blog page, “How effective are exercises for ED.”

Healthy Diet

The food that one eats has a direct impact on impotence, says Dr. Mucher. A diet rich in veggies, fruits, whole grains, and fish, with fewer servings of refined grains and red meat, decreases the risk of erectile dysfunction.

Certain foods contain PDE5. People who want to try natural alternatives for ED can add a few food items to their diet. Get detailed knowledge about the foods that contain this enzyme by visiting our blog “What foods contain PDE5 inhibitors“.

Sleep

Getting adequate sleep every day is crucial for overall health. Proper sleep may also improve ED. Men who worked night shifts and reported worse sleep quality were at higher risk of sexual dysfunction, according to a 2017 study.

Marijuana And Other Medications

Marijuana can interfere with some medications, including:

• Medication used to treat blood sugar: Cannabis affects blood sugar levels. Use weed with caution if you take medicines that affect blood sugar, such as insulin.
• Medications that cause sleepiness – Cannabis can cause extreme drowsiness when taken with medicines such as diazepam and lorazepam.
• Blood pressure medications – Cannabis should be taken cautiously while using blood pressure medicines like beta-blockers or diuretics.

Final Words

Does weed cause erectile dysfunction? Research is still going on, but there is a link between the two, according to some studies.

If you’re someone who uses marijuana and is suffering from ED, it’s worth stopping to see if symptoms improve.

Always consult a doctor when it comes to your health, especially with ED. They can help you discover the cause of the condition.