Sex, Drugs & Rock-n-Roll: Exploring the Science Behind How Cannabinoids and Classic Psychedelics May Enhance Sex

Tanya Griffin, founder of oOYes, guides us through a journey from lactation consulting to sex-positive advocacy, pairing rigorous science with open dialogue to illuminate how plant-based medicine and psychedelics can transform women’s sexual health.

Tanya Griffin’s professional life began in motherhood support—she founded Kangaroo Kids, a maternity and lactation consulting network in the 1990s. After pioneering a vertically integrated cannabis franchise in Illinois, she launched oOYes, an ecstatic sex-and-intimacy framework. The oOYes Sex Quiz sparks honest conversations about desire and boundaries, reflecting Tanya’s core belief:

“An orgasm is a natural process we should all aspire to — women deserve to have multiples.”

Nearly 40% of women report low libido or difficulty with arousal under everyday stress¹, and up to 30% experience delayed or absent orgasms². Menopause adds another layer, as declining estrogen leads to vaginal dryness and discomfort. Performance anxiety—racing thoughts about work, body image, or family—can hijack presence, making pleasure elusive.

A growing body of research suggests moderate cannabis use can enhance several domains of sexual function:

• Libido & Arousal: In a survey of 373 women, those using cannabis before sex had over twice the odds of reporting satisfactory orgasms and elevated arousal³.
• Orgasmic Satisfaction: A study using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) found frequent cannabis users scored significantly higher in desire, arousal, orgasm, and overall satisfaction⁴.
• Lubrication: Neither survey found consistent improvements in vaginal lubrication—in fact, some women reported increased dryness³.
• Pain Reduction: Over 60% of women reported decreased intercourse-related pain after using cannabis³.
  
• Dose Matters: Evidence supports a U-shaped dose–response: low to moderate doses tend to enhance function, while high doses may induce sedation or cognitive fog⁵.

Cannabis in Menopause: Early Insights

Among 258 midlife women, 79% used medical cannabis for menopause symptoms—sleep, mood swings, and sexual issues alike⁶. Approximately 30% tried it for orgasmic difficulty, with 70% noting substantial improvement⁷. These self-reports suggest THC’s vasodilatory effects may partly counteract estrogen-related dryness by improving genital blood flow.

Psychedelics & Intimacy: Emerging Research

Classic psychedelics and MDMA offer a different pathway to sexual well-being:

• Psilocybin & LSD: A 2024 mixed-methods study of ~300 participants found most reported lasting improvements in sexual enjoyment, arousal, intimacy, and satisfaction up to six months post-experience⁸.
• MDMA: Systematic reviews reveal MDMA dramatically increases desire, emotional closeness, and lubrication in women, though orgasms may be delayed due to serotonergic effects⁹.

Psychedelics modulate serotonin receptors and trigger oxytocin release—fostering empathy and presence—while microdoses can heighten touch, taste, and smell, making intimacy more vivid.

Beyond recreational use, psychedelic-assisted therapy shows promise for sexual trauma recovery and couples’ intimacy work¹⁰. Rigorous clinical trials are essential to establish standardized dosing protocols for cannabinoids and psychedelics in treating female sexual dysfunction, from menopause-related dryness to trauma-induced anxiety.

While wine or cocktails may lower inhibitions, that loss of restraint can lead to impaired judgment, regrettable choices, and diminished emotional presence. Moreover, alcohol often dampens physiological arousal, reduces natural lubrication, and disrupts sleep and hormone balance—issues that can particularly undermine sexual function for peri- and post-menopausal women.

How can women integrate these insights safely and joyously?

1. Start slow. Begin cautiously. If you choose to explore cannabinoids or psychedelics, start with very small, measured amounts—staying well within your comfort zone—and pay attention to how even subtle effects align with your intentions.
2. Set the scene. Dim lights, curate an inviting playlist, and eliminate distractions to build anticipation.
3. Track your rhythms. Use wearables like the Oura Ring (and the forthcoming oOYes app) to log cycle phase, substance use, and sexual experiences—data reveals your personal pleasure windows.
4. Communicate boundaries. Leverage the oOYes Sex Quiz to define and share desires, limits, and safe words—laying groundwork for trust and exploration.

• Clinical Trials: Launch RCTs of standardized cannabinoid and microdose protocols for female sexual dysfunction.
• Sex-Tech Integration: Combine hormone tracking with personalized cannabinoid/psychedelic guidance.
• Therapeutic Models: Expand couples- and trauma-informed psychedelic therapies to reignite intimacy.
  
• Education & Policy: Destigmatize informed, consensual exploration under medical guidance, backed by empirical data.

1. Kasman et al., 2020. Sexual Medicine, FSFI survey on cannabis and female sexual function.
2. Kasman et al., 2020. Sexual Medicine, FSFI findings on orgasmic disorders.
3. Lynn et al., 2019. Sexual Medicine, survey of 373 women on cannabis use before sex.
4. Kasman et al., 2020. Sexual Medicine, frequent cannabis use vs. FSFI domains.
5. Kipping & Lynn, 2020. Current Sexual Health Reports, U-shaped dose–response review.
6. Nguyen et al., 2022. Menopause, survey of cannabis use in midlife women.
7. Dreher et al., 2024. Journal of Sexual Medicine (in press), cannabis for female orgasmic difficulty.
8. Barba et al., 2024. Scientific Reports, mixed-methods study on psychedelics and sexual function.
9. Wexler et al., 2023. Sexual Medicine Reviews, MDMA’s effects on desire, arousal, lubrication, and orgasm timing.
10. PsychedelicSupport, 2023. “Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy for Sexual Trauma,” overview article.