Does Smoking Pot Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

You may have heard the term “weed dick” in reference to marijuana causing erectile dysfunction (ED). But is it scientifically proven? Actually, no.  

Conflicting studies on animals 

It seems that for every study showing that smoking pot does cause erectile dysfunction, there is another study showing it doesn’t cause erectile dysfunction. In fact, some studies even found that getting high improved sex. 

For example, Civilized.com reported that a study simulating marijuana use by activating cannabinoid receptors in rats and rabbits (which are surprisingly similar to humans in terms of physiology), caused erections.  

But in another study, researchers used a similar test on monkeys and found that the monkeys developed erectile dysfunction. 

Conflicting studies on humans 

Unfortunately, because of the legal restrictions on marijuana use, there haven’t been enough studies to determine if the drug causes erectile dysfunction in humans.  

While one 1980s longitudinal study published in the International Journal of the Addictions found that regular pot smokers experienced enhanced sex from the drug, another study, which was published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, found that pot smokers had erectile dysfunction at twice the rate as those who didn’t smoke pot. 

There are multiple issues with studies that have been done on humans, including problems with health factors not being considered. Diabetes, for example, is a leading cause of erectile dysfunction, yet men aren’t always screened for it in these ED studies. 

Likewise, cause and effect can’t always be blamed on pot use. A man who smokes pot to cope with anxiety may get ED from the marijuana … or from the anxiety. How do researchers know which caused the impotence? 

Treating erectile dysfunction 

Regardless of the cause, many men who experience erectile dysfunction see good results from ED drugs, such as Viagra, Cialis and Levitra.  

Don’t assume that they won’t work for you if you try one but see no results. While Viagra may not work for one man, Cialis might. Or vice versa. You need to talk to your doctor about your medical history and any medications you currently take, as ED drugs should not be taken with certain medications.