This article provides an overview of erectile dysfunction (ED) and how Viagra is used to treat its physical causes before discussing the interactions of Viagra and cannabis. [Español]
The main takeaways from the limited research on marijuana, Viagra, and ED, are as follows:
- The research is inconclusive at best
- Marijuana may have positive and negative impacts on one’s health and sexual functioning
- It’s best to have an open conversation with your doctor before mixing Viagra and marijuana
Erectile Dysfunction and Viagra
If you’re a man experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED), or the inability to get or keep an erection, and/or a decreased sexual desire, it’s likely you’ve heard of Viagra, or its generic name Sildenafil citrate. One of the most common medications prescribed for ED available on the market, Viarga increases blood flow to the penis, improving a man’s ability to achieve or maintain an erection for sexual intercourse. Viagra can be effective if ED is caused by a physical or physiological condition, including: high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol, to name a few conditions. However, Viagra can also be due to mental health issues like depression and anxiety, caused by stress, or by lifestyle choices like smoking, poor sleep habits, or exacerbated by certain medications. Before taking Viagra for erectile dysfunction, it is important to consult a doctor to determine if Viagra is the appropriate course of treatment.
Marijuana, Sexual Functioning, and Viagra
Men living in one of the eleven states (and D.C.) where recreational marijuana (cannabis) is legal, including Alaska, California, Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont and Washington, may be wondering if it is safe to indulge in the recreational drug while taking Viagra. While there’s yet to be any conclusive evidence that mixing Viagra and marijuana is unsafe, it is probably best to consider these factors before lighting up.
First, there’s been some discussion in the medical and academic communities that marijuana may actually cause ED, but those claims have been deemed inconclusive. However, research still supports limiting cigarette smoking to improve sexual functioning.
Second, when THC was administered to lab animals for testing, including rats, mice, and monkeys, the animals exhibited reduced functioning or health of their reproductive organs, including smaller prostates and seminal vesicles, and changes in testicular functioning, which researchers attributed to a THC-caused drop in testosterone. This is another reason to avoid partaking in marijuana use while experiencing ED, as lower testosterone levels may decrease sexual desire.
Third, while marijuana has been associated with positive health effects like improved quality of life, increased sexual desire, and potentially reducing high cholesterol-related damage, ED sufferers should still be wary. Marijuana has been linked to hormone issues in men, and can impact the body’s normal functioning, both of which may contribute to ED. Further, one case study reported that marijuana affected how one man’s body metabolized Viagra, leading to him having a heart attack.
What’s the Takeaway?
As mentioned above, the research on the effects of mixing Viagra and marijuana are inconclusive, but there is enough anecdotal research to give men pause before indulging in cannabis when taking Viagra. If you are currently taking Viagra, or are hoping to obtain a prescription for Viagra to treat ED, and you think you may use cannabis in the future, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider first.
If you’re interested in obtaining prescription medications for ED with convenience and discretion, we invite you to visit the eDrugstore Erectile Dysfunction page.
Kwynn holds a Master of Public Health and is currently pursuing a PhD in Social Work. Her research examines the intersections of health, technology, and gender-based violence.