Is the Erect Penis Affected by Marijuana Use?
September 1, 2016Penis health is a subject which encompasses many areas, including a man’s lifestyle choices. For instance, when it comes to using recreational substances, many men are aware of the infamous "whiskey dick," a condition in which alcohol prevents the attainment of an erection - but what about marijuana? Is there such a thing as a "ganja dick?"
The Impact of Legalization
The question of how marijuana may or may not affect the penis has become more pressing in recent years. This has been precipitated by the movement toward decriminalization of marijuana use and a definite increase in the availability of marijuana for medical purposes.
One of the upsides of this trend is that, with marijuana more readily available in legal form, it will be easier for scientists to conduct studies that look at marijuana and its health effects, including its impact on the penis and penile function. However, there are already some existing studies that provide some important initial information.
Erect penis function
Much of what is known about marijuana’s potential effect on the erect penis comes from a 2011 study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine. This study found that the penis contains proteins that are called cannabinoid receptors. These receptors are also found in the brain, where marijuana’s effects are much more widely studied. In the brain, these cannabinoid receptors react to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in marijuana. This reaction is what causes the impairment associated with getting high.
The 2011 study found that many of these receptors are also located in the smooth muscle of the penis, which makes up about ¾ of the organ and which is a crucial component in erectile function. While the study was not large enough in scope to determine what impact this may have on penis health, the study authors believe that it may indicate possible negative consequences, especially for men whose use is frequent and long term in nature.
Ejaculation
In addition, there may be other penile issues related to marijuana use. An Australian study found that men who toked up every day were 4 times as likely to have difficulty reaching orgasm. Interestingly, the same study also found that daily users were also three times as likely to suffer from premature ejaculation.
These seemingly contradictory results indicate that more research is needed. It’s also worth noting that many men claim that smoking marijuana helps them in bed. Getting high relaxes them and makes them feel more open and receptive to physical stimulation and to emotional engagement.
Shrinkage
Finally, long-term tobacco smoking has been found to negatively affect the elasticity of penile connective tissue, which over time can lead to a loss of length in the penis. Whether such an effect occurs with marijuana is unclear, but something a man may want to think about.
Most men who use marijuana hit their usage "peak" in their 20s or early 30s, a time when they are also enjoying a sexual performance high. As a result, most erect penis effects that marijuana may have may be mitigated by the robust sexual health of youth. But the question remains whether use during this period may have an effect on their sexual health in later life.
Since the exact effect of marijuana on the erect penis is still up in the air, men are advised to take all steps necessary to maintain their penis health at its peak; a healthy penis will be able to better withstand any effects that may occur. Regular use of a superior penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) aids in keeping the member in good shape. Especially valuable is the crème with L-arginine and vitamin C. L-arginine is an amino acid that aids in the creation of nitric oxide, which in turn helps keep penile blood vessels open and receptive to blood flow, an important component of proper erectile health. Vitamin C also aids blood flow maintenance as well as encouraging collagen production, which in turn is vital for penile erections.
Posted by John Dugan. Posted In : Men's Health
