Why young adults combine cannabis and sex: a gender perspective

This qualitative study examined why young adults aged 18-24 use cannabis during sexual encounters and how gender influences these decisions. Researchers conducted 27 semi-structured interviews and analyzed responses using thematic analysis guided by the Gender Structure Framework, which considers how social structures around gender shape behavior. Cannabis ranks as the second most commonly used substance during sex after alcohol, making this an important gap in our understanding of sexual health and well-being.

The research identified three main motivations for sex under the influence of cannabis: transformed sexuality (enhanced sensations, deeper emotional connection), facilitated sex (reduced anxiety, lessened concerns about performance or judgment), and contextual influences (habit, environmental associations). Importantly, the study found significant gender differences in how these motivations operated, with participants reporting that cannabis use shaped their sexual experiences in distinctly gendered ways. These findings suggest cannabis serves multiple functions in young adults' sexual lives, from pleasure enhancement to anxiety management.

The study emphasizes the need for non-stigmatizing, gender-responsive sexual health approaches that recognize cannabis use patterns in young adults' realities. Rather than viewing cannabis use solely through a harm-reduction lens, the researchers highlight the importance of understanding pleasure, agency, and individual needs when developing sexual well-being programs. This research provides critical insights for healthcare providers, sexual educators, and policymakers seeking to support young adults' sexual health in ways that are evidence-based and culturally relevant.