Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is ED?What Is CBD?Benefits for EDSide EffectsDosageUsing CBDOther Treatment Options
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is ED?
What Is CBD?
Benefits for ED
Side Effects
Dosage
Using CBD
Other Treatment Options
There is no evidence thatcannabidiol(CBD) oilderived from thecannabis (marijuana) plantcan improveerectile dysfunction (ED)
This article discusses the possible benefits of CBD for ED, including how the product is used and what risks and side effects are involved. It also explores other treatment options if struggling with a condition that affects 52% of males between ages 40 and 70.
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What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is defined as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection more than 75% of the time.It can be frustrating and impair the quality of life of those who experience it.
Certain health conditions can also increase the risk of ED, including:
Causes and Risk Factors of Erectile Dysfunction
What Is Cannabidiol (CBD)?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of over 85 active chemicals found in the cannabis plant. Unlike the compoundtetrahydrocannabinol(THC), CBD is not psychoactive (meaning it does not make you “high.")
CBD acts on theendocannabinoid system,a network of cellular receptors densely packed throughout the brain and body. The system helps regulate sleep, pain, memory, body temperature, digestion, emotional processing, and immune function, among other things.
By binding to these receptors and blocking certain chemical signals, CBD is thought to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, enhance mood, and control chronic pain.
There are three different types of CBD that can act on the body in different ways:
Is CBD Legal?Purchasing CBD is federally legal as long as it doesn’t contain more than 0.3% THC. With that said, there are no other FDA-approved drug products that contain CBD.
Is CBD Legal?
Purchasing CBD is federally legal as long as it doesn’t contain more than 0.3% THC. With that said, there are no other FDA-approved drug products that contain CBD.
Understanding Cannabinoids and Their Medical Uses
Benefits of CBD Oil for ED
Indirect Benefits
The ability to achieve and sustain an erection is due to a combination of physiological, psychological, and emotional responses to sexual stimulation. While there is no evidence that CBD has any physical impact on ED, it may alleviate some of the emotional stresses that contribute to sexual dysfunction.
Stress, anxiety, and depression are all known to reducelibido(sex drive) which, in turn, increases the risk of ED. In up to 40% of cases, ED is thought to bepsychogenic, meaning that it is primarily or entirely due to psychological factors.For these individuals especially, CBD may help,
CBD has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety in multiple studies. It also shows potential for minimizing depression, performance anxiety around public speaking, and social anxiety.
CBD has also been shown to lower blood pressure after a single oral dose.While the effect is short-lived, it can potentially increase the flow of blood to the penis at the time of sex.
Whether any of these effects correspond to improvements in sexual function remains under debate. Further research is needed.
5 Mental Health Uses for CBD
Are There Any Side Effects?
Overall, using CBD oil is considered generally safe. Some people may experience side effects like:
These effects tend to be mild and transient, but call your healthcare provider if they persist or worsen.
Interactions and Contraindications
There are many drugs that can interact with CBD. Some can become less effective or cause greater side effects when taken together.
Chief among these are:
There are few absolute contraindications to the use of CBD oil. With that said, people with a knownsesame allergyshould avoid CBD as it has a similar allergen protein structure.
Individuals with serious mental illness, like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, should also give CBD a miss (especially full-spectrum CBD oil which contains THC),
ED and Cannabis SmokersSmoking cannabis has a decidedly more adverse impact on erectile dysfunction when compared to CBD. A 2019 review of studies involving 3,395 healthy adults found that the incidence of ED was twice as high among cannabis smokers than non-smokers.
ED and Cannabis Smokers
Smoking cannabis has a decidedly more adverse impact on erectile dysfunction when compared to CBD. A 2019 review of studies involving 3,395 healthy adults found that the incidence of ED was twice as high among cannabis smokers than non-smokers.
There currently is no recommended dosage for CBD oil. The effects vary from person to person, and it may take some experimentation to find a dose that is effective for you. Before trying CBD for ED or any other health purpose, contact your healthcare provider to ensure that it is safe and does not interact with any medicines you take.
How Do You Use CBD for ED?
CBD comes in many different forms, including extracts, tinctures, capsules, soft gels, chewing gums, vape cartridges, and topical creams or ointments,
CBD products can be readily sourced at:
There are different ways that you can use CBD oil if you have ED.
CBD oilscan be applied to the penis for masturbation (which some people believe can enhance sexual pleasure).Unless sold as a sexual lubricant, they should not be used for anal or vaginal sex as thecarrier oilsmay be irritating. There are an increasing number of CBD-infused lubricants you can buy instead.
When used for therapeutic purposes, an oral broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD oil is recommended as it has greater bioavailability (meaning a higher concentration of the active ingredient in the bloodstream after you take it).
Cannabis and the Risk of Allergy
If you have ED, there are more proven methods of treatment you should consider. These include:
There are a number of lifestyle changes you can make to improve ED. These include exercising regularly, managing stress with activities like yoga and meditation, eating a healthy diet, and creating space to take care of yourself.
Summary
Cannabidiol (CBD) oil has garnered some interest as a potential natural treatment for ED. While there’s limited evidence that CBD can treat ED specifically, the compound has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety and possibly improve blood flow, which may be beneficial for ED.
Essential Oils for Erectile Dysfunction
13 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Erectile dysfunction.National Center for Biotechnology Information.PubChem compound summary for CID 644019, cannabidiol.Zou S, Kumar U.Cannabinoid receptors and the endocannabinoid system: signaling and function in the central nervous system.Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(3):833. Published 2018 Mar 13. doi:10.3390/ijms19030833Cather JC, Cather JC.Cannabidiol primer for healthcare professionals.Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent).2020 Jul;33(3):376–379. doi:10.1080/08998280.2020.1775437U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA regulation of cannabis and cannabis-derived products, including cannabidiol (CBD).Carvalho RK, Andersen ML, Mazaro-Costa R.The effects of cannabidiol on male reproductive system: A literature review.J Appl Toxicol. 2020;40(1):132-150. doi:10.1002/jat.3831Pakpahan C, Agustinus A, Darmadi D.Comprehensive intersystemic assessment approach to relieve psychogenic erectile dysfunction: a review.Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2021;9(F):189-196. doi:10.3889/oamjms.2021.6116Blessing EM, Steenkamp MM, Manzanares J, Marmar CR.Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders.Neurotherapeutics. 2015;12(4):825-836. doi:10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1Jadoon KA, Tan GD, O’Sullivan SE.A single dose of cannabidiol reduces blood pressure in healthy volunteers in a randomized crossover study.JCI Insight. 2017;2(12):e93760. doi:10.1172/jci.insight.93760Iffland K, Grotenhermen F.An update on safety and side effects of cannabidiol: A review of clinical data and relevant animal studies.Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2017;2(1):139-154. Published 2017 Jun 1. doi:10.1089/can.2016.0034Harvard Health. Harvard Medical School.CBD and other medications: Proceed with caution.Pizzol D, Demurtas J, Stubbs B, Soysal P, Mason C, Isik AT,et al.Relationship Between Cannabis Use and Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Am J Mens Health. 2019 Nov-Dec;13(6):1557988319892464. doi:10.1177/1557988319892464.Moltke J, Hindocha C.Reasons for cannabidiol use: a cross-sectional study of CBD users, focusing on self-perceived stress, anxiety, and sleep problems.J Cannabis Res.2021;3:5. doi:10.1186/s42238-021-00061-5
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Erectile dysfunction.National Center for Biotechnology Information.PubChem compound summary for CID 644019, cannabidiol.Zou S, Kumar U.Cannabinoid receptors and the endocannabinoid system: signaling and function in the central nervous system.Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(3):833. Published 2018 Mar 13. doi:10.3390/ijms19030833Cather JC, Cather JC.Cannabidiol primer for healthcare professionals.Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent).2020 Jul;33(3):376–379. doi:10.1080/08998280.2020.1775437U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA regulation of cannabis and cannabis-derived products, including cannabidiol (CBD).Carvalho RK, Andersen ML, Mazaro-Costa R.The effects of cannabidiol on male reproductive system: A literature review.J Appl Toxicol. 2020;40(1):132-150. doi:10.1002/jat.3831Pakpahan C, Agustinus A, Darmadi D.Comprehensive intersystemic assessment approach to relieve psychogenic erectile dysfunction: a review.Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2021;9(F):189-196. doi:10.3889/oamjms.2021.6116Blessing EM, Steenkamp MM, Manzanares J, Marmar CR.Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders.Neurotherapeutics. 2015;12(4):825-836. doi:10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1Jadoon KA, Tan GD, O’Sullivan SE.A single dose of cannabidiol reduces blood pressure in healthy volunteers in a randomized crossover study.JCI Insight. 2017;2(12):e93760. doi:10.1172/jci.insight.93760Iffland K, Grotenhermen F.An update on safety and side effects of cannabidiol: A review of clinical data and relevant animal studies.Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2017;2(1):139-154. Published 2017 Jun 1. doi:10.1089/can.2016.0034Harvard Health. Harvard Medical School.CBD and other medications: Proceed with caution.Pizzol D, Demurtas J, Stubbs B, Soysal P, Mason C, Isik AT,et al.Relationship Between Cannabis Use and Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Am J Mens Health. 2019 Nov-Dec;13(6):1557988319892464. doi:10.1177/1557988319892464.Moltke J, Hindocha C.Reasons for cannabidiol use: a cross-sectional study of CBD users, focusing on self-perceived stress, anxiety, and sleep problems.J Cannabis Res.2021;3:5. doi:10.1186/s42238-021-00061-5
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Erectile dysfunction.National Center for Biotechnology Information.PubChem compound summary for CID 644019, cannabidiol.Zou S, Kumar U.Cannabinoid receptors and the endocannabinoid system: signaling and function in the central nervous system.Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(3):833. Published 2018 Mar 13. doi:10.3390/ijms19030833Cather JC, Cather JC.Cannabidiol primer for healthcare professionals.Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent).2020 Jul;33(3):376–379. doi:10.1080/08998280.2020.1775437U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA regulation of cannabis and cannabis-derived products, including cannabidiol (CBD).Carvalho RK, Andersen ML, Mazaro-Costa R.The effects of cannabidiol on male reproductive system: A literature review.J Appl Toxicol. 2020;40(1):132-150. doi:10.1002/jat.3831Pakpahan C, Agustinus A, Darmadi D.Comprehensive intersystemic assessment approach to relieve psychogenic erectile dysfunction: a review.Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2021;9(F):189-196. doi:10.3889/oamjms.2021.6116Blessing EM, Steenkamp MM, Manzanares J, Marmar CR.Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders.Neurotherapeutics. 2015;12(4):825-836. doi:10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1Jadoon KA, Tan GD, O’Sullivan SE.A single dose of cannabidiol reduces blood pressure in healthy volunteers in a randomized crossover study.JCI Insight. 2017;2(12):e93760. doi:10.1172/jci.insight.93760Iffland K, Grotenhermen F.An update on safety and side effects of cannabidiol: A review of clinical data and relevant animal studies.Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2017;2(1):139-154. Published 2017 Jun 1. doi:10.1089/can.2016.0034Harvard Health. Harvard Medical School.CBD and other medications: Proceed with caution.Pizzol D, Demurtas J, Stubbs B, Soysal P, Mason C, Isik AT,et al.Relationship Between Cannabis Use and Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Am J Mens Health. 2019 Nov-Dec;13(6):1557988319892464. doi:10.1177/1557988319892464.Moltke J, Hindocha C.Reasons for cannabidiol use: a cross-sectional study of CBD users, focusing on self-perceived stress, anxiety, and sleep problems.J Cannabis Res.2021;3:5. doi:10.1186/s42238-021-00061-5
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Erectile dysfunction.
National Center for Biotechnology Information.PubChem compound summary for CID 644019, cannabidiol.
Zou S, Kumar U.Cannabinoid receptors and the endocannabinoid system: signaling and function in the central nervous system.Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(3):833. Published 2018 Mar 13. doi:10.3390/ijms19030833
Cather JC, Cather JC.Cannabidiol primer for healthcare professionals.Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent).2020 Jul;33(3):376–379. doi:10.1080/08998280.2020.1775437
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA regulation of cannabis and cannabis-derived products, including cannabidiol (CBD).
Carvalho RK, Andersen ML, Mazaro-Costa R.The effects of cannabidiol on male reproductive system: A literature review.J Appl Toxicol. 2020;40(1):132-150. doi:10.1002/jat.3831
Pakpahan C, Agustinus A, Darmadi D.Comprehensive intersystemic assessment approach to relieve psychogenic erectile dysfunction: a review.Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2021;9(F):189-196. doi:10.3889/oamjms.2021.6116
Blessing EM, Steenkamp MM, Manzanares J, Marmar CR.Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders.Neurotherapeutics. 2015;12(4):825-836. doi:10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1
Jadoon KA, Tan GD, O’Sullivan SE.A single dose of cannabidiol reduces blood pressure in healthy volunteers in a randomized crossover study.JCI Insight. 2017;2(12):e93760. doi:10.1172/jci.insight.93760
Iffland K, Grotenhermen F.An update on safety and side effects of cannabidiol: A review of clinical data and relevant animal studies.Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2017;2(1):139-154. Published 2017 Jun 1. doi:10.1089/can.2016.0034
Harvard Health. Harvard Medical School.CBD and other medications: Proceed with caution.
Pizzol D, Demurtas J, Stubbs B, Soysal P, Mason C, Isik AT,et al.Relationship Between Cannabis Use and Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Am J Mens Health. 2019 Nov-Dec;13(6):1557988319892464. doi:10.1177/1557988319892464.
Moltke J, Hindocha C.Reasons for cannabidiol use: a cross-sectional study of CBD users, focusing on self-perceived stress, anxiety, and sleep problems.J Cannabis Res.2021;3:5. doi:10.1186/s42238-021-00061-5
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