For millions of women, achieving orgasm is not simple, and for some it feels nearly impossible. Female Orgasmic Disorder (FOD) affects up to 41 percent of women worldwide, yet there are currently no established treatments. A new review published in August 2025 may finally change that conversation. Researchers from the Female Orgasm Research Institute and the Association of Cannabinoid Specialists combed through nearly two dozen studies and found consistent evidence that cannabis use improved orgasm frequency, intensity, and satisfaction. Even more promising, the review revealed that cannabis use often helped women who struggled with orgasm outside of any formal diagnosis, pointing to broader applications for sexual wellness.

Evidence Across Decades

The review included one randomized controlled trial and 15 observational studies, with data from nearly 9,000 women. Across these studies, cannabis use correlated with improved sexual function in key areas: ease of orgasm, quality of orgasm, and in some cases the ability to reach multiple orgasms. A trial involving cannabis suppositories and mindful use among gynecologic cancer patients found statistically significant improvements in orgasm function. And this isn’t new—studies dating back to the late 1970s hinted at the potential for cannabis to enhance sexual health, though stigma and prohibition buried those findings for decades.

A Call for Cannabis as a First-Line Treatment

The authors argue that cannabis should be considered as a qualifying treatment for FOD, potentially even a first-line option. While more randomized controlled trials are needed to define dosing, strain specifics, timing, and routes of administration, the evidence already available paints a compelling picture. Suzanne Mulvehill, co-author of the review and someone who has spoken openly about her own struggle with orgasm difficulty, stressed that cannabis offers women not only improved sexual health but also a path toward better relationships and overall quality of life.

The State-Level Divide

Despite this growing body of evidence, the acceptance of cannabis for sexual health is uneven. Illinois recently approved Female Orgasmic Disorder as a qualifying condition for medical cannabis use, acknowledging the literature and survey data supporting its benefits. But states like Oregon, Ohio, Maryland, and Arkansas have rejected similar petitions, often citing a lack of randomized trials. What makes this refusal troubling is the inconsistency: other conditions, including PTSD, have been approved for medical cannabis without requiring such rigorous evidence. This double standard reflects the broader cultural bias around women’s sexual health.

Breaking the Taboo Around Cannabis and Sexuality

Cannabis is not a magic wand for every challenge in the bedroom, but the emerging science is clear: for many women, it can make orgasm more attainable, more satisfying, and more frequent. For too long, women struggling with orgasm have had little more than silence from the medical establishment. This review signals that the silence may finally be breaking. Cannabis is stepping into a role that traditional medicine has neglected, offering women not just relief but empowerment. If we are serious about treating sexual health with the same dignity as any other aspect of wellbeing, cannabis must be part of the conversation.