Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is a condition that affects roughly 30 million men in the United States and is characterized by the inability to get or keep an erection long enough for satisfactory intercourse. Men who have erectile dysfunction can experience a variety of side effects, such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, loss of intimacy, unfulfilled sex life, and fertility issues.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the hundreds of cannabinoids that are found in the cannabis plant. CBD is frequently harvested from hemp and sold in the unregulated national retail market in a variety of product types. However, legal cannabis states usually offer the same variety of high CBD products – including flower – at regulated dispensaries, often with higher concentrations of THC. In addition, regulated dispensaries can carry products with different ratios of CBD and THC (whereas hemp-derived CBD products must remain below 0.3% THC).
CBD products on the market can include capsules, edibles, extracts, flower, tinctures, topicals, transdermals, and vape pens. With $525 million in sales within the first year of the 2018 Hemp Bill and $1.9 billion in 2022, CBD sales have more than doubled in just five years. CBD has become a popular and widely available product marketed to help with any number of ailments, even if the research does not support the marketing claims that many companies and websites make about CBD and other cannabinoids.
Individuals have also started to try CBD for erectile dysfunction. Many anecdotal reports from consumers state that they feel it helps them when they use it. But can CBD really help individuals dealing with erectile dysfunction?
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to get or keep an erection long enough for satisfactory intercourse. ED occurs when there are abnormalities within the arteries or veins (or both) of the penis. These abnormalities are caused by a hardening of the arteries, called arteriosclerosis. They can also be caused by trauma. Individuals more likely to develop erectile dysfunction include older men, those taking certain medications or using drugs, people dealing with psychological or emotional stressors, or those that are overweight or smoke. Other risk factors that may cause arteriosclerosis include:
- Alcohol use
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart disease
- High cholesterol
- Insomnia
- Lack of sexual knowledge or poor techniques
- Inadequate interpersonal relationships
Erectile dysfunction can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, loss of intimacy, unfulfilled sex life, and fertility issues.
Standard treatment methods for erectile dysfunction vary based on a number of factors, including age, medical history, prognosis of the disease, and individual preference. Treatment methods for erectile dysfunction can include pharmaceutical medications such as:
- Avanafil (Stendra)
- Mirodenafil (Mvix)
- Sildenafil (Viagra)
- Tadalafil (Cialis)
- Udenafil (Zydena)
- Vardenafil (Levitra)
Other treatment methods for erectile dysfunction are hormone replacement therapy or penile implants. Individuals can help prevent the development of erectile dysfunction in a few different ways. Many of these include reducing risk factors through lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or the use of illegal drugs, eating healthy, and being physically active.
CBD Oil for ED: Does it Work?
While there are a few theories on how CBD may relieve the symptoms of erectile dysfunction, no clinical trials have been done to assess the efficacy of using CBD flower, oil, or edibles to treat ED.
Among the theories, some speculate that the ability of CBD to reduce blood pressure and stimulate blood flow may help with the restricted arteries that lead to erectile dysfunction.
Another theory is that CBD can reduce psychological or emotional stressors that can sometimes cause erectile dysfunction. Research on CBD and metabolic dysfunction suggests it may help prevent or treat diabetes, which could prove beneficial in the prevention of erectile dysfunction.
A meta-analysis conducted in 2019 by Pizzol et al. summarized that cannabis smokers were roughly 30% more likely to have erectile dysfunction than non-smokers.1 It is important to note that smoking – regardless of the substance – is a risk factor for erectile dysfunction. These studies did not assess other methods of administration, like edibles or tinctures, which leaves room for the potential that it may not have been the cannabinoids that led to a higher risk of erectile dysfunction but the act of smoking.
Early research from 2005 by Argiolas and Melis suggests that the endocannabinoid system modulates the paraventricular nucleus within the hypothalamus through the activation of cannabinoid receptors.2 In layman’s terms, the paraventricular nucleus regulates the erectile function and sexual behavior of males, and the binding of cannabinoids to those receptors may play a role in sexual function. Overall, more research is needed to determine if the use of CBD or cannabis is effective in treating erectile dysfunction.
How to Use CBD Oil for Erectile Dysfunction
If an individual chooses to try CBD oil for erectile dysfunction, there are a few steps they can take to determine the right product and application method. It is important to remember there is limited clinical evidence that CBD can be useful for treating erectile dysfunction directly, and these methods may not work for everyone.
The recommended starting dosage when taking CBD is typically higher than the starting dose of THC. Doses of CBD often start between 15 mg and 50 mg3, and some individuals can take up to 1500 mg or more per day with limited to no adverse effects4. These recommendations are based on the data currently available in research done on CBD and the treatment of pain and epilepsy. They are by no means indicative of a treatment regime for erectile dysfunction.
Products widely available on the CBD market that can be used by individuals dealing with erectile dysfunction include:
- CBD flower
- CBD tinctures
- CBD extracts
- CBD vape pens
Individuals may also choose to use CBD topicals, such as lubricants. Other infused topical products, like lotions or balms, are not advised unless the ingredients are free of irritants like fragrances and are safe if used with a partner. It is important to note that CBD lubricants can contain oils that are not compatible with latex condoms, so individuals should be aware of the need for other preventative measures to engage in safe sex.
Employ caution when using CBD products that are inhaled, ingested, or used sublingually if you are taking any medication known to be metabolized by the CYP450 enzymes.
Using CBD and Viagra Together: Is It Safe?
Like many prescription medications, Viagra is metabolized by the CYP450 enzymes in the liver. Viagra is the brand name for the generic pharmaceutical sildenafil and is metabolized by the CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 enzymes. Other prescription medications used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction are also primarily metabolized by these CYP450 enzymes.
Cannabinoids like CBD are also metabolized via the CYP450 enzymes in the liver. CBD, in particular, has the ability to inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme, which could result in prescription medications not being adequately metabolized by that enzyme.5
Because Viagra and many other erectile dysfunction medications are metabolized via the CYP3A4 enzyme, taking CBD with Viagra or other medications could build up the drugs’ levels in the body, leading to increased potential for side effects. Experts advise avoiding concurrent use of CBD and Viagra, and individuals should speak to their doctor before the use of Viagra and CBD. It is unknown if topical use of CBD lubricants or oils and Viagra may result in adverse effects, but individuals should still take caution.
CBD Products for Erectile Dysfunction
What is the best CBD for ED? That depends on your preference, goals, and the advice of your physician. If your doctor feels CBD is a good option to help with your ED, they may have specific recommendations or doses in mind based on your medical history and current medications. In fact, you should talk to your doctor if you’re using CBD for any condition.
If you’d just like to try out some new CBD products to see if you like them, here are a few of our favorites.
CBD Vapes
- Alpine Cannatonic CBD Vape
- Alpine Harlequin 3:1 High CBD Vape
CBD Tinctures
- Cloud 9 Mind + Body Focus 4:1 High CBD Tincture.
- Koan Cordial 15:1 High CBD Elixir.
CBD Flower
- ACDC
- Harlequin
- Cannatonic
- Flav Sour Green Apple Gummy Straws. These gummies are formulated so that each piece contains 20 mg CBG, 10 mg THC, and 10 mg CBD.
- Kanha 20:1 High CBD Gummies. These high CBD gummies from Kanha are formulated with 20mg of CBD and 10mg of THC per gummy.
CBD Lubricants
- Kush Queen CBD Lubricant. This water-based lubricant is formulated using nanotechnology, which makes CBD and other cannabinoids more compatible with water, creating a more even distribution of cannabinoids.
- Foria Awaken Arousal Oil with CBD.
Individuals should test a small amount on the skin when using CBD-infused lubricants to see if there are any adverse effects from ingredients found within the product before continuing use. It is also important to note that oil-based lubricants are not safe for use with latex condoms.
References
- Pizzol D, Demurtas J, Stubbs B, et al. Relationship Between Cannabis Use and Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Am J Mens Health. 2019;13(6):1557988319892464. doi:10.1177/1557988319892464
↩︎ - Argiolas A, Melis MR. Central control of penile erection: Role of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. Progress in Neurobiology. 2005;76(1):1-21. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pneurobio.2005.06.002
↩︎ - Millar SA, Stone NL, Bellman ZD, Yates AS, England TJ, O’Sullivan SE. A systematic review of cannabidiol dosing in clinical populations. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 2019;85(9):1888-1900. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/bcp.14038
↩︎ - Taylor L, Gidal B, Blakey G, Tayo B, Morrison G. A Phase I, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Single Ascending Dose, Multiple Dose, and Food Effect Trial of the Safety, Tolerability and Pharmacokinetics of Highly Purified Cannabidiol in Healthy Subjects. CNS Drugs. 2018;32(11):1053-1067. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s40263-018-0578-5
↩︎ - Brown JD, Winterstein AG. Potential Adverse Drug Events and Drug–Drug Interactions with Medical and Consumer Cannabidiol (CBD) Use. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2019; 8(7):989. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm8070989
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The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
