Oregon, New Mexico, and Arkansas open dialogue on adding female orgasm disorder as a qualifying condition for medical cannabis treatment
In a groundbreaking effort to address female orgasm difficulty (FOD), three U.S. states— New Mexico, Oregon, and Arkansas—have recently taken steps toward including the condition as a qualifying medical condition for cannabis treatment. This effort represents a larger push to expand access to medical marijuana to assist women dealing with a sexual health issue that affects millions.
Growing advocacy for female orgasm disorder
Advocates argue that treating FOD, sometimes referred to as female orgasm disorder, with medical marijuana could provide relief for women suffering from a condition that can significantly affect mental and physical health. The condition is estimated to impact as many as 40% of women, and experts say it often remains unaddressed due to cultural stigma and a lack of research on effective treatments.
Clinical sexologist and researcher Suzanne Mulvehill, who has been spearheading the initiative, says that women suffering from FOD tend to face more mental health challenges, take more prescription medications, and frequently have histories of sexual abuse when compared to women who do not have the condition. She noted that, despite similarities to erectile dysfunction in terms of impact on quality of life, women's sexual health issues continue to be stigmatized and inadequately addressed.
Recently, all three states held virtual meetings to discuss the inclusion of FOD as a condition eligible for medical marijuana treatment. In Oregon, the meeting was held on October 3rd, followed by a week of public comments.
Arkansas held its public hearing on September 11, and continues to accept feedback through October 14. New Mexico’s virtual session took place on October 7, with public comments accepted during the days leading up to and immediately following the hearing.
Cannabis and FOD
Advocates argue that the support for cannabis as a treatment for female orgasm difficulty is more than just anecdotal. Mulvehill, along with cannabis specialist Dr. Jordan Tishler, has contributed to a growing body of research that suggests cannabinoids may improve orgasm ease, frequency, and satisfaction for women experiencing FOD.
In a survey of sexually active women, Mulvehill and Tishler found that more than 70% of respondents who had difficulty achieving orgasm reported that medical marijuana increased both ease (71%) and frequency (72.9%) of orgasms. Additionally, 67% reported that marijuana improved their overall satisfaction during orgasm.
Mulvehill has also played a key role in filing petitions across multiple states, advocating for FOD to be added to the list of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana. Her efforts saw a major breakthrough earlier this year when Connecticut’s board unanimously approved FOD as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana.
In the meantime, advocates are continuing to educate the public and professionals alike. Mulvehill is developing training programs aimed at helping therapists better understand how to integrate cannabis into their treatment plans for patients with FOD. She also plans to launch a podcast titled The Orgasm Hour later this year, which will delve into the intersection of cannabis and female sexual health.
Dr. Tishler explained that part of what cannabis does to improve orgasm quality is its interaction with the brain's default mode network. He indicated that for many women unable to achieve orgasm, a complex interaction occurs between the frontal lobe and the limbic system, where emotions such as fear and bad memories are processed. He suggested that cannabis can help modulate this interaction, potentially leading to an improved sexual response.
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