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Female Orgasmic Disorder Could Become a Qualifying Condition for Medical Cannabis in Four States

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Four states—Ohio, Illinois, New Mexico, and Connecticut—are now looking into adding female orgasmic disorder (FOD) to the list of qualifying conditions for medical cannabis. There’s mounting research that suggests that cannabis can help women have more orgasms. For those with FOD, defined by the Merck Manuel as a “lack of or delay in sexual climax (orgasm) or orgasm that is infrequent or much less intense even though sexual stimulation is sufficient and the woman is sexually aroused mentally and emotionally,” medical marijuana could not only make having an orgasm easier, but more satisfying. 

Diagnosis criteria and scientific research aside, stoners have been boasting about the sexual properties of cannabis, probably since the herb was first smoked. Now, we know that cannabis, as a vasodilator, can increase blood flow to the genitals. Because it can also aid in anxiety, using some weed before sex can help people relax into the moment, which can be especially beneficial to those whose sexual dysfunction stems from trauma. After all, we know that cannabis has a well-documented ability to treat PTSD. It even enhances the senses, often making touching and even checking out your partner more fun. And as cannabis can also aid in creativity, it can help you consider and explore more variations in your sex life. 

“Women with FOD have more mental health issues, are on more pharmaceutical medication,” Suzanne Mulvehill, clinical sexologist, and founder and executive director of the nonprofit Female Orgasm Research Institute told Marijuana Moment. “They have more anxiety, depression, PTSD, more sexual abuse histories. It’s not just about pleasure, it’s about a human right,” adding that: “It’s a medical condition that deserves medical treatment.”

Ohio is currently evaluating a proposed amendment to add the condition. Earlier this month, the State Medical Board declared that both FOD and autism spectrum disorder are advancing to the stages of expert assessment and public feedback, following online petition submissions. Public comments will be accepted until Thursday.

In Illinois, regulatory officials are scheduled for a meeting next month to discuss the inclusion of FOD as an eligible condition. New Mexico plans to address the matter in May, as per the nonprofit Female Orgasm Research Institute. The organization also noted that Connecticut is exploring the possibility of adding FOD to its list of qualifying conditions, although a specific date for a meeting has not yet been determined.

Suzanne Mulvehill plays a leading role in the initiatives advancing the therapeutic advantages of cannabis for individuals with FOD. She says that this condition impacts as many as 41% of women globally. She filed a petition last year aiming to include this disorder among Ohio’s list of conditions eligible for medical marijuana.

Present studies suggest that approximately one-third of women who consume cannabis utilize it to enhance sexual experiences—a statistic Mulvehill notes has remained relatively consistent over the years.

She’s aware of the understanding surrounding cannabis’s ability to enhance sex. “It’s not new information,” Mulvehill said in her interview with Marijuana Moment. 

The novelty lies in the readiness of government bodies to address the matter. According to Mulvehill, Ohio appears to be the first state to evaluate FOD as a condition warranting medical marijuana. Moreover, she noted that Ohio’s meeting earlier in the month marked the inaugural instance, to her knowledge, of a public government entity discussing female orgasmic disorders.

A 2020 article published in Sexual Medicine discovered that frequent cannabis use among women correlates with improved sexual experiences. Additionally, various online polls have highlighted a positive correlation between cannabis consumption and sexual satisfaction. There’s even research indicating that the enactment of marijuana legislation correlates with a rise in sexual activity.

And research published last year in the Journal of Cannabis Research revealed that over 70% of adults surveyed reported an increase in sexual desire and enhanced orgasms when using cannabis before intercourse, and 62.5% noted improved pleasure during masturbation with cannabis use. Given previous data showing that women who have sex with men often experience orgasms less frequently than their male counterparts, the researchers suggested that cannabis might help bridge this orgasm equality gap.

For some people, having an orgasm is a challenge in a way that counts as a disorder that deserves treatment, and access to medical marijuana is paramount. For others, this new legal push is just a reminder that weed can make sex better and a reminder that you don’t need a diagnosis to have hot, stoned sex.

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Oregon Lawmakers Backtrack on Drug Decriminalization as Reversal Bill Goes to Gov

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Oregon has been at the forefront of new movements before, often encouraging other states across the country to follow in its footsteps. The state is now gearing up to usher in a new chapter, but this time rather than taking steps forward, Oregon is attempting to backtrack a landmark piece of legislation passed just over three years ago that decriminalized possession of small amounts of drugs.

On Friday, the Oregon Legislature passed a bill recriminalizing possession of small amounts of drugs. In a 21-8 vote, the Oregon Senate approved House BIll 4002 after the House passed it 51-7 on Thursday. Now, Gov. Tina Kotek will have the final sign off as the bill heads to her desk. The Senate passed House Bill 5204 with a 27-3 vote on Thursday as well to approve the $211 million in funding, which also heads to Kotek’s desk.

About Oregon Drug Decriminalization Measure 110

“With this bill, we are doubling down on our commitment to make sure Oregonians have access to the treatment and care that they need,” said Democratic Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber, of Portland. Lieber, who also co-authored the bill, said that passing the legislation will “be the start of real and transformative change for our justice system.”

In 2020, nearly 60% of Oregon voters passed Measure 110, which decriminalized the possession of small amounts of illicit drugs. While drug sales and manufacturing remained illegal under the legislation, it lowered the penalty for possessing small amounts of drugs to a $100 fine, which could be avoided if an individual agreed to participate in a health assessment.

Additionally, the measure aimed to fund health assessments, addiction treatment, harm-reduction efforts and more services for Oregonians with addiction disorders.

One of the main goals was to treat drug use as a health issue, and advocates also expected the legislation to generate savings in the criminal justice system due to fewer drug arrests, prosecutions and incarcerations. 

However, there’s no predicting how a first-of-its-kind law may pan out in practice or what other variables could come into play.

A Failed Effort?

Despite the intent behind amping up harm reduction resources in Oregon, funding was slow to take effect. In 2021, only 1% of those who received possession citations actually sought health via Oregon’s new hotline. As time went on, many supporters and opponents argued that the measure’s incentives for individuals to enter treatment weren’t strong enough or well enforced.

Additionally, Oregon saw a 1,500% rise in overdose deaths since the start of the pandemic — the steepest increase in the nation — largely due to the broader fentanyl crisis, according to records from the Centers for Disease Control. 

While researchers have argued that it’s too soon to determine whether or not Measure 110’s passing was correlated to the surge in overdoses, the ongoing shortage in affordable housing and uptick in fentanyl use has led to an increase in more visible drug use in public.

Recriminalizing Drugs in Oregon: An Unfamiliar Road Forward

HB 4002 makes the possession of small amounts of illegal drugs a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and enabling police to confiscate drugs and crack down on their public use. Drug treatment could be offered as an alternative to criminal penalties as part of a deflection program.

The bill would also make it easier to prosecute people selling drugs, though it aims to maintain some harm reduction measures like increasing access to addiction medication and helping folks to obtain and keep housing despite use of these medications.

However, the bill leaves it up to each individual county to decide the details of these deflection programs. Counties would also have the option, not a mandate, to set up state-funded deflection programs. It also includes a provision to allow the district attorney to argue before a judge that a person is not a candidate for diversion.

So far, 23 of Oregon’s 35 counties have signaled their intent to set up these programs.

Critics have argued that the reversal isn’t going to curb drug use, rather that it will make it harder for people to quit. Some have also questioned whether the state’s limited criminal justice system was equipped to handle the changes.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Oregon said that the state was rushing the bill and hasn’t undergone the necessary vetting by medical and addiction professionals who could adequately assess the potential drawbacks of such a massive public policy shift.

Opponents have also suggested that the changes will disproportionately affect Black and Latino people. Additionally, a study by the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission similarly concluded that the changes would disproportionately impact Black Oregonians specifically, though it noted disparities would be significantly less than before Measure 110 was passed.

“I’m concerned that it (the bill) will attempt to use the same tactics of the past, and fail, only to reinforce the punishment narrative that has failed for 50 years,” echoed Democratic Sen. Lew Frederick of Portland, one of four Black senators.

While Measure 110’s final fate is uncertain, Kotek said in January that she would be open to signing a bill reversing the state’s previous decriminalization measure.

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Drapalin Pharmaceutical, German Rapper Antifuchs Team Up To Merge Cannabis Medicine with Music

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In the heart of Europe, German rapper Antifuchs is blending beats with beliefs to champion the cause of cannabis wellness. Inspired by her personal journey and the transformative power of cannabis, Antifuchs has crafted an anthem for the movement: a song about her favorite cannabis brand, Munich-based Drapalin Pharmaceuticals, a beacon of innovation in Germany’s medical cannabis landscape.

Together, they recently visited Lagom Pharmatech s.r.o in the Czech Republic, a supplier to Drapalin Pharmaceuticals, to film a music video to go with the rapper’s newest hit, “Drapalin”. Amidst a sea of green, they filmed a music video that’s as much a visual feast as it is a manifesto – a call to arms for the cannabis-curious and the healthcare revolutionaries alike.

The song is a powerful fusion of Antifuchs’s gritty, honest lyrics and Drapalin’s groundbreaking work in medical cannabis. This artistic collaboration aims to shatter stigmas and open minds, creating a musical track that deliberately attempts to dismantle long standing stigmas and challenge societal perceptions. Together, Antifuchs and Drapalin are scripting the soundtrack of a revolution in medical science and social attitude, advocating for a world where cannabis’s potential is fully realized and integrated into the fabric of modern medicine.

The Soundtrack for a New Era of Cannabis in Germany

The release of this music video is particularly significant, coming just after Germany’s landmark decision to legalize recreational cannabis, effective April 1, 2024. Adults in Germany will soon enjoy the freedom to use cannabis recreationally, marking a major shift in national policy. Amidst these changes, Drapalin, already a leader in the medical cannabis industry, continues to pioneer advancements in cannabis use for health purposes. With a strong commitment to uncovering and promoting the therapeutic benefits of cannabis, Drapalin has emerged as a key player not only in the German market, but also on a global scale. Their dedication to quality, innovation, and the well-being of patients has garnered widespread recognition, cementing their position at the forefront of a movement towards integrating cannabis into a comprehensive health and wellness framework.

Together, Antifuchs and Drapalin are using art to share a story that challenges outdated notions about cannabis. Through the universal language of music, they’re engaging audiences, encouraging a dialogue that transcends cultural and generational divides, and painting a future where cannabis is recognized not just for its therapeutic potential but as a catalyst for change in healthcare.

Credit: Berliner Blende

Behind the Scenes: Crafting the “Drapalin” Music Video

Choosing the Czech Republic as the stage for their music video, Antifuchs and Drapalin tap into a rich vein of cannabis culture and legislative progress. The country, known for its pioneering stance on cannabis in Europe, becomes more than just an aesthetically pleasing setting. Instead, it’s a statement of intent, a declaration that their collaboration is not just about music or medicine, but about moving the needle on cannabis acceptance and innovation. This setting underscores the duo’s dedication to not just participating in the cannabis dialogue but leading it, leveraging the Czech Republic’s progressive environment as a symbol of what’s possible when societies embrace change and foster innovation in healthcare.

Set against the backdrop of Lagom’s indoor cannabis facility, the “Drapalin” music video promises to be a visually stunning and emotionally resonant portrayal of the healing power of cannabis. The video, rich in color and emotion, is much more than just a collection of visually impactful imagery. Through its blend of artful cinematography and poignant narrative, it seeks not just to entertain but to enlighten, offering a glimpse into the profound impact of cannabis on individuals and communities. This visual odyssey is designed to resonate on a deeply personal level, challenging perceptions, inspiring curiosity, and empowering viewers with a renewed sense of advocacy and hope for the future of cannabis as a cornerstone of healing and wellness.

Drapalin and Antifuchs have created the anthem of a new era of cannabis in Germany. As Germany’s cannabis laws evolve and the plant’s therapeutic potentials are increasingly recognized, this partnership amplifies a collective call for change. It’s a resounding echo through the halls of pop culture and policy-making, signifying not just acceptance but celebration. Every note and nuance crafted by Drapalin and Antifuchs resonates with the promise of a future where cannabis and culture coalesce, guiding Germany and beyond toward a more open, understanding, and inclusive society.

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Adult-use Cannabis Legalization in Canada Has Led to Beer Sales Decline

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A study conducted in Canada and recently published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence shows that beer sales have declined since legalization began in 2018. The study involved researchers from the College Pharmacy at the University of Manitoba, School of Pharmacy at Memorial University of Newfoundland, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto.

The study, which was published on Feb. 27, shows that beer sales in Canada have dropped significantly. “Canada-wide beer sales fell by 96 hectoliters per 100,000 population immediately after non-medical cannabis legalization and by 4 hectoliters per 100,000 population each month thereafter for an average monthly reduction of 136 hectoliters per 100,000 population post-legalization,” authors wrote. A hectoliter is a unit of measurement frequently used in reference to wine, beer, grain, or other agricultural goods, and is the total of 100 liters (1 liter is approximately 0.26 liquid gallons).

However, researchers also explained that cannabis legalization did not cause any reduction in spirit sales (which covers whisky, rum, gin, tequila, liqueurs, and vodka).

Additionally, researchers believe that cannabis use could potentially lead to higher alcohol use in some people, specifically “those with greater sensation-seeking behaviors.” However, they also wrote that some consumers are substituting cannabis in the place of alcohol. 

Data on beer and spirits sales in Canada were taken from the Beer Canada and Spirits Canada resources. Beer Canada provided details about approximately 90% of total Canadian beer sales, while Spirits Canada showed sales in relation to whisky, rum, gin, tequila, liqueurs, and vodka but did not include ready-to-drink cocktails. Beer sales were reviewed between January 2012-February 2020, and spirits sales were examined between January 2016-February 2020.

The study reviewed results in all Canadian provinces. In Manitoba and Ontario, researchers saw the most significant decline in beer sales, while cannabis did not affect beer sales in Quebec, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia. Provinces referred to as Western provinces (British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan) “saw the largest reductions in average monthly beer sales which ranged between 228 and 505 hectoliters per 100,000 population over the post-legalization study period.” In Atlantic provinces (New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island), there was “no significant immediate or lagged impact of cannabis legalization on beer sales.”

Researchers called this study the “first quasi-experimental evidence” on the shift in beer and spirits sales in Canada after the launch of adult-use cannabis, with three key points. “First, Canada-wide beer sales dropped after the legalization, but there was no change in spirits sales,” researchers wrote. “Second, the reductions in beer sales were seen in all except the Atlantic provinces with the four Western provinces experiencing relatively larger declines than the Central provinces. Third, the legalization was associated with a decline in canned and kegged beer sales, but we found no reduction in sales of bottled beer.”

Furthermore, the study asserts that consumers aren’t using alcohol and cannabis together. “While increased use of cannabis is not necessarily harmless and further research is needed to understand the health effects of the switch from alcohol to cannabis, the reduction in beer sales associated with the non-medical cannabis legalization suggests that individuals are likely not using alcohol and cannabis concurrently,” authors stated.

In the study conclusion, researchers summed up their most important findings. “We found that non-medical cannabis legalization was associated with an immediate decline in beer sales,” they stated. “Furthermore, beer sales continued to decline in the post-legalization period, suggesting that individuals are moving away from beer towards legal cannabis. These declines in beer sales were most pronounced in the four Western provinces. Meanwhile, we found no change in spirits sales following the legalization.”

Many people have found that substituting alcohol for cannabis is beneficial across the board. 

Celebrities such as Hulk Hogan shared in August 2023 that he swapped both opioids and alcohol for CBD. “At first, I was confused because I’d never used CBD,” Hogan said. “I didn’t understand the health aspects of what it can do for you as far as energy, sleep or getting off hard drugs or pharmaceuticals slowly and winding down are concerned. It took me a while to figure it out because I am a little slow. I had to do a lot of research and do my due diligence. I figured this was something that really would benefit a lot of people that needed help—and I know it will.”

Many other studies, such as one published in the journal Alcohol in November 2023, shows that abstaining from alcohol consumption can undo the effects of cortical thinning in the human brain. Other studies have explored how cannabis states have helped reduce consumption of both tobacco as well as alcohol.

Some states view cannabis as different than alcohol, so much that last December in Connecticut, alcohol sales were not legally allowed to be sold on Christmas and New Year’s Day, but cannabis was.

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Brazen Drug Ads Wreak Havoc Thanks to Meta’s Facebook Ad Algorithms

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It’s open season for flagrant ads to sell illegal drugs like psilocybin, LSD, and other drugs, as Meta works to improve its algorithms to filter illegal content. Because content is being filtered by algorithms, not human beings, sometimes the wrong content—i.e. educational cannabis material—gets taken down while brazen ads to sell drugs remain up.

Some journalists are fed up with the double standard. A Canadian reporter said he was able to get an ad for LSD approved on Facebook, leading a Meta employee to finally remove the ad after the reporter reached out for comment. The National Post reports that Facebook’s automated moderation system approved an ad selling LSD, saying the ad doesn’t violate Meta’s advertising standards. The ad was eventually removed after the reporter contacted Facebook for comment.

Christopher McGrath, a senior manager at Deloitte Canada, said he began seeing ads for drugs on Facebook that he believes were triggered by algorithms while he was researching a recent report  on Canada’s black market cannabis trade.

Deloitte Canada’s report, “Clearing the Smoke: Insights to Canada’s Illicit Cannabis Market,” was supposed to provide data on illegal cannabis sales, but McGrath’s research for it only triggered an onslaught of various cannabis ads on Facebook. So on one hand, Meta wants to filter that content, but on the other, also market ads to users looking for items like cannabis.

University of Toronto media economics professor Brett Caraway, is due to the reliance social media platforms place in machine learning and automated algorithms to police their content.

“When these platforms started, they had departments full of people—actual humans—to sift through the most toxic and horrible parts of the internet,” he said.

“With the amount of content that goes up every minute, there’s just no way humans can put eyes on everything, so they rely increasingly on algorithms and AI for the first round of filtration.”

Facebook responded to The National Post’s inquiries with the following, explaining that when those ads are found they are taken down: “We prohibit content—both in ads and in organic content—that promotes the buying and selling of pharmaceutical and non-medical drugs, and remove it whenever we find it,” the statement reads. “We’ll continue to improve in this area in our ongoing efforts to keep our platforms safe.”

Experts wonder if the decline in online advertising is playing a role and if Meta can’t spend enough on moderation. 

“We’ve seen a lot of major players cut back in the money they’re spending,” Caraway said.

“But Facebook needs that [money]—so if Chrysler or BMW leave, then they have no choice but to take on Jimmy-Bob’s Cannabis Store. Their business model is literally 98-per-cent advertising funded, so they don’t have any wiggle room.”

A History of Censorship

Facebook and Instagram are known for targeting cannabis-related accounts in various waves, taking steps to cut back on illegal drug content. In October of 2018, Facebook placed a pause on cannabis searches. The site justified the ban saying users were selling marijuana products through the social network. Soon, the ban would be lifted

The platforms Facebook and Instagram will close an advertising loophole, joining other tech companies amid the “great vape scare” that took place in 2019. In 2019, an Instagram spokesperson said that Facebook and Instagram will start removing posts that promote vaping, tobacco, or weapons.

Companies that make totally harmless products—such as organic soap and care products manufacturer Dr. Bronner’s—reported posts and ads getting taken down. Dr. Bronner’s experienced similar issues with its boosted posts back in June 2017. 

The company received this response from Facebook after some of its ads were inexplicitly taken down: “This ad isn’t running because it doesn’t follow our Advertising Policies. We don’t allow ads that promote prescription or recreational drugs. Ads like these are sensitive in nature and are usually contrary to local laws, rules or regulations. Please keep in mind that advocacy or awareness ads are allowed…”

Eight Tulsa, Oklahoma-based medical cannabis businesses said that the platform was subjectively censoring their Facebook pages.

A group of cannabis businesses said they have been negatively affected by social media bans, and they are no longer taking the alleged discrimination lying down. Led by the Ye Olde Apothecary Shoppe, eight dispensaries have announced that they are suing Facebook executives over what they call “a pattern of targeting the Oklahoma medical marijuana industry.”

Efforts are being made to control drug ads on social media, particularly in Canada. In Canada, a new online harms bill includes content guidelines for social media platforms and enforcement frameworks meant to hold the tech companies accountable. In newer legislation,  Meta itself would be penalized if it let illegal drug ads stay up.

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