Drunk or stoned? Scientists have figured out which type of sex is best

While we weren't really aware that a heated debate was raging within the scientific community over whether sex was better after drinking or after smoking, researchers from the New York University have dedicated themselves to answer this tricky question, and at the same time investigate whether cannabis use could lead to risky sexual behavior.

«As cannabis becomes increasingly accepted in the United States, it is important to monitor the sexual experiences and risky behaviors associated with cannabis use in order to promote prevention and reduce risks,» said Professor Joseph Palamar, the study’s lead researcher.

To this end, 24 heterosexual volunteers were recruited and participated in interviews about their sexual experiences while under the influence of alcohol or cannabis. This is, of course, not a national study, but the aim was more to gather anecdotal evidence prior to conducting quantitative research.

Alcohol alters one's perception of one's partner

An overwhelming majority of respondents reported that alcohol tended to negatively affect their choice of partner by lowering their standards for selecting someone to sleep with, in terms of personality and appearance. With cannabis, this did not seem to be an issue.

«With weed, I know who I'm waking up next to. With alcohol, you don't know. Once you start drinking, everyone looks great,» said a 34-year-old woman.

Cannabis use was also more commonly associated with sex with people the respondent already knew (such as a boyfriend or girlfriend), whereas alcohol leads to more «experimentation,» according to the study.

Drunk sex is often disappointing, unlike sex while high

The study also noted that the most common feelings experienced after having sex while under the influence of alcohol were regret and shame, unlike after having sex while under the influence of cannabis.

These negative emotions are probably due, at least in part, to spontaneous interactions with strangers (or whatever—you get the idea).

Sex while under the influence of alcohol can make you sick; sex while under the influence of cannabis can make you distracted

According to the study, nausea, dizziness, or feelings of being sick were frequently reported by people who had sex while under the influence of alcohol. One participant even admitted to falling asleep while drunk during sex. Another said he had to stop several times to relieve his stomach #glam.

As for cannabis, there were few side effects. One respondent, however, said he felt less motivated to have sex after smoking. Another said he had trouble concentrating when he was high.

However, both substances have also been reported to cause sexual dysfunction. Cannabis, for example, has been linked to vaginal dryness, and alcohol to erectile dysfunction.

Pleasure is better when you're high on cannabis

The study found that alcohol tends to numb sensations, while cannabis heightens them. This numbing effect is associated with longer sexual encounters, but not necessarily in a positive way.

«Sometimes it lasts too long,» one of the girls replied. «Compared to when you’re high, it feels so good and it can last a little shorter.».

Orgasms are also said to be more intense when under the influence of cannabis, partly because the acts themselves are «slower, more tender, more passionate, and involve more sensations and sensuality than alcohol.».

Having sex while drunk is riskier

When looking at the findings on risky sexual behavior, Professor Palamar and his colleagues found that the majority of participants felt that alcohol was more dangerous, sexually speaking.

Study participants reported that their judgment was impaired more by alcohol than by cannabis, and that they were more likely to experience blackouts or forget who they were with, what they were doing, or whether they were using protection.

Participants did not report experiencing this problem with cannabis and felt more in control after smoking it. One participant even noted that his cannabis use made him less likely to engage in risky behaviors because of a slight sense of paranoia.

Some interesting findings

From a public health perspective, the findings are interesting. First, the study confirms something that has already been widely documented: alcohol is often associated with risky sexual behavior. Risks of pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and unwanted sexual encounters were mentioned in the participants’ verbatim accounts (specifically, one female participant in the case of sexual assault).

These negative consequences appear to be less pronounced with cannabis use. Other studies have also shown that domestic violence tends to decrease among couples who smoke cannabis, for example.