Many young people hear that spice “makes sex last longer” or “increases sensation”, but the medical truth is closer to the opposite. The available research, though less than that on hash, links synthetic cannabinoid use to weaker desire over time, erectile disturbance, and effects on hormones and fertility, alongside risky sexual behaviors under the influence. Added to this is a strain on the heart that may make the moment of intercourse itself dangerous. In this article we explain what is scientifically known about spice and sex in men and women, and what can improve after stopping.
Where did the idea that spice improves intimacy come from?
In the first minutes after smoking, the person may feel relaxed or a change in their sense of time, so it seems to them that intercourse is “longer” or the sensation “deeper”. This is a subjective impression caused by distorted perception, not a real improvement in performance. And with spice in particular, this relaxation may turn within minutes into anxiety, palpitations or nausea, which isn’t a suitable state for any relationship. Then someone who links intimacy to the substance finds after a while that they can’t enjoy it without it, which is a quick door to dependence.
Spice and sex: how does it affect the sexual system?
Cannabinoid receptors aren’t only found in the brain, but also in areas that control hormones, and in the testicles, ovaries and blood vessels. When these receptors are exposed to full, repeated activation, as happens with spice compounds, several links are affected at once: desire, which the brain regulates; erection, which depends on vessels and nerves; and the hormones that regulate fertility. Because human studies are limited by constantly changing compounds, part of the knowledge rests on hash research and animal experiments, which makes us speak cautiously and use the word “may” a lot.
The effect of spice on men
- Erectile weakness: one of the repeated complaints of regular users, contributed to by vessel disturbances, anxiety and the substance’s effect on nerves.
- Falling desire over time: after a period of daily use, interest in intimacy falls and smoking itself becomes the main source of pleasure.
- Ejaculation disturbance: some users describe delay or difficulty ejaculating, and others the opposite, varying with the compound.
- Hormones and sperm: cannabis research in general points to a possible fall in sperm count and motility, and animal experiments point to a similar or stronger effect for some synthetic compounds.
The effect of spice on women
- Disturbed desire and arousal, and difficulty reaching orgasm with regular use.
- Dryness that may make intercourse painful.
- A possible disturbance of the menstrual cycle with chronic use, a known effect with cannabis substances in general.
- Pregnancy risks: there is no safe amount during pregnancy, cannabis use is linked to lower birth weight and other complications, and spice compounds of unknown makeup add a risk that can’t be estimated.
The heart during sex: a danger many don’t notice
Sexual intercourse naturally raises the pulse and blood pressure. Spice may also raise them sharply, so the two loads come together on the heart at the same moment. Medical reports have documented cases of heart attacks and rhythm disturbance in young people after using synthetic cannabinoids. That is why chest pain, severe palpitations or shortness of breath during or after sex with spice present are signs that call for an ambulance immediately. You will find its other harms to the heart and kidneys in the article on the harms of spice addiction.
Sexual behavior under the influence
An aspect no less dangerous than the physical side is what happens to judgment. Spice may cause confusion, detachment from reality, and bouts of suspicion or agitation, all of which weaken the ability to make sound decisions:
- Unprotected sex that raises the risk of sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancy.
- The absence of the ability to give conscious consent in someone who has lost consciousness or whose perception is confused, which is an ethical and legal red line.
- Exposure to exploitation or harm in the state of weakness that poisoning causes.
The effect of spice on the marriage
Away from physical performance, addiction changes the whole shape of the relationship: mood swings and bouts of anger, long late nights and sleeping at strange times, lying to hide use, and money spent secretly. Many wives and husbands discover the problem from this general change before any other sign. And if this is your situation, the article on spice addiction symptoms helps you read the full picture.
Does sexual ability return after quitting spice?
In most cases yes, and this is one of the things that most motivates patients to continue treatment. Desire and erection improve gradually as sleep and mood stabilize over weeks to a few months, and sperm need a full production cycle of about three months to reflect the effect of stopping. But the first weeks after stopping may see temporary fluctuation because of the anxiety and insomnia that accompany withdrawal, as the article on spice withdrawal symptoms explains, and this doesn’t mean the damage is permanent.
Fertility and planning a pregnancy
If you are planning to have children, it is better that both partners stop using several months before trying. A man needs about three months for sperm to renew, and a woman needs to be completely free of the substance before pregnancy and throughout it, because spice compounds may reach the fetus and their precise effect on it isn’t known. A semen analysis and a gynecology check-up after stopping help at this stage, instead of relying on guesswork.
Wrong ideas circulating among young people
The idea: spice treats premature ejaculation. In reality any delay that happens is random and not guaranteed, and comes with palpitations, anxiety and weaker erection over time, while premature ejaculation has safe medical treatments determined by the doctor.
The idea: as long as it isn’t affecting me now, it won’t later. In reality most of the sexual effect is cumulative, appearing after months of regular use, and is often noticed by the partner before the user.
The idea: the solution is a bigger dose or mixing it with another substance. In reality increasing the amount or mixing with tramadol or stimulants multiplies the risk to the heart and deepens dependence, and doesn’t restore performance.
How do you talk to your partner about the problem?
If your partner uses spice and your relationship has been affected, start the conversation at a calm time away from the bedroom and away from moments of influence. Talk about what you feel, not about their faults, and link the sexual problem to the substance, not to their person, as this reduces the feeling of humiliation and opens the door to treatment. And if you are the one using, know that being honest with your partner and seeking help together are among the strongest protections against relapse.
When should you see a doctor?
- If erectile or desire weakness continues months after stopping.
- If you are planning a pregnancy and one of you uses or has recently stopped.
- If symptoms of infection appear after unprotected sex.
- If performance anxiety itself is pushing you to go back to using.
And don’t try to treat erectile weakness with stimulant medicines without a doctor while using, as combining them with spice increases the strain on the heart.
How does Riviera Life help you?
Many patients are embarrassed to mention sexual problems, even though they are a natural part of the assessment. At Riviera Life, the consultants in psychiatry and addiction treatment address this side in complete confidentiality within the treatment plan, and involve the husband or wife in family sessions when needed. You will find the stages of the plan in the article on spice addiction treatment.
More from the spice guide
- Spice: the complete guide
- The harms of spice addiction
- Spice addiction treatment
- The causes of spice addiction
- Spice vs hash: a substance from the lab and a substance from the plant
Questions many people ask
No, the feeling of longer intercourse is caused by distorted time perception under the influence, not a real improvement. With regular use spice is linked to weaker desire and erection.
There isn't enough evidence to prove infertility, but cannabis research and animal experiments suggest sperm and hormones may be affected, and stopping well before planning a pregnancy is advised.
It usually improves gradually over weeks to a few months as sleep and mood stabilize. If the problem continues after that, it is better to see the doctor.
Chronic use of cannabis substances may be linked to a disturbed cycle, which usually regulates after stopping. Any persistent disturbance needs an assessment by a gynecologist.
It isn't advised, as combining them increases the strain on the heart and blood pressure, and any treatment for erectile weakness should be by prescription and after medical assessment.
