Cannabis may be a safer alternative for people who use drugs during sex

published on June 8, 2020 by Natasha Parent and Rod Knight in The Conversation

Not everyone is a fan of rock ‘n’ roll but, for many people, sex and drugs make a great combination. Pairing the two can lead to a highly enjoyable experience, with heightened physical and psychological effects including increased feelings of intimacy, confidence and pleasure.

Unfortunately, some combinations of sex and drugs are associated with significant harms. For example, used alone or in combination with other substances, the sexualized use of crystal methamphetamine (meth) by gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in a practice often referred to as “chemsex” or “party ‘n’ play” has been identified as a key driver of HIV infection, depression, anxiety and suicide. For many sexual and gender minority men, participation in chemsex is motivated by a desire to maximize pleasure, lower inhibitions and decrease feelings of anxiety and shame.

Unfortunately, we do not currently have effective strategies to reduce the risks associated with the sexualized use of drugs like meth. However, in a study produced by our research team at the British Columbia Centre on Substance Use (BCCSU), we found compelling evidence that cannabis may have a role to play in addressing these harms…

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