Let’s face it—whether you’re gay or straight, single or in a relationship, sex after a few drinks is a common experience.
But as marijuana becomes increasingly accepted and legalized across the U.S., many people are finding themselves at a crossroads: Should I get drunk or high before sex?
Thanks to science, we now have some intriguing answers. In a recent study, researchers at New York University dug into the experiences of people who have had sex under the influence of both alcohol and marijuana.
Their goal? To uncover which substance enhances the experience and which puts you at greater risk of regret or risky behavior.
The findings are fascinating. Participants shared candid accounts of their experiences, revealing insights about confidence, physical sensations, decision-making, and more.
While the study involved a small group of 24 heterosexual individuals aged 18 to 35, the results provide a thought-provoking starting point for further research.
Here’s what the study uncovered—and what it means for your next night out (or in).
Alcohol vs. Marijuana
One of the study’s most striking revelations is the difference in how alcohol and marijuana influence partner selection.
Alcohol, infamous for the “beer goggles” phenomenon, often led participants to lower their standards for sexual partners.
“Seeing partners ‘in the daylight’ for the first time and waking up next to a ‘different person’ was a common complaint,” the researchers noted.
Both male and female participants admitted that alcohol often clouded their judgment, leading to regret the next day.
Marijuana, on the other hand, had a different effect. While it didn’t completely eliminate poor partner choices, it seemed to sharpen participants’ perceptions.
Some even reported that being high made their partners appear more attractive, but without the same drastic lowering of standards seen with alcohol.
One female participant summed it up this way: “When I’m drinking, I feel like I’m the prettiest person in the world. I’m just so confident.”
That self-assuredness, however, often came at the cost of clear-eyed decision-making.
A Common Side Effect of Alcohol, Rare for Marijuan
A major theme that emerged from the interviews was the regret associated with drunk sex.
Both men and women frequently reported feelings of shame or embarrassment after alcohol-fueled hookups.
This often stemmed from risky sexual behaviors, such as skipping condoms or engaging in encounters they wouldn’t have chosen sober.
In contrast, regret was far less common after sex while high on marijuana.
The researchers suggested this could be because marijuana is often consumed in more private settings, leading to fewer impulsive hookups with strangers.
Additionally, participants noted that marijuana’s effects were less likely to impair their judgment.
The Highs and Lows of Each Substance
When it comes to physical sensations, alcohol and marijuana couldn’t be more different.
Participants described being numb or desensitized while drunk, with one male even admitting to falling asleep during sex.
Common pitfalls included nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and even blacking out—hardly the ingredients for a satisfying encounter.
Marijuana, on the other hand, was associated with enhanced physical sensitivity.
Both men and women reported that being high intensified their orgasms, with one woman describing hers as being “magnified at least by five times.”
The study also found that while alcohol often made sex last longer, this sometimes led to discomfort for women.
Marijuana, however, created the illusion of prolonged pleasure without the same drawbacks, thanks to its ability to alter perceptions of time.
One participant summed it up perfectly: “I feel like weed affects your motivation, and alcohol just affects your ability.”
Alcohol vs. Marijuana and Decision-Making
Perhaps the most critical distinction between alcohol and marijuana lies in their impact on decision-making.
The majority of participants agreed that alcohol led to riskier sexual behaviors.
This included neglecting to use condoms, failing to notice if a condom came off, or engaging in encounters they couldn’t safely extricate themselves from.
In contrast, marijuana seemed to act as a safeguard against risky choices.
Some participants attributed this to the paranoia often associated with being high, which made them more cautious.
One individual noted that marijuana gave them the clarity to make better decisions, even in the heat of the moment.
Rethinking the Role of Substances in Sexual Experiences
The conventional wisdom might suggest that alcohol is the go-to substance for loosening inhibitions and enhancing social interactions, but this study challenges that assumption.
While alcohol may boost confidence, it often does so at the expense of sound decision-making and physical enjoyment.
Marijuana, on the other hand, appears to strike a better balance. It enhances physical sensations, keeps judgment intact, and reduces the likelihood of regret.
These findings point to a need for more open conversations about how substances influence sexual experiences—not just for safety, but also for maximizing pleasure.
What This Means for You
Let’s be clear: this study is just the beginning. With only 24 participants, it’s far from definitive. But it does offer a valuable starting point for larger, more inclusive research.
In the meantime, here are some takeaways:
- Know your limits. Whether you prefer alcohol or marijuana, understanding how these substances affect you can help you make better choices.
- Prioritize safety. If you’re drinking, take steps to reduce risky behaviors, like setting clear boundaries and using protection.
- Communicate with your partner. Talking openly about preferences and boundaries can enhance your experience, no matter the substance.
Why This Matters
As marijuana becomes more mainstream, its role in social and sexual contexts is bound to grow.
This study reminds us that not all substances are created equal when it comes to intimacy.
By understanding the unique effects of alcohol and marijuana, we can make informed choices that prioritize both safety and satisfaction.
So, the next time you’re deciding between a drink or a joint before a romantic encounter, consider what you’ve learned here.
Science may not have all the answers yet, but it’s clear that how you choose to enhance your experience can make all the difference.
