Several states seem to hold it to a greater standard than any other condition, which could be a bias towards women.
Women’s Cannabis Project by Dr. Suzanne Mulvehill
Although numerous studies consistently show that cannabis is effective in treating female orgasm difficulties/disorders, commonly known as FOD. However, only a small number of states have accepted it as qualifying for medical marijuana. Some states seem to hold it to a different standard, which could be a bias towards women.
The bias could be due to misinformation, or a lack of knowledge about FOD. This serious condition affects up to 41% of women in the world. This bias could also be due to a refusal to accept FOD despite the testimony of women who have successfully treated it with cannabis.
In 2024, advocates—myself included—petitioned 11 U.S. states to add FOD as a qualifying condition. While some petitions remain pending, two states have approved requests so far: Connecticut and Illinois.
In his approval of FOD, Illinois Director for Public Health Dr. Sameer Vodra said the following:
After carefully examining the issues raised by the petition and reviewing relevant research, we concluded that a female (natal) has difficulty achieving orgasm. The evidence is enough to evaluate cannabis’s effect as a treatment of Female Orgasmic Disorder. A literature review as well as survey data show that cannabis is beneficial for women suffering from “female dysfunctions or orgasm problems.”
The Medical Cannabis Advisory Board of New Mexico approved the addition of FOD to the list qualifying conditions last autumn. This reform is set to go into effect once the Secretary for Health has given his official approval.
Colorado, New Jersey and Pennsylvania have acknowledged the receipt of petitions adding FOD as an eligible condition. Public hearing dates will be scheduled soon.
FOD is not a condition that qualifies for the use of medical marijuana in five states despite evidence from science and approvals by some authorities: Arkansas. Maryland. Mississippi. Ohio.
Ohio’s Medical Cannabis Board refused FOD to be considered for the second consecutive year, in a ruling last month. They argued that women suffering from the condition are usually experiencing pain, PTSD or other conditions already listed on Ohio’s list.
Reviewing Ohio’s “reasons for denial,” the board’s use of “most women” suggests 51 percent or more—which could leave out up to 49 percent of women who may have FOD for other reasons, such as anxiety, menopause or gynecological cancer treatment. Some women might not realize that their FOD could be caused by pain, PTSD or other conditions. They may therefore miss the opportunity to receive treatment for their main condition.
Why not include FOD as a qualifying condition if it is the primary concern and cannabis has been shown to treat FOD?
Some states have denied FOD because there were no “randomized controlled studies” that showed cannabis was effective in treating the condition. However, randomized controlled tests are not listed in these states as a prerequisite for approval.
Il is important to also note that in a few states including Oregon the treatment of post-traumatic disorder (PTSD), without any published studies showing its efficacy, was accepted. Yet FOD—with numerous studies showing the efficacy of cannabis treatment—was denied.
Is this bias a reflection on a social issue? Is it possible that we aren’t used to speaking about FOD as a society? We don’t see any evidence that women have FOD. Women faking their orgasms, as well-documented in scientific research keeps this issue hidden and undermines the health of women. As a result, 36,000 Reddit users who frequently and painfully describe their struggles with FOD in the thread Becoming Orgasmic confirm that FOD exists and has an adverse impact on women’s health.
State officials cited the fact that cannabis is not approved by some medical societies as treatment for FOD, as another reason for their rejection. Here again, however, other conditions—like PTSD, anxiety and depression—were approved without signoff from organizations like the American Psychological Association.
The regulators seem to be treating FOD differently than they do other conditions that qualify for cannabis medical treatment. The public and government officials will be educated to accept FOD just as a condition that affects women. There are many treatments for men with ED, and they can be prescribed conventional medication. By making medical marijuana a recognised treatment, we are trying to achieve the same thing for women suffering from FOD.
For women with ED, treatment centers and conventional medication are available, as well as commercials promoting treatment products. Women with FOD do not have access to the same treatment options. It is important that the states recognize FOD as an eligible condition, so that we can start to get evidence that FOD affects women and is treated with cannabis.
Since 1950, the number of women with FOD has remained unchanged. Cannabis has been recommended as a treatment to sexual disorders since 1979. States approving FOD is an indication that we have finally reached the point of readiness. The policy reflects the social norms.
FOD belongs on the list. This is an affirmation: “We are with you, my dear FOD-suffering women.” You are acknowledged.”
Suzanne Mulvehill PhD, MBA is the founder and CEO of Women’s Cannabis Project. The project is a public-policy initiative that aims at adding female orgasm difficulties/disorders as conditions of treatment for states in the U.S. Mulvehill’s contact information is [email protected].
Marijuana Improves Sex And Could Help Close ‘Orgasm Inequality Gap’ Between Men And Women, New Study Indicates
Mike Latimer is the photographer.