How does marijuana affect women’s sexual functioning? A recent study published in the journal Sexual Medicine sought to find out. Researchers anonymously surveyed hundreds of women visiting an obstetrics and gynecology clinic in St. Louis, Missouri about whether they used marijuana and, if so, whether and how it affected their sexual satisfaction, sex drive, and orgasm quality. Key results from the study are shown in the infographic below.

As you’ll see, marijuana users reported some sexual effects; however, there are a few caveats to keep in mind when reviewing the results. One is that the exact mechanisms behind why marijuana affects women’s sexual function are unclear. Also, this study did not assess factors such as dosage, timing of use, or strain of marijuana used (some types of marijuana have a more stimulating effect than others). Given all of these variables—plus the fact that people differ in their general sensitivity to the drug—it’s to be expected that marijuana use is going to have different effects on different people.

More research is clearly needed; however, the authors of this study believe the results suggest the potential for marijuana to be involved in future treatments for female sexual dysfunction.