In January 2025, the Illinois Department of Public Health announced four new qualifying conditions for medical cannabis. These four conditions include endometriosis, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, and female orgasmic disorder (FOD).
The release from the IDPH marks a huge win for women’s health, offering a new option for relief for Illinois residents who have long
Exploring IL’s New Qualifying Conditions
In November 2024, these additions to Illinois medical cannabis conditions were given preliminary approval by the state Medical Cannabis Advisory Board. These conditions were officially approved on January 9, 2025, marking the first new conditions added to state list since 2019.
The new qualifying conditions include:
- Endometriosis – occurs when an issue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. It can result in severe pain, scarring, and infertility.
- Uterine fibroids – benign growths that can lead to chronic pelvic pain.
- Ovarian cysts – these are solid or fluid-filled pockets that grow on or within the ovary.
- Female Orgasmic Disorder – a condition that can stem from various causes where women have difficulties or dysfunction achieving an orgasm.
While all of these conditions are generally understudied and underreported, one in particular stands out: female orgasmic disorder.
In supporting documentation, the IDPH director shared their thoughts on Female Orgasmic Disorder becoming a recognized condition: “There is sufficient evidence to confidently evaluate the effect of cannabis as a treatment for Female Orgasmic Disorder. Literature review and survey data support that cannabis can offer benefits to individuals who have ‘female orgasm difficulties or dysfunction.’”
What Is Female Orgasmic Disorder?
The American Sexual Health Association defines Female Orgasmic Disorder (FOD) as a persistent or recurrent delay in or absence of orgasm following sexual arousal and stimulation. In particular, women who find issues having an orgasm through vaginal penetration alone.
While many Americans have never heard of female orgasmic disorder, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s uncommon. Almost 43% of women experience sexual dysfunction. 12% of women report related personal distress, with a peak occurring in middle age (14.8% of women aged 45-64 years).
The most extensive US study of female dysfunction includes responses from over 30,000 women, with the prevalence of FOD being approximately 21%.
What Causes Female Orgasmic Disorder?
Several medical conditions can make it difficult for a woman to achieve orgasm. For example, conditions that impact the nervous system, such as spinal cord injuries, can affect nerves located in the pelvis.
Conditions like arthritis, thyroid problems, and asthma have also been associated with FOD. Research indicates that it often isn’t the condition alone – but also the stress of managing a chronic illness and pain on a woman’s mental and emotional well-being.
Specific prescriptions can affect a woman’s ability to orgasm. Antidepressants, antipsychotics, antihistamines, and high blood pressure medications may make a female orgasm more difficult to achieve.
Psychological factors may also affect a woman’s ability to reach orgasm. Fatigue, stress, anxiety, and depression can all be contributors. In some cultures, women may be raised to believe that they should not find enjoyment in sex, leading some to feel guilt or shame in enjoying sex.
On top of that, poor body image can cause anxiety or discomfort during sexual intercourse, leading to difficulty reaching orgasm or experiencing pleasure. Moreover, the chance of FOD can increase with communication issues between partners.
Symptoms Of Female Orgasmic Disorder
Anorgasmia, or female orgasmic disorder, is defined by the Mayo Clinic as experiencing any of the following in significant ways:
- Delayed orgasm
- Absence of orgasm
- Fewer orgasms
- Less-intense orgasms
Female Orgasmic Disorder can occur in different frequencies for individuals, including:
- Lifelong – if the woman has never had an orgasm.
- Acquired – if the woman is experiencing new problems with having orgasms.
- Situational – if the woman has problems with orgasm only in certain situations, with particular kinds of stimulation, or with specific partners.
- Generalized – if the woman has problems with orgasms in any situation.
Can Cannabis Help With Female Orgasmic Disorder?
Female Orgasmic Disorder may be treated with a number of traditional and alternative methods.
If the root issue is a medication or medical condition, a healthcare provider can explore ways to address the underlying issues. Therapy or counseling may also help if the relationship or psychological impacts are a factor. Couples counseling can help those in relationships improve their communication skills and discuss conflicts that may affect trust and intimacy.
Significantly, research from the past 50 years indicates that cannabis can help women patients who suffer from female orgasmic disorder.
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According to Dr Suzanne Mulvehill, founder of the Female Orgasm Research Institute, cannabis and sex is one of the most well-researched relationships in cannabis medicine.
“I honestly cannot think of another condition with a longer research history than cannabis and sex—particularly its effects on female orgasm,” said Mulvehill.
In fact, the latest study from the Female Orgasm Research Institute builds on an established pattern of research from the last five decades, beginning with documentation from ancient times and seventh-century tantric traditions.
The Female Orgasmic Research Institute’s newest study, led by Mulvehill, is the first to focus specifically on cannabis as a potential treatment for Female Orgasmic Disorder (FOD).
Conducted between March and November 2022, the observational study analyzed nearly 400 women, assessing factors such as demographics, sexual behavior, mental health, cannabis use, and responses to the orgasm subscale of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The FSFI measured orgasm frequency, satisfaction, and ease — with and without cannabis before sex.
The majority of participants who reported difficulty achieving orgasm were women aged 25–34 (52%), identified as white (75%), and were married or in a relationship (82%).
Among those experiencing orgasm difficulties, cannabis use prior to partnered sex was associated with notable improvements:
- 72.8% reported an increase in orgasm frequency
- 67% experienced greater orgasm satisfaction
- 71% found orgasms easier to achieve
The study also found that the frequency of cannabis use before sex directly correlated with increased orgasm frequency in women with FOD. However, individual responses to cannabis varied based on the reasons for its use.
Before adding this condition to their medical cannabis program, the Illinois Department of Public Health reviewed the wide base of research — including Mulvehill’s newest study.
“Medical cannabis has been shown to offer an effective means of relief from a variety of debilitating medical conditions and symptoms. IDPH reviews petitions carefully, using expert opinion and the most up-to-date evidence to make decisions that best serve Illinois residents. IDPH looks forward to working with our medical providers to ensure appropriate access for individuals struggling with these newly approved conditions.” Vohra shared in a statement.
How To Use Cannabis For Female Orgasmic Disorder
If you are someone looking to alleviate FOD, there are many different products or methods for consuming cannabis for orgasms. Here are a few to consider.
Flower
Choosing to smoke cannabis can be one of the quickest ways for cannabis to take effect on the body and mind. Depending on the strain type (indica, sativa, or hybrid), you can expect your high to set in quickly compared to edibles.
Indica strains will help the mind relax, which may help your confidence in the bedroom while decreasing anxiety. On the other hand, sativas are known to help consumers feel a body-focused high, which may contribute to heightened sensations and increased pleasure.
Topicals
Cannabis or THC topicals or lubes can be especially fun to use for sexual moments with a partner. Many brands create topicals focused on helping body muscles unwind and creating a sense of physical relief.
Topicals could be used for massages while getting in the mood for sex. Cannabis used for a topical sense is not intoxicating but is well-known to help individuals relieve pain or discomfort — and focus on pleasure.
Edibles
THC edibles have a slower onset time compared to smoking flower or dabs. While the onset time may differ, edibles are excellent for inducing body high and effects that last longer.
Final Thoughts
The Illinois Department of Public Health made a wave for female consumers nationwide. Acknowledging female orgasmic disorder as a condition that can benefit from medical cannabis is a big step for women’s health.
While the data shows that many women are living with this condition, many women with Female Orgasmic Disorder report their struggles. As such, many women consider this a condition they just have to live with.
No longer: cannabis offers a way to alleviate stress, pain, or anxiety and increase confidence, playfulness, and pleasure.
