State Status

On the list below, you can see the status for each of the states in our mission to get Female Orgasm Difficulty (FOD) added as a condition of treatment for medical cannabis. If you would like to support our mission and help us get approval in more states, please click here to join our mailing list. 

Past Meetings

  • February 14, 2024 - Ohio Medical Cannabis Board recommended adding FOD as a condition of treatment with medical cannabis. Public comment opened until February 29, 2024 and Ohio to conduct expert review. Public comments submitted can be found here.
  • March 11, 2024 - Illinois Medical Cannabis Board recommended adding FOD as a condition of treatment with medical cannabis. Awaiting Director's final approval.
  • March 13, 2024 - Ohio Medical Cannabis Board held their second meeting - this time reviewing public comments and hiring two experts, Dr. Brett Worly and Dr. White, to conduct an expert review. They will give their reports on May 4, 2024.
  • May 4, 2024 - Ohio Medical Cannabis Board - In person meeting. The Board recommended adding FOD on February 14, 2024. Second meeting held March 13, 2024 where the Board approved hiring two doctors, Dr. Brett Worly and Dr. John White, to give expert opinion on adding FOD as a condition of treatment with medical cannabis. The Board hired doctors who do not use cannabis in their practices. The doctors recommended FOD not be approved.
  • May 13, 2024 - New Mexico Medical Cannabis Board Meeting. Board recommending tabling the discussion until October 7th, 2024. To email a letter of support, put in the subject line, “MCAB 10-07-2024. petition 2004-01”. and email to: medical.cannabis@DOH.nm.gov
  • June 7, 2024 Connecticut Medical Cannabis Board held their meeting and approved adding FOD as a condition of treatment with medical cannabis. CT became the first US state to approve adding FOD.
  • September 11, 2024, the state of Arkansas accepted public comments for the petition to add FOD as a condition of treatment with medical cannabis.
  • October 3, 2024, the state of Oregon held a public meeting to accept public comments regarding adding FOD as a qualifying condition with medical cananbis.
  • October 7, 2024, the state of New Mexico held a public meeting after tabling the meeting on May 13, 2024, and voted 7-2 in favor of adding FOD as a qualifying condition with medical cannabis. We will now wait for state level review/approval.
  • GROUP 1 - petitioned between September 2023-October 2024
  • Connecticut- submitted by Dr. Suzanne Mulvehill
  • Mississippi - submitted by Dr. Jordan Tishler
  • New Mexico - submitted by Dr. David Ley
  • Illinois - submitted by Gabriella Bova
  • Ohio - submitted by Dr. Suzanne Mulvehill
  • GROUP 2 - petitioned April/May, 2024
  • Arkansas - by Sarah Hanson
  • Colorado - by Amanda Moser
  • Maryland - by Dr. Suzanne Mulvehill
  • Oregon - by Rebecca Andersson
  • Pennsylvania - by Dr. Suzanne Mulvehill
  • New Jersey - by Dr. Nan Wise
  • GROUP 3 - to be petitioned between December/January, 2025
  • Ohio - Dr. Douglas Woo volunteered to resubmit the petition
  • Hawaii - seeing volunteer to submit petition
  • Michigan - seeking volunteer to submit petition
  • Nevada - seeing volunteer to submit petition
  • Arizona - seeing volunteer to petition

States that have added Female Orgasm Difficulty as a condition of treatment with medical cannabis

CONNECTICUT was officially added female orgasm difficulty to their list of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana  on June 10, 2024. Click here for the state’s press release. Click here for NBC-CT’s news report. Click here for Marijuana Moments’ news report.

ILLINOIS – on March 11, 2024, the Illinois Medical Cannabis Board unanimously approved adding FOD as a condition of treatment with medical cannabis. Awaiting official approval from the State Health Director. See the press release

New Mexico – on October 7, 2024, the New Mexico Medical Cannabis Board voted 7-2 in favor of adding FOD as a qualifying condition with medical cannabis. Awaiting official approval from the Secretary of Health. 

 

 Join our initiative 


States that have denied adding Female Orgasm Difficulty as a condition of treatment with medical cannabis

Ohio – The Ohio Medical Cannabis Board voted to deny adding FOD as a qualifying condition after two medical doctors, Dr. John White and Dr. Brett Worley, gave expert testimony recommending denial. It is important to note that neither Dr. John White or Dr. Brett Worley are medical cannabis physicians.

Dr. Douglas Woo, a practicing medical doctor in Athens, Ohio, volunteered to re-submit the petition. We will resubmit in the next open petition period – between Nov/Dec, 2024.

Mississippi – the state health director, Dr. Daniel Edney wrote a letter in denial of adding FOD. We will resubmit in 2025 or 2026.

 

 Join our initiative 

State Status

Suzanne-Headshot-01

Suzanne Mulvehill, PhD

Suzanne Mulvehill is the Executive Director and Founder of The Female Orgasm Research Institute.
Suzanne, like many women, was affected by orgasm difficulty and the shame associated with it. For more than 30 years, Suzanne sought treatment through traditional talk therapy, including sex therapy and cognitive therapy.
To her own surprise, she discovered healing her orgasm difficulty with cannabis. Her dissertation research is evaluating the effects of cannabis on women who have difficulty orgasming and the results will be published in 2023.

Suzanne sold her international business in 2020 to return to school for her PhD in Clinical Sexology to identify proven pathways to female orgasm. She started and operated multiple international businesses during her career with a specialty in entrepreneurship. She is the author of two books and has consulted and presented to thousands of entrepreneurs throughout the USA and Europe, including being a guest lecturer at universities in the USA, and abroad.

Nan for book

Dr. Nan Wise

Dr. Nan Wise is a certified sex therapist, relationship specialist, neuroscience researcher, and author of Why Good Sex Matters: Understanding the Neuroscience of Pleasure for a Smarter, Happier, and More Purpose-Filled Life. Her dissertation work, Genital Stimulation, Imagery, and Orgasm in Women: An fMRI Analysis, resulted in three published studies. Her research has addressed gaps in the scientific literature regarding the neural basis of human sexuality and, as a result, garnered international attention.

 

Dr. Nan’s clinical approach addresses how the brain/body/mind operates, highlighting the critical role our evolutionarily wired-in, core, embodied emotions play in our physical and mental well-being. Imbalances in the core emotions have contributed to the epidemics of mood disorders, stress-related illnesses, and a widespread sexual recession.  

 

Dr. Nan has discussed the pleasure crisis on  The Today Show and contributed her expert opinion to outlets such as The BBC, National Geographic, The Atlantic, Time, Women’s Health, The Washington Post, HuffPost, Well + Good, Romper, Bustle, and has had a regular column in Glamour, Ask Dr. Nan in which she addresses sexual health and relationship topics. She lives in West Orange, NJ.

References

  1. Laumann, E. O., Paik, A., & Rosen, R. C. (1999). Sexual dysfunction in the United States. Journal of the American Medical Association, 281(6), 537-544. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.281.6.537
  2. Laumann, E. O., Nicolosi, A., Glasser, D. B., Paik, A., Gingell, C., Moreira, E., & Wang, T. (2005). Sexual problems among women and men aged 40–80 y: Prevalence and correlates identified in the Global Study of Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors. International Journal of Impotence Research, 17(1), 39–57. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijir.3901250
  3. Kontula, O., & Miettinen, A. (2016). Determinants of female sexual orgasms. Socioaffective Neuroscience & Psychology, 6(1), 31624. https://doi.org/10.3402/snp.v6.31624
  4. Heiman, J. R., & Meston, M. M. (1997). Empirically validated treatment for sexual dysfunction. Annual Review of Sex Research, 8(1), 148–194.
  5. Krans, B. (2018). Orgasmic dysfunction: Causes, symptoms, and treatments. Health Line. https://www.healthline.com/health/orgasmic-dysfunction
  6. Chopra, G. S., & Jandu, B. S. (1976). Psychoclinical effects of long-term marijuana use in 275 Indian chronic users. A comparative assessment of effects in Indian and USA users. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 282(1 Chronic Canna), 95–108. doi:10.1111/j.1749-6632.1976.tb49889.x
  7. Dawley, H. H., Baxter, A. S., Winstead, D. K., & Gay, J. R. (1979). An attitude survey of the effects of marijuana on sexual enjoyment. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 35(1), 212–217. https://www.doi.org/10.1002/1097-4679(197901)35:13.0.co;2-k
  8. Fisher G, Steckler A. Psychological effects, personality and behavioral changes attributed to marihuana use. Int J Addict. 1974;9(1):101-26. doi: 10.3109/10826087409046773.
  9. Goode, E. (1969). Marijuana and sex. Evergreen, (19-21; 72-73.)
  10. Goode, E. (1970). The marijuana smokers. Basic Books.
  11. Goode, E. (1972). Sex and marijuana. Sexual Behavior, 2, 45–51.
  12. Gorzalka, B. B., Hill, M. N., Chang, S. C. (2010). Male–female differences in the effects of cannabinoids on sexual behavior and gonadal hormone function. Hormones and Behavior, 58(1), 91–99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yhbeh.2009.08.009
  13. Halikas, J., Weller, R., & Morse, C. (1982). Effects of regular marijuana use on sexual performance. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 14(1–2), 59–70. https://www.doi.org/10.1080/02791072.1982.10471911
  14. Haines, L., & Green, W. (1970). Marijuana use patterns. The British Journal of Addiction to Alcohol and Other Drugs, 65(4), 347–362. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.1970.tb03954.x
  15. Kasman, A. M., Bhambhvani, H. P., Wilson-King, G., & Eisenberg, M. L. (2020). Assessment of the association of cannabis on female sexual function with the female sexual function index. Sexual Medicine, 8(4), 699-708. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esxm.2020.06.009
  16. Koff, W. (1974). Marijuana and sexual activity. Journal of Sex Research, 10(3), 194–204. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224497409550850
  17. Lynn, B. K., López, J. D., Miller, C., Thompson, J., & Campian, E. C. (2019). The relationship between marijuana use prior to sex and sexual function in women. Sexual Medicine, 7(2), 192–197. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esxm.2019.01.003
  18. Moser, A. (2019). The influence of cannabis on sexual functioning and satisfaction. [Master’s thesis, East Carolina University]. The ScholarShip, East Carolina University’s Institutional Repository. http://thescholarship.ecu.edu/handle/10342/7291
  19. Moser, A., Ballard, S. M., Jensen, J., & Averett, P. (2023). The influence of cannabis on sexual functioning and satisfaction. Journal of Cannabis Research, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-022-00169-2
  20. Palamar, J. J., Acosta, P., Ompad, D. C., & Friedman, S. R. (2016). A qualitative investigation comparing psychosocial and physical sexual experiences related to alcohol and marijuana use among adults. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 47(3), 757–770. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-016-0782-7
  21. Smith, A. M. A., Ferris, J. A., Simpson, J. M., Shelley, J., Pitts, M. K., & Richters, J. (2010). Cannabis Use and Sexual Health. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 7(2), 787–793. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01453.x
  22. Traub S. Perceptions of marijuana and its effects: a comparison of users and
    non-users. Br J Addict. 1977;72:67–74.
  23. Weller, R. A., & Halikas, J. A. (1984). Marijuana use and sexual behavior. The Journal of Sex Research, 20(2), 186–193. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224498409551216
  24. Wiebe, E., & Just, A. (2019). How Cannabis Alters Sexual Experience: A Survey of Men and Women. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 16(11), 1758–1762. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2019.07.023
  25. Mulvehill, S., & Tishler , J. (2023, May 18-19). Assessment of cannabis use before partnered sex on women who report orgasm difficulty. [Conference presentation abstract]. Cannabis Clinical Outcomes Research Conference, Orlando, FL, United States. . https://ccorc.mmjoutcomes.org/2023/04/21/cannabis-helps-women-orgasm-and-increases-the-frequency-of-orgasm-in-women-who-report-difficulty-orgasming/
  26. Meston, C.M., Hull, E., Levin, R.J., Sipski M. Disorders of orgasm in women. J Sex Med. 2004;1(1):66-68. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2004.10110.x
  27. Ventegodt, S., & Merrick, J.. (2008). Theory of sexuality and psychological causes of sexual problems. Psychological Sexual Dysfunctions. p.121-146.
  28. Pauls, R. N., Kleeman, S. D., & Karram, M. M. (2005). Female sexual dysfunction: Principles of diagnosis and therapy. Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey, 60(3), 196–205. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.ogx.0000157978.91721.0f
  29. Cuntim, M., Nobre, P. The role of cognitive distraction on female orgasm. 2011;20(4):212–214. doi:10.1016/j.sexol.2011.08.001
  30. Dove, N.L., Wiederman, M.W. Cognitive distraction and women’s sexual functioning. J Sex Marital Ther. 2000;26(1):67–78. doi:10.1080/009262300278650
  31. Adam, F., Géonet, M., Day, J., Sutter, P.D. (2014). Mindfulness skills are associated with female orgasm? Sex Relation Ther. 2014;30(2):256–267. doi: 10.1080/14681994.2014.986085
  32. Letourneau, E. J., Resnick, H. S., Kilpatrick, D. G., Saunders, B. E., & Best, C. L. (1996). Comorbidity of sexual problems and posttraumatic stress disorder in female crime victims. Behavior Therapy, 27(3), 321–336. https://www.doi.org/10.1016/s0005-7894(96)80020-7 
  33. O’Driscoll C, Flanagan E. (2016). Sexual problems and post-traumatic stress disorder following sexual trauma: A meta-analytic review. Psychol Psychother Theory, Res Pract 2016;89:351–367. doi: 10.1111/papt.12077
  34. Bird, E. R., Piccirillo, M., Garcia, N., Blais, R., & Campbell, S. (2021). Relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder and sexual difficulties: A systematic review of veterans and military personnel. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 18(8), 1398–1426. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.05.011
  35. Yehuda R, Lehrner A, Rosenbaum TY. PTSD and sexual dysfunction in men and women. J Sex Med. 2015;12(5):1107-1119. doi:10.1111/jsm.12856
  36. Kinzl, J.F., Traweger, C., Biebl, W. Sexual dysfunctions: relationship to childhood sexual abuse and early family experiences in a nonclinical sample. Child Abuse Negl. 1995;19(7):785-792. doi:10.1016/0145-2134(95)00048-d
  37. Najman, J. M., Dunne, M. P., Purdie, D. M., Boyle, F. M., & Coxeter, P. D. (2005). Sexual abuse in childhood and sexual dysfunction in adulthood: An Australian population-based study. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 34(5), 517–526. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-005-6277-6
  38. Schaffer, P., & Regina. (2023, June 14). Female sexual dysfunction with heart failure “underrecognized and undertreated.” Healio. https://www.healio.com/news/cardiology/20230614/female-sexual-dysfunction-with-heart-failure-underrecognized-and-undertreated
  39. Shifren, Jan L.; Monz, Brigitta U.; Russo, Patricia A.; Segreti, Anthony; Johannes, Catherine B. (2008). Sexual Problems and Distress in United States Women. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 112(5), 970–978.  doi:10.1097/aog.0b013e3181898cdb 
  40. Pontiroli, A. E., Cortelazzi, D., & Morabito, A. (2013). Female sexual dysfunction and diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 10(4), 1044–1051. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsm.12065
  41. Mulvehill, S. (2023). Cannabis for the Management of Female Orgasmic Difficulty/Disorder: An Observational Study. [Manuscript in preparation].
  42. World Association of Sexual Health. Declaration of sexual rights. (2014).

https://worldsexualhealth.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Declaration-of-Sexual-Rights-2014-plain-text.pdf