Senior Project Advisor

Mary Hunt

Document Type

Project

Publication Date

Spring 2024

Keywords

Cannabis, Consent, Sex, Qualitative

Abstract

Consent research is integral to both sexual violence prevention and the improvement of sexual experiences. Consent is complicated by the involvement of substances. For example, alcohol is known to increase risk of nonconsensual experiences by distortion of perceptions. Although it is known that many people have sex involving cannabis, there is little research about consent involving cannabis. Our study assessed the experiences and negotiation of consent in sexual situations involving cannabis through an initial screener survey followed by hourlong individual interviews (n=24). Participants were primarily LGBTQ+ young adults. Interviews were transcribed and then analyzed with inductive Thematic Analysis methodology. Under the theme “Sex Stuff,” four main subthemes were identified: Trusted Partners, Substance-Involved Sex, Negotiation & Cues, and Introspection. While most consent communication was perceived to be the same sober vs. high, one key difference found was the use of questions about highness and ability to consent as indicators of consent. Overall, participants affirmed their ability to consent while high, but remarked about the conditionality of cannabis-involved consent. Additionally, participants noted very positive experiences with cannabis-involved sex with trusted partners and additional focuses on clear consent. These results highlight the highly nuanced, yet positive experiences individuals may have with cannabis-involved sex, indicating a need for further investigation on protective factors to be used in harm-reductive approaches to cannabis-involved sexual behaviors.

Department

Health and Human Development

Type

Text

Rights

Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.

Language

English

Format

application/pdf

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Included in

Public Health Commons

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