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A New High for Women’s Health by Phoebe DePree

Recently, Female Orgasmic Disorder (FOD), which affects a woman’s ability to reach orgasm during sexual activity, was proposed to become a qualifying condition for medical marijuana use. Blush as you may, but this proposed addition to the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program would be a massive win for women’s health and wellness, especially at a time when other legislative decisions regarding women’s bodies are moving backward in our country.

Like many women’, my journey is a balancing act between the personal and professional, making this recent petition particularly relevant. I am a 44-year-old PTA mom. I’m married, and I’m currently raising three little girls. I’m also the founder of Goddess Growers, a cannabis edibles brand that recently launched in Ohio’s medical market. We are committed to helping others find a sense of calm in their busy lives. My role at the company is incredibly fulfilling and makes my otherwise chaotic life more enjoyable.

Every evening, after a full day of work, all I want is a little moment of peace. But oftentimes, my husband is working late. All three of my girls need help with homework. I have to schedule their and my husband’s doctor’s visits. On top of that, I still have to make dinner while fielding calls from my mother—who is dealing with arthritis—because she can’t remember the medicine I recommended (cannabis!). I believe all women can identify with this cycle of never-ending demands on our time making and managing medical decisions for family members.

Millions of women like me make the vast majority of healthcare decisions for their families. A report by the National Institutes of Health found that 80% of women make all the healthcare decisions for their families but often go without healthcare coverage themselves. This statistic is unacceptable to me. Women deserve autonomy over their own bodies and deserve to make their own healthcare decisions—always.

Traditionally, women’s health, particularly sexual wellness, has been marginalized and, more recently, dictated by the law instead of treated as a right. Including Female Orgasmic Disorder in the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program’s list would be a significant step toward rectifying this power imbalance. It acknowledges the importance of women’s sexual health and empowers women to make informed decisions for themselves. I find this news to be a giant move in the right direction.

This decision also sets the precedent that women’s sexual health is a serious issue that deserves attention and resources. Since the US Department of Defense spends $84 million a year on Viagra for erectile dysfunction treatment, I think surely some funds can be earmarked for women’s sexual health, too. This is not a radical claim to make.

Additionally, medical marijuana has shown potential benefits for those with Female Orgasmic Disorder. It acts as an aphrodisiac by increasing blood flow and reducing anxiety, thus improving the ability to reach orgasm. Traditional methods, such as psychotherapy, hormonal treatments, or medications, are not always effective and often have adverse side effects. Medical marijuana offers an alternative for women who are unsatisfied or have been failed by other, more traditional forms of treatment.

Recognizing and validating Female Orgasmic Disorder as a legitimate healthcare issue highlights the importance of offering treatment options tailored to the individual rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. This petition to the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program demonstrates a forward-thinking commitment to listening to patients. What a refreshing change of pace. My hope is that the Ohio Medical Board votes favorably to include FOD as a qualifying condition to consume medical cannabis and paves the way for further advancements in women’s healthcare by expanding the list of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana.

Let’s continue to push our state legislatures to increase funding for women’s health. This will only lead to better treatments and a greater understanding of the importance of giving women the power to make their own health and wellness decisions, which will, in turn, benefit everyone.

Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash

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