What are CBD gummies for ED, and do they work?

Interest in cannabidiol (CBD) has surged in recent years, with research finding potential use for this cannabis product in depression, insomnia, chronic pain, and plenty of other areas when consumed in moderation. If you’re here, you’re probably wondering if CBD can also treat erectile dysfunction (ED). CBD Viagra gummies aren’t really a thing (there is no gummy with both CBD and Viagra), and there’s no evidence that CBD directly impacts ED, but studies and medical experts are finding that CBD may help address some common underlying conditions that can contribute to ED. 

Let’s back up for a second: What is CBD? It stands for cannabidiol, a naturally occurring chemical found in the Cannabis sativa plant. Within the plant, there are about 60 cannabinoids, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD. THC is psychoactive, while CBD is not, meaning you are unlikely to feel “high” when you ingest it. When you consume CBD, it stimulates a complex cell-signaling system in your body that plays a role in things like appetite, memory, movement, heart function, and more. 

Keep reading to find out whether CBD has any potential role to play as you address ED. 

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CBD gummies are edible supplements infused with cannabidiol, a chemical derived from the cannabis plant. No scientific evidence has found that CBD gummies can directly treat erectile dysfunction. What it can do, though, is potentially help with some factors that can lead to ED, such as stress, anxiety, and poor sleep, according to Justin Houman, MD, a board-certified urologist and an assistant professor of urology at Cedars-Sinai.

 “While CBD itself doesn’t directly treat erectile dysfunction, some men use CBD gummies to manage stress, anxiety, or poor sleep, which can contribute to ED. By promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety, CBD may help indirectly improve sexual performance in men with stress-related ED,” he explains. 

A 2019 study found that after two months of CBD treatment, 79% of patients experienced an improvement in anxiety and 67% experienced an improvement in sleep. Prior studies on CBD and anxiety involving both human and animal subjects have also found positive results. A scientific review of 49 existing studies demonstrated CBD’s efficacy in reducing anxious behaviors related to multiple disorders, including PTSD, OCD, and social anxiety disorder, among others. 

Long story short, CBD might be an effective measure for those who are interested if your ED is related to anxiety or stress. 

 “CBD is generally very safe and well-tolerated,” says Ryan Buck, MD, assistant professor of medicine at the Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine and the research director for Plesio Health, a telehealth platform that emphasizes plant-based interventions. He notes that at higher doses, there may be some concerns with drug interactions, so it’s best to check with your medical provider to make sure there aren’t any potential issues. 

Houman notes that while CBD is generally safe, side effects can include drowsiness, dry mouth, or mild gastrointestinal discomfort. 

A large scientific review found that CBD is remarkably safe, and where side effects like gastrointestinal distress and drowsiness were reported, they were typically minor. The review also found that these side effects  are less likely to occur at lower CBD dose ranges. 

Since there’s no clinical research suggesting CBD can directly treat ED, you may want to explore other treatment options if erectile dysfunction is your primary concern. Luckily, there are plenty of alternatives available. 

Make some lifestyle changes 

• Lose weight. If you’re looking to treat ED and you struggle with overweight or obesity, losing weight may help alleviate some of your ED symptoms. A meta-analysis of five studies found that weight loss can improve erectile function and testosterone levels in men. Foods, including leafy greens, peppers, tomatoes, and nuts, are great if you’re looking to make dietary changes as part of your ED treatment. Weight management medications can also help when appropriate.

• Exercise more. Not only can exercising help with weight management, but it may also reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction by 20% in men over 40, according to a 2022 study. 

• Reduce your alcohol intake. It’s pretty common for people to have a few drinks before having sex, but too much alcohol consumption can lead to the dreaded “whiskey dick.” In an analysis of 46 scientific studies, researchers found there is a significant association between regular, heavy alcohol consumption and erectile dysfunction. If you’re looking to reduce your alcohol consumption or quit drinking entirely, talk to your healthcare provider about resources and safe strategies for doing so.

• Quit smoking. A systematic review of eight studies published in 2013 found that smoking significantly increases the risk of erectile dysfunction. The results suggested the risk of ED was increased by 51% for current smokers and 20% for ex-smokers, as compared with never-smokers. Stopping smoking can help improve these numbers.

• Reduce stress. Stress has many harmful effects on the body. A 2019 study found that chronic stress contributes to atherosclerosis, which is the hardening and narrowing of the arteries. This results in decreased blood flow throughout the body, including blood flow to the penis. Houman notes that managing stress through mindfulness or therapy can help address erectile dysfunction, especially when the stress is ED-related. Therapy can also be helpful for ED treatment if other psychological factors like anxiety or relationship conflicts are making it difficult for you to get or maintain an erection. 

Consider trying oral ED medications

• Ro’s Daily Rise Gummies. These gummies from Ro contain tadalafil, the active ingredient in Cialis. They’re designed to be taken every day and allow you to get erections whenever the moment is right. 

• Ro Sparks. This powerful little medication that dissolves under your tongue combines sildenafil and tadalafil, the active ingredients in Viagra and Cialis, respectively. It’s designed to get you hard in 15 minutes on average and keep you ready for up to 36 hours. 

• Viagra. One of the most well-known erectile dysfunction drugs on the market, Viagra is the branded version of sildenafil.  It works in part by improving blood flow to the penis and usually takes effect within 30 to 60 minutes. (If you’re looking to save money, sildenafil is also available as a non-branded medication).

• Cialis. Cialis is the branded version of tadalafil, an ED medication that can be taken as-needed or daily, depending on the dosage. Like Viagra, it’s designed to increase blood flow to the penis. Effects can last up to 36 hours, but that doesn’t mean you’ll get spontaneous or continuous erections during that time—just that you’ll be able to get hard when you want to. It’s also available as a generic pill for less money than the brand-name version. 

Look into hormone replacement therapy 

Erectile dysfunction can be a symptom of low testosterone, so Houman notes that hormone replacement therapy may be effective in treating ED in men with low testosterone levels. Other potential signs of low testosterone include a decreased sex drive, fatigue, and certain forms of hair loss. Of course, other conditions can cause these symptoms, which is why it’s important to get your levels checked. 

If you suspect your testosterone levels may be the cause of your ED, talk with your healthcare provider to see if you can get your testosterone levels checked and whether you might be a candidate for hormone replacement therapy. 

Consider shockwave therapy

Houman also suggests shockwave therapy as a potential treatment for people with vasculogenic ED, a type of ED caused by damaged, blocked, or improperly functioning blood vessels. A scientific review of existing studies found the most significant effects of shockwave therapy were seen in people with vasculogenic ED (as opposed to other types of ED). Another small study found that shockwave therapy was effective in 60% of participants who did not respond to PDE5 inhibitors, which is the class of medications that Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil) belong to. 

While it’s unlikely your healthcare provider will recommend shockwave therapy as a first-line treatment for ED, it’s worth bringing up if other treatments haven’t worked for you. 

There’s no evidence suggesting CBD can treat ED directly, but it can be used to manage symptoms that are often part of the picture when it comes to erectile dysfunction. 

• Some studies have found CBD can be effective in reducing stress and anxiety and improving sleep quality. Better sleep and decreased levels of stress and anxiety can result in better erectile function for some people. 

• CBD gummies are usually safe, though some people experience mild side effects like drowsiness, dry mouth, or gastrointestinal distress. One study found these symptoms are less likely to occur at lower dosages. 

• Other options for managing ED include oral medications, lifestyle changes, hormone replacement therapy (when appropriate) and shockwave therapy. Everyone is different, so it’s important to consult a medical professional about the best ED treatment for you. 

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How we reviewed this article

Every article on Health Guide goes through rigorous fact-checking by our team of medical reviewers. Our reviewers are trained medical professionals who ensure each article contains the most up-to-date information, and that medical details have been correctly interpreted by the writer.

Editorial Guidelines | Medical Review Process

Current version

February 19, 2025

Written by

Jamie Ballard

Fact checked by

Peter Schlegel, MD, FACS and Raagini Yedidi, MD

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About the medical reviewers

Peter Schlegel, MD, FACS

Peter Schlegel, MD, FACS, is a Ro Advisor, board-certified urologist, and internationally acclaimed expert in the treatment of male fertility. For nearly 20 years, Dr. Schlegel served as the chair of Urology at New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell. He now focuses on providing the best patient care possible for urologic conditions through his private practice.

Raagini Yedidi, MD

Raagini Yedidi, MD, is an internal medicine resident and medical reviewer for Ro.