Exploring plant-based and psychedelic-adjacent therapies in sexual health

For centuries, plant medicines have been used across cultures for healing, emotional regulation, and connection to the body. In more recent years, some of these substances, including cannabis, ketamine, and psilocybin, have begun to re-enter clinical conversations, particularly in trauma-informed and somatic approaches to care.

For sex therapists and sexual health providers, this is especially relevant. Many patients with a history of sexual trauma experience pain, difficulty with arousal or orgasm, or a sense of disconnection from their bodies that isn’t fully addressed by traditional talk therapy alone. As a result, there’s growing interest in therapies that support nervous system regulation, embodiment, and emotional processing.

Keep in mind, this information is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice, and I am not encouraging the use of any substance outside of legal, ethical, and clinically appropriate settings. These therapies are not a first-line approach. They’re adjuncts, meaning they’re used alongside professional support to help people safely process emotions, regulate the nervous system, and reconnect with their bodies. Research is beginning to show their potential in mental health contexts, which often overlaps with sexual health outcomes.

For example, psilocybin, the active compound in certain mushrooms, has been studied for its ability to support emotional processing and reduce anxiety and depression. Research has found that psilocybin-assisted therapy can help patients process traumatic experiences and improve psychological flexibility, which may also make it easier to approach intimacy and sexual connection with less fear or avoidance.

Ketamine, a dissociative substance approved for treatment-resistant depression, has also been investigated for its impact on trauma and emotional regulation. Ketamine works on brain pathways that help the brain form new connections and reduce overactive fear responses, creating a mental and emotional “window of safety” where patients can engage more effectively in therapy.

Likely more common, cannabis is another substance that has become an area of interest in both sexual health research and clinical practice. In fact, research shows that cannabis has been associated with reduced sexual pain, as well as improved arousal and greater ease in reaching orgasm for some patients. It is suggested that these effects may be due in part to modulation of the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in pain perception, as well as reductions in anxiety and increased body awareness. For some patients, when used thoughtfully, cannabis can be a tool to help reconnect with pleasure, reduce pain, and feel more embodied during intimacy. It’s important to emphasize that in all these cases, therapy and clinical guidance are essential. These are not recreational suggestions. The benefits appear when these substances are integrated thoughtfully, with attention to safety, legality, and individualized needs.

While cannabis, ketamine, and psilocybin show promising potential in sexual health and trauma-informed therapy, access remains a major challenge. Legal and regulatory frameworks vary widely depending on where someone lives, which creates significant inequities for patients and clinicians alike.

As we explore plant-based and psychedelic-adjacent therapies, it’s important to consider ethical and clinical responsibilities for both providers and patients. These therapies can be powerful tools, but they also carry potential risks; both physiological and psychological, if used without guidance or in unsafe contexts. Clinicians need to ensure informed consent, meaning that patients fully understand what is known about potential benefits, limitations, and risks, as well as the legal context in their area. Research shows that structured informed consent protocols for psychedelic-assisted therapy reduce adverse events and support positive patient outcomes.

Screening for contraindications is also essential. For example, individuals with a personal or family history of psychosis may be at higher risk for negative reactions to psychedelics, while certain cardiovascular or psychiatric conditions can influence ketamine safety.

We must also recognize that the commercial availability of some therapies has outpaced scientific evidence. Clinics offering ketamine or psychedelic-assisted therapy are growing, but practices vary widely. Ethical practice requires clinicians to balance curiosity and innovation with caution, evidence-based guidance, and a deep commitment to patient safety. Understanding how these therapies work in the brain (like ketamine enhancing neuroplasticity or psychedelics promoting emotional openness) helps clinicians predict risks and benefits more effectively. At the same time, equity and access remain central concerns. Emerging therapies need to be made available safely and fairly, with attention to training, licensing, and affordability. Sex-positive, trauma-informed care must continue to guide integration, ensuring that innovation doesn’t outpace ethics or patient safety.

Regulatory landscapes are slowly evolving. Certain U.S. states and international jurisdictions are creating pathways for medical use of psychedelics, and new legislation is beginning to ease restrictions on research. These changes could allow larger, more rigorous clinical trials, helping clinicians understand what works, for whom, and under what conditions. The future is promising, but careful, research-driven, and patient-centered approaches will be essential to turn potential into real, meaningful outcomes for those seeking healing, pleasure, and connection. If you’re a clinician, stay informed about emerging research and regulatory changes, and approach these therapies with curiosity tempered by caution. If you’re a patient, know that healing is a journey, and there are safe, evidence-informed ways to explore new approaches.

Ultimately, this work is about reclaiming safety, connection, and choice in sexual experiences. By staying informed and advocating for equitable, trauma-informed care, we can help ensure these emerging therapies are used responsibly and effectively.