On November 20, 2024, the Arkansas Department of Health rejected a petition to add Female Orgasmic Disorder (FOD) as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana. The petition, submitted by sexual health educator Sarah Hanson, underwent a two-month review. After a public hearing and a 30-day public comment period, Dr. Jennifer Dillaha, director of the state’s health department, shut down the petition. Dillaha cited insufficient evidence, pointing to the lack of randomized controlled trials to assess risks and benefits.
Female Orgasmic Disorder (FOD) is a condition where individuals experience persistent or recurring difficulty in achieving orgasm, even with adequate sexual stimulation. This issue can cause significant emotional distress and put a strain on intimate relationships. Difficulty reaching orgasm is the second most reported sexual health problem for women in the United States, with between 22% and 28% of American women aged 18 to 59 reporting challenges in attaining orgasm. Advocates argue that medical cannabis could alleviate anxiety, enhance relaxation, and improve sexual response, potentially offering relief to those affected by FOD.
Connecticut and Illinois recently added FOD to their lists of qualifying conditions for medical cannabis, signaling growing recognition of the issue in other states. However, Ohio rejected a similar petition in July. Several other states are currently considering petitions to address this condition.
Hanson explained that FOD is often underdiagnosed and undertreated, with societal stigma around female sexual health exacerbating barriers to care. “This rejection doesn’t change the reality that thousands of Arkansas women are struggling with FOD,” she said. “We need to keep advocating for expanded treatment options and breaking down the stigma around female sexual health.” As of yet, Hanson has not announced whether she will appeal the decision or revise the petition.
James Wilson, a spokesperson for the Arkansas Department of Health, stated, “While we acknowledge the impact of this condition on patients’ quality of life, we must maintain strict evidence-based criteria for adding new qualifying conditions.” For now, Arkansas remains firm in its restrictive stance on qualifying conditions, leaving women with FOD and their advocates to explore other avenues for recognition and relief.
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