Cannabis and sex enjoyed a long, harmonious relationship before prohibition stepped in to break them up. Ancient medical texts fromIndia, China, and the Middle East recommend cannabis for improving sex and combating sexual dysfunction. For centuries, African cultures have employed cannabis for reproductive issues. In 19th Century Serbia, cannabis was widely administered on wedding nights to enhance intimacy and diminish pain.
Now that prohibition is beginning to crumble, cannabis is starting to rekindle its relationship with sex. In the west, the plant is resurging as a possible remedy for a myriad of conditions, including sexual dysfunction. Moreover, many cannabis users claim that sex under the influence of ganja is a lot more fun.
Cannabis May Increase Libido
Indians have used cannabis to enhance libidosince the 7th century B.C. Practitioners of tantric spirituality drink a cannabis-infused drink called “bhang,” which acts as an aphrodisiac. Modern research into the connection between satisfying sex and cannabis seems to agree with ancient wisdom. During a 2019study among female students at Saint Louis University, most participants reported that cannabis increased their libido and made sex more pleasurable. Stanford University study found a marked increase in reported sexual encounters among participants who consumed cannabis. Male participants reported 22% more sex with cannabis use, while women reported an increase of 34%.
Cannabis May Reduce Anxiety
Anxiety and stress have adverse effects on all parts of a person’s life, including intimacy and sex. Cannabis may help to reduce anxiety and loosen inhibitions. Scientists have isolated a Cannabinoid called “anandamide,” which may account for the plant’s libido-enhancing effects. Also found in chocolate, anandamide binds to the same receptors as THC to create euphoria. According to a2013 study, increasing levels of anandamide could help treat anxiety and stress. The Hindu word “ananda” means bliss. It looks like the ancient Indians were on to something.
If you’re looking to calm anxiety and stress before sex, try an indica-dominant strain with a high CBD content and lower THC. Be careful not to consume too much as high doses of THC may have the opposite effect and increase anxiety.
Cannabis Can Help Close the Orgasm Gap
Premature ejaculation is a common problem during sexual interactions. In heterosexual couples, premature ejaculation creates an orgasm gap. Cannabis can affect time perception and may help men to slow down during sex. Additionally, cannabis seems to enhance creativity, as evidenced by the plant’s popularity among artists and musicians. The combined effects of slowing down time perception and increasing creativity may encourage men to engage in more foreplay. Lack of foreplay is a common complaint among heterosexual women.
Cannabis May Deepen Intimacy
Stimulating the endocannabinoid system may increase the production of oxytocin, also known as the “bonding hormone.” Human bodies naturally release oxytocin when people hug or bond socially. Using cannabis may help increase oxytocin production leading to deeper intimacy.
Cannabis has long been a part of spiritual practices in India to help facilitate a stronger connection with the divine. As both cannabis use and yoga become more mainstream in the western world, modern yogis are combining the two and practicing cannabis yoga.
Cannabis May Lead to Better Orgasms
Cannabis heightens the senses to enhance pleasure. Cannabis is a potent vasodilator, as evidenced by the red eyes that often accompany cannabis use. When cannabinoids dilate the capillaries, the sense of touch gets a boost. Cannabis could be an excellent remedy for people taking Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac. People taking SSRIs often report a lack of sensation during sex.
Cannabis use may produce more intense orgasms that last longer, especially in women. Women participating in a 2019 study reported increased sex drive and improved orgasms after cannabis use.
Cannabis Helps with Pain During Sex
Sex may be the furthest thing on the minds of people suffering from chronic pain. We all remember the old sitcoms and comic strips where a character declines sex due to a headache. Cannabis may reduce the frequency and intensity of and other types of headaches.
Female cannabis users have reported relief from the painful symptoms of endometriosis. A 2010 study, published in the American Journal for Investigative Pathology, found that cannabinoids halt the spread of endometrial tissue overgrowth.
Cannabis may also help with gynecological issues like premenstrual pain and uncomfortable symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes. A 1:1 THC to CBD ratio may be especially helpful for pain relief and menopause symptoms.
Cannabis Can Help Men with Common Sex-Related Issues
Because cannabis is a potent vasodilator, it can help men who are experiencing erectile dysfunction. The increased dilation of the capillaries allows for more blood and oxygen flow. Unlike alcohol, which can produce the dreaded “whiskey dick,” moderate cannabis use may actually improve erections. Although further study is needed, preliminary research shows promise.
Ways to Use Cannabis to Enhance Sex
Cannabis aphrodisiacs have come a long way from India’s bhang drinks. Today’s legal cannabis market is flooded with products to enhance your sex life, including:
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Edible cannaphrodisiacs, such as cannabis-infused chocolates
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Cannabis-enhanced massage oils
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Cannabis lube
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Bath bombs
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Cannabis suppositories for pain
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Libido teas
Cannabis is playing a new and exciting role in erotic tourism and entertainment. Tourist agencies in the legal cannabis industry offer tantric couples retreats, complete with all the weed-infused goodies you’ll need for an erotic vacation. Cannaerotica, aka “weed porn,” has become especially popular on sites like Instagram and YouTube.
Tips for Using Cannabis to Improve Sex
Of course, cannabis may not be for everyone. Cannabinoids act on ECS receptors as adaptogens, and the effects of THC and CBD differ with each person’s chemistry. The only way to know if cannabis is right for you is to experiment. If you’re ready to give cannabis a try to improve your sex life, we’ve prepared some pro-tips:
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Go low and slow. You may want to start with microdosing and slowly increase the amount of cannabis you use with each session until you find your ideal dosage. An experienced budtender can help you select an appropriate beginner dose.
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Keep some CBD available in case you feel too high. CBD counteracts the effects of THC.
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Decide what kind of sex you’re seeking to have. Different strains have different effects. If you’re interested in relaxed lovemaking, you may want to choose an indica-dominant or high CBD strain. But if you’re the type of person who falls asleep in yoga class and wants to add some pep to your sex life, you might want to try sativa-dominant hybrids.
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Be honest with your partner(s) about your mental state. It’s always courteous to inform your intimate companion(s) if you’re high.
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Men may want to skip the cannabis when trying to conceive a child. Although evidence is inconclusive, some research suggests that cannabis may have a negative impact on male fertility.
When you’re ready to give cannabis-enhanced sex a try, contact your local legal dispensary. The friendly budtenders can help you pick out the best strains and products for your specific needs. Have fun experimenting!
