Are you having as many orgasms as you’d like?
Figured that might get your attention!
We’re serious, though. Have your recent sexual experiences been up to snuff? Are you thinking that you could use a little boost in the bedroom?
If you’ve been experiencing a decline in drive, below-average arousal, or deadened sexual desire, consider cannabis for sex.
You wouldn’t be the first person to do so: many cannabis users who partake before sex report an increase in sensitivity, intensity, and euphoria.
And if the thought of gettin’ down stresses you out, you need to know that CBD and THC products have been reported to provide relaxation and the related impact on sex drive.
Worth considering, no?
Here, we’ll break down the “how”, “why”, and “what” behind cannabis for sex, including partner communication, the science of cannabinoids, and even strains and products to try.
Before we dive in together, as always : responsible usage is key.
It’s up to you to determine what that means to be safe and sane in your CBD and THC intake. Need help? You can always consult with a healthcare professional or cannabis expert for personalized advice.
One more thing – if you sign up for our newsletter, you can be the first to read posts like these.
Now, where were we?
Understanding Cannabis and Its Effects
Cannabis and its Main Components
When we say cannabis, we are referring to products derived from the cannabis sativa plant. (1)
And the cannabis sativa plant is pretty frickin’ magical.
Containing about 540 chemical substances and producing between 80 – 100 cannabinoids, cannabis is a plant powerhouse. (2)
You’re probably most familiar with its two main cannabinoids, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol CBD).
The main difference between the two? THC, when smoked or ingested, is what typically gets you high and CBD moderates that high. (2) An excess of THC is what can cause the negative side effects we sometimes associate with cannabis, like anxiety or paranoia. Whereas CBD, when taken alone, won’t get you high, but it can have key anti-anxiety and anti inflammatory effects. THC is also a vasodilator, enhancing blood flow.
Surely, you can see the sexy-time implications.
How Cannabis Interacts with Our Bodies
Did you know that our bodies have a built-in cannabinoid receptor system?
It’s called the endocannabinoid system, or ECS. (3)
Our bodies produce molecules called endocannabinoids, which are structurally similar to the molecules in the cannabis plant. As Harvard Health puts it, we all have tiny cannabis-like molecules floating around in our brains. Wild!
Cannabis works by binding with our internal receptors, which are located throughout our bodies and brains. Those in our brain are called CB1 receptors. They actually outnumber many other brain-based receptor types.
We also have a second group of cannabinoid receptors called, you guessed it, CB2 receptors. They mostly exist in our immune tissues and organs throughout our bodies, and are critical to moderating inflammation and inflammation symptoms. (3)
So, what’s the difference?
CB2 receptors don’t cause the euphoric effects, or “high”, normally associated with cannabis. That’s all CB1.
If you’ve ever tried a gummy, (4) you’ll know what we’re talking about. It’s a very different experience to consume THC or CBD through the digestive system versus smoking, or vaping. A vaginal suppository is also a different experience as the CB2 receptors in the vagina allow for all the anti-inflammatory, anti anxiety power without the psychoactivity.
Strains of Cannabis and Its Effects
You can think of cannabis strains like coffee beans. They’ve been carefully cultivated to contain specific properties, and sometimes only connoisseurs can tell the difference between them.
A walk through the vast and varied strains of cannabis available today would be its own post. Here, we’ll keep it simple by breaking down the main two: sativa and indica.
So what about sex, right? Well, when it comes to applying strains to the bedroom, your sexual arousal, sex drive, and desire are all up to you. Do you prefer to be more relaxed? Are you looking for a more “full-body” high? A strain dominant in CBD might be right for you.
Or do you want a little brain boost to come up with some fun, sexy ideas? Perhaps something on the sativa side would be right for you.
Ultimately, it’s about what you want, and how what you want affects you. Trial and error is key before incorporating anything new into your sex life.
The Benefits of Cannabis for Sexual Enhancement
In an online survey of over 200 men and women who use cannabis, over 60% reported that cannabis increased their desire for sex, with almost 74% reporting increased sexual satisfaction. (6)
Moreover, 34% reported increased sex drive, decreased pain, and improved orgasm when using marijuana before sex.
Those are some serious numbers!
Of course, no one treatment option is t a one-size-fits-all wonder drug. Slightly under 5% of the study’s participants reported sex being worse, with 16% reporting mixed results.
But as this, and other studies have demonstrated, the use of marijuana for sex can have life-changing positive effects.
If you’re somebody who struggles with anxiety when it comes to intimacy, CBD can be an excellent help for getting you out of your head and into that beautiful body of yours.. And if you’re dealing with vaginal dryness, there are THC-containing lubricants you can apply directly to the skin before and during the main event.
Ideally, though, sex is about connecting with your partner. So when you consider cannabis-based products, you’ll want to involve them in the conversation. You might be surprised and delighted by what you can try together.
Responsible Consumption and Safety Practices
Cannabis Use Guidelines
Responsible cannabis use, especially cannabis for sex, includes doing the research, experimenting safely, and communicating with our partners.
Sex should be fun! And sex with cannabis certainly can be. Just takes doing a bit of experimentation first. Best homework ever!
You deserve excellent sexual experiences, and to find products that enhance your sex life.
How to Use Cannabis With Your Partner
The smartest thing you can do before exploring cannabis use in sex is to talk about exploring cannabis use with your partner.
No duh, right?
But chances are that you have different bases of knowledge, different levels of tolerance, and different ingestion preferences between you.
Before you dash off to the dispensary, have a chat about all of the above.
Here are some conversation starters:
- What’s your history with cannabis? How do you feel about using it?
- Do you know what your tolerance level is? Is a little or a lot enough?
- Do you prefer a joint, edibles, or something else?
- Is there something you’ve been curious about, or have been wanting to try?
When you do decide on that right something, try it outside of the bedroom first. Pressure to experience a certain effect can really throw a wrench into the sex. Set aside an evening to test out your purchase with your partner, with some snacks and Netflix in the background.
If something happens, great. If it doesn’t, great. The point isn’t to force an outcome – it’s about enjoying something new.
Different Ways to Incorporate Cannabis into the Bedroom
Cannabis Consumption Methods
If you’ve never had sex high, check out this stat: 68.5% of people in one mid-sized study said sex while using cannabis was more pleasurable. (9)
Which begs the question, how to take it?
Though it might seem like a no-brainer to have a tasty little canna-snack before sex, think twice. Different digestive systems means you’ll reach your high at different times, if at all. It can take hours to feel any effects.
Instead, consider a THC and/or CBD-infused lubricant like GoLove CBD or Lavinia. Sex is always better with adequate slip-and-slide, so introducing a little cannabis into the mix can be a double benefit. Remember, THC increases blood-flow and CBD helps with relaxation!
Most studies, have been conducted on smoked cannabis, but women have found lube and suppositories to be helpful with anxiety, pain, dryness and tension. Cannabis bath bombs can set the stage for sex by pre-gaming the bedroom with a luxurious soak to relax the entire body. Finding the Right Strains and Products
Just like how different stuff turns each of us on, different strains will have different effects.
While experts differ on a definitive answer, there is agreement on which terpenes, or aroma/flavor compounds, deliver a euphoric experience. (9)
So, to ramp up sex drive, try a strain like Wedding Cake, with high levels of limonene. Or if you’re looking forward to a solo session, try a linalool-heavy strain like LA Confidential or Amnesia Haze. (9)
And if anxiety is getting in the way, “kush” strains seem particularly effective at keeping things chill. Indica strains like Bubba Kush or Kosher Kush are a great place to start.
Legal and Social Considerations
Cannabis Around the World
In some countries, cannabis is sacred. In others, it’s sacrilegious.
Even here in the States, it’s legal or illegal depending on the state you’re in. This mixed and murky background has made cannabis a point of contention between generations and cultures.
In Canada, it’s fully federally legalized while in Ecuador, it’s decriminalized. In Turkey, Uruguay, and Zimbabwe, it’s medically legalized. (8)
Not that we’re assuming you’ll be embarking on a cannabis world tour.
The point is, there are various legal statuses assigned to cannabis, and so obtaining or using cannabis products is highly dependent on its legal status in your location.
Stigma and Societal Judgments Surrounding Cannabis
It feels pretty high school, but being called a “stoner” can sting.
Not everyone in your social circle might be comfortable with cannabis use, while also being very comfortable with voicing their opinions.
Your sexual wellness and satisfaction is honestly none of their business.
Social stigma is a powerful deterrent that can keep some not-great behaviors in check, but it can also keep people from seeking help and support or stepping outside of their comfort zones.
It seems attitudes towards cannabis are as varied as its legal status, and trying to keep track of the latter is dizzying. Why worry about the former? Especially if you think it might help your sex life, your connection with your partner, or your life in general.
Importance of Open and Honest Communication
In the same way that disregarding negative opinions about something potentially beneficial to you is important, it’s equally important not to try and force a change of mind or heart.
It’s entirely possible that your partner might not be open to using cannabis for sex. Or, they’re open to the idea and just not ready to take action.
This is where communication is key.
If your partner feels rushed or pushed (or if you feel rushed or pushed by your partner), it’s much less likely that either of you will be able to make a positive change in your sex lives.
Consider your ultimate goal: is cannabis for sex something you want to explore mentally, physically, and mutually,? It’s a question worth asking.
Once you know where you and your partner stand, , you’ll be able to share your preferences and boundaries with your partner far more effectively, and they’ll feel more comfortable sharing their preferences and boundaries with you.
This also works for pretty much any topic, not just cannabis for sex!
Conclusion
By now, we’d bet you’ve got some ideas about how cannabis may elevate your sexual experience.
Whether it’s a gummy, lube, or smoking a new strain, there’s a whole world of sex-enhancing cannabis products for you to try and enjoy with or without your partner.
While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, there are plenty of options for experimentation out there, Chances are, one one is bound to fit. You deserve great sex, so why not go out and get after it?
Sources
1 https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/cannabinoids/
2 www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cannabis-marijuana-and-cannabinoids-what-you-need-to-know
3 www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-endocannabinoid-system-essential-and-mysterious-202108112569
4 https://helloagainproducts.com/our-products/
5 https://shoppecallies.com/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-indica-and-sativa#
6 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/01/well/live/marijuana-sex.html
7 https://www.leafly.com/strains/lists/effect/aroused
8 https://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/article/cannabis-legalization-world-map
9 https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sex/best-strains-for-sex
The post Cannabis For Sex: Unlocking Bedroom Bliss appeared first on Hello Again.