Cannabis and Sex 101

Here we’ll address the most common, and sometimes troubling, cannabis and sex questions that can affect your most intimate moments.

Is cannabis really an aphrodisiac?

Next time you’re trying to get in the mood, light up a joint instead of eating a bowl of oysters. According to research published in Pharmacological Research Journal, roughly half of subjects, both male and female, reported feeling aroused from cannabis.

So what causes this? Research isn’t conclusive, but psychiatrist Dr. Lester Grinspoon told High Times, “There’s no doubt that when people are high, they are more sensitive to their sexual feelings and urges.”  

But you know what they say about too much of a good thing…the same goes for cannabis before sex. When the optimal dose is consumed, cannabis can act as an powerful aphrodisiac, helping you get aroused and maintain it.

If too much is ingested, it can actually have the exact opposite effect. Know your tolerance level before you try mixing cannabis and sex.

Does cannabis make orgasms better?

It’s no secret that the average female has more trouble reaching sexual climax than the average male. For the 1 in 3 women struggling to achieve orgasm during sex, marijuana can be a real savior.

According to this study, regular cannabis consumers have a heightened sense of pleasure and sensation, which can lead to better and more intense orgasms.

What’s the science behind pot and increase pleasure and stimulation?

For one, it increases your heart rate, which in turn increases blood circulation, including blood flow to erogenous zones.

Secondly, it has to do with CB1 receptors, which are part of the endocannabinoid system and found all throughout our body. These receptors influence functions like cognition, memory, motor behavior, and sensory experience. When we consume THC it bonds with our CB1 receptors, creating a sense of euphoria and heightened sensitivity.

Heightened sexual sensitivity can have its downsides too. The same increased responsiveness that can help women orgasm can also make men orgasm faster than they wanted, a bummer for both parties. Combine this with cannabis’ skewed sense of time and a man may climax well before intended.

Can cannabis help you feel more relaxed before and during sex?

Cannabis has been used to treat anxiety successfully for quite some time. A recent study by the University of Haifa in Israel has helped validate this claim, stating “cannabinoid system activation could represent a novel approach to the treatment of cognitive deficits that accompany a variety of stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders.”

What does this mean for your sex life? If you tend to be anxious when it comes to lovemaking, marijuana might be just what you need. Odds are you’ll perform better when you aren’t so worried or intimidated about pleasing your partner. Take a few puffs before getting down to business and you’ll feel more at ease.

Does cannabis make your vagina dry?

We all know about cotton mouth, but the same phenomenon can happen to other places on a woman’s body too.

Cotton mouth, and “cotton vagina” as the internet has so creatively named it, is caused by the same problem: drying mucus membranes. The science on why this happens is pretty sparse, but there’s plenty of anecdotal evidence from women who say they’ve experienced it. Birth control pills can also interrupt vaginal wetness, which is only exacerbated by certain types of weed.

The good news? There are plenty of strains that won’t give you cotton-anything. It’s all about finding those that work best for you and avoiding the ones that don’t.  

Does cannabis lower testosterone levels?

Testosterone is the steroid hormone associated with human’s sexual drive. It’s mostly found in men, made in their testes, but women have some too, produced by their ovaries.

Research by the Reproductive Biology Research Foundation and the Missouri Clinical and Biochemical Laboratory suggests high levels of THC can cause the body to produce less testosterone. But the decrease is pretty minimal, and probably not medically significant.

Even if your cannabis use is affecting your testosterone production, don’t worry: it’s not permanent. If you stop consuming cannabis, your testosterone level should even out.

Will cannabis make it harder to get pregnant?

While cannabis shouldn’t be treated like birth control, research suggests it may make it more difficult to get pregnant in two ways.

Some research claims that THC has an effect on sperm swimming habits. Because sperm are too tiny to make the entire trip up the vaginal canal, they instead ride the current for a while then kick it into high gear when approaching the egg. This is called “Hyperactivation.” THC may cause sperm to start swimming immediately, wasting too much energy to reach the egg.

If the sperm does reach its destination, THC can stop its journey in another way. For sperm to permeate the egg’s wall, it needs to release a specific enzyme. In one study, researchers found that 30% of sperm treated with THC didn’t release the enzyme needed, and therefore couldn’t  fertilize the egg.

Best Cannabis Strains for Sex

Strawberry Cough

This upbeat sativa dominant strain is the real deal. Perfect for a cerebral experience with just a bit of body high to make you feel relaxed, Strawberry Cough is a perfect for a fun date night. Take advantage of its anti-anxiety benefits and uplifting high when trying something new in the bedroom.

Grandaddy Purple

A true classic, this indica dominant strain’s constant relevance has to do with its ability to produce great sex. Grandaddy Purple packs a seriously relaxed high ideal for treating chronic pain, insomnia, and stress. If you’re looking for something to put you in a sensuous mood, try this beforehand—only don’t smoke too much! This flower will have you feeling sleepy.

Sour Dream

While Sour Dream is technically a sativa, it really acts more as a hybrid. It’s derived from a cross between Blue Dream and Sour Diesel, two of the most popular strains in the world. Take a few puffs before sex and feel all of your precoital anxieties melt away.

Sexxpot

Available throughout California, as the name suggests it’s a must-try for intimate relations. With high CBD and low THC, this strain is intended to give you a euphoric high without feeling overwhelmed. If you’re mixing cannabis and sex for the first time, Sexxpot is your go-to option.

Best Cannabis Products for Sex

Pleasure Spray by Foria

Ladies, this one’s for you! You’ve probably read about this lube at least once; a woman drank a whole bottle and was high for three days.

From the same company that created cannabis-infused tampons comes a 150mg THC spray that’ll take sex to the next level without the high. To apply, spritz 1-4 times directly on your vagina and keep in mind applying it inside provides the highest absorption. A 10ml bottle costs $38.

Amoré by Sensi Chew

This 50mg edible (broken into two 25mg pieces) claims to increase testosterone in both men and women and helps boost sexual desire. How? It’s made with cannabis and 80mg of Tongkat Ali, another natural aphrodisiac. Go slow with this one if you aren’t sure of your tolerance. One 50mg Amoré sells for about $12.

Hemp Stay Erect Cream by Pipe Dream

Now this one’s for the guys! If you need a little help keeping up, try this hemp-based cream to get more blood pumping to the right place. Since this product is made from hemp and contains no THC, you can order it directly from Amazon for less than $10.

Love Potion #420 Tincture by Yummy Karma

This tincture is made with 150mg THC and 60mg CBD, MCT oil, ginseng extract, maca root extract, turmeric, and other natural aphrodisiacs. Squeeze a couple drops under your tongue to help ease into your tantric mood. This marijuana love concoction will run you about $35.

There you have it. Hopefully we’ve answered some important cannabis and sex concerns as well as guided you towards the appropriate mmj products to help create a pleasurable and memorable sexual experience. Enjoy!