CBD, cannabis and sex

How do cannabis and CBD influence sex?

Cannabis has been used since time immemorial and, ever since, it has been credited with supposed aphrodisiac properties. In India, for example, its use in tantric sex has been known for centuries. We can say that from ancient India to modern times, cannabis and its potential to enhance sexual pleasure have been a hotly debated topic.

How much truth is there in these claims? What impact will CBD have on sex? Does cannabis really help people in their bedroom endeavours, or is it just a heady myth? What is the truth behind it all?

Little information on cannabis and sex

We don't find a great variety or number of scientific studies looking at the relationship between cannabis and sex. And the reason is clear: both cannabis and sex are historical taboos. If it is hard enough to find information on each of them separately, finding it on the two together was, until very recently, an almost impossible mission. But there are studies. Despite centuries of social taboos, research is beginning to paint a clearer picture of the relationship between cannabis and CBD for sex.

The endocannabinoid system and sexual desire

The endocannabinoid system has effects on behaviour and may be related to sexual pleasure and libido. That is the conclusion of a study that puts forward the endocannabinoid system as a possible therapeutic target to help relieve problems related to sexual dysfunction that conventional drug treatments have failed to resolve. It seems that cannabinoids, because of the way they affect multiple behavioural responses, can influence sexual desire and increase sex-related activity.

Stanford University study on cannabis and sex

One of the most talked-about recent studies on cannabis and sex is this one, published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine. For it, the researchers cross-referenced data on 23,000 men and 28,000 women from the US Centers for Disease Control. Their conclusion: regular cannabis users have more sex than non-users, both men and women.

On the other hand, other studies suggest that using cannabis in large amounts can produce precisely the opposite effect: a lack of sexual appetite. Although these data cannot be considered conclusive, a relative trend can be glimpsed in them, which would point towards the idea that, indeed, in the right amounts, cannabis can boost libido.

How does cannabis influence libido and the feeling of pleasure?

The Stanford researchers only examined data and surveys, without looking into the reasons, but these are not hard to find.

On the one hand, and this has been studied extensively, cannabis produces various changes in the body, including a sharpening of some of the senses. It is common for cannabis users to feel their sense of touch or taste heightened, senses closely linked to the pleasures of love.

Also, certain strains can have an invigorating effect. And if we combine all this with the equally well-established link between use and increased appetite, we have a cocktail that could very well increase sexual desire, especially if we are with that person who really turns us on.

CBD cannabis for sex: what effects does it have?

Another reason would be the relaxing and anxiolytic effect that use usually brings, especially of CBD-rich cannabis strains such as CBD flower. When we are relaxed, we feel less nervous or under pressure, we let ourselves go more naturally, and that helps us enjoy the act. In this regard, a study in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs states that cannabis helps regulate inhibition and improves sexual arousal.

Multi-orgasmic because of cannabis? An extreme case

Another high-profile case is that of a 40-year-old Dutch woman who went to hospital because she had been experiencing spontaneous orgasms for a week. The case was reported in the Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy. Apparently, the lucky (or perhaps not so lucky) patient had sex frequently and was also a cannabis user. Two reasons that, on their own, would not explain this unusual case, but the doctors who treated her had no choice but to attribute these spontaneous orgasms to the use of the famous plant.

Which is responsible for the invigorating effect of cannabis, THC or CBD?

So, which cannabinoid would be responsible for this supposed increase in libido? THC? CBD or cannabidiol? A mixture of both, along with the other cannabinoids? As with everything related to the therapeutic uses of cannabis (and sexual health is, of course, a therapeutic use), there is no universal consensus. Some people think that THC, with its psychoactive effect, is what gives cannabis its sexual pleasure properties. But the psychoactive effect of THC can be counterproductive, especially in today's cannabis strains, which are disproportionately high in THC.

Others attribute these sexual benefits to CBD, with its relaxing and anxiolytic properties, which heighten the senses. And there are those who, championing the entourage effect, believe that it is the combination of the different cannabinoids that creates the magic of sexual enjoyment.

Also, there are many strains of CBD flower and cannabis, and each strain can have a different effect depending on its cannabinoid and terpene profile and the amount of each compound, which can give a more energising or, on the contrary, sedative effect. This is what is known as the sativa or indica effect. This is where each person's needs come into play. Everyone can try out which type of cannabis suits them best for sex: whether a more relaxing, invigorating, disinhibiting or stimulating effect works for them... So now you know: you'll have to try it for yourself!

We, as you would expect, believe that you can find all the pleasure you want with the crucial role of CBD, or cannabidiol, in sex. Keep reading!

Finding the balance between cannabis and sex: the effect is in the dose

Cannabis and sex are two surprisingly compatible activities: both can be enjoyed even more when combined, but be careful – in moderation! Finding the perfect balance in the dose makes all the difference. Because not everything is positive in the relationship between cannabis and sex.

We have already seen that some studies warn that excessive use can lead to a lack of sexual appetite. THC, too, especially in large amounts, can be harmful. It is common knowledge that using too much of it, especially high-THC, low-CBD strains, can cause anxiety, paranoia or dizziness, symptoms that won't exactly make you feel randy. You need to pay attention to the strain of weed, the amount taken and your own tolerance.

On the other hand, there are contradictory data. If we look at the studies, we find that, for centuries, cannabis use has been linked to both an increase and a decrease in sexual desire. And this very contradiction in the results could be explained by the fact, already documented in both animals and humans, that the dose changes the effect. It seems that high doses (especially of THC) are associated with less sexual activity, as well as more adverse effects.

Some studies, such as one from Washington State University, claim that cannabis could lower sperm count in men and, therefore, impair reproductive function. Yet there is also research from Harvard University with completely opposite results: it states that men who use cannabis produce more sperm and have higher testosterone levels. In any case, these changes seem to be linked mainly to THC.

Cannabis and CBD for erectile dysfunction

Ayurvedic doctors have long used Cannabis sativa, the plant from which both cannabis and CBD are derived, to treat erectile dysfunction. Exactly how it works remains a mystery. Experts speculate that it may be due to its ability to relax the blood vessels, thereby promoting better blood flow to the penis to improve performance with longer sessions of intercourse.

Everyone's getting in on the act! Aphrodisiac hemp products

All in all, the industry has not stayed on the sidelines of the relationship between our two protagonists. Today there are a host of cannabis-derived products with a sexual purpose, such as lubricants, massage creams and oils, or even chocolates meant as aphrodisiacs. We encourage you to take a look at our online CBD shop, where you'll find CBD oils, CBD flower, CBD vaporizers and CBD massage creams that might just brighten your day (or your life) with your partner. Dare to try?

• CBD oil: its effects are steady and long-lasting. Take it as CBD drops, sublingually (under the tongue), at least 90 minutes before the moment you need it.
• Vaporizing CBD: its effects are immediate, though short-lived. It gives a feeling of well-being and comfort. You can combine it with CBD oil to make the effect of the CBD last longer.
• CBD flower strains: you have to feel for yourself which one gives you the best feeling of well-being and pleasure. Everyone is unique when it comes to their preferences. Explore the world of CBD flower! (Bear in mind that each country has its own rules: in some, such as the UK, hemp flower is controlled even when its THC content is low.)

Information on CBD for sex (FAQs)