Buckle up  because people are talking about the benefits of cannabis in the bedroom. Let’s face it, this place of pleasure isn’t always the easiest ride for us all. Challenges like low sex drive, vaginal dryness, and erectile dysfunction can swoop in during our lives to make the bedroom a maze to navigate. 

First off, it’s important to note that these things are common, and whatever your particular challenge is, you can be sure to find plenty of others experiencing the same thing. Second, there are things we can do to help us along the way and reclaim our power. We’re here to share the juicy details on how CBD fits into this picture, exploring the innate properties of the sexiest cannabinoids. Note, despite science being in its infancy when it comes to the cannabis family, there are many studies and anecdotal accounts that support various yummy uses for all types of sensual encounters. Let’s get into it! 

Factors that may impact your libido

But first, why do sexual challenges happen at all? Depending on the type of problem you’re facing, there can be a whole range of underlying causes. Common issues include low libido, erectile dysfunction, ejaculation disorders, pain or discomfort during sex, and difficulty reaching an orgasm to name a few. The things behind these challenges can include:

• Substance use – alcohol and drugs can reduce our sex drive and affect performance. Studies show that despite this, even after long-term substance use the sexual dysfunction associated with it can be reversed. 
• Medication – certain prescribed medications may also interfere with our sex drive and ability to perform. These can include antihistamines, decongestants, anti-hypertensive medications and antidepressants. 
• Health conditions – diabetes, menopause and heart conditions have all been linked to low sex drive. And it makes sense, we all know that when you’re feeling ill, even if it’s a temporary ailment, sex might be far from your mind. 
• Trauma or psychological factors – our emotional well-being is intrinsically linked to our body. Some sexual dysfunctions are associated with these kinds of traumas, and in this case, it’s important to speak to a qualified professional to get the right psychological support.  
• Stress – feeling stressed? Feeling sexy with it? We thought not. Of course, stress and anxiety affect us all in different ways, but it is common to experience a drop in desire when we’re feeling this way. 
• Injury – in the case of erectile dysfunction sometimes an injury or health condition can make it more difficult to perform. Note, it’s vital to speak to your healthcare professional in cases like this to get the right medical support.  
• Relationship issues – just as stress can make our libido so-so, relationship issues such as lack of intimacy, trust or overfamiliarity can take their toll on our sex drive. This can be worked through with the right tools, so know that help is out there. 

It’s important to note that the nature of our sex drive and performance is intensely nuanced, with every situation and condition having a complex picture around it. If your issue is more medical or is linked to trauma, the first step is always to speak with your healthcare professional. This will enable you to identify the reasons behind your challenge and work through all the possible angles to regain your sex life. 

CBD and sex: anatomy 101

While we know that sexual challenges vary hugely, it’s interesting to note that cannabinoids pose much promise in this arena. And why? If we look at our anatomy, we find the answer – and it lies with the endocannabinoid system (or the ECS for short). 

The ECS is responsible for regulating everyday functions including mood, fertility, appetite, sleep, and more. Scientists believe that the ECS is also associated with sexual arousal. Cannabinoid receptors have also been found in both male and female sexual organs, giving cannabinoids the ability to potentially engage and trigger similar reactions as our endocannabinoids. But not all cannabinoids are the same. Yup, there is a range of different cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, and they all have different properties. Which leads us to this very special question – which cannabinoid is the sexiest? 

What are the sexiest cannabinoids?

You may be surprised to hear that there have been a fair few sex studies and scientific surveys conducted on cannabis in the past. Lucky us, because those studies help illuminate the power of certain cannabinoids for sensual experiences. There are also indirect studies that have been completed on various cannabinoids that help us theorize sexual applications as well. Here’s what we know so far. 

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

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The existing studies available on cannabis and sex focus on delta-9 THC, the most prevalent cannabinoid found in marijuana that’s responsible for its euphoric effects. A Stanford review that compiled two decades of data from an ongoing National Survey of Family Growth with 28,176 women and 22,943 men found that with weekly cannabis users, men reported 22% more sex and women reported 34% more sex. Respondents who reported more frequent weekly to daily use had an even higher increase in sexual frequency. Meanwhile, a 2019 scientific survey found that 38.7% reported better sex, 58.7% reported that cannabis increased their desire for sex, 73.8% reported increased sexual satisfaction, and 65.7% reported increased intensity of orgasms. 

That said, most of this data is anecdotal, but there was also a 2017 study that found a potential biphasic effect on sexual functioning. The findings support that small doses of cannabis may increase sensitivity and arousal while large doses had negative, opposite effects. However, many anecdotal accounts support different findings, so it’s safe to say that we need more data on the potential biphasic effect.

If you live in a legal state (lucky you!), you may want to experiment with delta-9 THC to see if it does kick things up in the bedroom. Both ingestibles and topicals can play a role here so it’s up to you to have fun exploring the effects. For those that don’t, delta-8 THC and delta-10 THC may be alternative options. Unfortunately, there is no data available regarding these two minor cannabinoids and sex, but they seem to emulate some of the promising benefits of THC at a milder rate. Just be sure to purchase these products from a reputable source since they’re not regulated like CBD products.

Cannabidiol (CBD)

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There aren’t any direct studies available on CBD and sexual function but there are many supporting studies that help us theorize the benefit of this cannabinoid. CBD’s promising vasodilator properties may increase blood flow to sexual tissue to promote enhanced sensitivity and natural lubrication. Its anti-inflammatory potential may also increase lubrication and relieve pain, making sex more comfortable, which could be the perfect solution if that’s the thing holding you back. Significant preliminary research also supports CBD’s encouraging anti-anxiety capabilities for helping to soothe the mind and get you in the mood, which may also offer relief if stress and anxiety are cropping up for you.     

Tips and Tricks: Try our Wake the Neighbors CBD love lotion to ease tension and boost blood flow – you can thank us later.

Cannabigerol (CBG)

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Known as the “mother of all cannabinoids”, there’s very limited data when it comes to CBG. Existing literature suggests anti-inflammatory, nausea relief, and neurological benefits which may offer some relief for underlying issues that can get in the way of fulfilling sexual experiences. Anecdotal accounts also support CBG products for being beneficial in the bedroom. 

Your pleasure is your power

We believe that cannabinoid therapy should always be individualized and that includes when it’s used for sexual enhancement. Some individuals choose to explore one cannabinoid at a time while others like to create the perfect ratio for achieving their desires. Whatever route you choose, make sure to have fun experimenting whether that’s alone or with a partner. And if you need us, we’re always here to help you enhance your sensual encounters, providing guidance when it comes to finding the right products for you. Shop now or reach out any time!