Cannabis & Sex: How Marijuana Can Improve Your Sex Life

Marijuana is a substance that has broken away from its stigma for quite some time now. It can positively affect things such as pain, mood and anxiety while treating an array of medical conditions. Because cannabis is so useful in different areas of the body, it is natural that people have started to think about how cannabis and sex can be combined. While research is still limited, many findings are positive. 

How Cannabis Works Within the Body

The Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system, or the ECS, is the system that interacts with cannabinoids, the active compounds found in marijuana. The ECS encompasses neurotransmitters, receptors and enzymes that break down cannabinoids, allowing the user to feel the effects of the marijuana consumed. Perhaps the most important pieces of the system are the two cannabinoid receptors that are working diligently for our bodies. The CB1 receptor, located in the central nervous system, is involved in regulating things such as pain and depression. The CB2 receptor, located in the peripheral nervous system, regulates immunity, appetite and inflammation. When cannabinoids such as CBD and THC bind with these receptors, they can create positive outcomes.

What Does THC Do?

THC is one of the most popular cannabinoids, due to its powerful psychoactive effect it contains giving the consumer the feeling of being high. But what is actually happening in the body? THC binds to the CB1 receptor, which mimics a natural chemical produced in the brain, called anandamide. This molecule in the brain is a "bliss" molecule, so there is no surprise that this can be the feeling of consuming THC.  Additional effects from THC can include relaxation, changes in mood and heightened sensory experiences.

What Does CBD Do?

CBD is the non-psychoactive counterpart to THC that can actually boost naturally occurring levels of endocannabinoids in the body. Not only can CBD improve the functionality of the cannabinoid receptors, but it can also affect the way the other cannabinoids react with the receptors. In sum, CBD works to maintain bodily functions, which leads to aiding in homeostasis. CBD is critical for regulating how we respond to stress and anxiety, which is vital once looking into the relationship that cannabis has with sex.

Weed and Sex

Some people think weed and sex go together like peanut butter and jelly - but does research support this? To begin with, marijuana is still a Schedule 1 drug, meaning research is limited and extremely difficult to qualify for. Also, when thinking about sex, what constitutes good sex varies from person to person, and sexual arousal and its functions are very complex. This all means that finding a direct correlation between the two can be difficult. While there are no definitive answers, here are the findings of associations between the two:

Does Weed Make Sex Better?

There is some research concluding that marijuana may have a positive overall effect on sex in men and women. In a 2017 study in the Journal of Sex Medicine, it was reported that frequent smokers have 20% more sex than those who do not. Science has also revealed that the endocannabinoid system has receptors in the area of the brain that deals with sexual function and desire. This means that consuming cannabis may increase one's libido. We also know that cannabis is a vasodilator, which means that it opens blood vessels and increases blood flow, which is a key factor for sexual performance. The ECS is also working with receptors in the skin and nerve pathways, giving people heightened senses during sex, which leads to a more pleasurable experience overall.

If sex is better with weed, then what is the best weed for sex? Most experts lean towards an indica strain or strong CBD alternatives, which usually leaves the consumer feeling more relaxed. As always, it is best to start with a low dose and take it slow. Some also suggest that if you're looking to incorporate cannabis into sexual encounters, start with masturbation first.

Does CBD Help Sexually?

It is understood that CBD is essential in stress and anxiety management, decreasing inflammation and pain, all while increasing circulation. All of these attributes point to a positive correlation between CBD and libido. For some women, CBD is considered to be superior, because THC has a tendency to cause issues with vaginal lubrication where CBD has found to do the opposite. There are CBD-based lubricants, topical creams and ointments sold everywhere to help combat this issue that some women encounter.

Cannabis and Erectile Dysfunction

Approximately 40-50% of men have been faced with ED in sexual encounters, and many of them are wondering how to use CBD oil for erectile dysfunction. Unfortunately, the findings are scattered. One study found that ED is 3 times more common in daily marijuana smokers, while a Stanford study noted that consuming weed did not impair sexual performance as much as alcohol. In addition, there have been animal studies that have found cannabis to have an inhibiting effect on erectile tissue in the penis, but it has not been proven yet in humans. Studies also show that only 5% of ED is physical, which means it is overwhelmingly a mental or emotional block that causes it. Because CBD is used to combat stress and anxiety, it might help with erectile dysfunction.

Have you tried using cannabis in sexual encounters? Was it a positive experience? Let us know your thoughts below.