Some people suggest certain cannabis strains may improve sexual intercourse. However, more research is necessary to confirm whether cannabis can have this effect.

Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are two well-known components of the cannabis plant that have gained much attention in the wellness industry over the past few years.

THC is the compound responsible for the intoxicating effects of cannabis. People may take CBD or CBD-based products for many reasons, such as reducing pain or managing anxiety or seizures. Anecdotally, people may also recommend cannabis to improve sex. However, more research into its sexual effects is necessary as current evidence is mixed.

This article discusses whether certain cannabis strains may help improve sex, their potential benefits, side effects, and how to use them.

Is CBD legal?The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. Be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.

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There is very limited human research investigating different cannabis strains and their effect on sex. Therefore, no evidence indicates particular strains are more likely to improve sex. However, people may anecdotally suggest certain strains are best for certain situations.

Currently, most research suggests that dosing and the method of delivery may be more important than which cannabis strain a person uses. Research investigating the individual traits of different cannabis strains, including the levels of compounds such as terpenes and phytochemicals they contain, is still ongoing.

Currently, research does not indicate that certain cannabis strains are better than others for sex. The dosage and method of delivery may have more of an effect. People may also respond differently to different strains.

The following sections describe which strains people may recommend to enhance different aspects of sex. These strains contain both CBD and THC, so they produce intoxicating effects.

Best for libido

Anecdotally, people suggest that cannabis strains containing high levels of a terpene called limonene may work best for boosting libido.

Strains that may be good for libido include:

  • Wedding Cake
  • Do-Si-Dos
  • Wedding Gelato

Best for masturbation

People may suggest that strains high in the terpene linalool may be best for performing solo sex acts due to the compound’s potential calming effects.

Some strains that may be popular for self-pleasure include Amnesia Haze and L.A. Confidential.

Best for anxiety

A 2018 study examined different cannabis strains that may help reduce anxiety levels. The study participants rated different strains on how effective they were at relieving symptoms.

According to the study, the top strains for anxiety include:

  • Bubba Kush
  • Skywalker OG Kush
  • Kosher Kush

Pain relief

Strains containing terpenes such as beta-caryophyllene, humulene, myrcene, and caryophyllene may help with pain relief due to their potential analgesic properties.

Some of the top strains for pain relief may include:

  • Zkittlez
  • G13
  • Harlequin

Having reduced pain levels can allow a person to feel more comfortable and may help them enjoy sex more. Some CBD products may also help with reducing pain from intercourse.

Read more about CBD and anxiety.

The human body has receptors that are part of a complex cell signaling system called the endocannabinoid system.

Research suggests phytocannabinoids from cannabis may indirectly activate these receptors and produce the following effects on the body:

  • antianxiety
  • anti-inflammatory
  • anticonvulsant

Some experts are skeptical about the effectiveness of cannabinoids due to limited research. However, anecdotal reports suggest that the best strains for sex may help with the following:

Sexual anxiety

A person may experience sexual performance anxiety, which may prevent them from having satisfactory sex.

A 2020 article suggests CBD may be beneficial in treating various anxiety disorders.

A 2019 study also found that adult males taking 300–600 milligrams of CBD had significantly reduced anxiety symptoms.

Low sex drive

Research from 2017 suggests cannabis may activate the part of the brain that controls arousal. For this reason, cannabis may be helpful for people with a low sex drive.

A 2023 study in the Journal of Cannabis Research found that people reported increases in the following while using cannabis:

  • libido
  • sexual functioning
  • sexual satisfaction

Limited lubrication

Many personal lubricants on the market now include CBD as an ingredient. While there have been few studies investigating CBD and lubrication, existing research suggests that topical CBD may reduce pain and inflammation.

This suggests people who experience dryness and painful sex may benefit from using CBD-infused lubricants. However, it is important to check that CBD lubricants are compatible with condoms before using them together.

Erectile dysfunction

Research on the effect of cannabis on erectile dysfunction (ED) is mixed.

A 2019 analysis of five studies found that people who took cannabis were four times as likely to experience ED as people who did not.

However, research from 2021 involving over 7,000 males found that people who did not take cannabis experienced more ED than those who did. Cannabis may help promote blood flow to the penis to relieve ED and facilitate longer-lasting sex.

Current research suggests there are very few side effects from cannabis components, such as CBD or THC.

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that CBD is safe, and the only potential side effects are likely to be interactions with other medications a person may be taking.

However, a person consuming THC may experience some temporary side effects. These can include:

  • a dry mouth
  • red eyes
  • slower than average response times
  • a general feeling of being high
  • memory loss
  • issues with coordination
  • an increased heart rate

Some research suggests taking regular or large doses of THC may increase the risk of developing schizophrenia in some people with a predisposition for the condition.

Neither CBD nor THC has any apparent serious side effects, and neither can be fatal when people take them correctly. While there is limited research into other components of cannabis, such as terpenes, they also do not seem to have major side effects.

Manufacturers now incorporate CBD into many products, such as:

A person can use these products in a similar way to an equivalent product that does not contain CBD. For example, a person can apply CBD lubricant to their genitals to help facilitate sexual intercourse.

It is important to always follow the instructions on product labels. People should not exceed the recommended dosage.

Learn more about CBD dosage.

CBD resources

Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on CBD.

According to some limited research and anecdotal evidence, cannabis may help make aspects of sex better and more pleasurable.

However, current research indicates the dosage and method of delivery are more important than the cannabis strain a person uses.

A person should talk with a healthcare professional before using any form of cannabis.