While more research is necessary, some cannabis strains may be helpful as an aphrodisiac and for sexual intercourse.
Cannabis has gained much attention in the wellness industry over the past few years.
Derived from the cannabis plant, cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are two well-known components of the plant. THC is the compound responsible for the intoxicating effects. As for CBD, people may take CBD or CBD-based products for many reasons, such as reducing pain, controlling anxiety, and managing seizures.
Anecdotally, people may also recommend cannabis to improve sex. However, more research is necessary as current evidence is mixed. For example, a 2019 study suggests that cannabis may improve female satisfaction with orgasm. However, a
Read on to learn more about whether certain cannabis strains are best for sex, their benefits, side effects, and how to use them.
Confused about CBD? Read our complete buyer’s guide here.
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.
There is very limited human research investigating different cannabis strains and their effect on sex. Therefore, no evidence indicates that certain strains are better for sex. However, people may anecdotally suggest certain strains are better for certain situations.
Currently, most research suggests that dosing and the method of delivery are more important than which cannabis strain a person uses.
The human body has receptors that are part of a complex cell signaling system called the
However, some experts are skeptical about cannabinoid effectiveness due to limited research.
Nevertheless, anecdotal reports suggest that the best strains for sex may be beneficial for:
Sexual anxiety
Some people may have sexual performance anxiety, which may prevent them from having satisfactory sex.
A 2020 article suggests that CBD may have a promising role in the treatment of various anxiety disorders. A 2019 study also found that adult males taking 300–600 milligrams of CBD had significantly reduced anxiety symptoms.
Therefore, CBD may be beneficial for reducing any anxiety related to sexual activities.
Click here to learn more about CBD and anxiety.
Low sex drive
A
Poor lubrication
Many personal lubricants on the market may now include CBD as an ingredient. While there is not much research investigating CBD and lubrication, the existing research
Therefore, those that struggle with dryness and painful sex may benefit from using CBD-infused lubricants. However, people should check that the CBD lubricant is compatible with condoms before using both.
Erectile dysfunction (ED)
A
Practitioners believe that it could help promote blood flow to the penis. Better blood flow to the penis may relieve ED and facilitate longer-lasting sex.
Current research suggests there are very few side effects from cannabis components, such as CBD or THC.
According to the
A person consuming THC may experience some temporary side effects. These can include:
- dry mouth
- red eyes
- slower than average response times
- a general feeling of being high
- memory loss
- issues with coordination
- increased heart rate
Some research suggests that 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 side effects that are serious, and neither can be fatal when taken correctly. While there is limited research into other components of cannabis, such as terpenes, they also do not seem to have major side effects.
Currently, research does not indicate that certain cannabis strains are better than others for sexual activities. It would instead appear that the dosage and method of delivery are more important to receive the benefits.
However, people may respond differently to different strains, and they may anecdotally suggest different strains for different types of sexual activities.
All strains of cannabis derive from the Cannabaceae family of plants. Some experts consider Cannabis indica and C. sativa to be the
To create a strain, cultivators select a variety of traits to produce the effects they want. This is a similar process to how breeders create particular characteristics in dogs.
People often describe cannabis strains as being indica, sativa, or hybrid. The hybrid strain is a result of combining the indica and sativa strains.
Best for libido
Anecdotally, people suggest that strains containing high levels of the terpene 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 its potential calming effects.
Some strains that may be popular for self-pleasure include:
- Amnesia Haze
- LA 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 of anxiety
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
Manufacturers now incorporate CBD into many products. There are different ways to use CBD. Some forms may include:
- CBD edibles
- CBD oils
- CBD topicals
- CBD lubricant
- CBD massage oil
- CBD suppositories
A person can use each product 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.
For each product, it is important to follow the instructions on the label. It is also advisable to not exceed the dosage stated on the packaging.
Alternatively, people can try the following tips to improve their sex life:
- reducing stress, if possible
- following a healthful diet
- including foreplay
- using sex toys
- using aphrodisiacs
- staying active
- improving communication
- reducing smoking and limiting alcohol intake
Some research and anecdotal evidence suggest that cannabis may help make sex better and more pleasurable. However, current research suggests that the dosage and method of delivery are more important than which cannabis strain a person uses.
It is important for a person to talk to a healthcare professional before using any form of cannabis.