Is Cannabis the Latest Aphrodisiac?

Cannabis has been used as an aphrodisiac, as well as for gynecological treatment, for centuries. The earliest evidence was in Ancient Mesopotamia, around 4000 years ago. Later texts from Asia and Africa also reference recipes using cannabis in sexual health.

The female reproductive system is lush with endocannabinoid receptors, which how the body processes cannabis. This allows women specifically to benefit from the physical benefits of cannabis, not just the euphoric ones. Numerous studies have found that cannabis can act as an aphrodisiac for both men and women.

“Cannabis has been used throughout history to increase arousal and pleasure, but I have never resonated with the term “aphrodisiac.” said Ashley Manta, sex coach and creator of CannaSexual®, “I like to think of cannabis as sensual enhancer and a tool to address the things that get in the way of pleasure, connection, and intimacy.”

Combining cannabis and sex can be as simple as sparking a joint up with your partner prior to getting it on. It can also be incorporated in other ways like topicals, suppositories (not sexy I know, but helpful), and edibles. People who use cannabis and sex together have reported increased sensitivity, lowered anxiety, and better orgasms.

Better Orgasms? Yes Please.

There have been dozens of studies on how cannabis affects sex, especially as legalization sweeps across the globe. Clinical studies are not generally sexy talk but, in this case, it has been illuminating. As the evidence emerges it is obvious that there is definitely something about Mary (Jane).

Men and women both experience benefits from cannabis during sex but women get an added perk. Due to those clusters of endocannabinoid receptors in women, they experience increased sex-drive and blood flow when using cannabis lube or suppositories. Women report less painful intercourse, better orgasms, and increased arousal.

Even more exciting, I’m looking at you ladies, is that women who used cannabis prior to sex were 2.13 times more likely to orgasm. That’s right, this study showed women doubled their chances of an orgasm when they used cannabis. The benefits of cannabis prior to sex might be the key to closing the orgasm gap, where women orgasm far less than their male counterparts.

In general, cannabis is shown to help both men and women enhance their pleasure during a sexual experience. Mentally, cannabis can take you out of a busy mind space, letting go of stress. Physically, consumers say it allows them to focus on the sensations of sex, feeling more in tuned with their bodies.

Start Low and Go Slow

Now before you go rushing off to start your own ‘science experiments’ to test this data, it is important to be mindful of how much you are consuming or using. When combining sex and weed it’s best to follow the timeless adage ‘start low and go slow’. There is no rush! “You’re slowing down, you’re taking the time, you’re enjoying the experience. You’re not just rushing to get to the next part,” Manta adds. While in a shared altered state, you can become freer, less self-conscious, and willing to try new things as a pair.”

Consuming dried flower prior to getting busy will have immediate effects for both men and women. Other methods like edibles provide a body high that enhances sex. Edibles aren’t generally for beginners, they take time to kick in and skill to get the right dosing. New consumers should be cautious, remembering it can take up to 2 hours to feel any effects. You don’t have to be high to enjoy the benefits of cannabis, topical products like lubricants work quickly like smoking or vaping. Topicals, infused lubricants, and CBD rich products can enhance sensory experience without a head high.

Strains That Will Make You Aroused

Look for strains that are balanced in THC and CBD instead of a THC-dominate strain. Terpenes are also a huge part of the experience, the aromatic oils that give cannabis scent profiles and added benefits. Look for buds rich in terpenes like pinene and limonene which are ideal for sexy time.

Leafly recommends these strains when looking to get down:

• Strawberry Frost
• Hammerhead
• White Caramel Cookie
• Black Raspberry
• Sour Diesel
• Love Potion
• Purple Kush

• Sour Lemon OG
• OG Kush
• AK-47
• Wonder Woman OG
• Trainwreck
• Bubblegum
• Tangerine
• Full Moon

It’s important to find the optimal balance in order to experience the benefits of pairing cannabis with sex. Too much of a good thing isn’t always a good thing. To ensure all parties involved have an enjoyable experience, honour your limits and don’t be afraid to experiment solo first. Try different consumption methods to see what works best.

Ashley Keenan

Ashley is a content creator and media consultant in the cannabis industry. She is also a medical cannabis advocate, real life patient, and is relentlessly authentic about life with a progressive disease. Ashley aims to contribute meaningful, fact-based cannabis information to educate and destigmatize the plant.