Cannabis heightens our senses. It makes us travel to hidden corners of reality, to unexplored zones of our psyche. It’s not surprising then that, for thousands of years, human beings have used it as a catalyst in one of the wildest and most exciting activities of our daily life: sex. While some use it as an aphrodisiac, others claim that cannabis is not a good ally for having sex because, it can, among others, cause erectile dysfunction and, in the case of women, vaginal dryness. Myth? Reality? Discover in this post whether marijuana is a good bedfellow.
What does science say?
Science says yes…
According to science, in principle at least, it is. Research shows that THC-rich marijuana can act as an aphrodisiac. Why? THC stimulates the production of two hormones closely related to our excitement and our sexual predisposition: dopamine, also known as the 'happy hormone', and anandamide, a compound causing a sensation of peace and happiness. And, as if this were not enough, THC also has testosterone boosting properties. That's why, being happy, relaxed and testosterone-packed, it is easier to get carried away by libido and end up enjoying a good sex session. Cannabis can help women reach orgasm as well. How? CB1 receptors of our endocannabinoid system are connected with the nervous system. Therefore, when affected by the consumption of cannabis, they cause sexual arousal. According to some experts, CB1 receptors amplify the tactile sensation as well as the state of euphoria, which helps women have long orgasms of up to 30 seconds! To that one must add other effects typical of cannabis consumption such as the enhanced ability to control anxiety, the heightened sensation of physical and cerebral relaxation or the increased sensitivity. All of them do help to enjoy sex more intensely and for a longer time.
But…
All that glitters is not gold. According to an article from The Journal of Sexual Medicine, cannabis could increase the risk of erectile dysfunction. That's because, apparently, when THC reaches the brain, it makes you feel as if you were "stoned", blocking some normal functions of the body. On top of that, there's another study claiming cannabis to be responsible for men's having problems to reach orgasm. And finally, the website of the Mayo Clinic states that consuming marijuana could be a possible cause of gynecomastia – excessively large breasts in men, due to a hormonal imbalance-. When it comes to women, some specialists say that cannabis could cause vaginal dryness.
It all depends on the amount
Like most things in life, the effects of cannabis while having sex could vary depending on many factors: on whether it is CBD-rich or THC-rich, or Sativa-dominant or Indica-dominant, or consumed smoked, vaporized or eaten… The effect may vary from person to person as well, for each person's tolerance is different. What to do, then? The answer, apparently, is the amount of cannabis we consume before sex, which should go in accordance with each person's ability to cope with it. As a general rule, evidence has proved moderate use of cannabis to lead to better sex while heavy use only makes things worse.
How a moderate dose affects sex:
- Increased libido and sexual pleasure
- More intense orgasms
- Better communication with the partner
- Greater body awareness
- Heightened tactile sensitivity
How a high dose affects sex:
- Decreased sex desire
- Insightfulness
- Lack of body control
It isn't easy to say exactly how big the dose should be, for men and women are different and so is their tolerance level. So we just can recommend each person to go little by little, trying to find the dose that best suits them.
Which cannabis strains are most suitable for consuming before sex?
According to experts, using hybrids and avoiding pure genetics is more advisable since these could cause paranoia, if a Sativa, and extreme relaxation, if an Indica, above all, if consumers are not used to them.
- Sativa strains and sex: Sativa genetics produce a rather invigorating effect which is particularly interesting for having sex. Therefore, Sativa-dominant hybrids such as 707 Headband (30% Indica - 70% Sativa) or Blue Dream (30% Indica - 70% Sativa) are generally top choices.
- Indica strains and sex: However, as sex is – or should be – something more than just a physical exercise where your endurance and gymnastic abilities are tested, the relaxing effect of Indica genetics is also widely appreciated. Be careful with the dose, though. If you don't pay attention, the drowsiness could end up with any lascivious intentions. Green Crack, with her 40%-60% Indica-Sativa percentage, showcases a nice balance for a wild psychedelic night of sex.
Great article HSO - I have been searching for that one strain that will take myself and girlfriend to new heights. We have found one combination that when put together it knocks here socks off - But for me its all good-Yeah getting your raffle prize we would have more than enough to experiment with.
This article is greatly opinionated -each body will react in its own way - not one man or women is the same. On a biological level cannabis will cause many different sensations. To collect that information and study the affects on sex and pro's and con's would be fun to say the least- Must be a very controlled atmosphere.Would there be willingness of both gender participating TO HAVE MULTIPLE SEX PARTNERS. How do you measure with out it This is very complex I believe.