CBD and sex: benefits, products, and tips

According to the Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, there are eight major components to achieving “great sex”: being present, deep erotic intimacy, interpersonal risk-taking and exploration, vulnerability, authenticity, connection, transcendence, and extraordinary communication.

But, you know what else could possibly spice up your sex life? Cannabidiol. As shown in recent studies, CBD could play a role in enhancing intercourse by increasing sexual desire, easing tension, and helping with erectile dysfunction in men.

Entering a quick Google search on “CBD for sex” will lead you to a long list of articles to read through. So, we’ll save you all that trouble and give you a summed-up piece on everything you need to know.

CBD and Sex Drive

So, how does CBD affect an individual’s sex drive? While science is still undecided, recent findings suggest the cannabinoid to be more beneficial than detrimental, at the very least.

Can CBD Increase Your Sex Drive?

Before answering this question, we’ll first discuss the central component in all of this: the endocannabinoid system. To sum it up, the ECS is an intricate cell-signalling system responsible for regulating specific functions like memory, appetite, sleep, and overall mood.

Within the ECS are receptors that cannabinoids bind to—or otherwise influence—triggering specific effects. Experts have identified two primary receptor types: CB1 and CB2. The former are scattered mainly throughout the central nervous system, while the latter are located predominantly in immune cells.

Why did we mention this? Because, according to a study published in the New York Academy of Sciences in 2009, some of these receptors can also be found in the reproductive system. Specifically, CB1 receptors were found in the testis, ovaries, and spleen.

And, while some studies have found a connection between chronic THC consumption and lowered sex drive, it is purported that CBD has the potential to reverse or reduce these effects through its interference with CB1 receptor signalling.

Here’s another interesting tidbit: according to a 2017 study, cannabis was able to activate a part of the human brain that’s directly connected to sexual desire. It’s a direct contradiction to the previous mention of THC’s supposed effect of lowering libido.

Can CBD Lower Your Sex Drive?

Based on the aforementioned findings, the answer to this question leans more to a “no”. It appears all genders could benefit from cannabidiol’s potential to elevate libido.

Personal accounts on CBD’s effect on sex drive vary greatly, and ultimately more research is needed to reach a definitive, or at least clinically backed, answer.

What Are the Benefits of Using CBD for Your Sex Life?

According to numerous studies, CBD can potentially play a role in improving one’s sex life. Take this survey of 1,000 respondents, for example. As the findings revealed, 68% of respondents agreed that cannabidiol helped to boost their overall mood, which ultimately improved their sexual experience.

However, it is worth noting that, as far as clinical research goes, the connection between CBD and better sex remains inconclusive. In any case, we can look to CBD’s known properties, as well as anecdotal research on CBD and sex, to generate an idea of how the cannabinoid may be beneficial in the bedroom.

CBD for Better Lubrication

It’s normal for couples to have a bottle of lubricant on their nightstands. Sure, there is that slight concern that using lubes may connote a lack of desire. But, these 1,700 women would tell you that artificial lubrication made their experience a lot more enjoyable.

Lubricants can also benefit men by preventing penile friction burns. Similarly, it bodes well with menopausal women who go through bouts of lowered sex drive caused by vaginal dryness and the knowledge of discomfort during sex.

But, where does CBD fit in? While its effects can’t be tangibly felt like THC, experts suggest its soothing, tension-relieving action can make women, in particular, more receptive to sexual activity.

In that regard, CBD does have the potential to enhance lubrication and sexual pleasure, although indirectly. Whether or not it could be a result of the placebo effect, it still gets the job done for certain people.

Easing Stress and Performance Anxiety

Performance anxiety is one of the key reasons people have forgettable, sometimes disastrous episodes in the bedroom. For some men, it’s having that inner voice that makes them doubt themselves in that moment. For some women, it can manifest in the difficulty of getting aroused or achieving orgasm.

But, as we mentioned earlier, CBD has displayed the potential to relieve anxiety, giving it a well-earned spot on the nightstands of those looking to take the edge off before sex. There’s also its potential anticonvulsant and muscle-relaxing properties to consider. Let’s take the case of Allison Wallis, a woman who suffers from Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, for example. In a nutshell, it’s a condition that debilitates the body’s connective tissue. As a result, the person experiences muscle spasms and joint subluxation.

Wallis tried to remedy her problem by using some CBD-infused lubricant, and, to her delight, her muscles relaxed and she was able to focus more on the intimacy of the act. She was also wrapped with a feeling of “warmth and relaxation”, which made sex a lot more enjoyable for her.

That’s not all. Research has found that CBD holds the potential to increase anandamide levels in the body. Experts describe this chemical as the “bliss molecule” associated with oxytocin (aka the “cuddle hormone”). With higher levels of anandamide, along with a release of endorphins, the sexual experience is expected to improve.

CBD and Orgasm

Ah yes. The “Big O”. There is a reason why orgasms are also referred to as the climax. It is the pinnacle of sex that most people aim to reach during intercourse.

But here’s one unfortunate truth: not all people get to experience this kind of bliss. In fact, 75% of all women don’t reach the peak of sexual satisfaction through intercourse alone. That’s quite a number right there.

Now, where does CBD factor in? Let’s go back to anandamide and oxytocin. Research shows that both of these chemicals working together is key to successful social interaction and connection. When it comes to sex, having that deep, intimate connection with your partner helps enhance the experience by a huge jump.

More research also found a connection between orgasm and the endocannabinoid system. The link: 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), one of the most prominent endocannabinoids in the body.

As a 2017 study notes, 2-AG plays a vital role in enhancing sexual arousal and orgasm. Add the anandamide-oxytocin combo to the equation, and you have the best recipe for mind-blowing sex.

CBD and Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the bane of every man’s existence. For those who aren’t on that road yet, it is one of the biggest later-in-life fears, and for good reason.

But, what exactly happens during erectile dysfunction? See, when men get aroused, penile muscles relax. That, in turn, causes an increase in blood flow through the penis, which turns it stiff and rigid.

With ED, a lack of blood flow causes issues with “getting it up”. Some emotional and physical conditions linked to erectile dysfunction include low testosterone, high blood pressure, and the usual stress, anxiety, and depression.

Here’s where CBD comes in. As revealed in a 2017 study, a single dose of cannabidiol helped lower blood pressure to normal levels in healthy volunteers. That potentially solves one of the many problems on the list.

Apart from the given conditions, experts classify erectile dysfunction mainly as a vascular issue. Essentially, some of the signals that control relaxation and constriction don’t fire off properly.

But, according to a 2015 study, CBD is linked to the relaxation of vascular muscles and blood vessels. This happens through the activation of both CB1 receptors and TRP channels. In short, CBD potentially helps to relax these tense muscles and ultimately stave off erectile dysfunction.

CBD and Sexual Desire

If you’ve reached this section of the article, kudos to you. But, one of the questions you’re probably asking yourself is something along the lines of, “Can cannabis really amp up one’s sex drive?”.

As it turns out, yes. As a 2017 study suggests, cannabis intoxication increases activation of the right nucleus accumbens (a region in the brain that regulates reward behaviour) in response to sexual stimuli. A 2018 study also linked “regular” cannabis use to people having more sex.

It’s important to note that experts have yet to find a real connection between cannabis use and sexual frequency. However, there is a link between stress and sexual desire.

As this 2018 study notes, women who experienced higher stress levels had a lower sex drive. Another study revealed that higher cortisol levels got women more distracted and away from that zone of desire while watching an erotic film.

For an activity like sex that requires being in the moment, stress will throw off any individual. But given how CBD has the potential to regulate cortisol secretion and stress levels, you can ostensibly presume that it has also the ability to increase sexual desire.

Using CBD for Sex: What You Need to Know

Now, let’s get to the meat of the topic. Before you start using CBD for sex, you must first understand all the intricacies involved. We’re talking about the right dosage, the best timing, and some high-quality products you can start with.

Finding the Perfect Dosage to Increase Your Sex Life With CBD

If you do your research, you will see that up to 1,500mg of CBD (per day) was found to be well-tolerated by humans. But that doesn’t do much to help the average user find an ideal dosage.

Now, if you ask any doctor about a “universal” dosage for cannabidiol, they too won’t be able to give a direct response. That’s because every individual may respond differently to CBD and its effects.

So, how do you find the right dosage, then? Experts advise starting low and going slow, beginning with around 15–25mg of CBD per day. Feel it out for yourself. If you’re sensing some improvement, gradually increase your dosage. If you’re feeling otherwise, bring it back down.

Timing CBD Use to Improve Sex Life

Unlike THC, you won’t feel a major shift in consciousness when taking CBD. Not only that, but the effects of CBD in general may take days or weeks to really become noticeable.

As we mentioned in the section above, you’ll need to do some experimentation. The more you familiarise yourself with CBD’s effects, the better you’ll be able to use it to your advantage.

But, if you want some exact figures in terms of timing, you should wait at least 30 minutes after smoking, vaping, or sublingually consuming CBD before engaging in sexual activity. If taking CBD orally, wait at least 45 minutes to an hour. For topical CBD (lubes, etc.), wait until you feel the effects before engaging (usually around 30 minutes). Although these timeframes are just suggestions, and not backed by experts, they will allow the CBD to take action before you do.

Quality CBD Products for Improving Sex Life

Let’s now take a deeper dive by looking into some actual products. These brands provide specific benefits to help improve your overall sex life.

• Quim Happy Clam CBD Lube: The name says it all. This product isn’t just for sexual purposes. Manufacturers describe Quim Happy Clam CBD Lube as “eye cream for your vagina”, and rightly so. Apart from added sexual satisfaction, this lube also keeps a woman’s private parts healthy and moisturised.

• Cibdol CBD Oil: CBD oils taken orally have become a popular wellness supplement that helps people smooth out the harder parts of daily life. For those looking to ease a bit of tension, there is no better than Cibdol's CBD oil.

• Quim Smooth Operator: Now, let’s direct our attention to the gentlemen. If you’re experiencing some discomfort during penetration, this aloe vera-based lube should do the trick. Made with 100mg of CBD, your bedroom episodes should be much more fulfilling with this product on your nightstand.

• Cibdol Vaporizer Set: For those who like to vape, the Cibdol CBD vaporizer options offer a rapid way to get CBD into your bloodstream. Compatible with most liquid vape pens, these flavourful and strong CBD options can be a fun and tasty way to ease into the mood.

CBD and Sex: Can Cannabidiol Improve Your Sex Life?

Let’s end this article by addressing this question with finality. Can CBD really help improve one’s sex life? More studies need to be done, but most signs lean towards “yes”. Here’s what we’ve found so far:

• CBD could potentially provide relief from both stress and anxiety, which in turn may increase sex drive and alleviate performance anxiety.

• Experts found a link between CBD and enhancing orgasms through the endocannabinoid 2-AG, which plays a vital role in sexual arousal. And, because of CBD’s potential to boost anandamide and oxytocin levels, overall sexual pleasure may also increase.

• There’s a lot of promise regarding CBD’s effect on erectile dysfunction. As studies have shown, it can potentially ease tense muscles while also lowering blood pressure.

Of course, supplementation is no fix for persistent problems in the bedroom. If you are suffering or worried, it's always best to speak to a doctor.