In 2020, the Farm Bill passed, and CBD derived from hemp became legal. Cannabis has since been the focus of a lot of media attention, and researchers have started studying its possible benefits. Cannabis-based products have been used for years to enhance sexual enjoyment and performance, but research into how it works is just beginning.
There are many theories on what role cannabis may play in making sex better for men and women. While some studies show conflicting results, surveys of people who use marijuana and other CBD products during sex show a range of benefits from increased sexual desire to better orgasms.
What’s the Difference Between THC and CBD?

Marijuana and hemp are both varieties of the Cannabis sativa plant. Cannabis plants naturally produce cannabinoids, including THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC is the compound in marijuana plants responsible for getting you high.
CBD doesn’t cause a high but is thought to work with other elements in your body to produce a feeling of well-being. Hemp plants contain a lot of CBD but minimal THC, while marijuana plants contain a lot of THC and less CBD.
CBD derived from hemp plants has been federally legal since the Farm Bill passed in 2018, but marijuana is still federally illegal. However, state laws vary regarding the legality of both CBD and THC, so check your state’s regulations before you purchase either.
Is Cannabis Considered an Aphrodisiac?
It has been difficult for researchers to study marijuana as an aphrodisiac since it’s illegal at the federal level. However, since some states have legalized marijuana, either for medical or personal use, researchers have been able to start studying it. In one broad study, daily cannabis users reported having 20% more sex than people who never use it. Cannabis and sex drive seem to have a positive correlation.
Read: The Benefits of Healthy Sex Life
What Are Some Benefits of Using Cannabis for Sex?
Your body has receptors that scientists believe CBD may activate. Through these reactions, your body responds in different ways, some of which may benefit your libido. These receptors are present in your sexual organs as well as your brain.

There isn’t a lot of research available on the benefits of cannabis for sex, and the research that has been done has shown mixed results. One study in 2015 showed that cannabis use lowered men’s sex drive. Other researchers believe that cannabis use may increase sex drive by reducing anxiety. Another study in 2017 showed that cannabis activated the part of the brain that controls sexual arousal.
Is marijuana good for sex? Studies have shown, cannabis may enhance your sex drive, help with erectile dysfunction or increase lubrication, but further studies are needed before it’s known for sure.
Are There Any Risks of Using Cannabis-Based Products for Sex?
There are side effects associated with both THC and CBD. Side effects of CBD can include:
- Upset stomach
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Lightheadedness
- Low blood pressure
- Crankiness
The side effects of THC can include:
- Dizziness
- Problems with concentrating
- Drowsiness
- Vomiting
- Memory issues
- Balance problems
Are Certain Strains Best for Sex?
Some experts believe that the specific strains don’t matter if you’re using cannabis for sexual benefits, while others believe there are aphrodisiac strains. Among those who say that different strains provide different benefits, choosing which strain to use depends on the effect you’re after.
- To use THC for libido, choose Do-Si-Dos or Wedding Cake.
- To reduce anxiety before sex, or to use CBD for performance anxiety, choose from Bubba Kush, Skywalker OG Kush, Kosher Kush or Blueberry Lamsbread.
- If pain is interfering with your sex life, try Zkittlez, G13, Cannatonic or Harlequin.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, check out Granddaddy Purple, Trainwreck, Atomic Northern Lights or Blue Dream.
- To relax before sex, try Master Kush, Mr. Nice or Animal Cookies.
- To boost your energy, choose Green Crack, Cheese Quake or Super Lemon Haze.
- If you want to enhance your sensitivity to touch, try Bubblegum Kush, Sour Diesel or Jillybean.
Read: Anal Sex 101
What Are the Different Ways to Use Cannabis Products During Sex?
If you’re looking to spice up your sex life with cannabis, you have an almost endless variety of options to choose from. Edibles may not be the best option to use with a partner because many different factors determine how quickly they affect you. If you want to use edibles for solo play, there are plenty of options.

The best edibles for male arousal and female arousal tend to be the same. Some good choices include 1906 Love Chocolates, which combine herbal aphrodisiacs with CBD, and Kikoko Sensuali-Tea, which includes cannabis tea, rose petals and hibiscus flowers.
Other products that you can use during sex with your partner include:
- THC or CBD-infused lubricants
- Vaginal or anal suppositories
- Massage oil
What Are the Suggested Doses for Using Cannabis Products During Sex?
There are no specific doses for combining cannabis with sex. Most of the research done on it has been gathered through surveys. THC and CBD dilate blood vessels, which plays a role in sexual arousal. However, high doses of cannabis can be sedating. Experts suggest starting with low doses to see how it affects you.
How Do Cannabis Products Affect the Body During Sex?
Cannabis stimulates the brain’s pleasure center, which has a lot of cannabinoid receptors that are stimulated directly by THC and indirectly by CBD. THC and sex seem to be a great combination since these receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system and are found in the organs that produce sex hormones and the sex organs themselves. These receptors are involved in all phases of sex and reproduction.
Do Cannabis Products Create Arousal?

Cannabis has been used as an aphrodisiac for thousands of years, but it has only recently been studied. A 2012 study showed a correlation between circulating endocannabinoid levels and sexual arousal in women. Since CBD oil is thought to stimulate the cannabinoid receptors in the body, it may increase endocannabinoid levels and enhance arousal.
How Can People With a Penis Use Cannabis Products?
Ayurveda practitioners have used cannabis for many years to improve male sexual function. It’s unknown how cannabis helps with male sexual performance or how to use CBD for erectile dysfunction, but it may have to do with its vasodilator effect. Cannabis dilates blood vessels, which may improve blood flow to the penis, and this can help with erectile dysfunction and prolong sex.
How Can People With a Vagina Use Cannabis Products?
Women who have vaginal dryness and painful sex may notice an improvement with THC or CBD lubricants. While there haven’t been any studies explicitly done on CBD oil and sex, CBD can act as an anti-inflammatory that could make sex more comfortable.
Because research regarding cannabis and sex is in its infancy, most suggestions for incorporating it into your sex life are based on trial and error. Does CBD make sex better? The verdict is still out, but it seems likely.
There are many benefits to using cannabis-based products, but it’s always best to start with small doses and see how it affects you and your partner. Now that hemp CBD is federally legal, many studies are underway, and we will undoubtedly learn more about the best way to use cannabis for a variety of issues.
Read More
15 Best Sex Positions for Smaller Penis Owners
How to Have a Hands-Free Orgasm?
2 thoughts on “Sex and Cannabis: What Works Best?”