Can Hemp Help Your Sex Life?

We’re all grown-ups here, right?

We’d better be, since no one under 21 is supposed to be anywhere near this website. With that settled, let’s talk about sex. Or more specifically, how hemp derived molecules like THC and CBD can enhance your intimate life.

Can cannabis make sex better?

As Barry White would say: “Ohhhhh yeah.”

Many people find that our favorite plant can increase their sexual enjoyment, but its relaxing and sensation-enhancing properties can sometimes be especially beneficial for those who struggle with reduced libido, whether for psychological or medical (and medication-related) reasons.

Anecdotal evidence abounds among those whose sex lives have been revitalized by the cannabis plant (of which hemp, remember, is one variety). But you don’t have to take our word for it. A 2023 study in The Journal of Cannabis Research found that, out of more than 800 participants, over 70% “reported increased desire and orgasmic intensity,” both solo and with a partner.

Since sexuality exists on a beautiful spectrum, it’s important to note that the study included both men and women, ranging in age from 18 to 85, and that at least 25% of participants identified as LGBTQ+. While more women than men participated, the results did not seem to be impacted by the subject’s gender. In other words, the plant seems to be a pretty equal-opportunity intimacy enhancer.

Why does cannabis make sex better?

This question is harder to answer. As that same 2023 study outlines, there’s conflicting evidence – and even more conflicting theories – about what’s really going on at a scientific level.

For example, some research suggests cannabis, which dilates your blood vessels, can increase lubrication in people with vulvas, enhancing arousal and reducing potential pain. Then again, a 2019 study in Sexual Medicine found that, while a majority of female respondents reported increased desire and better orgasms after using cannabis, lubrication was not meaningfully impacted. Meanwhile, some evidence suggests the plant can help erections last longer, but still other studies seem to indicate that using cannabis habitually can make it harder – erm, that is, more difficult – to achieve the erection in the first place.

In the absence of definitive data, we can’t confidently explain the biological or neurological effect of hemp on your sex life, but we can make some educated guesses. For one, THC tends to enhance sensation by increasing blood flow and stimulating your brain’s reward center. Have you ever noticed how much better food tastes, or how intense that hot shower feels, when you’re under the influence? Extrapolate those enhanced sensations to your bedroom. Need we say more?

Of course, it’s not all about the body. They say the largest sex organ is the brain, and cannabis certainly impacts that. Many people struggle to find sexual satisfaction because they’re too in their heads, anxious about what their partner may be thinking or preoccupied with life outside the here and now. Many hemp compounds can relax you, distract you from your thoughts, and let you focus on feeling rather than fretting. Which brings us to our final question…

What are the best cannabis products for sex?

There are a ton of sex-specific plant products out there, from specific “intimacy” formulations to THC-infused lubricant, massage oil, or bath bombs. Some of these may be just what the love doctor ordered, but you don’t necessarily need a sex-specific product to see results. Here’s an incomplete list of things to consider when selecting your pre-coital cannabis:

Other compounds! There’s more to cannabis than THC. Cannabinoids like CBG (found in all the Wana Gummies on Wanderous) can elevate mood and relieve stress, which is particularly helpful if you’re prone to distractions or anxiety during intimacy.

Dose. Paranoia and anxiety are common side effects of too much THC, and paranoia usually isn’t sexy. Stick to a dose you know won’t send you spiraling. If you’re new to the plant, start with a low dose – 2.5 to 5mg of an edible or a single puff of flower – and wait at least an hour (for the edible) or 15 minutes (for the flower) before consuming more.

Product form. Edibles like Wana Gummies are a great option because they’re lung-friendly and much easier to dose than something like a vape or joint. Wana’s fast-acting Quick line is good for, you know, “quickies” because they deliver effects in 5-15 minutes. But in this particular case, you might find the Classic formulation worth the wait. That’s because their delayed onset allows for a metabolic process which converts the Delta-9-THC molecule into something called 11-Hydroxy- THC. 11-Hydroxy, which delivers a more potent and “body-centric” effect than Delta-9, may be just what you need to quiet your mind and focus on the physical.

WORD OF WARNING: if you’re not an experienced THC consumer, take care with products like infused lubes or bath bombs, which are difficult to dose since they reach your bloodstream through, uh, not the usual entrance.

Bottom line: there’s still a lot to learn about why and how cannabis enhances intimacy. But we can say with confidence that it often does. Until we have more scientific data, you’ll have to conduct your own experiments to find out exactly what works best for you. Who knew research could be so much fun?

Quick Balance – Strawberry Margarita

Find your equilibrium fast with these sweet, citrusy, slightly salty gummies, which deliver a perfectly balanced (and balancing) blend of CBG, CBD, and THC. Powered by fast-acting nano-encapsulation technology, these gummies typically deliver effects in 5-15 minutes!

Quick Balance – Strawberry Margarita