Bed Joint: The Best Weed for Sex

Cannabis is a popular addition to intimacy for many people because it may relax the body and enhance pleasure, according to many. Today, smoking a joint while enjoying intimacy is no longer the only option. Depending on your access to cannabis or cannabis products, infused lubricants, massage oils and suppositories, sexy edible drinks and treats, and classically desirable cultivars can act as an aphrodisiac to your love-making session. Finding the best weed for sex isn't always easy, but it can be highly rewarding.

Cannabis for Sex: Does it Really Help?

Emerging research has explored and emphasized that cannabis acts as a neuromodulator to the sensory system.¹ Cannabis consumers have long shared stories about how cannabis consumption heightened their senses, made food taste and smell better, enhanced the look of their environments, made music sound better, and sex feel better.²

A 2021 survey of 274 young adults found that cannabis users have increased desire, arousal, and orgasm levels. The results linked this increased pleasure to reduced levels of shame and anxiety that benefited sexual relationships. Researchers noted that the results also correlated with increased unsafe sexual behavior and called for further research and sex education.³

One study of 811 participants found that cannabis has the potential to be sexually stimulating. The same study also mentioned that it may have the ability to intensify sexual experiences. These researchers also suggest that cannabis could change someone’s orgasm, possibly making it longer and more pleasurable. With that said, they also report some chronic cannabis users, primarily men, experience the opposite effect and may find it harder to achieve an orgasm.³ 

Possible Downsides of Using Weed for Sex

It’s likely that the benefits of cannabis, such as a reduction in anxiety, may also improve the sexual experience.⁴ While these findings offer exciting insight into how cannabis can increase sexual experiences, they also suggest that undesirable side effects, more often experienced after consuming too strong a dose, could lead to adverse effects for some users.

It is best to practice safe consumption practices when it comes to cannabis, like starting low and going slow (a satisfying approach that’s suitable for sex, too). If you are curious about exploring sex and weed but hesitant about experiencing intoxicating effects, there are other ways you can infuse a little cannabis into the bedroom, like massage oils and lubricants.

Additionally, these studies should not be construed as proof that cannabis helps or hurts sexual relationships as they relied on self-reported surveys and did not report the cannabinoids used, the dosage, or the consumption methods practiced.

More Specific Benefits of Cannabis for Sex

Orgasm is not a required part of a positive, healthy sexual encounter, but it is usually welcomed. It can be affected by a lot of internal and external factors.

There is limited clinical evidence exploring how cannabis interacts with sexual functions like orgasm. In the study of 811 participants mentioned above, over 70% of men and women stated that cannabis slightly or significantly increased orgasm intensity, with over 40% of women reporting the increased ability to have multiple orgasms per encounter.³ However, with limited studies on the subject, self-reports have provided the most insight for researchers. 

In 2020, cannabis-tech company Eaze partnered with smart-vibrator company Lioness to see how cannabinoids affect bedroom pleasures with their device that senses and tracks climax. Products used included vapes, edibles, and lubricants. Participants of all demographics reported increased quality of orgasms and overall pleasure.

The cumulative findings of available reports suggest that cannabis can impact the duration and intensity of an orgasm, as well as how satisfied an individual is after sex. More studies are needed to determine why and how this occurs, though one theory is that cannabis enhances the overall mood and improves senses, like taste and touch, rather than a particular biological function.³ 

The results of using cannabis in the bedroom are unique to the individual and dependent on the dosage, consumption method used, and the user’s current biological and psychological state. Adverse effects are a risk when consuming cannabis, and what works for one individual or couple may not work for another. While these are interesting findings, there’s a significant need for more research to be done in this area in order to understand the benefits that can come from using cannabis in the bedroom.

How Does Cannabis Affect Sex?

Let’s dive into some of the specifics about using cannabis for sex.

Libido refers to the energy of sexual desire. It is affected by a combination of biological, environmental, and psychological factors and can fluctuate throughout your lifetime. Sexual desires range from none to intense, from healthy to unhealthy. They are unique to the individual, and any level is considered “normal” as long as it’s safe and doesn’t affect other aspects of your health. 

The science of how cannabis interacts with the biological mechanisms of sex is still being explored. Still, consumers have demonstrated that consumption can be a healthy part of a person’s sex life. While finding what works best for you can take some time, cannabis has generally been linked to effects like uplifted mood, pain relief, increased sensitivity to touch, reduced anxiety, and muscle and body relaxation, all of which can potentially benefit libido levels. 

Although most research results are based on self-reports, that hasn’t reduced consumer enthusiasm. And early findings have shown promise that cannabis may help increase libido. A 2019 study of 373 women found that 34% of women consumed weed before sex, and many of those women experienced an increase in sex drive.⁵ A report in 2017 from Stanford researchers found that of 22,943 men, those who used cannabis weekly had 22% more sex, and of 28,176 women, 34% had more sex.⁶ 

Some people struggle with erectile dysfunction (ED) and turn to cannabis as a solution. However, researchers did a study consisting of 3,395 men to understand the influence of cannabis on male sexual experiences. Interestingly, the study found that individuals who used cannabis were much more likely to experience ED.⁷

You can use a variety of cannabis consumption methods to try and boost sexual appetite. And because different methods have different onset and duration times, you’ll want to plan your dosage according to whether you’re using a topical, edible, lubricant, suppository, or smoking.

For some people, chronic pain is the reason why they don’t feel comfortable enough to be intimate. In that case, cannabis could be extremely helpful. Using cannabis for pain relief may be a practical solution, and it doesn’t have as many potential adverse side effects as traditional pain medication options do.⁸

Is Indica or Sativa Better for Sex?

There is no evidence to suggest that the type of cannabis used has an effect on the overall outcome of the sexual experience. Consumers have reported success with all kinds of products – THC, CBD, ratioed options, topicals, edibles, and smokables can all be potentially beneficial to intimacy. 

There is debate within the cannabis community on the validity of the "indica," "sativa," and hybrid labels. Still, they are currently a good start for narrowing down options at the dispensary based on your desired effects. “Sativa” labeled strains, or cultivars, are most commonly reported to be uplifting, energizing, and help with focus, while “indica” labeled strains are often reported to affect the body and provide feelings of relaxation. 

The type of product used will also change the effects. Edibles and flower may result in a more full-body feeling, but topicals and lubricants are targeted toward a single area and will not have intoxicating effects. Traditional edibles can take up to two hours to take effect unless they’re nano-emulsified, which will speed up the onset time. After smoking cannabis flower or using a cannabis tincture sublingually, the effects are typically felt within 15 minutes. And the duration of all of these experiences may vary, from a short 2 hours to up to 8 hours with some high-dose edibles.

However, when it comes to picking between “indica” and “sativa” strains, there’s another important question you may want to ask yourself: which terpenes are right for your situation? Focusing on terpenes, such as α-pinene and linalool, can help pinpoint the exact benefits you’re looking for.⁹

The Best Strains for Sex

These strains were selected based upon anecdotal reports from medical patients and recreational users. As with many things concerning cannabis, the effects of using weed for sex vary person-to-person and can be subjective. That said, here are some of the most highly recommended strains for sex:

• Trainwreck: The cultivar Trainwreck tends to be rich in pinene and myrcene. These terpenes may enhance mood, reduce anxiety, and relax the muscles.^10,10 Some users also reported an increased sensitivity to touch.
• Bubba Kush: Bubba Kush is a notable cultivar known by many consumers for its heavy body effects. Many users claim the strain helps relax the body and reduce anxiety. 
• Wedding Cake: Wedding Cake is one of the most popular strains recommended by the cannabis community for sexual intimacy.  It’s rich in linalool, which promotes relaxation, and limonene, which may help improve mood.^10,11 
• Cannatonic: Cannatonic is a CBD-rich cultivar that some consumers turn to as a way to reduce any pain or inflammation that might impede sex.
• Green Crack: The iconic Green Crack is recommended by many for its energetic potential, which might be ideal if stamina is a concern.

How to Choose the Best Weed for Sex

When it comes to using cannabis for sex, it’s important to make sure that you’re choosing the right strain. Let’s go over some of the things you should consider when it comes to picking out the perfect strain.

What are your specific goals? Whether you’re looking to last longer or have a better orgasm, there may be a strain that’s perfect for the situation. 

Do you want a product that’s higher in CBD or THC? If you’re looking for the noticeable high that cannabis is known for, then you’ll most likely want to purchase a product that’s higher in THC. However, both THC and CBD could be a great option for sexual experiences.

Overall, cannabis may be an excellent addition to a sexual experience. If you’re not sure whether or not cannabis is right for you, consider speaking with your doctor about your goals and any health concerns you presently have.

References

1. Zou S, Kumar U. Cannabinoid Receptors and the Endocannabinoid System: Signaling and Function in the Central Nervous System. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(3):833. Published 2018 Mar 13. doi:10.3390/ijms19030833 ↩︎
2. Moser A, Ballard SM, Jensen J, Averett P. The influence of cannabis on sexual functioning and satisfaction. J Cannabis Res. 2023;5(1):2. Published 2023 Jan 20. doi:10.1186/s42238-022-00169-2 ↩︎
3. Roman P, Ortiz-Rodriguez A, Romero-Lopez A, Rodriguez-Arrastia M, Ropero-Padilla C, Sanchez-Labraca N, Rueda-Ruzafa L. The Influence of Cannabis and Alcohol Use on Sexuality: An Observational Study in Young People (18–30 Years). Healthcare. 2022; 10(1):71. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10010071 ↩︎
4. Sharpe L, Sinclair J, Kramer A, de Manincor M, Sarris J. Cannabis, a cause for anxiety? A critical appraisal of the anxiogenic and anxiolytic properties. Journal of Translational Medicine. 2020;18(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-020-02518-2 ↩︎
5. Lynn BK, López JD, Miller C, Thompson J, Campian EC. The Relationship between Marijuana Use Prior to Sex and Sexual Function in Women. Sex Med. 2019;7(2):192-197. doi:10.1016/j.esxm.2019.01.003 ↩︎
6. Sun AJ, Eisenberg ML. Association Between Marijuana Use and Sexual Frequency in the United States: A Population-Based Study. J Sex Med. 2017;14(11):1342-1347. doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2017.09.005 ↩︎
7. Pizzol D, Demurtas J, Stubbs B, et al. Relationship Between Cannabis Use and Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Am J Mens Health. 2019;13(6):1557988319892464. doi:10.1177/1557988319892464 ↩︎
8. Hill KP, Palastro MD, Johnson B, Ditre JW. Cannabis and Pain: A Clinical Review. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. 2017;2(1):96-104. doi:https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2017.0017 ↩︎
9. Weston-Green K, Clunas H, Jimenez Naranjo C. A Review of the Potential Use of Pinene and Linalool as Terpene-Based Medicines for Brain Health: Discovering Novel Therapeutics in the Flavours and Fragrances of Cannabis. Frontiers in Psychiatry. 2021;12. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.583211 ↩︎
10. Surendran S, Qassadi F, Surendran G, Lilley D, Heinrich M. Myrcene—What Are the Potential Health Benefits of This Flavouring and Aroma Agent? Frontiers in Nutrition. 2021;8. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.699666 ↩︎
11. Eddin LB, Jha NK, Meeran MFN, Kesari KK, Beiram R, Ojha S. Neuroprotective Potential of Limonene and Limonene Containing Natural Products. Molecules. 2021;26(15):4535. Published 2021 Jul 27. doi:10.3390/molecules26154535 ↩︎

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.