Key Takeaways
- CBD may help enhance the sexual experience by reducing anxiety.
- While CBD doesn’t directly increase sex drive, it may help by promoting balance in the body.
- Evidence on CBD and erectile dysfunction is mixed.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that CBD could enhance intimate bedroom moments. Reproductive organs contain an abundance of cannabinoid receptors. CBD may improve blood circulation and transport blood flow to sexual tissues, thus boosting lubrication and sensitivity.1
CBD is also reported by many to relieve stress and anxiety.2 It offers pain-reducing, anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and neuroprotective effects.3
Combined, these therapeutic benefits could make the body and mind happier, which may translate to more fun under the sheets.
With 9-25% of men and 6-16% of women experiencing sexual performance anxiety (SPA), it's no wonder why some might wonder, "Does CBD make you last longer?"4
CBD and the Endocannabinoid System
The cannabis plant comprises hundreds of compounds, each with a unique identity. Some offer potential therapeutic benefits, and others also provide the plant with its distinctive aroma.
When cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD) enter the body, they bind with receptors, an essential element of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS comprises enzymes, receptors, and molecules produced by the body that mimic the effects of cannabinoids (endocannabinoids). Its primary goal is to regulate imbalances in the body that control everyday processes like appetite, cardiovascular and respiratory function, energy, mood, memory, pain, and neuro-immune modulation.5
CBD interacts either indirectly or directly with CB1 and CB2 receptors inside the ECS, achieving various elements of homeostasis that may provide mental and physical relief before sex.6
The cannabis compound is legally obtainable across the U.S. when derived from hemp, which was made legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. Studies portray its potential ability to ease anxiety, chronic pain, insomnia, and even addiction. When consumed with other cannabinoids, a phenomenon known as the “entourage effect” may occur, resulting in more potent effects.
Does CBD Oil Make You Last Longer in Bed?
With many claiming that CBD enhances their sex life, some wonder if there's scientific evidence to support the use of CBD for male arousal.
One study found that cannabis was able to increase relaxation, heightened sensitivity to touch, and increased overall sexual experience. Researchers also noted that others found consumption of cannabis made them sleepy, less focused, or had no notable effect.7
For those curious about whether edibles make you last longer in bed, it’s important to consider the cannabinoid composition of the product. While CBD may provide anxiety-reducing effects when consumed without THC, the compound may also benefit pleasure-seekers who wish to ease their erotic anxiety.8
In a group of healthy volunteers and SAD-diagnosed individuals, a 400-600 milligram single dose of CBD provided immense relief from anxiety compared to placebo participants. On top of this, CBD worked well as an aid for reducing "cognitive impairment and speech performance discomfort."9
Some other potential benefits of CBD for sexual performance include:
- Anti-anxiety - Anxiety is a primary cause of ED, with many men jeopardizing their erection due to overthinking about sex.10 There is evidence suggesting that CBD is a natural anxiolytic, as demonstrated in multiple trials and studies. One chronic study confirmed its ability to reduce anxiety behaviors in multiple disorders, such as PTSD, GAD, PD, OCD, and SAD.11 A clinical trial is also currently underway to examine the effects of CBD on anxiety symptoms.
- Anti-inflammatory - CBD is well-known for its anti-inflammatory effects.12 Infections or rough sex may cause inflammation, which can lower sexual satisfaction in men and women. CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects may also be amplified when combined with cannabigerol (CBG).13
- Increased Circulation - Strong and enduring erections depend on good blood flow to the penis. CBD may help ED in terms of how it affects circulation.
- Possible Increased Sensation - Due to the increased blood flow that CBD provides, women may produce extra lubrication, while men may have a more sensitive-to-the-touch penis.
- Pain-killing Properties - Painful intercourse is seldom a pleasant experience. Chronic pain populations are often associated with sexual dysfunction.14 CBD may aid in reducing the sensation of pain.
- Improved Sleep - A good night's rest before the big performance is always recommended. Trials on CBD indicate that higher doses of this cannabinoid may improve sleep.
Other plants that may arouse sexual desire include Anacyclus pyrethrum, Hibiscus abelmoschus, and Withania somnifera.15
CBD for Premature Ejaculation: Can the Cannabinoid Stop It?
One in three men claim to have endured premature ejaculation at some point in their lives. An experiment revealed the average time it takes for a man to reach climax and ejaculate is 5-7 minutes. However, the overall range spans from below one minute to over half an hour.16
Premature ejaculations can have a detrimental impact on intimacy, mental health, and sexual confidence. Anxiety and premature ejaculation often go hand-in-hand. Some evidence suggests that CBD possessing anti-anxiety effects may serve as a valuable tool for SAD.8 CBD’s anxiety-reducing effects may help ease pre-sex jitters and prevent premature ejaculation.
However, consumers need to be aware of the cannabinoid composition of their chosen products. A study on rodents discovered that CBD exposure decreases sexual behavior, including reduced mounts and ejaculations. Conversely, the intoxicating compound THC boosted sexual activity in female mice.17
CBD for Sex Drive: Does it Help?
Can CBD help boost sex drive? CBD doesn't directly contribute to a rise in libido. Instead, it may relax the body and promote homeostasis (balance). As a result, both male and female consumers may notice an increase in their sex drive. However, focused studies are necessary to confirm this theory.
Does CBD make you last longer? Some studies support the idea. One study on 300 men found a frequency-response relationship connecting cannabis use and sexual function.
Researchers identified the following benefits after regular consumption of the plant:
- Increased overall IIEF score.
- Elevated intercourse satisfaction domain.
- Better sexual satisfaction domain.
- Reduced chances of ED.
Their findings suggest that there’s a potential relationship between increasing cannabis use frequency and a slight sexual benefit in men. The primary consumption method and chemical compound aren’t necessarily associated with sexual function, though.
This research suggests that CBD for sex drive may be an alluring option for those wanting to wind down before getting intimate with their partner. CBD can help promote the production of the neurotransmitters and endorphins we produce naturally. This may indicate that cannabis compounds may enhance the overall sexual experience, whether the CBD is derived from hemp or marijuana.14
However, consumers should be cautious about cannabis and hemp-derived CBD since they may contain other plant compounds that cause physical and mental effects.
Does CBD Help ED?
Erectile dysfunction, also known as "ED" or "impotence,” is the struggle to maintain or achieve an erection. The global prevalence of ED ranges anywhere from 3% to 76.5%.18 An erection is essential for intercourse, and to achieve one, three things are required:
- Mental stimulation
- Sensory stimulation
- Adequate blood flow to the penis.
Occasional ED isn't necessarily concerning, but persistent problems may have a severe impact on sex life. Men with untreated ED may also experience stress, self-confidence issues, and relationship difficulties.
Examples of some lingering symptoms of ED that are commonly reported by males include:
- Decreased sexual desire
- Problems getting and sustaining an erection
- Dissatisfaction with the hardness of erections
People with specific health conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, obesity, and clogged blood vessels, face a higher risk of developing ED. Metabolic syndrome, chronic kidney disease, and Peyronie's disease are some other common causes of ED, as are prostate cancer treatments, such as prostate surgery and radiation therapy.
Cannabis may potentially ease some ED-related symptoms.
So, does CBD oil make you last longer in bed? There's no evidence to suggest that CBD will make you last longer in bed. In fact, one study involving the administration of a single dose of CBD in healthy volunteers revealed that "an increase in cutaneous blood flow was only seen with placebo and not with CBD.”19
Although there is ample evidence that cannabis may increase libido, a growing body of research also shines light on the prospect that CBD may cause erectile dysfunction (ED). Based on the findings of a recent meta-analysis exploring the connection between cannabis use and ED, researchers learned that cannabis users were almost four times as likely to endure the stale sexual struggles associated with ED compared to controls.
What about Viagra and weed? Mixing the two is not recommended, and no specific study says that CBD offers an aid for ED. As a cannabinoid that affects neurotransmitters in the brain, CBD may grant both men and women anxiety relief, pain relief, enhanced mood, and increased sexual sensitivity. Combined, these benefits may indirectly assist with sexual performance and enjoyment.
Since everyone's biochemistry is different, the only way to know if CBD can help enhance your sex life is to try it yourself.
Licensed dispensaries may sell various CBD products for male arousal. Always consult a doctor to ensure it is appropriate for your needs.
References
- Sultan SR, O'Sullivan SE, England TJ. The effects of acute and sustained cannabidiol dosing for seven days on the haemodynamics in healthy men: A randomised controlled trial. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2020;86(6):1125-1138. doi:10.1111/bcp.14225 ↩︎
- Henson JD, Vitetta L, Quezada M, Hall S. Enhancing Endocannabinoid Control of Stress with Cannabidiol. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2021;10(24):5852. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10245852 ↩︎
- Mlost J, Bryk M, Starowicz K. Cannabidiol for Pain Treatment: Focus on Pharmacology and Mechanism of Action. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2020;21(22):8870. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21228870 ↩︎
- Pyke RE. Sexual Performance Anxiety. Sex Med Rev. 2020;8(2):183-190. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2019.07.001 ↩︎
- Lu HC, Mackie K. Review of the Endocannabinoid System. Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging. 2020;6(6). doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpsc.2020.07.016 ↩︎
- Martin-Santos R, Crippa JA, Batalla A, et al. Acute effects of a single, oral dose of d9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) administration in healthy volunteers. Current pharmaceutical design. 2012;18(32):4966-4979. doi:https://doi.org/10.2174/138161212802884780 ↩︎
- Wiebe E, Just A. How Cannabis Alters Sexual Experience: A Survey of Men and Women. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2019;16(11):1758-1762. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2019.07.023 ↩︎
- van de Donk T, Niesters M, Kowal MA, Olofsen E, Dahan A, van Velzen M. An experimental randomized study on the analgesic effects of pharmaceutical-grade cannabis in chronic pain patients with fibromyalgia. Pain. 2019;160(4):860-869. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001464 ↩︎
- Wright M, Di Ciano P, Brands B. Use of Cannabidiol for the Treatment of Anxiety: A Short Synthesis of Pre-Clinical and Clinical Evidence. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. 2020;5(3). doi.org/10.1089/can.2019.0052 ↩︎
- Velurajah R, Brunckhorst O, Waqar M, McMullen I, Ahmed K. Erectile dysfunction in patients with anxiety disorders: a systematic review. International Journal of Impotence Research. Published online February 18, 2021. doi.org/10.1038/s41443-020-00405-4 ↩︎
- 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.org/10.1186/s12967-020-02518-2 ↩︎
- Ruan Z, Xie X, Yu H, Liu R, Jing W, Lu T. Association between dietary inflammation and erectile dysfunction among US adults: A cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001–2004. Frontiers in Nutrition. 2022;9. doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.930272 ↩︎
- Henshaw FR, Dewsbury LS, Lim CK, Steiner GZ. The Effects of Cannabinoids on Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines: A Systematic Review of In Vivo Studies. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. 2021;6(3):177-195. doi.org/10.1089/can.2020.0105 ↩︎
- Flegge LG, Barr A, Craner JR. Sexual Functioning Among Adults with Chronic Pain: Prevalence and Association with Pain-Related Outcomes. Pain Med. 2023;24(2):197-206. doi:10.1093/pm/pnac117 ↩︎
- Chauhan NS, Sharma V, Dixit VK, Thakur M. A Review on Plants Used for Improvement of Sexual Performance and Virility. BioMed Research International. 2014;2014. doi.org/10.1155/2014/868062 ↩︎
- InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Premature Ejaculation: Overview. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2019. Accessed December 15, 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547548/ ↩︎
- Bhambhvani HP, Kasman AM, Wilson-King G, Eisenberg ML. A Survey Exploring the Relationship Between Cannabis Use Characteristics and Sexual Function in Men. Sexual Medicine. 2020;8(3):436-445. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esxm.2020.06.002 ↩︎
- Kessler A, Sollie S, Challacombe B, Briggs K, Van Hemelrijck M. The global prevalence of erectile dysfunction: a review. BJU Int. 2019;124(4):587-599. doi:10.1111/bju.14813 ↩︎
- Jadoon KA, Tan GD, O’Sullivan SE. A single dose of cannabidiol reduces blood pressure in healthy volunteers in a randomized crossover study. JCI Insight. 2017;2(12). doi:https://doi.org/10.1172/jci.insight.93760 ↩︎
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.