You're not alone if you get chills from smoking a joint or consuming an edible product. Ask 100 random people about the effects of weed and you'll get a variety of answers, from hunger to contentment, laughter to drowsiness, laziness to concentration and relaxation. However, one answer that might surprise you is that of arousal and sex, or more crudely: why does cannabis make you want to fuck/make love?
For a long time, I thought I was different by feeling aroused when I smoked, but over the last few years I've realized that wasn't the case at all.
With the increasing legalization of cannabis and the research opportunities that come with it, we now have a solid scientific basis to back up our claims. So let's take a look at why cannabis can increase your libido, what dosage is recommended and which strains are best for this effect.
Is it common for cannabis consumption to cause a surge of excitement?
This fact is undeniable.
Like many others, you may have felt that you were somewhat different from the others. Society often presents us with many misconceptions about cannabis use, but the effect it can have on the libido is rarely discussed, at least not as often as developing a marijuana addiction. However, thanks to evolving legislation and changing public opinion on cannabis and the people who choose to use it, this notion is now becoming more widespread.
It's becoming increasingly clear that cannabis manufacturers have realized the importance of sexuality in their sales. Over the past 18 months, an explosion of products for sale in specialist stores has highlighted the potential of cannabis to enhance sexual performance. - from candy to vaporizing pens, and a variety of creams and lotions. We're in the age of cannabis, and with it, we're witnessing its rise as a modern aphrodisiac. However, can science really prove any of this? Let's take a closer look...
Why does cannabis make you want to have sex?
Cannabis can have a positive effect on your libido, giving you a feeling of stimulation. By acting on your senses, it can provide a feeling of relaxation and reduce inhibitions. However, the effects can vary from person to personSome report that it induces a state of drowsiness, which has the opposite effect on their libido.
What is the endocannabinoid system?
This system uses compounds called endocannabinoids to communicate with the body's cells and regulate their activity. The cannabinoids present in marijuana also act on this system by binding to the same receptors, which can have effects on various bodily functions.
What is the research behind the effects of cannabis on arousal?
Although research into the impact of cannabis on sexual function and arousal is still limited, there are several interesting studies available to look into. A study published in 2017 in the Journal of Sexual Medicine looked at the impact of cannabis use on sexual function. This is the largest study to date in terms of numbers of participants, commissioned at a time when cannabis use was increasing significantly.
The researchers' aim was to study how this increase might affect the sexual function of occasional and regular users. Results from a Center for Disease Control (CDC) study of 28,176 women and 22,943 men with an average age of 30 revealed that marijuana use improved arousal and sexual satisfaction.
Participants were asked about their frequency of sexual intercourse, as well as their pleasure and sexual function under the influence of the drug. The results were clear: not only did arousal increase after smoking or eating cannabis, but so did satisfaction during and after the sexual act. Research has shown that men and women who use cannabis at different frequencies have more frequent sexual intercourse.
The study concluded that there is a clear correlation between marijuana use and frequency of sexual intercourse in men and women, regardless of demographic group. A study published in 2019 by the National Library of Medicine on pubmed.gov examined this question in greater detail. Although it involved a much smaller group of 216 participants, the results confirmed those of the previous study.
Participants were asked about the impact of cannabis use on their sexual appetite, satisfaction after intercourse, orgasm intensity, ability to concentrate during intercourse and level of relaxation before and after. Although only 38.7% said sex was better, 58.9% said cannabis increased their sexual desire, 65.7% experienced increased orgasmic intensity, 69.8% said they were able to relax more during intercourse and 50.5 % said they were able to concentrate more easily.
The results are quite conclusive. According to the study data, 4.7 % of participants reported that their sex was "less good" when using cannabis. This suggests that the combination of cannabis and sex may not be for everyone, although the majority still seem to derive pleasure from it.
According to the results of both studies, the majority of participants reported a marked increase in sensitivity and satisfaction with touch, as well as the ability to feel totally relaxed and present during intercourse.
From these two studies, it's clear that moderate cannabis consumption can have a highly beneficial effect on sexual activity. Whether as a preliminary, during the act or afterwards, cannabis can be used in a variety of ways to enhance the sensation of pleasure, relaxation and desire.
However, it's important to note that as with any recreational substance, moderation is essential - the ability to be fully present in the moment is crucial to finding pleasure, and while cannabis can help achieve this state of super concentration, excessive use can actually hinder it.
Does cannabis make men or women hornier?
Research has shown that both men and women experience increased levels of sexual arousal and satisfaction when using cannabis. This can be attributed to its effects on blood flow and oxytocin release, both of which are essential for sexual pleasure. In addition, it has been suggested that cannabis' anxiolytic properties may have a positive impact on intimacy.
It's essential to dose correctly and choose the right variety of herb. Everyone reacts differently to different types of herb, so if you don't feel the desired effects, it may be worth trying another variety that suits you better.
Ultimately, it's essential to keep in mind that reaction to cannabis and sex can vary from person to person, and what may work for one person may not necessarily work for another. However, it's clear that when used appropriately, cannabis can have an extremely positive impact on sexual activity, enhancing orgasmic experiences and improving the ability to relax and concentrate.
Can the quantity or manner of consumption improve stimulation?
Of course, this goes without saying.
We've already discussed how important it is not to rush before going to sleep, but how do you find the ideal amount or the best method to get the perfect sensation?
When using cannabis products, it's essential to consider the mode of consumption. Smoking or vaping provides an immediate sensation, while edibles and capsules have a slower effect. While this slowness can be beneficial for those seeking a gradual build-up of stimulation, it can also entail the risk of exceeding your limits if you don't have a good understanding of your tolerance.
It's crucial to consider how much you consume. A small dose can give you stimulation, concentration and relaxation, while too much can take you away from the present moment. Finding the right balance between being present and relaxed can take a little practice, so it's essential to start with a small amount and gradually increase as you learn your personal limits.
On the whole, it's a process of experimentation. There's no one-size-fits-all solution that works for everyone. So trial and error is the best way to find out what works for you. What's more, you'll probably find that the amount you're comfortable with may vary slightly from day to day. Listen to your body and adjust accordingly. In general, results suggest that it's better to do less for better results.
It's important to note that cannabis use isn't for everyone. If you're sensitive to the negative effects of this plant, it's probably best to avoid using it in an intimate context. However, for those who enjoy the sensations of relaxation, excitement and euphoria, cannabis can be a perfect addition to spice things up.
Which types of cannabis are the most effective in stimulating sexuality?
Perhaps a better question is: Do strains really matter? It is still possible that the jury is still out on this question.
We are aware that different varieties of cannabis can produce specific effects. Some are better suited to relieving pain and promoting relaxation, while others are more effective at reducing stress and improving concentration.
In-depth studies on the interaction between cannabis and the endocannabinoid system are challenging the old theory of distinction between Sativa and Indica. Recent research and published studies have brought to light evidence that underlines the importance of the entourage effect.
What are entourage effects? What exactly are they?
According to the entourage effect theory, the different compounds present in cannabis can interact with each other to produce a variety of effects. The traditional distinction between Sativa and Indica seems to be misleading, as it is in fact cannabinoids and terpenes that have the greatest impact on effects. Although we're beginning to understand these interactions better, there's still a lot of research to be done, as we haven't yet identified all the cannabinoids present in cannabis. This means it's still too early to make definitive statements about their combined effects.
However, for those looking for a cannabis strain that can boost libido, it may be wise to opt for high-limonene, Indica-dominant options. Limonene is a terpene known for its arousing properties and can enhance the sensation of sexual stimulation. Indica-dominant strains are renowned for their relaxing effect, which can help you stay in the moment and free yourself from inhibitions.
It is said that people suffering from sexual anxiety can find relief by using a variety of cannabis from the Kush genetic line. Although the evidence is not yet confirmed, many testimonials suggest that Kush varieties can help ease anxiety. Among the best options currently available are...
Conclusion
As the evidence shows, cannabis use has a positive effect on sexual desire and pleasure for most users. To find the variety that suits you best, we recommend experimenting with different strains and taking notes of your experiences. This will help you better understand the nuances of each variety.
Once you've determined the perfect solution for your needs, it's time to move on to the next step. Good luck and enjoy!
Want to spice up your sex life? Follow this recipe for weed caramel.