By: Loren Lee Chiesi
Our current zeitgeist is laden with high stress, economic insecurity, and social isolation, leaving many people feeling perpetually anxious and exhausted.
Add in the challenges and changes on both work and home fronts, and it’s no wonder that our bodies become overwhelmed from reacting to and managing increased stress.
For many women, the first thing to jettison is their libidos. However, letting our sex drive go dormant might be the opposite of what women need to maintain their health.
According to Dee Dussault, sex coach and founder of Ganja Yoga, “From the Tantra perspective, our sex energy and arousal is our life force, our vitality.
So, tuning into it regularly keeps us healthy, keeps our immune systems strong, and improves our general mood.” Who couldn’t use more of that right now?
How Cannabis Can Enhance Your Sex Life
Imagine: It’s the end of the day, you climb into bed, and you’re just not in the mood for sex.
You are worrying about all the problems you didn’t solve that day, planning what you have to do tomorrow, and restless thoughts are still lurking in your mind.
For countless women, this isn’t hard to imagine, and this is the exact scenario that therapeutic cannabis can help.
The main reasons why people in general are so disconnected from their bodies are: stress, tension, and the ever-present need to be productive.
Conveniently, the properties of cannabis that aid relaxation are the same properties that most influence libido. Finding space in our lives for the physical and emotional intimacy associated with sex is a part of maintaining healthy relationships and a general feeling of wellbeing.
Many women report low libido and disinterest in sex due to stress, pain, melancholy, and anxiety. Dr. Bonni Goldstein, Medical Director of CannaCenters in Los Angeles and author of Cannabis is Medicine, says, “Using cannabis helps women retain their libido. They are able to get beyond just going through the motions. Instead, they’re able to relax and be present enough to truly enjoy sex with themselves or a partner.”
How cannabis helps the body relax and “get high” was relatively unknown until the early 1990s. Researchers exploring the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on the body coincidently discovered a complex cell-signaling system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
THC is one of the main cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. It’s the compound that gives the sensation of being “high.” The ECS is the most widespread receptor system in the body.
Dr. Genester Wilson-King, a board-certified OBGYN, M.D. and cannabis clinician, explains, “Before we began researching THC, we realized we had these receptors, but didn’t understand what they were binding to. They were known as ‘orphan receptors.’ But once we were able to see how THC interacted with these receptors, we realized cannabinoids were the missing key.”
The ECS maintains homeostasis in the body; this includes regulation of relaxation, eating, sleep, protection, our ability to forget, and balance.
Our bodies naturally make endocannabinoids, molecules created during times of need in the body, when the body has to adapt to stress, exercise, injury, and inflammation.
The female reproductive system has the second highest concentration of cannabinoid receptors in the body, second only to the brain. Dr. Wilson-King says, “[The ECS] regulates all aspects of female reproduction from oocyte production to childbirth. Some dysfunctions in the ECS are linked to gynecological disorders.”
Once in the body, THC interacts with the ECS by binding to receptors, and dialing back the overflow of messages from neurotransmitters. Using cannabis floods the body with cannabinoids, which then assists in regulating messages of pain, nausea, mood, poor sleep, and hormone dysfunction.
This enables cannabis to act as an anti-inflammatory agent, muscle relaxant, mood enhancer, great sleep remedy, and pain reliever. Therefore, cannabis is highly effective (pun intended) as a multi-pronged approach to multi-factor problems.
Dr. Wilson-King was involved in a 2020 research study at Stanford University that examined how therapeutic cannabis affects female sexual function.
The study recorded responses for 452 women (ages 30-49) who were in partnered sexual relationships. Throughout the study, women reported their sexual satisfaction using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).
Using the FSFI, women scored their reactions on six domains: desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. The study found most women who used cannabis before sex reported higher (i.e. better) FSFI scores.
Even more compelling, the research found that increased frequency of cannabis use improved overall sexual function in women. This is because the women developed their endocannabinoid tone.
The more a woman uses cannabis, the more receptive her ECS will be to metabolizing the cannabis efficiently and effectively giving the cannabis user her desired effects more routinely.
There are many physiological effects of using cannabis that increase sexual pleasure. Cannabis is a vasodilator, which opens blood flow throughout the body, including to sexual organs.
Cannabis decreases pelvic pain and dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse for physical or psychological reasons). This type of pain can cause a negative reinforcement, or anticipatory pain, wherein the body tightens up in anticipation of sexual intercourse.
Dr. Goldstein explains, “Cannabis breaks this vicious cycle, decreasing pain and releasing tension.” Interestingly, as women age, their estrogen hormones decrease, while cannabinoid receptors in the body increase.
Dr. Goldstein adds, “During menopause, when our hormones are fluctuating drastically, many women in their 50s, in my practice, say that the only way they ever feel in the mood is if they alter a little bit [with cannabis].” Other women report taking cannabis for non-sex related pain, and as a side effect, they are more open to sex.
On a sensory level, cannabis heightens your awareness of sensations in the present. San Francisco-based sex therapist Dr. Diana Urman says, “For many of my clients, cannabis lowers their inhibitions and allows them to be fully embodied. Anxiety can interfere in receiving pleasure. Cannabis is great for slowing down the body and mind, making people comfortable and at peace, and so the pleasure element kicks in as a result of that.”
According to Dussault, “Cannabis makes women more attuned to their bodies by heightening the senses of touch, taste, smell, and warmth. Because of increased blood flow throughout the body, women become aware of being in their bodies, which is a great mindset to be in when having sex.”
Methods, Products and Dosages
Although cannabis affects female sex drive in several ways, Dr. Wilson-King reiterates that cannabis is not a one-size-fits-all treatment.
Dr. Wilson-King clarifies, “What works for one person may not work for another person. The chemovares [the clinical term for chemical varieties or strains] in cannabis work differently in different bodies.”
Thus, when using cannabis to support sexual enhancement, it’s important to keep in mind that each woman’s unique body chemistry, what she ate that day, or any medications that she is taking in conjunction with cannabis, can affect the outcomes of her cannabis experience.
Chemovares can even interact differently in the body depending on where a woman is in her reproductive cycle. Dr. Goldstein contends, “Try and experiment with various products. It’s not a good idea to come to cannabis with very rigid thoughts about what you’re going to take and how much because your body‘s response to cannabis is programmed in your DNA.”
Luckily, we are living in a time of great innovations in cannabis. There is a myriad of chemovare blends and products to try.
However, sometimes too much information can make finding what works for your body very confusing. Here are some guidelines and methods to consider if using cannabis for enhancing sex.
When considering cannabis chemovares, there are three basics types:
Type 1: THC dominant
Type 2: Equal THC/CBD ratios
Type 3: CBD dominant
Dr. Wilson-King states that all three types can support women in terms of sexual satisfaction. One of the more reported findings in Dr. Wilson-King’s clinical practice, is that THC administered through inhalation just before sex improves sexual satisfaction.
Yet, she cautions that this method won’t necessarily be effective for everybody. Dr. Goldstein has found in her practice that chemovares with high THC, low CBD ratios (Type 1) are most effective for sexual pleasure.
For beginner cannabis users, CBD dominant (Type 3) chemovares can be a good place to start if the consumer is THC-reticent. In most Type 3 chemovares, there is a small amount of THC; however, because it’s CBD dominant, there is no risk of a head high or increased anxiety.
This is why Type 3 chemovares can be great for treating anxiety and sleep disorders, yet most people need to take CBD regularly, as a maintenance product, to notice the relaxant effects.
In general, indica chemovares have more calming properties that can help women unwind enough to get in the mood for sex.
Dr. Goldstein reports, “Clinical experience has shown that THC can enhance libido. However, there is nothing that works all the time for 100% of people, just like most other pharmaceuticals.”
Routes of Administration:
Inhaling/Vaping
Inhaling cannabis gives a rapid response, within a few seconds. It goes to the brain first, which can give you more of a “head high” initially.
Because of this, there is a chance of disconnecting from the body and becoming anxious before you are fully embodied.
Also, this method is not recommended for people with respiratory diseases or breathing disorders.
Edibles
Edibles have a delayed effect onset anywhere from 2-3 hours, depending on your metabolism.
Edibles are absorbed through the digestive tract which, when metabolized, causes a more fully embodied experience. Because edibles can be more accurately dosed, you can more effectively track how much you’re consuming.
Consequently, there’s less risk of overdosing or under-dosing. Keep in mind: When edibles are consumed with fatty foods, there can be a slight delay of onset of the effects and an increased overall intensity of the effect.
Topicals
Before using topicals, oils, or creams, Dr. Goldstein suggests trying a test patch on the skin (inside of the wrist) before applying it on other parts of the body.
She warns that terpenes in cannabis can cause allergic reactions in some people (as many people have allergies or sensitivities to plants). Also, some products include permeation enhancers, which are chemicals added to aid cannabis absorption into the skin.
The skin is our largest organ, and it’s our protection, so be aware of the ingredients, and use products that don’t contain extraneous additives.
Vaginal suppositories
Infused lubricants and vaginal suppositories are best for people who are already experienced cannabis users and/or already in touch with their bodies.
Products with THC increase vasodilation and can produce a rapid response (10-15 minutes to feel effects). This method is best for people who already have good sexual health practices and are looking for enhancement. Avoid using products with permeation enhancers in the vagina.
Again, read the product’s ingredients; although you might use a topical for pain on the epidermis, doesn’t mean you should use it internally.
Think of exploring therapeutic cannabis like drinking coffee. Some people only need one cup of coffee to get their minds going to start the day. Some people respond well to coffee and enjoy 3 cups throughout the day.
Other people can’t touch coffee or else it makes them jittery. You need to experiment with your own body and physiological reactions to find what works best for you.
The motto both Dr. Goldstein and Dr. Wilson-King use when instructing their patients’ cannabis dosage is, “Start low and go slow.” Equally, don’t be afraid to go all the way. Sometimes you have to pass the sweet spot to find exactly how much it is. Dr. Wilson-King reminds us, “Cannabis is really very safe therapy.
There aren’t too many dos and don’ts. There aren’t any cannabinoid receptors in the heart center or breathing apparatus of the brain stem, so there is no lethal dose of cannabis.
Even if a person does take too much, she can always just sleep it off and try again.” So, there’s truly no harm in trying.
With this in mind, if you enjoy edibles, are comfortable using THC, and want a cannabis product specifically designed for sexual exploration, Dr. Urman suggests Space Gems.
These edibles are blended with selected terpenes that heighten the body’s receptivity to sensual stimulation and relaxation. Dr. Urman reports, “For edibles, generally speaking, I’ve seen frequent success with dosages between 5-10 mg of THC (for a person who is not on any other pharmaceuticals).”
Dr. Urman recommends her clients use THC because it has properties to create stimulation, openness to excitement, and more receptivity to pleasure.
Dussault also encourages women to seek out organic and sustainability sourced cannabis whenever possible.
She says, “If you’re using cannabis with an eye for wellness, it’s important to look for cannabis that is free of pesticides and other toxins.
For inhalants, like a vape pen, the cannabis is very concentrated. Then, in the production process, those pesticides are concentrated into your [cannabis product], too.”
Creating the Mood
Lack of sexual education and understanding of female arousal is a leading cause of sexual dissatisfaction.
Sexual education generally focuses on how to prevent pregnancy and avoid transmitting STDs, but there is very little information distributed to people on how to have healthy, pleasurable sex.
Because of this gap in understanding, many people learn about sex through porn. Frustratingly, porn rarely shows foreplay, which is a large part of female arousal.
Dussault says, “In heterosexual sex, what men see is that they get on top of a woman, and instantly she is turned on and can orgasm immediately. But that is almost never the case.”
The key for a woman who wants more orgasm proficiency is to masturbate and play with different ways of being turned on. Dussault advises her clients to plan a date night with themselves to set the mood.
Grab a vape pen or a trusted edible, light some candles, play music, and take a bath. Get yourself into a space where you feel really relaxed and safe. Dr. Urman explains, “The more often you do any activity, including masturbation, the brain builds a neural groove that reinforces that habit or pattern.
So the more often a woman allows herself to get aroused, makes love, masturbates her body, and has orgasms, the more naturally inclined she will be to repeat those patterns and sensations.”
Dr. Urman adds that the more time and space a woman dedicates to finding her sexual awareness, the easier it is to build ‘muscle memory’ around arousal, sexual pleasure, and sexual satisfaction. She says that many women even find deeper experiences in sex when they maintain their sex drive.
The act of consuming cannabis together can be an exciting part of partnered sex. Shopping for cannabis together, smelling varieties that you both enjoy, and learning the desired effects you’re both seeking from cannabis can be a part of the foreplay.
You can take your cannabis products together and talk, making it a vibrant sensory experience. Incorporating cannabis into your sexual wellness is an opportunity to bond and discuss what you’d both enjoy, before sex and after the cannabis effects kick in.
And yes, cannabis can improve orgasms. Dr. Urman explains, “Yes, cannabis can enhance the quality of orgasms. I’ve had many women patients who were completely inorgasmic become orgasmic.
For orgasmic ability to take place, the body has to feel calm. There needs to be embodiment, so the person can drop into her body and drop out of mental quarrels.
Cannabis can help you achieve that state of being, priming the body for orgasm.” Using cannabis, combined with body awareness and your own individual understanding of how your body receives pleasure, builds neural pathways that respond to pleasure, ultimately making it easier to achieve pleasure more consistently.
Dr. Urman explains, “You are creating a pathway in your body, your physiology, and once you do, it makes it much easier to continue journeying down that path again and again.”
Let the old stereotypes about cannabis relax their way out of your life, too. Dr. Goldstein urges, “Forget the old Reefer Madness idea. I give cannabis to babies and use it in my pediatric practice. You want to be sure you use tested products. Read the ingredients. Be patient. Don’t give up if you don’t get a response immediately. The odds are in your favor, and cannabis is not life threatening. You’re not a bad person if you use cannabis.”
Loren Lee Chiesi is a writer who focuses on cannabis culture and lifestyle.