Cannabis can make you horny. The ancient Romans knew it, and if you’re reading this, you’ve likely had fantastic stoned sex, too. We’re in a golden (or green, rather) era of marijuana. Thanks to ongoing legalization efforts, we have a chance to make cannabis accessible to everyone and undo decades of harm to communities caused by the war on drugs. However, with so many companies racing to make a profit by creating the “perfect” strain for sex, we’re skimming over a whole lot of crucial information. The science behind strains is shady, and when it comes to both sex and weed, there is not a one-size-fits-all mode. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t use it to improve your sex life. Keep reading to learn what’s the right cannabis aphrodisiac for you.
What’s the deal with strains?
Once upon a time, the cannabis industry neatly organized marijuana into three different categories: Indica, Sativa, and Hybrids. Indica is known for calming you down and comes with a risk of couch lock. Sativa is more activating, but may not be best for those with anxiety. Hybrids are a combination of the two. But as more research became available, we realized it’s more complicated than that. There are differences in how they grow. Indicas are shorter, stockier plants that can grow in cooler climates. Sativas are long, tall plants that grow best in hotter environments.
However, THC levels, CBD levels, as well as terpenes (aromatic compounds that give cannabis their distinct smell and produce various effects) vary greatly from plant to plant and cannot be neatly categorized. Even the same seed of a strain will produce a different plant based on the way it is grown. So, while understanding strain basics is a good start, it’s not necessarily a clear cut way of finding the perfect sex strain. “There is intense desire and financial reason to push the idea that strains have differing benefits, but there is no evidence to support this idea,” says Harvard cannabis specialist Jordan Tishler MD. “Some people certainly do develop preferences for one or another, but usually that can be attributed to preconceived notions of what to expect. Dose and delivery methods are much more important.”
How do I honor my needs?
Cannabis science aside, there isn’t a universal type of marijuana for sex, because we all have different needs in the bedroom. Some people may experience anxiety, body insecurity, and need help vocalizing their needs. They would do best with a calming form of cannabis that also gently lowers inhibitions. Others may need help with motivation and will benefit most from a more activating strain. “For some people, being relaxed and in the parasympathetic state (the opposite of fight or flight) is the most important thing that will allow them to respond completely, but for other people, they need the edge, or excitement, so all that anti-anxiety effect is wasted on them!” says Julie Holland, MD psychiatrist and author of Good Chemistry: The Science of Connection from Soul to Psychedelics.
For a great deal of folks, sex can be physically uncomfortable, and they want something that will alleviate pain rather than focus on cerebral effects. Research suggests that CBD, which is non-psychoactive, can help with anxiety, pain, and PTSD, which may be beneficial to sexual assault survivors in particular. THC, which produces the signature cannabis high, can lower inhibitions, heighten orgasms and physical sensations, and treat pain and anxiety as well. Unfortunately, until cannabis is legalized federally and we are able to study it closer, there isn’t a certain way to pick the right type of weed for you without trying it. If you live in a state with access to legal or medicinal marijuana, your best bet is to speak with a cannabis MD to discuss your specific needs. You will need to experiment to find what works for you. Thankfully, cannabis is a very safe substance, and exploring various strains and methods of intake in the bedroom can be a whole lot of fun.
What is the best method of intake for sex?
It depends. If you experience vaginal pain, a non-psychoactive topical or suppository may be your best bet. If you do want to feel euphoric, starting small with a few puffs of a joint, bowl, or vaporizer is great because the effects kick in quickly and will likely be fading by the time you’re done making love. If you’re looking for a full-body high that will last for hours, edibles are your best bet, although timing is important, as they can take up to two hours to kick in. While you can’t die from it, eating too much weed can be uncomfortable. The recommended starting dose for edibles is usually 2.5mg to 5mg. You can always add more and adjust based on your tolerance. So, start low and go slow, be patient while we wait on more research, and in the meantime, have the time of your life experimenting with cannabis to find your customized arousal medicine.
