CBD (cannabidiol) is a trusted plant-based supplement used for a variety of reasons, such as tension relief and sleep support. However, speculation is evolving due to some preliminary research data and loads of anecdotal reports. The theory is that CBD, by way of several mechanisms, may offer support for sexual health and sexual performance. Today, Kats Botanicals is unpacking the research and the claims to discover this exciting new way to love your CBD.
What Are the Benefits of CBD for Sexual Health?
In discussing CBD’s potential benefits for sexual health, we need to remember that research is ongoing. While we have a wealth of CBD research studies, reports, and reviews thus far, the connections to sexual health and performance may be indirect.
Don’t let this deter you from trying CBD use for sexual health to see if CBD may give you an edge in the bedroom. Anecdotal evidence often predates supportive scientific data for botanicals like CBD.
In learning how CBD may help, remember CBD is one of many cannabinoids found in cannabis:
- CBD (Cannabidiol)
- THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
- CBG (Cannabigerol)
- CBC (Cannabichromene)
- CBN (Cannabinol)
- THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)
- CBDV (Cannabidivarin)
- CBGA (Cannabigerolic Acid)
- THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid)
- CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid)
The following cannabinoids are of the highest therapeutic interest for men’s and women’s sexual health:
CBD (Cannabidiol)
Potential:
- Researchers are still exploring CBD’s role as a potential anxiolytic. The negative impact of anxiety on sexual performance is well-studied. The hope is that by calming the mind and body, arousal, comfort, and overall sexual satisfaction may be improved.
- Researchers are also still exploring CBD’s potential as an anti-inflammatory and pain reducer. The thought here is whether or not CBD’s effects may reduce pain and discomfort brought on by sexual activity.
- CBD is thought to synergize (work as partners) with other cannabinoids, which may improve overall sexual experience by various indirect mechanisms. Whether there is a direct correlation between CBD use and improved arousal, sexual function, and intimacy is yet to be fully determined by research data.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
Potential:
- THC is the main psychoactive component of cannabis, which is thought may improve the sensorial experience of lovemaking.
- Researchers posit that higher doses however, THC may contribute negatively. Tension of side effects may impede arousal, distract from the sexual experience, or induce sexual dysfunction like impotence. Likewise, the jury is still out on these concerns.
CBN (Cannabinol)
Potential:
- CBN may contribute to relaxation and help with sleep. Its contribution to relaxed intimacy is yet to be clear through clinical observation.
THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)
Potential:
- Similar to THC in chemical structure, THCV has different effects. THCV is speculated to enhance libido and stamina. Until science catches up to the anecdotal interest in THCV, we wait for the full picture to unfold.
CBC (Cannabichromene)
Potential:
- CBC or cannabichromene is of interest for sexual health due to its suspected contribution to overall improved feelings and comfort.
Now that we’ve taken a look at the growing interest in CBD and other cannabinoids, and their potential for sexual support, let’s take a closer look at the one cannabinoid most likely to get to the finish line first.
Does CBD Improve Sexual Performance?
Short answer: Clinical study has yet to prove it, but many anecdotal reports confirm this.
Consider two important topics related to CBD and sexual health:
- The link between anxiety and sexual performance, libido, etc.
- The role CBD may play as a potential anxiolytic.
By working through the endocannabinoid system in our body, CBD may provide a relaxing effect that could make sex better for you by improving how you feel, mentally and physically. Not only to help you relax, unwind, and enjoy the mood, but to possibly help reduce negative factors with adverse effects on sexual performance.
Familiar with Kratom but new to CBD? See how Kratom and CBD compare.
Can CBD Help You Last Longer in Bed?
Though there’s no conclusive scientific evidence showing that CBD can make you last longer in bed, CBD products may deliver benefits that influence your confidence and stamina in the bedroom by possibly relieving stress and discomfort.
According to consumer reports, CBD statistical data demonstrate that 64% of CBD use is related to pain relief, while 49% of users use it for anxiety relief. The anecdotal evidence here is very strong, but what about clinical evidence? Can CBD help with both our physical and mental tension, thereby opening the door for more relaxed and enjoyable intimacy and sex?
We think – yes.
Here’s why you need to try CBD to see for yourself:
Factors influencing good sexual performance can differ from person to person. General health, hormone levels, age, underlying medical conditions or medications, etc. But without those party poopers stealing your stamina, imagine that your body feels relaxed, comfortable, calm. Imagine your mind feeling the same way. And, those pesky leg cramps seem like a distant memory, rather than a current fear.
If CBD helps you feel more like your best self, the hope is that this carries over into the bedroom. In fact, many people already claim that CBD gives them that extra oomph.
How to Use CBD to Improve Your Sex Life
To see if CBD can help you in the bedroom, we recommend trying CBD for a couple of weeks, or better yet, months. This allows the botanical to find stasis and consistency in your body.
One 2019 CBD study demonstrated that CBD’s effects were more impactful when used for a month. Regular dosing provides consistent interaction with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), the pathway through which CBD impacts your bodily systems and functions. Thus, improving sleep and reducing discomfort, etc.
Since CBD doesn’t have psychoactive effects, consistent use is generally well-tolerated. High-quality CBD works best as part of your routine. Most CBD products are designed to be used twice daily to keep CBD levels consistent.
What CBD Products Are Best for Sexual Health?
If you want to try CBD, feel more relaxed (and make sex better!), it’s a matter of selecting the best hemp-derived CBD products.
- Interested in using CBD as needed? Then CBD Gummies are the way to go! Take 30-60 minutes before you want to be your most relaxed.
- If discomforts keep you from enjoying intimacy, then CBD Roll-On bottles are a must-have. One next to the bed, by the couch, or anywhere else you want to enjoy some sexy time!
- For consistent care, using a CBD tincture is simple, easy, and effective. Mango & Pineapple flavored CBD Tinctures, offer ongoing support, body and mind.
See how Kratom, CBD and Turmeric may work together for your wellness.
How Much CBD Should You Take?
How much CBD can enhance your intimacy may vary depending on your physiology and experience with cannabinoids. The form of CBD also affects dosing. Follow your CBD product instructions and start off slow so your body can adjust. Then, periodically assess and readjust.
- One standard tincture dose is 1 mL or 1 dropper.
- Mg of CBD increases with higher strength products.
- CBD products contain “mg of CBD” per dosage, as indicated on your product label.
- Dosage range of CBD to take: 1-5 mg of CBD per ten pounds of body weight.
Using CBD Oil vs. CBD Gummies
CBD oil vs CBD gummies, is a decision of preference and convenience. Kats Botanicals’ CBD oil and CBD gummies contain the same pure CBD isolate formulation for dependable results.
Tinctures work best when dropped under the tongue and held there for thirty seconds before swallowing for fast-acting sublingual absorption. CBD gummies work best when taken about thirty minutes before you need CBD support.
Note: You can take CBD gummies as needed in addition to your CBD drops schedule when an extra measure of support is needed.
Note: For vaginal support, there are CBD lube water-based products which are condom-safe. Some companies also make CBD suppositories. Buy lab-tested!
Does CBD Affect Blood Flow During Sex?
Does CBD make blood flow better? Some studies suggest that CBD may have vasodilatory effects. Blood flow is a critical element in sexual activity for men and women. While studies are few at this time, this is one of the best CBD topics of interest to follow.
How Does CBD Work with the Endocannabinoid System?
That emotional or physical tension can affect your sex life is well-documented. Lower libido (chronic cortisol levels), arousal issues (erectile dysfunction and otherwise), sexual performance anxiety, and even how well you can pay attention while engaged in sexual activity – all play roles in your sexual enjoyment.
Many feel that CBD has great therapeutic potential for sexual health and function due to how it works through your endocannabinoid system, or ECS.
Low Libido (Men)
“Disinterest in sex can happen for many reasons for men, most commonly “low T” or low testosterone. Relaxation effects through ECS (endocannabinoid system) pathways may help regulate a wide range of physiological processes, including hormonal balance.”
Low Libido (Women)
CBD mimics our body’s endocannabinoids, working through the ECS. The ECS plays a significant role in regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which governs reproductive hormone production.
Sexual Motivation & Performance (Males)
The ECS influences male sexual behavior by modulating neurotransmitter systems, particularly the mesolimbic dopaminergic system, which is crucial for sexual motivation and performance.
Arousal (Women)
The ECS plays a key role in modulating hormone release. It affects the secretion of several hormones by interacting with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which are central to the endocrine system.
Sexual Relaxation & Intimacy
Potential sexual function support by CBD’s ECS “delivery system” of potential benefits; relaxation, anxiolytic properties, pain modulation, muscular comfort, among others.
Sexual Performance Anxiety
By the ECS system, various brain activities can find support, as well, potentially alleviating sex-related anxiety levels or discomfort.
Sexual Hormones like Testosterone, Estrogen, and Oxytocin
Relaxation effects through ECS pathways may help regulate a wide range of physiological processes, including hormonal balance.
Studies and articles on the topics mentioned in the chart above can be found at:
- The role of sex steroid hormones, cytokines and the endocannabinoid system in female fertility.
- The endogenous cannabinoid system modulates male sexual behavior expression.
- Endocannabinoid System and Metabolism: The Influences of Sex (This one isn’t directly related but introduces the theory that our sex (gender) influences how the ECS system works.
- Cannabinoid pharmacology: the first 66 years.
What Does Science Say About CBD and Sex?
While scientific studies on CBD and sex are emergent, this should not deter you from trying CBD to enhance your sex life, drawing your own conclusions. It just means science needs more time to catch up to the anecdotal evidence. Still, what does science prove, to date?
Much of our current data from scientific studies on CBD is related to CBD’s role in pain modulation, stress resilience, and sleep quality. To date, one CBD product has been FDA approved (Epidolex) for rare seizure disorders, proving CBD’s passing of the blood-brain barrier and its capacity to affect the brain’s function. This is promising news for those of us who are unapologetically #TEAMCBD.
What Evidence Exists Regarding CBD and Sexual Benefits?
But let’s assume you are reasonably healthy, have a normal sex drive, and aren’t taking any medications that would deleteriously affect your sexual performance. If CBD’s effects are positive ones for you, then CBD may improve sex as well. After all, libido is a complex mix of biological, psychological, and social factors. Everything from your body image to your religious beliefs can impede your libido.
We know that CBD is relaxing, because science has proved it. Current available CBD research indicates that CBD can have a relaxing effect on the mind and body.
One study demonstrated “significantly decreased subjective anxiety” and that these results were “related to its effects on activity in limbic and paralimbic brain areas”. Exciting research into CBD’s effects on mind and body relaxation, even as a support system for healthy sleep, is just as important as clinical trials on CBD’s effects on how our bodies perceive pain.
What emerges with each study is a bigger picture of CBD’s performance in our bodies, and how it might affect ours in the sack. While we wait for the science, we compare CBD’s low risk profile, reasonable affordability, and decide to try it for ourselves. (Keep a journal. It can help you examine CBD’s effects on you over time.)
Are There Any Risks or Adverse Effects of Using CBD for Sex?
CBD has a low risk profile. CBD is typically well-tolerated and presents a few minor side effects that seem to be dose- and tolerance-dependent:
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Sleepiness
Some researchers cite concerns over long-term CBD use and its effects (if any) on the liver. (Another popular CBD area of study.)
How to Choose Quality CBD for Sexual Enhancement
When choosing CBD products for sexual enhancement, choose high-quality, lab-tested brands. Here’s what that looks like for your CBD shopping experience:
- Lab testing is performed. Results are available to you via a Certificate of Analysis.
- Product labeling that clearly states ingredients, dosage, and recommendations for use.
- Choose CBD Isolate products if you want to avoid THC.
- Top-rated brands that demonstrate a history of positive CBD reviews.
- No unwanted additives.
- Resealable packaging.
Conclusion on CBD and Sex
Though there’s no direct evidence that CBD can make sex better. We do know that CBD interacts with CB1 receptors found throughout the body, including in the sexual tissues. We also know that CBD can help the ECS system modulate stress and pain responses. The indirect links to CBD and sexual health, however, are promising for products infused with CBD.
We know you’re more interested in sexual activity and can enjoy intimacy more if you feel your best. If you’re interested in using CBD in the bedroom, Kats Botanicals carries a versatile, pure line of CBD to help: tinctures, gummies, and topicals. We lab test to prove potency and purity, so that’s one less thing to worry about. Let us know if you have any questions about the effects of CBD!
