Sex, Pleasure, Cannabis, and Lube
Is high sex really better? Can cannabis help with painful sex? 🤔 Does weed lube actually work? What exactly does it do? And wait…there’s such a thing as weed lube?! 🤯
Due to the fact that even in 2020, marijuana isn’t legal at the US federal level (check your state laws!), there’s not as much research on cannabis as there could be. Most data collected is based on anecdotal evidence and self-described experiences. But hey, we believe people! Also, there’s some really cool science going on in your body that helps us understand how cannabis can play a role in both mental and sexual health.
We wrote this guide to help you on your journey of exploring cannabis. Due to restrictions and stigma, it hasn’t been accessible to all of us and for some, is still even a little intimidating. We hope we can help answer your questions and check back for ongoing updates and content!
The Endocannabinoid System
Let’s start with what’s going on inside your body. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a biological system involved in regulating physiological and cognitive processes, including:
appetite
fertility
immune function
memory
mood
pain sensation
pregnancy
pre- and postnatal development
sleep
stress response
The ECS regulates your body and helps maintain homeostasis as part of a network of cannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors. There are two primary (known) cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2. Signaling chemicals called endocannabinoids (eCBs), or endogenous cannabinoids, bind to cannabinoid receptors to modulate bodily functions.
So like…what does that have to do with cannabis? Sounds similar, I guess…
Right, right okay. The two major cannabinoids found in cannabis are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Once consumed or applied, THC binds to cannabinoid receptors (both CB1 and CB2) in the same way endocannabinoids do. This allows THC to work within your system to alleviate symptoms such as pain, nausea, stress, and anxiety. Of course, everyone’s body is different and no two people will experience the exact same “high.” For many, THC can actually cause paranoia and anxiety, so do your research to find credible retailers, start small as you begin to experiment, and find what works best for you.
As for how CBD interacts with the ECS, it’s not entirely known. For one, CBD does not have the same “high” effect as THC. While you may experience relaxation, calm, and CBD can also reduce pain, inflammation, etc., it is not making you “high.” CBD does not bind to CB1 or CB2 receptors in the same way THC does. However, it does modulate several non-cannabinoid receptors (serotonin receptors, for example) and ion channels. Researchers are still exploring the range of benefits of both THC and CBD and how exactly they work in the body.
What is the difference between CBD and THC?
What we often see is a narrative of “CBD for pain” and “TCH for pleasure.” How so?
CBD
blocks pain receptors
relaxes muscles
eases discomfort
supports blood flow to increase lubrication
THC
improves blood flow to increase sensation
blocks pain receptors
boosts creativity
Pain and pleasure are in many ways intertwined. Ultimately, when we experience less pain, we experience less stress, which leads to more pleasure and arousal, which in turn leads to less pain and stress, and so the cycle continues.
The effects of THC and CBD can be similar (other than the “high” of THC). Again, since everyone’s body is different, it’s important to explore what is best for you, which may very well change based on the environment or context and what effect(s) you want to experience.
Cannabis & Sex: The Benefits of THC/CBD Lube for Pleasure
Sometimes our genitals need a little extra lubrication for sexual play, whether for heightened erotic sensation or targeted pain relief. Our reproductive organs and genital tissues have a lot of cannabinoid receptors. Research also indicates that both CBD and THC are vasodilators, meaning they make your arteries and blood vessels widen for greater blood flow. This, in turn, increases lubrication and sensation. When applied directly to your genitals, let the sparks start flying!
How can a CBD or THC lube help?
Increase arousal and lubrication – dryness be gone!
Relax your body to calm your muscles
Ease performance anxiety
Alleviate pain
Reduce inflammation (“puffy taco”)
Not sure which cannabis lube to try?
Quim is a self-care line for humans with vaginas and humans without vaginas who love vaginas.™ (yes, please!) Ready to explore the world of CBD lube? Quim has got you covered! Use code tabu for 15% off your online order (we got you covered, too). Looking for something with THC? Night Moves and Oh YES! (Quim’s THC-infused products) are available at dispensaries throughout California.
Smooth Operator is a hemp CBD-infused, aloe-vera based intimate serum for sexy time play. Oh, and it’s latex-safe, so you can still use a condom 😉 Apply 4-6 pumps 5-7 minutes prior to your pleasure sesh and get ready for a wild ride.
“The ONLY completely positive experience that I have had [with my vagina] is thanks to Quim; I was able to feel opening like never before, and had no pain, but not because I was numb! Instead, I was so in that part of my body and just loved it.”
Feeling a little dry down there? A CBD vaginal moisturizing oil might be just the trick to kiss vaginal dryness goodbye. Happy Clam by Quim is like ‘eye cream for your vagina’ and is designed with your comfort in mind.
“Happy Clam is my favorite new thing! It’s the first time I’ve felt like my vagina was getting the respect it deserves. That it took this long for my vagina to have an eye cream is an offense to every vagina owner.”
tabúTalks
CannaBliss: Sex, Vaginas, Weed, and CBD
For those who couldn’t join us (and those who want to dive back in), please enjoy this replay of the illuminating conversation we hosted with The Sex(pot) Therapist and Cyo Nystrom, CEO & Co-Founder of Quim. We covered a lot of ground:
the history of cannabis as a healing remedy—it goes way back
the endocannabinoid system—what it is and how it works
CBD vs. THC—the difference between the two and known benefits
communication—how to talk to your partner about using cannabis before/during sexual play
cannabis, the body, and sex—how cannabis interacts with your body and how you can incorporate cannabis for enhanced sex and pleasure
pain & pleasure—alleviating pain and boosting pleasure with cannabis
ingestion vs. topical—is there a difference in effect when you consume cannabis orally vs. inhaling vs. as a topical (lube or cream)?
CBD & THC lube—the benefits of cannabis-infused lubricants, how they work
lots of fascinating and juicy weed knowledge—for increased pleasure and euphoria
Cannabis & Criminal Justice
There are over 40,000 incarcerated people in the United States alone for possession of marijuana. As weed continues to increase in popularity and become decriminalized and even legalized across the country, this is simply unacceptable and inhumane. In the last decade, 15.7 MILLION people were arrested for marijuana offenses. Meanwhile, $10.4 BILLION were made on legal marijuana sales since 2018 in the U.S. As we use cannabis products for our own pleasure and enjoyment, let’s remain mindful of those who face decades of incarceration. Check out The Last Prisoner Project for ways to donate and get involved and address this grave injustice!
Modern sex essentials
Related reading
Check out the pod
Plant-based, Science-backed Supplements
use code TABU for 20% off
This article may contain affiliate links. Meaning? If you click one and make a purchase, we earn a commission. This helps us keep creating fire content so you can stay informed and empowered. 🔥 Thank you!
And how do I deal?