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.”

LET'S GET INTIMATE

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.”

QUENCH THY THIRST

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!

Must be looooooove on the braaaaain 🧠. Or was that s£x? 👀🤭 Our brains are our largest s£x organs and sometimes they get a little sad, hyperactive, anxious, or overwhelmed. You won’t always be in the mood for s£x and that’s okay! Keep communication with your partner open and ongoing, check in with yourself and your mental health, and lean on the support of a trusted therapist or doctor if you need some extra guidance. 🫶🏽 Anything you would add?

I mean 😏

It is not wrong nor should it feel shameful to ✨seek pleasure.✨ I think those of us who grew up more religious were taught that you should always be in service of others and giving of yourself rather than concerned with our own needs or passions. While it is wonderful to be generous with giving (and can in fact be a source of pleasure), it should be equally encouraged to pursue your own pleasure — it whatever form it may take! It may feel self-indulgent, but why is that a bad thing? Pleasure boosts our mental health. It helps us cope with a difficult world, with anxiety, depression, and stress. It makes us feel good! It gives us something to look forward to. Pleasure helps us connect with others and with ourselves. Pleasure (as long as it is not at the expense of someone else’s safety or well-being) should be a priority, for our joy and for our health. It really is so important! Where do you find pleasure? I personally love a good massage… 💆🏽‍♀️

It’s time for a talk, friend. Let’s be clear, you nor your partner ever has to do *anything* you’re not comfortable with. That said, if it’s something you enjoy and that’s pleasurable to you, it’s okay to ask your partner for it! They can say no, but if they invalidate your pleasure, much less expect you to do something they won’t do?? The ball is then in your court to decide if this is the partner for you. You deserve someone who cares about and prioritizes your pleasure. Who is thrilled to be acquainted with your body, all of it! S-x can be vulnerable to talk about, but when you do…it’s so much better. 👅 included. Ask your partner what their hesitations are and have a *conversation.* Maybe they’re nervous, intimidated, or struggling with shame. Maybe they’re down to try other things you would enjoy and build up to it. The point is, it shouldn’t just be automatically dismissed. You can decide what’s right for you and what makes you feel aroused, validated, and appreciated. Whatever you do, don’t internalize their rejection. Your body is beautiful, desirable, and definitely worthy of pleasure. 😋🥰

A UK study published in the International Urogynecology Journal found that only 46% of participants correctly identified that a female has 3 holes in the external genitalia. 😬 Not great. We’re taught so desperately little about our bodies and so discouraged from exploring them that we don’t even know what we’ve got going on down there! Understanding your own anatomy (and getting educated on your partner’s anatomy) can boost pleasure 1000x!! So take a mirror, use your hands, and get comfy exploring! 🪞🕵🏽‍♀️ And if you really want to get informed (and inspired 😉), head to our website for our basics on pleasure and anatomy. What do you think? Could YOU correctly label a diagram of what lies beneath?

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