Things to consider
Put away the chocolate and oysters — there’s a new aphrodisiac making waves that might elevate your sexual enjoyment. Yep, we mean cannabis.
While investigation into cannabis and its bedroom benefits is ongoing, 68.5 percent of respondents in one study reported that sex while using cannabis felt more pleasurable.
Intrigued? So were we. We spoke with John Renko, cannabis authority and cofounder of GoLove CBD Naturals, and Jordan Tishler, MD, a Harvard-trained physician and medical cannabis therapeutics expert who runs InhaleMD.
They offered insight on selecting the right strain and product to heighten sexual experiences — whatever mood you’re chasing.
Do strains really matter?
Possibly.
Experts don’t completely agree on how much strains affect outcomes. Dr. Tishler thinks strains influence sexual preferences but won’t guarantee specific results. He tells patients to pay less attention to strains and more to dosing and method of consumption.
Renko, on the other hand, points to terpenes as the main factor shaping a strain’s effects.
Terpenes are plant compounds that create aroma and taste. If one cannabis variety smells like diesel and another evokes citrus — that’s the terpenes doing their job.
Terpenes can alter cannabis’s effects, though the mechanisms are not fully understood. Ongoing research continues to explore individual strain traits and their human impacts.
If you want to boost your libido
To increase sexual desire, Renko suggests picking strains rich in the terpene limonene, such as Do-Si-Dos and Wedding Cake.
Both are indica-leaning, high-THC hybrids that deliver rapid, body-warming euphoria before settling into soothing relaxation.
If you’re enjoying some alone time… between the sheets
For enhancing solo sessions, Renko recommends strains with linalool — a terpene known for calming effects.
LA Confidential (an indica) and Amnesia Haze (a sativa) are commonly recommended strains that can turn solo pleasure into a lingering indulgence.
Users note a gentle onset followed by intense euphoria and a slow comedown. Sounds a lot like a satisfying climax, right?
If you’re prone to anxiety
This is one area where cannabis may be particularly helpful. Beyond ample anecdotal reports, current research suggests cannabis can reduce anxiety.
A small 2018 study examined cannabinoids and terpene profiles of various strains and had participants rank those most effective at easing anxiety.
If nervousness is dampening your bedroom fun, reaching for some “Kush” might help.
Top strains for anxiety included:
- Bubba Kush (an indica)
- Skywalker OG Kush (an indica-dominant hybrid)
- Blueberry Lamsbread (a sativa-dominant hybrid)
- Kosher Kush (an indica)
If you’re worried about potential pain
Evidence indicates cannabis can relieve pain, and earlier studies have suggested indicas are frequently preferred for pain relief.
If pain is a concern during sex, look for strains featuring terpenes that may reduce discomfort — beta-caryophyllene, humulene, myrcene, and caryophyllene — Renko advises. He highlights Zkittlez as a top choice.
Zkittlez is an indica-leaning hybrid with a pronounced beta-caryophyllene and humulene profile.
Other options to consider:
- G13 (a potent indica)
- Cannatonic (a low-THC, high-CBD hybrid)
- Harlequin (a sativa-dominant strain)
If you want to try something new
Want to step outside your usual sexual routine? Anecdotal reports suggest certain strains can help you do that.
Based on user reviews online, these strains may lower inhibitions and boost confidence:
- Granddaddy Purple (an indica)
- Trainwreck (a powerful sativa-dominant hybrid)
- Atomic Northern Lights (an indica-dominant hybrid)
- Blue Dream (a sativa-dominant hybrid)
If you want something high-energy
With proper dosing, some strains can give you the stamina to match even the most energetic partners.
User reviews point to these strains for an Energizer-Bunny-style session:
- Green Crack (a sativa)
- Cheese Quake (a hybrid)
- Super Lemon Haze (a zesty sativa)
If you want something relaxing
Too much of any cannabis will sedate you, so choose a calming strain and dose appropriately to strike the right balance between relaxed and aroused.
Try these mellow strains:
- Master Kush (an indica)
- Mr. Nice (a sativa)
- Animal Cookies (a balanced hybrid)
If you want to enhance your sensitivity to touch
Experienced cannabis users often report that particular strains heighten touch and alter tactile sensations in pleasurable ways.
Because everyone reacts differently, a strain that heightens sensation for you might not do the same for your partner.
For regular cannabis users, Renko suggests pairing your favorite THC-forward strain with a CBD-dominant one like ACDC to get a “rich terpene profile alongside the synergistic effects of CBD and THC.”
ACDC is a sativa-leaning strain with about 14 percent CBD and under 1 percent THC.
Other strains that may amplify erogenous touch include:
- Bubblegum Kush (an indica-dominant strain)
- Sour Diesel (a pungent sativa)
- Jillybean (an indica-leaning strain)
Which is better: indica, sativa, or hybrid?
There isn’t a straightforward answer. These labels are less important than a strain’s terpene content, Renko says.
“Those are primarily botanical classifications based on physical plant traits, not the flower’s profile — and the profile is what matters,” he explained.
There’s no universally “best” strain for sex. The ideal choice depends on how your body reacts and the kind of experience you’re after.
What about edibles?
Dr. Tishler and Renko both caution that edibles aren’t ideal for partnered sex because their onset is slow and their effects can be unpredictable.
Edibles must pass through digestion before working, and factors like BMI influence how fast they take effect.
You may peak at a different moment than your partner, have intercourse before you feel anything, or consume an amount that isn’t optimal.
If you prefer edibles, they may be better suited for solo sessions.
What else can you use to spice up your sex sesh?
Plenty of options exist. Since we’re focused on cannabis and sex, here are a few cannabis-based products designed with intimate moments in mind.
THC or CBD lube
THC- and CBD-infused lubricants are real — and many people who’ve tried them rave about the effects.
Manufacturers claim benefits from heightened arousal to quicker, stronger orgasms. Scientific backing for some claims is still limited, but that doesn’t negate users’ reported benefits.
Topical CBD absorbs slowly and research continues into improving delivery for faster onset. Still, a cannabis-infused lubricant can potentially add a spark to your sex life.
Proper lubrication is crucial for comfortable and pleasurable penetrative sex — and it just feels good.
If you want to try a THC or CBD lube, one option is GoLove CBD Intimate Lubricant.
THC or CBD anal or vaginal suppositories
Clinical data on cannabis suppositories is limited.
There’s no firm proof they enter the bloodstream through the anus or vagina, so don’t expect a psychoactive high from them. That said, they may have local effects that help below the belt.
Users report that CBD and THC suppositories act as effective lubricants, reduce pain during and after anal or vaginal sex, and can enhance sexual pleasure.
THC or CBD massage oil
Who doesn’t appreciate a sensual, oil-based massage? Because topicals generally don’t enter circulation, they can make your body feel good without producing a “high.”
Options include Papa & Barkley’s Releaf Body Oil and CBD Daily Massage Lotion.
Oils and condoms don’t mix well, so consider your protection method carefully.
General tips and tricks
Now that you’ve got some strain and product suggestions, here are tips to help you make the most of the experience.
If you’ve never used cannabis during sex before, try solo sex first
If this is your first time combining cannabis with sex, experiment during solo play initially.
This lets you observe how you respond to a product and whether it enhances your pleasure. It can also relieve concerns about any undesirable effects.
Negotiate before you consume
Communication is essential to good sex — and it should happen before you get high. Cannabis can impair judgment and cause drowsiness if you overdo it.
Obtain consent and establish boundaries prior to consuming. Use this moment to talk about safer sex and ensure you have protection available.
Start low and go slow
Dosing can determine whether the experience is great or not, so follow expert advice: start with a small dose and increase gradually if needed.
Different delivery methods have different dosing profiles and onset times.
Inhalation and sublingual tinctures act quickly, making titration easier. You’ll often know within 10 minutes if another puff or a few drops are necessary, or if you’ve reached your limit.
Keep water and lube on hand
There’s nothing appealing about cottonmouth or vaginal dryness when you’re trying to be intimate. Stay hydrated and keep lubricant nearby.
The bottom line
There’s a wealth of anecdotal evidence that cannabis can improve sexual experiences. Research even indicates cannabis users tend to have sex more frequently than non-users.
If you want to experiment, cannabis is generally well-tolerated when used responsibly. Buy products or flower from reputable, licensed sellers — and enjoy exploring!
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