Medically reviewed by Zara Risoldi Cochrane, PharmD, MS, FASCP on June 24, 2019 — Written by Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA for Healthline
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in the cannabis plant. It doesn’t cause the “high” associated with marijuana use.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the compound in cannabis that induces that feeling. However, CBD may have other benefits for the body.
Because of this, manufacturers have isolated CBD and added it to many products, including those to help you in the bedroom. Purported benefits include boosting libido and increasing lubrication.
Is CBD only a buzzword or can it actually help your sex life? Read on to find out what research tells us so far.
To understand how CBD might help your sex life, let’s take it back to how researchers think CBD works on the body.
Inside your body are tiny receptors that are part of a whole system scientists call the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Think of these receptors as the locks that the key — in this case, CBD — can activate.
While CBD doesn’t “unlock” them directly, it can set off a series of reactions in the body that stimulate the system. Through CBD’s indirect activation, the body responds in a variety of ways, including as an anti-inflammatory and anticonvulsant.
The research
According to a 2009 article published in the journal
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, researchers have found ECS receptors in the sexual reproductive organs, such as the testicles. They’re also present in the brain.
What happens next is controversial. Some research studies have found that cannabinoids such as CBD and THC boost libido, while others have found they decrease it.
Other research suggests CBD products may improve libido by reducing
anxiety. Some people have anxiety about sexual performance, which decreases their libido. Relieve anxiety, and the desire for sex may go up.
A review of currently available literature about CBD and anxiety published in the journal
NeurotherapeuticsTrusted Source found that CBD may reduce anxiety, including social anxiety disorder. However, there aren’t many human trials on this issue, so it’s hard to recommend CBD dosages or say for sure it works.
For this reason, a lot of reports about CBD helping sex drive are anecdotal. Maybe your friend tried it and raves about it. But then your other friend
didn’t feel any different at all. Since there aren’t a lot of research studies specific to CBD and libido, it’s tough to say right now that it helps.
There isn’t a lot of research out there about CBD and sexual benefits, but there are emerging products on the market designed to help with the following sexual concerns.
Erectile dysfunction (ED)
According to an article in the journal
BioMed Research InternationalTrusted Source, Ayurveda practitioners have used
Cannabis sativa, the plant from which marijuana and CBD are derived, for many years to improve ejaculatory function and sexual performance.
The exact way that CBD may help ED isn’t fully understood. One theory is that CBD could help relax the blood vessels and promote blood flow. Better blood flow to the penis can relieve ED and promote longer-lasting sex.
The problem is that doctors haven’t specifically tested the effects of CBD on the penis. A small study published in the journal
JCI InsightTrusted Source found that a single dose of CBD helped to
reduce blood pressure. But the researchers in this study were looking at arteries that led to the heart and not ones that went to the groin.
Poor lubrication
For those who struggle with dryness and painful sex, adding a lubricant can improve sexual performance and relieve pain. Many CBD manufacturers are making lubricants that incorporate CBD as a means to enhance sexual pleasure.
Researchers have studied the effects of topical CBD as a dermatology treatment. According to a 2010 article in the journal
Fitoterapia, topical CBD has an anti-inflammatory effect, which could theoretically make sex more comfortable. However, there aren’t any studies specific on CBD and lubrication.
Low sex drive
Another theory is that cannabis affects sexual desire directly in the brain. A 2017
studyTrusted Source of cannabis users found that cannabis activated the part of people’s brains that controls sexual arousal. The authors concluded that using cannabis may be helpful for people with a low sex drive.
New CBD products are entering the market every day. However, product availability depends on where you live and your state and local laws. Here are some examples of popular CBD products for the bedroom:
- CBD Bath Bombs: These bath bombs can relax you and prepare you for the next thing!
- CBD Massage Oil: This massage lotion can be a precursor to the big event. Its non-greasy formula is designed to relax and soothe skin.
You can incorporate CBD products into your sex life in a variety of ways. Examples include:
As researchers further examine CBD’s sexual effects, the list will likely grow.
CBD products designed to enhance sex are starting to become more available. Right now, there’s more talk than research on how well the products work.
Because CBD products currently don’t have any known side effects, they may be worth trying if you’re looking for ways to enhance your sex life.
Disclaimer:
The information made available on this page is based on studies and research as well as reported experiences from CBD product users.
For a medical condition always consult with a healthcare professional before consuming CBD. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease, ailment or skin condition. Any information contained in or made available on our website is not intended to be used as, or be a substitute for, healthcare advice or information from licensed healthcare practitioners. Please consult a licensed health care practitioner regarding any potential interactions or complications before using our products.
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