Let’s Talk About Sex, Baby!
No really, let’s discus. Self-care includes taking care of ALL of you, including your sensual self. Sex can actually release a hormone called oxytocin which can reduce stress. For those suffering from sexual dysfunction, however, that may seem out of reach. Now, there’s more to sex than just knocking boots with someone (or yourself); there are mental, physical, and emotional aspects involved. Introducing cannabis as part of your self-care or sensual ritual can help with each one of these!
Why does sexual dysfunction happen?
There are various reasons why someone would experience sexual dysfunction. Medical conditions, medications, pain, lack of desire, etc. A common reason for women is vaginal pain, while erectile dysfunction (ED) is obviously common in men. Declining hormone levels, thinning and loss of moisture in the vagina, medications that contribute to vaginal dryness leading to pain and therefore a lack of desire to have sex because it’s now associated with pain. Medical conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes can contribute to ED. Anxiety, depression, and/stress are very common in both sexes.
Common medications that millions of people take daily can cause sexual dysfunction in many ways. Antidepressants, seizure medications, seizure medications, antipsychotics, birth control, and even blood pressure medications can contribute in their own way. But another medicine available comes to rescue.
How Can Cannabis Help?
Cannabis has been used as an aphrodisiac in Ayurvedic practices since 2000 BC. Ancient Tantric sexual practices involved drinking a blend of cannabis leaves, flowers, and stems blended with milk, water, and spices called bhang. So cannabis is not new to this, it’s true to this.
Endocannabinoids are structurally similar to cannabis and can help with the issues contributing to sexual dysfunction. They communicate with the hormones and neurotransmitters that influence sexual behavior and function. Increases confidence, desire, orgasm intensity, and heightens sensitivity to touch. THC in particular can alter perception of time and prolong pleasure. I mean... look at the material.
Which Strains are Best?
Balanced strains or strains with high-CBD are recommended due to the option to tailor the THC to the best possible dose. Too much THC can dampen sensitivity, interfere with erections, and make you sleepy. If anxiety is the issue, you want to consider strains with linalool for relaxing and limonene to increase your sex drive. If depression is the culprit, you need linalool, limonene, or pinene. For stress, look for linalool and pinene containing strains.
For women, there are options for topical applications such as vaginal creams, sprays, lubricants, or even suppositories if the issue is pain or vaginal dryness. These can lessen pain, increase blood flow, and enhance sexual pleasure. These will not alter brain activity but your lady parts may thank you! BUT most, if not all, cannabis based lubricants are oil based and over time this can lead to vaginal dryness as the oil blocks glands that produce moisture. Also, oil based lubricants can cause breaking of condoms so just be cautious of this! Hope this helps!
References:
Matan Weil Scientifically reviewed by Lauren Vrabel, Weil, M., Weil, M., & Scientifically reviewed by Lauren Vrabel. (2021, August 2). Best weed strains for sex. The Cannigma. https://cannigma.com/strain/best-weed-strains-for-sex/.
Sherman, A., Chin, J., & Scott, E. (2019). Cannabis & Cbd for health & Wellness: An essential guide for using nature's medicine to relieve stress, anxiety, chronic Pain, inflammation, and more. Ten Speed Press.