Can CBD improve orgasms?

Using cannabis to enhance sexual pleasure is nothing new. In ancient China and Ancient India, the plant was used as an aphrodisiac and sensation enhancer, as well as being utilised to treat many gynaecological issues. Today, pairing cannabis and sex (and using CBD for sex) is equally popular, both in a search for sexual satisfaction and, when it comes to medical cannabis, for treating certain types of sexual dysfunction. A recent study involving 216 participants found :

  • 7% said sex was better with cannabis
  • 9% said cannabis increased their desire for sex
  • 8% reported increased sexual satisfaction
  • 3% reported an increased sensitivity to touch
  • 8% said they could relax more during sex
  • 5% said they were better able to focus

Crucially, 65.7% also reported an increased intensity of orgasms after using whole-plant cannabis, as has also been noted in numerous other studies. This begs the question: Can CBD improve orgasms too?

The CBD molecule is just one of over 140 cannabinoids found in whole-plant cannabis. You’re not going to get the full array in over-the-counter CBD oil (or in any one strain of cannabis), but broad spectrum and full spectrum CBD oils, like the kind we make at Lady A, do contain a wider range of cannabinoids and terpenes than CBD isolate products. The main psychoactive compound, THC, plays a key role in cannabis being used for sex and sexual health but of course, you won’t find this in any notable amounts in UK store-bought CBD oil. Because of this, the effect of using CBD oil to support your sex life is quite different to using cannabis. The high you get from smoking a joint is well known for its potential to help one let go of inhibitions and relax. However, there’s a flip-side there too, as in higher doses THC can impair libido. There are, however, many fascinating mechanisms of the CBD molecule in the body (and several other cannabinoids and terpenes besides that can be found in some CBD products) which may very well contribute to better sex and sexual wellbeing all round.

Here are a few ways it might do that:


CBD Oil: Natures Sensation Enhancer

There’s evidence to suggest that CBD specifically does have the potential to enhance the sensation of pleasure and touch, as it increases blood flow and results in vasodilation (the dilation of blood vessels). This allows for fresh, oxygenated blood to flow and therefore is likely to increase sensitivity.

This goes for both ingested CBD and topically applied products, although make sure you’re only using CBD products designed to use on your genitals, just in case! When CBD lube is applied it can get to work locally, on the nerves, muscles, glands and immune cells you want to impact the most (we all know where those are!). 

Does CBD help with pain during sex?

If you were to go to a cannabis clinic with chronic pain, you’d likely be prescribed something with THC in it. This is generally the go-to cannabinoid for pain relief. However, there are certain causes of pain during sex that might be worth giving CBD a go for.

As much as 75% of women and 5% of men experience painful intercourse at some point in their lives and this is especially high among women going through menopause. Anecdotally many women say they find CBD to be effective for relieving vaginal pain and dryness, however (as with so much of women’s health) the studies simply aren’t there to confirm whether or not this is the case, scientifically! There are many studies that demonstrate the anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and analgesic effects of CBD though…

Endocannabinoids & Sex

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has A LOT to do with sexual function, so simply keeping this (sprawling) part of your body in tip-top shape can go a long way to improving your sex life. Things that support the ECS include exercise, meditation, yoga, and CBD oil.

When we reach orgasm, the body releases a tremendous whoosh of Endocannabinoids - Anandamide and 2-AG, which fully activate the endocannabinoid system. This is partly why sex can be so good for your health and well-being! When you take CBD oil regularly, this supports the synthesis and release of Endocannabinoids for generally higher levels in the body, and as a result, even higher levels during orgasm. And that’s a very, very good thing.

As well as basically being a major part of arousal and orgasm, Endocannabinoids have also been proven to help reduce pain and inflammationhelp control spasmscan be neuroprotective, have anti-depressant and anxiolytic effects, and reduce the strength of the pain signals being sent.

If nothing else, using a high-quality lube during sex is a great idea for easing uncomfortable friction and making everything feel great. Even more so if, like the Lady A CBD lube, it includes ingredients chosen to increase blood flow and sensitivity. Why not treat yourself and your loved one this Valentine’s Day? You won’t regret it…