Can CBD improve your sex life?

For those of you who are sexually active, who would say no to improving your sex life? Wow, I see everyone rose their hand. In a crowded market of toys, lubricants, and little blue pills, it can be daunting to know what works and what is a waste of time, and for most people, there may be that same fear of the unknown for CBD products. So, how does CBD work? What can it do for your love life? In this article, we’re going to explore the ways CBD could improve sex and the kinds of products you can buy.

What is CBD?

CBD is a type of chemical called a “cannabinoid” that comes from marijuana plants. It interacts with the human body through the “endocannabinoid system” and is reputed to have a wide range of health benefits, including pain relief, reducing inflammation, and reducing anxiety. Unlike using marijuana, CBD products don’t contain THC, which is the active substance responsible for making you feel “high” when smoking cannabis.

Is CBD an aphrodisiac?

When it comes to sex, the longest quested holy grail is an aphrodisiac: a little something that will help you go a long way in your sexual prowess. Throughout history, people have claimed that things like oysters and chocolate will increase libido, and, for some, CBD has the same reputation.

One of the things that CBD does is imitate neurotransmitters in the brain, the chemicals responsible for making us feel happy, relaxed, or stressed. CBD is a very similar chemical to serotonin (one of the neurotransmitters that makes you feel happy) and so the brain reacts to it in the same way it would react to serotonin itself and can put you in a good mood. CBD has also been found to prevent the breakdown of another neurotransmitter called anandamide. Anandamide is named after the Sanskrit word for bliss because it gives feelings of pleasure and euphoria.

The body normally breaks down neurotransmitters which cause its effects to wear off, however, according to this study, the presence of CBD meant that the anandamide didn’t get deactivated and the effects of anandamide were improved. Although scientists have found links between anandamide and orgasms, there isn’t enough conclusive data to say for sure that CBD heightens orgasm. But there are lots of other ways that CBD could help improve the mood.

Can CBD help with performance anxiety?

Maybe you’re having troubles unwinding from your thoughts, worried you won’t be able to satisfy your partner, or feeling the pressure to hit that big O. If so, you’re not alone. There have been many studies that have found CBD to be a promising treatment for anxiety, such as this one, that found that CBD helped reduce acute anxiety, i.e. feelings of short-term panic. This means that it could be extremely helpful in the bedroom to relax you and reduce feelings of tension. Gummy tablets are great products to use for this as they have low doses and, because they are eaten (rather than inhaled or absorbed through the skin) it takes time for the body to break it down, so the effects occur over a period of time at a lower intensity.

Will CBD help with lubrication?

There isn’t evidence that CBD will help with generating extra lubrication, however, studies such as this one have found that CBD acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, which means that you could be less likely to feel the negative effects of uncomfortable sex. One of the main reasons that women experience uncomfortable sex is because they are not relaxed and “in the mood”, which CBD could help with, and also some patient and generous partners can be a boost. Using additional lubricant is key to improving the experience if there is too much friction. So go ahead and try Oomf - UK's first all natural water based CBD lubricant. 

Isn’t weed bad for your sex life?

There is some evidence that marijuana use can lower sperm counts, however, it’s important to bear in mind that the body reacts very differently to CBD compared with marijuana. This is because marijuana contains many different cannabinoids and terpenes which cause something called the "Entourage Effect". Marijuana also contains THC which has very different effects than CBD.

CBD is considered a safe substance and it can be found in FDA-approved medications.