A Beginner’s Guide to CBD and Sex Drive

CBD has become a wildly popular go-to for wellness seekers. But can it also enhance your sex life? This beginner’s guide to CBD and sex drive is here to help. While clinical research is still in its infancy, there are some studies — and plenty of anecdotal reports — that indicate CBD can serve us in myriad ways by offering relief and systemic support. But can it help you get in the mood?

In recent years, a great many hemp-derived CBD products have hit the shelves, intended for those who desire a boost in the bedroom. Read on to find out how CBD might open the door for more fulfilling sex.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol, or CBD for short, is one of the hundreds of cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. Though it has reached near-celebrity status in recent years for its health-giving reputation, it arguably still plays second fiddle to the more widely known psychoactive cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Yet, CBD has proven to be a powerful compound in its own right and has made its way into the anti-seizure medication Epidiolex; the first and only FDA-approved prescription CBD medication [1]. Additionally, many people have found CBD to be a helpful addition to their wellness routine.

How does CBD work?

CBD is a cannabinoid that works in the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a biological system composed of endocannabinoids, which are lipid-based neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors and are expressed throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems [2].

Although the ECS developed in the human body millions of years ago, only recently have researchers discovered its existence and its function, which is to maintain homeostasis in the body. Scientists have found that cannabis has a special relationship with the ECS because the cannabinoids in the plant essentially engage our body’s ancient cellular machinery to modulate certain physiological responses within the ECS.

Researchers like Matthew Hill, PhD, an associate professor at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute at the University of Alberta, are exploring the role the ECS plays in modulating responses. Dr. Hill proposes that a more comprehensive understanding of the ECS may reveal how CBD may affect our perceptions, either by itself or together with THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis [3].

The connection between the endocannabinoid system, CBD, and sex

The ECS seemingly influences a wide range of physiological functions, including perceptions, sensations, temperature, mood, memory, appetite, metabolism, and other processes. This vital system communicates through endocannabinoids, which are neurotransmitters produced naturally in the body and bond with the receptors of the ECS.

CBD, THC, and other plant-based cannabinoids — chemically similar to endocannabinoids — likewise interact with the ECS. Thus, as cannabinoids connect with the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the ECS, physiological functions alter. For example, when THC bonds with the endocannabinoid receptors, a psychoactive response is initiated. On the other hand, when CBD engages with the ECS, more subtle changes to the body’s physiology may occur [3].

Benefits of CBD

Though more research will help us fully understand the benefits of CBD, some limited studies and anecdotal reports indicate CBD may be beneficial for wellness needs [4,5,6,7]

CBD and menopause

Many women of a certain age incorporate CBD into their self-care rituals for a variety of reasons, though there are no studies that promise CBD can cure menopausal symptoms [9].

Full-spectrum versus broad-spectrum CBD for sex

Full-spectrum CBD products contain all of the cannabinoids of the cannabis plant, including THC. Broad-spectrum, on the other hand, has some or all of the compounds of the plant minus the THC. So if you are seeking a larger helping of benefits from your CBD product, you may opt for full-spectrum since many people find it to be a great feeling. But if you’d rather skip the THC altogether, broad-spectrum is your best bet.

CBD and erectile dysfunction (ED)

The ways in which CBD may help problems like ED aren’t fully understood, yet there are theories out there. Researchers have not specifically tested the effects of CBD on ED, so these notions are based on anecdotal reports [12].

What CBD products to look for

The CBD market has a plethora of products to choose from. But the best ones should include natural ingredients and high concentrations of cannabis compounds such as cannabinoids and terpenes. If concentrations are high enough, CBD is more likely to be effective. Serums, lubrications, and massage oils tend to be popular not only because they offer the power of cannabinoids but they also can add enjoyable pre-sex rituals.

In contrast, CBD edibles such as gummies, chocolate, or smokes can be delicious and sexy while turbo-charging the endocannabinoid system quickly.

How much CBD do you take?

There are many factors that play a role in determining your ideal CBD dosage. In the simplest terms, for most people the heavier you are, the more CBD you’ll need in order to feel its effects.

The rate at which CBD is absorbed and metabolized varies depending on one’s height, weight, and how much food you have in your system. Personal body chemistry and experience with – and tolerance of – cannabis are additional factors.

Generally speaking, it is recommended that you start with a small amount and gradually increase it until you reach satisfactory results. This is especially wise for new cannabis consumers. Remember, you can take less than the recommended serving size to see what’s right for you [13].

The legality of CBD and other cannabinoids

CBD is naturally occurring in cannabis, which can be classified as hemp or marijuana depending on how much Delta-9 THC it contains. The 2014 Farm Bill removed hemp from the Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA’s) list of Schedule 1 substances, which initiated cannabis commercialization on a broad scale. The Bill made hemp, which was defined as cannabis with 0.3 percent or less Delta-9 THC, federally compliant and allowed research into hemp to begin after almost a century of prohibition.

Four years later, the 2018 Farm Bill allowed the production, sale, and consumption of hemp-derived products, making it clear to legal experts that all plant materials and substances derived from legally-defined hemp were deemed federally compliant [14]. This Bill made cannabinoids like CBD legal, whereas THC had certain restrictions.

Currently, federal law still defines cannabis plants with less than 0.3 percent concentration of Delta-9 THC per dry weight as hemp plants and allows hemp production and consumption in all 50 states. In contrast, a cannabis plant with more than 0.3 percent Delta-9 THC per dry weight is defined as marijuana, which federal law still treats as a controlled substance on the DEA’s Schedule 1 list. Even so, some states allow medical use and/or adult recreational use of cannabis containing much more than 0.3 percent Delta-9 THC.

Any drawbacks to using CBD to enhance the bedroom?

CBD carries minimal risks. Though it’s well-tolerated by most individuals, in some it can cause dry mouth, diarrhea, reduced appetite, or drowsiness. It’s also possible that CBD could interact with medications [15].

Additionally, CBD is not yet approved for any disease, (except two forms of epilepsy with the CBD-based medication Epidiolex), so it’s important to consult your doctor with questions.

Learn more in The Complete Guide to Cannabis and Sex

Key takeaway for the beginner’s guide to CBD and sex drive

If you’re planning to experiment with CBD in your sex life, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, buy a quality product.

Don’t just grab the first CBD product you see. Take your time and read consumer reviews. Make sure an independent lab has reported exactly what is in it. Once you’re confident that the product has what you want, go ahead and pop it into your lover’s Valentine’s Day gift bag for the best kind of romantic surprise.

Medical Disclaimer / Legal Disclaimer – Information is provided for educational purposes. It does not and is not intended to constitute legal advice or medical advice. We attempt to be accurate and up-to-date, but the legality of cannabinoids and the science of cannabis are evolving. The author is neither a legal professional nor a medical expert. Before buying or using any products, you should check with your local authorities and medical providers.

References

Frequently Asked Questions

How much Delta-9 THC should I start with?

It is recommended to start with a small amount like 2-5mg of Delta-9 THC or other types of THC, to see how it affects a person. Then the amount can be increased slowly until satisfactory results are achieved.