CBG and Sex Drive: Energize Your Libido

Man and woman kissing on pool table. Earthy Now

Let’s talk about CBG and sex. There are many reasons people seek a boost in their sex drive. But because sex involves so many aspects of ourselves, a lot of factors go into maintaining a healthy libido. For instance, a number of issues can complicate sexual performance, desire, and satisfaction—things like anxiety disorders, vitamin deficiencies, stress, exhaustion, and more. Fortunately, there are ways to address these problems.

Among the many beneficial cannabinoids in cannabis, cannabigerol (CBG) has shown promise in the bedroom. Keep reading to learn about CBG.

What is CBG

CBG is the molecular result of CBGa (cannabigerolic acid), the acidic parent molecule from which other cannabinoids are synthesized through decarboxylation.

As a cannabis plant grows, most of the CBG is converted into other cannabinoids, like THC or CBD, leaving about 1% CBG in the plant. Yet, as more people become aware of the potential benefits of CBG, botanists and cannabis cultivators have created hybrid strains that produce larger amounts of CBG to harvest.

Within the body’s endocannabinoid system, CBG has an affinity with both CB1 and CB2 receptors, and shows moderate activity with serotonin receptors. Studies are underway to determine how and if the cannabinoid can offer medicinal or therapeutic benefits. The CB1 receptors mediate most of the psychoactive effects of cannabinoids, whereas the CB2 receptors are principally involved in other responses [1].

What is the endocannabinoid system (ECS)?

The ECS comprises a large network of signals and receptors that exist throughout our brains and bodies and was named after the cannabis plant with which it shares its name as well as similar structures. In all the body’s tissues, the endocannabinoid system performs various tasks such as modulating responses. The ECS helps our body maintain homeostasis despite changes in the external environment [2].

To stimulate the receptors in the ECS, our bodies make molecules called endocannabinoids, which have a structural similarity to those in the cannabis plant. Anandamide was the first endocannabinoid that was discovered and named after the Sanskrit word for bliss. It has since been nicknamed the bliss molecule. Amazingly, all of us have cannabis-like molecules traveling through our bodies at all times. The cannabinoids in the cannabis plant work their effect by mimicking these ancient cellular mechanisms by pretending they are endocannabinoids.

Cannabinoids like THC, CBD, and CBG promote homeostasis by engaging with the CB1 and CB receptors in the ECS, just like the endocannabinoids that are made by our bodies. In this way, various cannabinoids can alter the functioning of the ECS and, thus, affect the way we experience things [3].

Benefits and effects of CBG

Anecdotal reports indicate that people may benefit from the CBG in a multitude of ways, but CBG’s effects may change depending on the individual. Some people report relief, while others claim to experience uplifting effects. Still others claim that CBG can improve your sex. However, none of these outcomes have been sufficiently studied to make definitive claims [4].

Though many people claim to feel uplifted and energized after taking CBG, it is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. The interplay among cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, however, may bolster the effects of the cannabinoid through the entourage effect if the CBG product consumed is full-spectrum or broad-spectrum products.

The entourage effect can influence the effect of a cannabis product if you consume full-spectrum CBG products and perhaps to a lesser extent with broad-spectrum products. Taking CBD and CBG together, for example, may enhance the effects of each cannibinoid.

CBG alone is not intoxicating, but it can still make you feel good in more subtle ways. For example, some people report feeling its distinctive energizing effects. If this is the case, it follows that activities might be more enjoyable with the added boost of energy.

Is CBG legal?

Yes, like other cannabinoids, CBG is completely lawful under the U.S. Farm Bill (read more below), provided that it is derived from hemp. Hemp is defined by the Farm Bill as cannabis that contains less than 0.3 percent Delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis. Delta-9 THC has psychoactive effects and is the most important factor in the federal legality of hemp vs. marijuana.

What’s the difference between CBD and CBG?

Cannabis contains hundreds of biologically active compounds, including over one hundred cannabinoids. CBD and CBG are both non-psychoactive cannabinoids present in the plant. The primary difference between the two is that CBD is a major cannabinoid while CBG is a minor one, signifying that there are usually higher levels of CBD than CBG in cannabis.

Additionally, the two cannabinoids behave differently when they adhere to the cannabinoid receptors in the ECS. Though more research is needed, CBD is sometimes associated with benefits such as relief and system wellness, whereas CBG is anecdotally reported to influence energy levels and help uplift.

What’s the difference between CBG and THC?

CBG is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid derived from cannabis, whereas THC, specifically Delta-9 THC, is the best known psychoactive component of cannabis. Both cannabinoids have been anecdotally reported to enhance in different ways in the ECS.

Can CBG affect sex drive?

There are different theories about how CBG may affect a person’s experience. Yet, the ways in which CBG interacts with the human body are not yet fully understood, and research about it is still hard to come by. However, anecdotal reports about how CBG abound. Thus, we have to rely on what people have to say about how they think CBG alters their sexual experiences to give us insight.

Legality of cannabis

For a little bit of background, the 2014 and 2018 Farm Bills transformed the legal status of cannabis. Though marijuana is still on the DEA’s list of schedule 1 controlled substances, hemp is now defined by legislation as federally compliant. Individuals can grow, sell, consume, and transport hemp in all 50 states. Yet, hemp has one key difference from its marijuana counterpart: it cannot contain more than 0.3 percent of Delta-9 THC (the main psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis) [5].

In short, hemp isn’t supposed to get you high. But for decades, federal law did not differentiate hemp from other cannabis plants, all of which were effectively made unlawful in 1937 under the Marihuana Tax Act and then formally made illegal in 1970 under the Controlled Substances Act, which banned cannabis of any kind [6].

History of cannabis and sex

Cannabis has a rich history relating to sex. For example, in seventh-century India, cannabis was used in tantric sex rituals, as documented in the Kama Sutra. Additionally, cannabis seeds were used in rituals to honor the love goddess Freya in pre-Christian Scandinavia. There’s evidence that inhabitants of the time associated cannabis with erotic stimuli and believed that those who consumed it would be endowed with the seductive attributes of the love goddess [7].

Even Victorian Europeans believed that the plant promoted happy marriages because of its ability to improve libido. In the US, cannabis use was promoted and recommended by doctors to improve female and male fertility as well as counter a condition doctors referred to as “sexual torpor [4].”

Cannabis strains high in CBG

Cannabis strains with above-average amounts of CBG are becoming more popular as more people experience the unique benefits of the “mother of all cannabinoids.” CBG plays a key role in how THC and CBD are formed while boasting its own potential health benefits.

With products like CBG oil rivaling hemp-derived CBD products in popularity, some people turn to high-CBG flower for their source of cannabigerol. High CBG strains sometimes have frosty white buds covered in trichomes. Many of them will even have “white” in their name.

Some high-CBG hemp strains include:

Bubba 77- This premium high-CBD, high-CBG, and low-THC strain has a potent terpene profile. It produces a range of effects, from clear-headed alertness and energy to calm and relaxation. Bubba 77 is an exciting version of Bubba Kush that shares its namesake’s genetic lineage from OG Kush and Northern Lights. Bringing its own magic to the flower, Bubba 77 offers a unique Indica-dominant profile and flavors of licorice and pine.

Pine Walker- Each flower of this terpene-rich strain is loaded with CBD and CBG, but low in THC. Its effects range from energetic focus to relaxation and bliss. To make this unique strain, Oregon CBD crossed Special Sauce with VERB to produce this zen-like flower with pungent pine forest and tar flavors combined with a sweet aroma of berries and cream.

CBG White- It’s right in this name with this high-CBD, high-CBG, low-THC cannabis flower, featuring a rich terpene profile. It’s enjoyed for its range of effects, including mental clarity and restful tranquility. This Indica-hybrid strain from Oregon CBD is especially high in CBG and loved for its floral and vanilla taste with diesel notes.

Best types of CBG products for sex

The cannabis sex product market has a wide variety of lubes, massage oils, edibles, and other treats to choose from, many of which are high in CBG. But the best ones should be made with natural ingredients and include high concentrations of cannabinoids and/or terpenes. Many people believe that the best CBG products for sex also include CBD and/or THC. THC is often the go-to because of its euphoria-giving qualities. CBG added to these other cannabinoid powerhouses may be that extra bit of magic that you want.

Edibles like CBG gummies and oils, or even smokes can be a delicious and sexy way to turbo-charge the bedroom.

Key takeaway on CBG and sex drive

There’s no one cannabinoid or cannabis product that is the answer for every person. But, according to a great many people, cannabis products can be welcome goods when you hope to get in the mood. Along with CBD and THC, CBG may just be that magical molecule that helps you respond differently.

Learn more in The Complete Guide to Cannabis and Sex