For the past couple of years, CBD has found its way into Canadian’s daily routines and day-to-day lives.  It might be a surprise for some to hear that some CBD products have made their way into the sexual market as well.  It’s hard to tell exactly how many people have tried using CBD in their love life. Still, a recent survey sent to American users found that approximately 10% of CBD users had tried CBD in some form in the bedroom, and of those people, most said that it heightened their experience. But can CBD truly help with Sex and Intimacy?

Research is still in its early days, but let’s look at the initial findings and theories.

Increased Sensitivity

Dr. Alex Capano, a medical director in the hemp and cannabis industry, has made some suggestions about how CBD could increase sensitivity in the bedroom:

“There are so many cannabinoid receptors in reproductive organs and sexual tissue.  CBD increases blood flow to tissues, which increases sensitivity and promotes the body’s own natural lubrications.”

In turn, this could increase enjoyability as well as reduce soreness for those who might usually find sex painful or uncomfortable.

Improved Sleep

Many take CBD for sleep, with many formulas and products (including our own CBD:CBN Sleep Aid) contain ingredients specifically made to target sleep improvement, relaxation and sense of calm.

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How to use CBD for sleep

A good night’s sleep is needed to help the body reset and reduce Cortisol levels in the body.  This is known as the “Stress Hormone” and contributes towards feeling tense and anxious throughout the day.  Less cortisol in the body means a better mood, less stress and therefore less distraction and more enjoyment during sexual activities. 

Improved Mood

CBD isn’t a psychoactive chemical, and its direct relationship to mood is not fully understood, but research suggests that it boosts anandamide in the body.  Anandamide, in the medical field, is known as the “bliss” neurotransmitter. 

It is also associated with oxycontin (usually referred to as the “cuddle hormone” or “love drug”) which is related to empathy, trust, sexual activity, and relationship building.  It has been suggested that this connection can heighten sexual experiences and help improve intimacy between partners.

Use CBD before going into the bedroom

CBD doesn’t necessarily work the moment you decide to use it, whether you apply it as a lubricant or take it orally.  Plan ahead and start taking it, or applying it, 30 to 60 minutes before you head into the bedroom to give it enough time to kick in. Everyone’s body can feel the effects of CBD at different times.  We would suggest experimenting outside the bedroom before and gauging how long it takes for you to feel the effects of the product you are using.  From there it will be a lot easier to know how long it will take before the product takes effect!  That does not mean that you cannot fill the downtime with anything.  I’m sure you can imagine what can fill that downtime.

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When is the best time of day to take CBD?

Does CBD help with Erectile Dysfunction

It’s estimated that some 3 million men in Canada* suffer from Erectile Dysfunction.  While researchers are not exactly sure what CBD oil does for Erectile Dysfunction (They tend to believe it has to do with lowering stress and increased blood flows), some men have sworn it leads to longer-lasting sex and an upward trend of alleviating Erectile Dysfunction.  For those wondering, there is no specific way to use CBD oil for Erectile Dysfunction.

*Correction: December 21st, 2022
An earlier version of this article misidentified the statistic and link provided. Erectile Dysfunction has affected over 3 million men over the age of 40, not 14 million that went to visit the Emergency Department (ED).

Can CBD help with pain related to sex

Another potential benefit of CBD for sex and intimacy is its ability to reduce pain and discomfort. Pain and discomfort can be major hindrances to sexual desire and performance, as they can cause discomfort and distraction. CBD has been shown to have analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory effects in animal studies, and early research in humans suggests that it may be effective in reducing chronic pain and inflammation. By reducing pain and discomfort, CBD may help improve sexual desire and performance.

What to look for in a product

There are a lot of choices out there for products aimed at the bedroom, from personal lubricants to massage oils and beyond.  As with all CBD products, what counts is making sure that you’re getting a product you feel comfortable with; this is especially true when it comes to sex, as comfort and confidence go hand-in-hand.

If you’re taking an ingestible product, like CBD oil, then you’ll want to try the product first and explore what dosage works for you. Many also find that it takes some time after CBD to notice the effects.  Acclimatising yourself to this can be helpful too.  If you’re using a topical product like those already mentioned, the same applies.  Familiarise yourself with the product before you introduce a partner and make sure they’re happy with it, so you can manage expectations, reduce pressure on both of you and feel more relaxed.

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Broad Spectrum, Full Spectrum, Isolate: Differences Explained

As with all CBD products, there are obvious red flags you should generally keep an eye out for too.  The most important of these are accessible lab results, clear labelling and concentrations, and reviews that demonstrate customer feedback.  If you want a more in-depth guide on how to shop for CBD safely, we’ve got plenty of other articles on this.  Here is a good place to start. 

Overall, the potential benefits of CBD for sex and intimacy are promising. While research in this area is still in its early stages, early studies suggest that CBD may have a range of beneficial effects for sexual health and pleasure. Whether you are looking to reduce anxiety and stress, improve sexual performance, or enhance sexual pleasure, CBD may be worth considering as a natural and effective option.