The best cannabis varieties for sex

With the advances gained in cannabis legalisation over the last decade, more and more new therapeutic applications of this famous multipurpose plant are being discovered and applied. In 2013, to go any further, the sex therapist Ashley Manta coined the term "cannasexual" to describe the practice that is applied in her sex education and therapy clinic in California, where she helps her patients to improve their sex life thanks to cannabis.

However, before Ashley, there were other visionaries. In ancient India, cannabis was used as an aphrodisiac within the Brahmanical tradition. Here, we will look at its benefits and see why its consumption can improve sexual practice.

Benefits of cannabis with sex

• Relaxing effect: the relaxing properties of cannabis can help improve the sexual experience, contributing to the lowering of inhibitions and the flow of emotions.
• Sensory effect: the hedonic experience of cannabis contributes to an increase in awareness and the physical pleasure of contact with the other person.
• Reduction of anxiety: for those people for whom sex may cause anxiety, cannabis can help inhibit this feeling, reducing worries and adding pleasure to the experience.
• Increase in sexual libido: some studies have linked cannabis to an increase in sexual desire, especially in women.
• Increased quality and duration of the female orgasm: some studies have linked cannabis use to longer, better-quality orgasms in women.

Does consuming cannabis increase the frequency of sex?

Taking into account all the benefits attributed to cannabis for improving sexual practice, it is hardly surprising that the frequency of sexual relations among its consumers also increases.

A study published in "The Journal of Sexual Medicine" in 2017 wanted to put this theory to the test, analysing data from a large survey among different groups of heterosexual American men and women between the ages of 25 and 45. The research gathered information from approximately 28,000 women and 23,000 men, who responded about the frequency of their sexual intercourse in the last 4 weeks and their use of cannabis in the last year.

The results regarding the frequency of consumption and sexual relations (once the different groups of cannabis users and non-users were compared) left no room for doubt: the cannabis user group had 20% more sex than the group of non-consumers and this occurred in both men and women of all types of age, origin and marital status.

The study was purely statistical and did not determine the cause by which the increase in sex was generated. It simply shows that, for reasons that need to be investigated further and with more resources by the scientific community, cannabis has the ability to increase sexual frequency.

Effects of cannabis on sex: what the science tells us

Although more research is required in this regard, some of the mechanisms of action of cannabis that could influence sexual practice are known to science. The answer lies within the endocannabinoid system, a system of receptors that maintains balance in our body, influencing many of its functions. From secreting feel-good hormones to influencing our eating habits, the endocannabinoid system is like a big invisible spider that regulates functions here and there without you even knowing it exists, and among these functions, it can affect sexual desire.

THC, a key cannabinoid for regulating desire

Cannabis contains organic compounds called cannabinoids that are capable of interacting with our endocannabinoid system via its receptors and causing it to activate many of its functions. THC, for example, has psychoactive and sedative properties that, in low doses, contribute to the disinhibition of sexual desire and arousal in response to erotic cues.

The CB1 receptor, the door to paradise

The endocannabinoid system's CB1 receptor, capable of interacting with THC and found in the motor, limbic and hypothalamic regions of our brain, could be involved in this response. This receptor regulates functions such as pain, anxiety, appetite and sexual desire.

Specifically, the CB1 receptor is found on neurons involved in dopamine and serotonin release pathways. While dopamine plays a key role in the processes of sexual function, such as desire and arousal, serotonin generates the inhibition of sexual desire. In this way, the regulation of the CB1 receptor by cannabinoids would be key to influencing the sexual appetite of its consumers.

This is reflected in a study published in 2020, which compiled all the research carried out to date on the effects of cannabis on female sexuality. The study highlighted that these effects could have greater repercussions on women who experienced anxiety about sex and other interactions.

The investigation also emphasised the lack of clinical studies, or studies carried out on people rather than animals, to determine which cannabis compounds, apart from the well-known THC, are involved and what future treatments could be derived from these regulatory properties.

Cannabis and sex, the importance of the dose

Another of the conclusions that the study drew from the 12 investigations that have been carried out in humans is that the dose of cannabis consumed is decisive in improving sexual practice or, on the contrary, inhibiting it.

Data from several studies showed that, with low doses of cannabis, women improved their sexual experience and were more receptive to having sex. In contrast, after long-term, high-dose cannabis use, women experienced a significant inhibition of sexual desire.

In this way, cannabis is consedered to have a bimodal effect on sex. This effect means that the same substance generates the opposite effect at different doses.

Cannabis and condoms, a complicated relationship

In addition to taking into account the dose, those who wish to benefit from the effects of cannabis to improve their sex life must act responsibly. And, although we have seen that cannabis can promote sexual desire by disinhibiting and reducing anxiety, among others, this action can cause a serious side effect: neglecting to use protection.

This is backed up by the researchers of the 2020 study entitled "Sex, marijuana and baby booms" published in the Journal of Health Economics. The study reported that the introduction of medical cannabis in the different US states generated an increase in sexual activity among its users, a reduction in the use of contraception and the consequent increase in the birthrate. The study also found evidence indicating a significant increase in gonorrhoea infections.

Researchers attribute these changes to behavioural responses elicited by cannabis, including:

• Greater attention to the immediate hedonic effects of sexual contact.
• Greater sexual desire and frequency of sexual encounters.
• More easily ignore future consequences that unprotected sex can have, such as the transmission of STDs or unwanted pregnancies.

So, to really enjoy the benefits that cannabis can bring to sex, you should be aware of this potentially life-changing side effect.

The best cannabis varieties for sex

At this point, and after seeing the evidence of the pros and cons shown by science, it's time to ask if there are any varieties of cannabis that are better for sex than others. Or maybe the question should be asked in another way: does the type of genetics really matter?

Experts disagree about the role different varieties of cannabis play when it comes to classifying their effects, as every cultivar will lead to different preferences during sex, but these results cannot be guaranteed. Which is better, indica or sativa? There is no simple answer to this question because these are physiological classifications relating to the physical properties of the plant and not to its cannabinoid and terpene profile, which is where the focus ought to be. There is no right or wrong variety for sex; The best one for a sexual encounter will depend on how your body responds to the specific tensions of the moment and the type of sex you're looking for.

This is why many doctors who treat problems related to sexuality recommend that patients ignore the denomination of the varieties and instead concentrate on the dosage and the method of administration. Furthermore, the true magic of cannabis could lie in the terpenes, especially when it comes to defining the effects of each variety. Therefore, the best thing to do when choosing cannabis genetics for sex is to ask yourself why you want it:

To increase your libido

It is recommended to choose strains with high levels of the terpene limonene, such as the Californian flavours offered by Do-Si-Dos or the well-known Wedding Cake. Both are high-THC, indica-dominant hybrids that quickly hit you with a rush of euphoric energy that revs up your engines, eventually giving way to a pleasurable full-body relaxation as you come down from your sexual journey.

For anxiety problems

This is where weed really shines, as research has proven that cannabis can reduce anxiety. A small study from 2018 looked at the cannabinoid and terpene levels of different strains, with participants rating the most effective ones for treating their anxiety. It appears that choosing something with "Kush" in its name is the way to go if shyness or nervousness is hindering your sex life. For example:

If you're worried about pain

If you worry that discomfort could prevent you from having sex, look for strains with terpenes that can relieve pain, such as beta-caryophyllene, humulene, myrcene, and caryophyllene. Your first choice might be tasty Zkittlez, an indica-dominant hybrid with high levels of beta-caryophyllene and humulene. Other genetics to try would be:

If you want to try something new

If you're looking to step out of your comfort zone when it comes to sex, anecdotal evidence shows that some genetics can help lower your inhibitions and boost your confidence, especially when a quick romp just isn't enough. Based on user reviews, strains like Grandaddy Purple, or Green Viagra as some call it, are known for delivering a dreamy high that will take you all the way. Other varieties to consider would be:

If you want something with lots of energy

Some genetics, especially at the right dose, can give you the energy to keep up with your most enthusiastic bedfellows. If you talk to any sex and cannabis aficionado, the chances are they'll recommend some Sour Diesel. This sativa-dominant strain often generates a burst of energy, giving you a rush of excitement that will set the perfect mood. Those who have tried it also say they feel relaxed enough to let their guard down without feeling overwhelmed. Here are some other strains to consider if you're in the mood for a marathon:

To enhance your sensitivity to touch

Many experienced cannabis users will tell you that certain genetics enhance tactile sensations. But everyone is different, so some strains may enhance touch for you, while your partner's body may feel as if you were touching it with a stick. Experts recommend balancing your favourite THC-rich strain with a CBD-dominant strain, such as Harlequin, which provides a rich terpene profile along with the synergistic effect of CBD and THC. Other options to really boost erogenous sensitivity and make you tingle can be:

If you prefer morning sex

While sex mostly happens after the sun goes down, sometimes you want to enjoy a morning romp just after you wake up. High-CBD strains are perfect for a happy start to the day or for anyone who isn't a fan of THC in excess. Its relaxing, pain-relieving, and clear-sighted effects will leave you feeling ready to tackle your day, even after a sweaty session between the sheets. Here are some good options:

If you're going solo

Lastly, strains that contain the terpene linalool, known for its pleasant calming effect, are the recommendation to follow if you want to improve your solo sex session. The indica L.A. Confidential or alternatively, the sativa-leaning Amnesia Haze, are popular strains that fit the bill when it comes to making personal pleasure a regular activity. Users report a slow start before intense euphoria with a gradual decline. Sounds a lot like a good orgasm, doesn't it?

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References:

• Association Between Marijuana Use and Sexual Frequency in the United States: A Population-Based Study. Andrew J. Sun, Michael L. Eisenberg.
• Effects of Cannabinoids on Female Sexual Function. Becky Lynn, Amy Gee, Luna Zhang, James G.Pfaus.
• Sex, marijuana and baby booms. Michele Baggio, Alberto Chong, David Simon.
• Cannabis and the Anxiety of Fragmentation—A Systems Approach for Finding an Anxiolytic Cannabis Chemotype. Brishna S. Kamal, Fatima Kamal & Daniel E. Lantela.