Those who know, know, and those who don’t, should: Whether it’s a pre-coital puff or a luxurious infused lubricant, sex and cannabis go hand in hand.
Rather than brushing the notion aside as some tantric-hippy remedy for lack of libido, consider the results of a recent study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine: It found that individuals that consumed more cannabis also had more sex.
Researchers analyzed data from a combined nine years of results from the National Survey of Family Growth, a cross-sectional survey in the United States, and looked for a link between cannabis use and sexual frequency.
By examining the results of nearly 50,000 respondents with an average age of 30, they found that across all demographics, women who used cannabis monthly, weekly, and daily had significantly higher sexual frequency than their abstaining counterparts. The same went for men who used cannabis weekly and daily.
‘An overall trend for men and women was identified showing that higher marijuana use was associated with increased coital frequency,’ the study reads.
It also states that consumption ‘does not appear to impair sexual function,’ but called for more research on the relationship between sex and cannabis.
Some scientists insist that cannabis use doesn’t stimulate sex drive, but that those who consume cannabis are simply more ‘up for getting down’—a reflection of their personality, and not of THC consumption.
But the idea that sex and cannabis are complimentary isn’t a new one.
In Ancient India, cannabis was used in a variety of formulations as part of Hindu tantras, as way to increase sexual pleasure and as a mechanism for reaching enlightenment. Researchers in 19th century Britain found references to cannabis in both Sanskrit and Hindi texts, where it was said to be used to facilitate inhibitions, treat impotence, delay ejaculation, and facilitate lubrication.
Scientists showed significant interest in studying the effects of cannabis on sex in the 1980s, and while results were mixed, one study published in 1984 found that more than two-thirds of its sample reported increased sexual pleasure and satisfaction when using cannabis. Half reported increased sexual desire.
Researchers also noted that ’emotional closeness and physical enjoyment of snuggling were also enhanced’ with cannabis.
These days, topical solutions like THC-infused lubricants and massage oils are not only gamechangers; they are an incredibly easy way to integrate cannabis into the bedroom. But if you’re really looking to take advantage of the blissful euphoria and body high that the herb is known for, ask your budtender for an indica-dominant hybrid (or go with a favourite, becaus let’s face it: everyone’s different) on your next dispensary visit and enjoy a toke or two before you venture into the bedroom.
