Understanding the Connection Between Cannabis and Sexual Experience
A recent study titled “The Influence of Cannabis on Sexual Functioning and Satisfaction” found that over 70% of participants reported increased sexual desire and more intense orgasms when using cannabis . This indicates that many people find cannabis enhances their sexual experiences.
The study focused on how people believe cannabis affects their sexual functioning and satisfaction. Researchers used Kaplan’s and Masters and Johnson’s sexual response cycle—covering desire, excitement, orgasm, plateau, and resolution—as a framework. They also included satisfaction to get a complete view. Due to increasing interest in the potential benefits of cannabis and the lack of research on its effects on sex, this study aimed to address that gap.
Cannabis isn’t new in the bedroom. It has long been believed to boost romance and help with some sexual issues. Researchers look at how cannabis affects different stages of sex, including desire, arousal, orgasm, and resolution. These stages blend together, creating a mix of emotional and physical responses that can significantly impact overall sexual satisfaction.
More than half of the people in another study titled “Sex, Marijuana, and Misperception” used cannabis to enhance their sexual experiences This means a lot of folks are searching for ways to make their intimate times better with marijuana. The possibility that cannabis can make sex more pleasurable is intriguing, capturing the interest of both scientists and enthusiasts.
Sex isn’t just about physical reactions; our mind and emotions play a big role too. Different stages of sex, such as desire, excitement, and satisfaction, can overlap and influence each other. As we continue to explore how cannabis and sex connect, we see many factors at play, indicating there’s much to learn about this complex relationship.
Historical Use of Cannabis for Sexual Encounters - Enhancing Sex With Cannabis
Cannabis, also known as weed or marijuana, has spiced up sex lives for ages. Here’s a quick un look at its history.
India: Cannabis has been part of Indian culture for centuries. People would drink it as bhang, a mix of cannabis paste, milk, ghee and spices. Bhang was believed to uplift the mood, sharpen the mind and calm the anxiety. The ancient text Atharvaveda mentions bhang as one of the “five kingdoms of herbs… which release us from anxiety”. The Kama Sutra also mentions cannabis as an aphrodisiac.
China: In ancient China, cannabis was known as “ma” (麻). Emperor Shen Nong, around 2737 B.C. documented the benefits of cannabis. Shen Nong, often called the “Divine Farmer”, experimented with hundreds of herbs including cannabis to understand their effects on the body.
Middle Eastern Cultures: In the Middle Ages, cannabis was popular in the Middle East, especially in Islamic cultures where wine was forbidden. Hashish was used for fun and for healing.
Victorian Era England: In the Victorian era, cannabis was used for marital happiness and sexual relations. William Brooke O’Shaughnessy, an Irish physician, introduced cannabis to British medicine in the 1830s after seeing its use in India. He found it good for many ailments and soon it appeared in medical texts. Cannabis was noted for its calming effects and mood lifting properties which improved sexual experiences. Doctors would prescribe it to increase sexual desire and low libido.
In the United States, from the late 1850s to the 1940s, cannabis was recognized as an aphrodisiac in The Pharmacopeia. Doctors recommended cannabis pills and extracts to stimulate sexual appetite and treat a lack of sexual desire.
Colonial India: The British government in colonial India did a big study in the late 1890s called the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission Report. They looked into cannabis use and found moderate use was harmless. The report mentioned many traditional uses including religious rituals and medicine.
Scandinavia: In Scandinavia, they used cannabis seeds in rituals dedicated to Freya, the Norse goddess of love, fertility and war. People believed these rituals which included sowing hemp would make their sexual experiences better. Archaeologist Anne Stine Ingstad, known for her work on Norse settlements, suggested that cannabis found in burial sites like the Oseberg ship may indicate ritual use. These rituals celebrated life’s sensual and mystical aspects.
Fleming and Clarke (1998)
Cannabis has long been valued for its ability to enhance sexual pleasure and intimacy. While we continue to explore its effects today, it’s clear many cultures have recognized its benefits for sexual health and experiences.
Exploring the Sensory Enhancements of Sex While High
Cannabis can make sex feel more sensational by boosting how you feel, touch, and sense things. Different types of cannabis (as in strains) can bring various physiological effects that can change the way you experience pleasure.
Types: Indica will make your body more relaxed and possibly more sensitive, so every touch will feel more intense and pleasurable. Sativa will give you more energy and creativity in the bedroom and more exciting and adventurous sex. Too much of either can be bad. Finding the balance is key. Try different types and amounts and see what works for you.
“Cannabis can really enhance sex, but use it wisely, and talk openly with your partner.” – Ashley Manta, sex and cannabis expert
Heightened Sensitivity: Studies have shown that cannabis can heighten sensitivity to touch and overall sensation, making sex more fun. Many participants reported feeling touch and taste more intensely with cannabis. That means your senses will be more vivid and intense and add an extra layer of pleasure to the experience.
Endocannabinoid System: Your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) is involved in how you feel during sex. This system has specific receptors that adjust your body’s response. Cannabis interacts with those receptors to amplify sensation and pleasure. According to the study, most participants felt more touch and taste with cannabis.
Experimentation and Communication: To get the most out of using cannabis to enhance sex, it’s all about trying things out and talking with your partner. Trying different strains, dosages and methods of consumption will help you find what works for you. This will improve your sex life and your relationship.
Impact on Sexual Health: The studies looked at how cannabis use relates to sexual health, satisfaction and behavior in straight couples. Results show that cannabis use improves sexual functioning and satisfaction. It also boosts sensuality, pleasure during self-pleasure and overall sexual pleasure when used intentionally before sex.
People who use cannabis before sex scored higher on sexual functioning and satisfaction. That’s more benefit than those who don’t use cannabis intentionally before sex. The studies also suggest benefits of cannabis in treating sexual dysfunctions especially in women. They call for more research on specific cannabinoid profiles and how the endocannabinoid system affects sexual functioning.
Summer of Love: Cannabis and Sexual Freedom
summer-of-love
The Summer of Love in 1967 was a time of cultural revolution and sexual freedom. Cannabis played a significant role in this era, enhancing experiences and breaking down social barriers. During the Summer of Love, cannabis became a symbol of the counterculture movement. It wasn’t just used for its psychoactive effects; it also helped people connect with others and explore new forms of expression. In places like San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury district, people shared cannabis and embraced a lifestyle of peace, love, and sexual liberation.
Cannabis was believed to enhance sensuality and intimacy. Users reported that it made their senses more acute, making touch, taste, and smell more vivid. This heightened sensory perception deepened connections between partners, fostering a sense of closeness and mutual pleasure. The widespread use of cannabis during this time helped challenge and break down sexual taboos. It encouraged people to explore their sexuality more freely and openly, without the constraints of traditional societal norms. This openness led to greater experimentation and a more accepting attitude towards different sexual preferences and practices.
Music and art were integral parts of the Summer of Love, and cannabis often enhanced these creative experiences. Concerts, festivals, and gatherings were infused with the spirit of experimentation and freedom, with cannabis helping to heighten the collective experience. Songs and artwork from this era frequently celebrated themes of love, peace, and sexual freedom, reflecting the profound impact of cannabis on the cultural landscape.
The influence of cannabis also reached iconic figures like John Lennon. As a member of The Beatles, Lennon was a key figure in the counterculture movement. He and his bandmates openly spoke about their cannabis use, and it influenced their music and public personas. Lennon’s advocacy for peace, love, and societal change resonated with the themes of the Summer of Love, making him a central figure in the movement.
The legacy of the Summer of Love continues to influence contemporary attitudes towards cannabis and sexuality. The openness and acceptance that characterized this period laid the groundwork for the modern movement towards cannabis legalization and sexual freedom. Today, many continue to explore the connections between cannabis use and enhanced sexual experiences, building on the foundations established during the Summer of Love.
Interestingly, there is no concrete evidence that the increased use of cannabis during the 60s directly led to a higher birth rate. While cannabis was widely used and associated with sexual freedom, various factors influence birth rates, and attributing it solely to cannabis use would be an oversimplification. However, the era did see a significant cultural shift towards more liberal attitudes about sex and relationships, which could have influenced broader societal behaviors.
Do Cannabis Users Have More Sexual Satisfaction?
What the Research Says!
The research says yes, cannabis users report higher sexual satisfaction. The same study gives us a lot of interesting info on how cannabis affects sexual experiences, focusing on sensitivity, desire and overall satisfaction. Participants rated various aspects of their sexual experiences on a scale of 1-5, where 1 means “decreases significantly”, 3 means “doesn’t change” and 5 means “increases significantly”.
Sensuality and Satisfaction: Over 70% of participants said cannabis slightly or significantly increased their desire. Over 70% said cannabis slightly or significantly increased orgasm. 62.5% of those who masturbate said cannabis made it more pleasurable. 71% said cannabis enhanced their sense of touch and taste.
Increased Desire: Participants said cannabis increased their desire and made sex more satisfying.
Positive Emotional Effects: When it came to emotional closeness during sex:
Men: 4.06
Women: 4.08
Overall: 4.07
Sexual Dysfunction: The study found cannabis use increased sexual function and satisfaction, especially desire and orgasm. But not low libido and difficulty reaching orgasm.
Relaxation During Sex: Participants felt more relaxed during sex after cannabis. On the 1-5 scale:
Men: 4.30
Women: 4.45
Overall: 4.39
Pleasure and Frequency: Cannabis increased pleasure during sex, 4.33/5. And frequency of sex, 3.54/5.
Variety of Sex: The study found cannabis use led to trying new things in the bedroom. Participants rated the variety of their sex as:
Men: 3.63
Women: 3.56
Overall: 3.58
“Cannabis has the potential to enhance sensory experiences, which can lead to increased sexual satisfaction and pleasure,” notes sex and cannabis coach Ashley Manta. “However, it’s important to remember that individual experiences may vary, and finding the right strain, dosage, and setting is key.”
To recap here are some key findings from the study:
Over 70% of participants reported increased desire and more intense orgasms.
About 62% of participants said that cannabis made masturbation more pleasurable.
Around 72% said that cannabis made their sense of taste stronger, and 71% said it made their sense of touch more intense.
Cannabis use has been reported to increase sexual desire, orgasm intensity, pleasure while masturbating, and enhance senses of taste and touch in relation to sexual functioning and satisfaction.
But, more research is necessary to fully understand how cannabis links to sexual happiness. Things like type, amount, and how wired you are can affect if cannabis helps your sex life. Using cannabis to improve sex should be done carefully, with attention to your own body and what you like.
Exploring the Emotional and Psychological Effects of High Sex
Cannabis and intimacy: Getting in the mood
Cannabis can help with intimacy. Many people find that using marijuana helps them unwind, heighten their senses and connect with their partner on a deeper level. How it works is tied to both its chemistry and how it effects your brain.
Relaxation and less inhibition
When you consume cannabis, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) hits your brain’s endocannabinoid system. This reduces anxiety and stress, so you feel more chill. Being relaxed equals less inhibition and more willingness to be vulnerable, which is key to intimacy.
More sensations
Cannabis can heighten physical sensations. You might notice touch feels more intense or pleasurable. More sensations equals more intimate moments.
Terpenes to get in the mood
Terpenes are the compounds in cannabis that give it its smell and taste. They also effect your body and mind. Here are a few terpenes that might help set the mood:
Linalool: Known for its calming effects, linalool is also found in lavender and some strains of cannabis. It’s great for reducing anxiety and relaxation.
Myrcene: This terpene is sedative and perfect for unwinding before an intimate moment. Myrcene is also found in mangoes and some strains of weed.
Caryophyllene: With its spicy scent, caryophyllene has anti-inflammatory properties that will make you feel physically comfortable during intimate moments.
Limonene: Found in citrus fruits, limonene is uplifting and energizing. If you want to add some excitement to your experience.
Pick the right strain
For a romantic evening, pick a strain with these terpenes:
Granddaddy Purple: High in myrcene, it’s for deep relaxation.
Lavender: As the name suggests, it’s got linalool.
Super Lemon Haze: Limonene for an uplift.
Using cannabis wisely can help your intimate moments by relaxing you, heightening your senses and deepening your connection with your partner. Choose strains with linalool or myrcene for relaxation or limonene if you want something more exciting.
Enjoying cannabis together can make those special moments even better!
Cannasexual Education With Ashley Manta
Ashley Manta is a leading expert in sex and cannabis coaching. She pioneered the cannasexual movement. It encourages using cannabis carefully to make sexual activities better. She came up with the term “cannasexual” for people who use cannabis mindfully in their sex lives. Manta even has a trademarked brand called CannaSexual®. It hosts fun events centered on joy and informative workshops.
Manta stresses the need for learning about cannabis and talking openly with partners before trying it in bed. She helps pick the right type of cannabis, its amount to use, and setting up your goals for a better sexual experience with it. Manta also offers online coaching through Zoom. She helps individuals or couples enhance their intimacy and boost their pleasure safely.
“Cannabis can be a powerful tool for enhancing sexual pleasure and deepening intimacy, but it’s important to approach it with intention and awareness,” says Manta. “Education is key to unlocking the potential benefits of cannabis for sexual wellness.”
Many top magazines and papers have featured Manta’s work, like Forbes and Rolling Stone. She was also on the cover of Sexual Health Magazine in 2019, getting the title “America’s High Priestess of Pleasure.” Then, Playboy highlighted her in September 2020.
She partnered with Merry Jane and Chronicle Books to launch her book, The CBD Solution: Sex, in 2020. Manta often hosts workshops at big events. These include the Pleasure Chest in West Hollywood and the Cannabliss Retreat. She talks at the New Living Expo in San Francisco too.
Manta is passionate about exploring how cannabis can improve sexual health and pleasure. She points her fans to trusted brands and products. Companies like Stundenglass and Ispire offer gadgets she likes, and Sliquid sells pleasure enhancers. She even has a special code for discounts on Sliquid’s goods.
Cannabis for Pain Relief and Sexual Pleasure
Many face sexual pain from issues like endometriosis or pelvic pain. For them, cannabis might be a helpful choice. CBD and THC, the main components in cannabis, ease pain and swelling. They make sexual experiences less painful and more fun.
There are cannabis products meant for use in the skin, like lubes and suppositories. These help with pain but don’t make you feel high. This is great news for those wanting to feel better during sex without the mind-altering effects.
Sex and cannabis coach Ashley Manta says, “Cannabis can really boost sexual joy and ease pain, but use it wisely.” She means it helps, but users should be careful and thoughtful.
Still, it’s wise to talk to a doctor before using cannabis for sex pain. How it affects you can change, and it might not mix well with some drugs. Talking to a healthcare expert and experimenting safely can help find what works best. The study also suggested that age and gender don’t change how much people enjoy sex with cannabis.
Comments