Cannabis lubricants, the next frontier of pleasure

The association between cannabis and sex might be a thing right now, but actually the plant has been used for centuries as a way of increasing sexual drive and pleasure. Ancient civilisations used it in their erotic rites and in some cultures including India it is a remedy for erectile dysfunction and lack of lubrication, as well as a way to release inhibitions.

In these cultures, cannabis is considered a potent, natural aphrodisiac that improves well-being and relaxation during intercourse, a belief that is now being dusted off. How's that? Well, thanks to firms such as Aphrodisiac Group, who are infusing their lubricants with cannabis for a more enjoyable female sexual experience.

But it doesn't end here. An increasing number of experts now recommend cannabis lubricants as an effective way to cope with sexual ailments such as vaginismus and vaginal dryness, as well as to reduce anxiety, improve the mood and ease other sources of pain, helping the user forget about their troubles for a while so that they allow themselves to be carried away and enjoy each encounter to the fullest.

The most frequent sexual disorders in women

Passion, desire and frenzy: sex is one of the greatest pleasures in life, and still not everybody can say they enjoy it. In fact, physical and psychological sexual disorders that involve some sort of reproductive or genital dysfunction are not infrequent.

These are the most common discomforts in women: 

• Vaginismus: inability to engage in vaginal intercourse as a result of an involuntary contraction of the vaginal muscles.
• Dyspareunia: pain associated to vaginismus and difficult intercourse.
• Anorgasmia: inability to achieve orgasm.
• Vaginal dryness: a very common disorder during menopause.

Although there are different treatment options available, cannabis can be of great help for those women who have tried it all, as it is a natural way to promote relaxation and blood flow, which in turn lead to a more satisfactory sexual experience and even to more intense orgasms.

A matter of science

Of the more than 400 compounds found in cannabis, cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the most effective ones when it comes to enjoying better sex. Research studies have shown that after smoking marijuana, THC gets into the bloodstream and reaches the brain, producing a feeling of euphoria and well-being. Further, the plant's most popular active component acts also on the brain's reward system, which manages the response to pleasant stimuli such as chocolate and sex, stimulating brain cells to release dopamine, a chemical associated with happiness.

CBD, in turn, has a number of medicinal and therapeutic uses, among which improving relaxation, alleviating nausea, reducing inflammation and controlling seizures.

So when right doses of the two cannabinoids are administered in combination with other components in the form a lubricant, the effects on women can be amazing - the product eases physical discomforts while putting the user in a more cheerful, euphoric mood. Further, researches agree that vaginal administration is an easy and comfortable way to avoid the side effects of orally administered medication, as well as its two 'major pitfalls', i.e. intestinal absorption and first-pass hepatic metabolism, which can neutralise the effect of the medicine.

According to gynaecologist Karen Morton, "the vagina can certainly be used as a route for taking medicine which is needed in the whole body; a bit like having medicine inserted rectally. The blood supply to these areas is very good and therefore absorption of whatever it is, be it a painkiller or a hormonal treatment, will be rapid.". Accordingly, "if you put enough [marijuana] into a lubricant no doubt some of it will have a happy-making effect, which no doubt could be helpful," adds Morton.

While the link between cannabis and the relief of sexual disorders has not yet been researched, Ashley Manta, director of Cannasexual and professional sex and cannabis educator, says the plant is the only thing that has helped her have painless intercourse.

CannaSexual is a word created by Manta to describe anyone who deliberately combines sex and cannabis. The term has now become a lifestyle brand and is used by Manta to market her line of erotic products and her coaching sessions for individuals and couples interested in improving their sex lives through cannabis.

A lubricant that promises multiple orgasms

Recently, a firm carried out a study to investigate the effect of this 'green gold' on female orgasm. A group of women aged from 21 to 70 were supplied with Foria, the world's first THC and CBD-based cannabis lubricant aimed at enhancing female sexual pleasure, with participants reporting experiences ranging from improved relaxation to faster climaxes and even 15-minute-long multiple orgasms. All women, however, agreed that the product had been key in all their encounters, pointing to the potentially beneficial effect of cannabis products on sexual performance.

Foria is a spray oil made from California-grown medical cannabis that is applied directly to the intimate area. Low in pH to protect the skin and scented with coconut oil to prevent yeast infections, their creators say it is an all-natural, chemical-free, vegan product that could be even classified as edible.

Unfortunately, Foria is available only for registered medical cannabis users in California, a situation that will hopefully change as more regions legalise both medical and recreational marijuana, opening up their markets to products like this.

Cannabis for women?

Karyn Wagner is the creator of a cannabis strain that has been specifically developed for women and that she defines as being aphrodisiac. It is called Sexxpot and Wagner says the secret lies in a THC content of just 14%, which ensures a sensual and psychological effect. It is marketed with the tagline "the flowers she really wants".

"Women need less THC than men," explains Wagner, who is also a member of the American Nurses Association, that's why Sexxpot is especially suitable for women. She came across with the idea after smoking and having sex with her partner: all of a sudden, it was clear to her that she had to develop a strain that could help women have better sex and reach climax.

Sexxpot, moreover, helps to regulate the body's endocannabinoid system and to restore hormonal balance, and has a number of other benefits. In fact, the high THC levels of current strains can produce an anti-oestrogen effect on women, although further research is needed to support this assumption. Let us therefore not forget the only way users have to explore all the benefits and characteristics of the plant is having access to it regardless of the form or the route of administration, however intimate this may be.