Cannabis has long been linked to heightened sexual experiences and recently, more studies have come to light suggesting that small doses of THC and/or CBD, when taken before a session in between the sheets, are boosting libidos big time.
Researchers at Stanford, who have conducted the largest study to date, found from a data set of 28,176 women and 22,943 men, that compared with cannabis abstainers, men who used it weekly reported having 22 percent more sex, while women reported having 34 percent more sex.
At St. Louis University in Missouri, researchers surveyed 133 adult women during annual gynecology check-ups and found that 29 percent reported having used cannabis prior to partner sex. Of that group, 68 percent said it made sex “more pleasurable.” Among those who claimed cannabis was sex-enhancing, 72 percent said it always increased their erotic pleasure.
But what’s the science behind it? According to April Pride, founder of the female-focused cannabis company and educational resource Van der Pop, “It all starts with the ECS, also known as the endocannabinoid system. The ECS acts as a bridge between the body and mind — it’s a collection of cell receptors and molecules that allow our bodies to process cannabis and helps with everything from pain, sleep and memory, to motor control, immune function and body temperature.”
Second to the brain, the pelvic region contains more cannabinoid receptors than any other part of the body.
Pride explains, “For women, the lasting feeling of orgasms is created by triggering receptors in the brain that give off pleasure and release euphoric sensations. So, cannabis works to help promote orgasms by triggering the receptions in both your pelvic region and brain harmoniously.”
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Now that cannabis comes in more methods of consumption than ever before, how pot fits into foreplay can go way beyond just sharing a precoital pre-roll together. In the past five years, recreational retailers have seen a sudden rush of infused intimacy oil products to sell on-shelf, but the first-ever lubricant to land on the cannabis sex scene remains the best.
It was Aspen where Foria (foriapleasure.com, from $22) first launched through a partnership with Native Roots at the 2015 Winter X Games with plenty of free samples circulating all over town. The company, now based in Los Angeles, has since emerged as the authority on how cannabis fits into sex lives around the world. The company’s original THC formula, Foria Pleasure, is available in dispensaries in California, Colorado and Canada, while Foria Awaken, its CBD-only formula is available online and ships nationwide.
“There is indeed a living lineage, both verbal and written, that speaks to the many beneficial attributes that Cannabis Sativa has to offer us, both in and out of the bedroom,” says Foria creator and co-CEO Mathew Gerson. “While the inspiration for Foria appeared to come about in a flash, the story of cannabis as a sexual aid has deep historical roots across many cultures. We are honored to be in this position to bring such revered usage of this special plant out into plain view for all to benefit from.”
Before Foria, Gerson was the founder and CEO of boutique condom company Sir Richards and noticed a void in the health and wellness space targeted toward women’s sexuality.
“Foria was founded to bridge that gap,” Gerson adds.
Foria has an official study of its own in the works with Staci Gruber, Ph.D. — an associate professor at Harvard Medical School and director of a cannabis research program at McLean Hospital — to study the effectiveness of its suppository sister product to address pain and other symptoms of menstruation.
Formulated from the highest quality, organically grown cannabis and full-spectrum CBD hemp, both blends boast eight all-natural aphrodisiacs including kava kava, cacao, vanilla and cinnamon. The edible, vegan and gluten-free oil increases blood flow, promotes natural lubrication and heightens sensation. Foria instructs to “allow 30 to 40 minutes to relax and fully absorb the medicine into the vagina.” The recommended usage is to “apply 3 to 5 sprays directly onto the clitoris, inner and outer labia, and inside the vagina. Internal application provides the highest absorption.” Foria is not compatible with latex condoms.
Speaking from personal experience, I can assure you that pure ecstasy ensues every time I use Foria in my own bedroom. Whatever weed lube you choose to experiment with … you’re welcome.
Katie Shapiro can be reached at katie@katieshapiromedia.com or followed on Twitter @kshapiromedia.