The World Association for Sexual Health is launching its fifth annual Sexual Health month, prompting many like-minded organizations to open up the conversation about consent, condoms — and even cannabis. San Francisco therapist and sexologist Diana Urman told GreenState earlier this year that she recommends marijuana to her patients, explaining that it’s been “historically proven to be a great aphrodisiac and enhancer of pleasure.”
She recommends products like Foria — “BASICALLY AN EDIBLE FOR YOUR VAGINA,” as one user described. It’s an oil that helps women achieve orgasm, which Urman says is an issue plaguing quite a few of her clientele, which are primarily female. But she says men are benefiting, too, as they struggle with similar issues and anxieties related to performance.
“Using cannabis can allow a person to kind of descend into their bodies and feel more present in themselves, and focus more on their body sensations and feel more at ease,” she said.
As it turns out, a recent study published by Eaze backs up her claims. The big takeaway: smoking or consuming marijuana in any form can help enhance one’s sex life, regardless of age, marital status or gender. Cannabis-infused lubes and oils aren’t always the best option, either — Urman says the brain is the body’s most important sex organ, and being high can enhance relaxation. Conversely, overuse of cannabis can dull the senses.
“So sexual fantasies are no longer available or might not be available to people and as a result, their sexual desire may not be as prevalent or as expressed, in them,” Urman said.
The study, fittingly titled “Let’s Toke About Sex” is the collaboration of cannabis delivery service Eaze and Lioness, a popular vibrator company. Using Lioness’ newsletter base, it surveyed 432 respondents, spanning all genders, as well as gender-non-conforming consumers, to better understand the impact of cannabis in the bedroom.
“The fact of the matter is, cannabis is helping people have healthier and happier sex lives,” Liz Klinger, co-founder and CEO at Lioness, told the MJ News Network. “We hope that this report will help break down outdated taboos around pleasure and are thrilled to partner with Eaze to uncover new insights about the positive effects cannabis can have on sexual exploration.”
EXPLAINED: How marijuana can be used as a sex aid
Most respondents said they used at least 6-10mg of cannabis — but it’s important to remember that everyone’s tolerance is different, and the right dose varies from person to person. 81 percent of married partners said they experienced longer, more satisfying encounters with their partner after using cannabis, and 71 percent of individual users said it was easier to reach orgasm with the help of cannabis during a solo session.
People taking the survey also reported that THC edibles helped them achieve orgasm and get into the zone at a marginally higher rate than other products, like vaping or CBD edibles. However, the CBD vape produced “the most subjective reports of effortless orgasms.”
LUBE UP: Boost your sex life with this topical from Foria
No need to bring out that bottle of wine, either. The study found that consumers associate cannabis over alcohol with more intense orgasms.
Learn more about the study here.
Have comments on this article or questions about cannabis? Ask GreenState or send inquiries and tips to amanda.bartlett@sfchronicle.com