Using CBD for Sex and Intimacy

CBD has found its way into many people’s routines and day-to-day lives across the UK and across the world. It’s really not too surprising, then, that CBD products have made their way into the sexual wellness market. It’s hard to tell exactly how many people have tried using CBD in their love life, but a recent survey in America found that approximately 10% of participants had tried CBD in some form in the bedroom - and of those people, most said that it heightened their experience.

But why exactly is it that people are using CBD for this in the first place? Research is still in its early days, but let’s take a look at the initial findings and theories:

Increased sensitivity

Alex Capano, a medical director in the hemp and cannabis industry, has made some suggestions about how CBD could increase sensitivity in the bedroom:

“There are so many cannabinoid receptors in reproductive organs and sexual tissue. CBD increases blood flow to tissues, which increases sensitivity and promotes the body’s own natural lubrications”.

In turn, this could help reduce soreness for those who might usually find sex painful or uncomfortable.

Improved sleep

Many take CBD for sleep, with many formulas (including our own Night Drops) also containing additional ingredients aimed at improving sleep and a sense of calm.

A good night’s sleep is needed to help the body reset and reduce Cortisol levels in the body. This is known as the “stress hormone” and contributes towards feeling tense and anxious throughout the day. Less cortisol in the body means a better mood, less stress, and therefore less distraction and more enjoyment during sexual activities.

Improved mood

CBD isn’t a psychotropic chemical, and its direct relationship to mood is not fully understood, but research suggests that it boosts anandamide in the body - also known as the “bliss” neurotransmitter.

Anandamide is associated with oxytocin (sometimes referred to as the “cuddle hormone” or “love drug”) which is related to empathy, trust, sexual activity, and relationship-building. It has been suggested that this connection can heighten sexual experience and help improve intimacy between partners. 

What to look for in a product

There’s a lot of choice out there for products aimed at the bedroom, from personal lubricants to massage oils and beyond. As with all CBD products, what counts is making sure you’re getting a product you feel comfortable with; this is especially true when it comes to sex, as comfort and confidence go hand-in-hand.

If you’re taking an ingestible product, like a CBD oil, then you’ll want to try the product first and explore what dosage works for you. Many also may find that it takes some time after taking CBD to notice, so acclimatising yourself to this can be helpful too. If you’re using a topical product like those already mentioned, the same applies - familiarise yourself with the product before you introduce a partner and make sure you're happy with it, so you can manage expectations, reduce pressure on you both, and feel more relaxed.

As with all CBD products, there's the obvious red flags you should generally keep an eye out for too. The most important of these are accessible lab results, clear labelling and concentrations, and reviews that demonstrate genuine customer feedback. If you want a more in-depth guide on how to shop for CBD safely, we've got plenty of other articles on this - here is a good place to start.

Much of the research on this area is still being conducted, and will continue to be explored by those investigating it as CBD grows in popularity. That being said, many patients and participants who have used CBD as part of their intimate lives have reported an improved experience, and it will be exciting to see what the studies in this area might find in the future.