CBD Oil and Sex: Does It Help Boost Your Libido?

Last updated Sep 26, 2020

Experts say balanced hormones, increased blood flow, pain relief, and lower stress levels are the things that can significantly improve your life in the bedroom.

Coincidence or not, CBD can provide all of the above.

CBD oil is a great product, and while some formats may be over the top — think IKEA CBD-infused meatballs — traditional hemp extracts bring real value for a person’s well-being.

Maybe you even have some CBD oil in your medicine cabinet as you’re reading this article.

Chances are you’ve also seen a rise in different CBD topicals, including lubricants, creams, and gels designed towards boosting your sexual wellness.

But although anecdotal evidence is piling up like crazy, do we have any science-backed evidence to support the claims of 68% of people from Remedy Review, who claimed CBD improved their sex life?

Read on to find out.

CBD and Sex: How does CBD Affect Libido?

To get a better understanding of how CBD might affect your sex life, we need to take a look at how scientists believe CBD interacts with the body.

The human body consists of a complex network of tiny receptors and neurotransmitters that is better known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). According to current research, these receptors are the locks that can be activated by CBD, which works as the key.

While CBD doesn’t “unlock” them on its own, it can signal the endocannabinoid system to stimulate their activity through various pathways. Through this indirect activation of the cannabinoid receptors, CBD can produce a wide range of positive effects on the body.

CBD has been repeatedly highlighted as a potent anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, and pain killer.

Below we explain the potential link between CBD and improved sexual life.

Research on CBD and Sex

In a 2009 study published in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, researchers have found cannabinoid receptors in sexual reproductive organs, such as testicles. The same type of ECS receptors occurs in the brain.

The results from current research are contradictory when it comes to cannabinoids and sex. Some studies have found that CBD and THC boost libido, while others have discovered the opposite.

According to an article published in the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, chronic cannabis male users have a lower sex drive. The more cannabis they use, the lower their libido gets.

Other studies suggest that CBD-rich products may enhance libido by reducing stress and anxiety. Some people have anxiety about how they perform in bed, which may compromise their libido. The desire for sex may go up once you’ve gotten rid of the anxious thoughts.

A review of current studies on CBD and anxiety published in the journal Neurotherapeutics concluded that CBD may reduce anxiety, especially social anxiety disorder. However, more trials are needed to figure out the optimal dosage range for anxiety disorders.

As with many other conditions, lots of reports about CBD improving sex life are anecdotal. Since there aren’t a lot of quality studies regarding this subject out there, it’s difficult to give a definite verdict.

What Are the Other Potential Benefits of CBD for Sex?

The research about CBD and sexual benefits is scarce, but there are emerging products on the market manufactured to help with the following problems regarding sex life:

CBD for Erectile Dysfunction

An article in the journal BioMed Research International has stated that Ayurveda practitioners have used Cannabis sativa, the plant from which CBD and THC can be extracted, for many years to ease ejaculatory dysfunction and boost sexual performance.

One theory is that CBD could help dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow, which translates to better erection and longer-lasting sex.

The problem with this theory, however, is that it hasn’t been tested in clinical conditions yet.

CBD as a Lubricant

Those struggling with poor lubrication and painful sex may consider adding a lubricant to improve sexual performance and increase comfort during sex. Many CBD companies are making topicals designed specifically to moisturize the intimate areas and make sex more enjoyable.

CBD has long been studied as a dermatology treatment, specifically for its anti-inflammatory effect, which could theoretically improve sex. However, there aren’t any studies regarding CBD and lubrication.

CBD for Sex Drive

There is some evidence that cannabis affects sexual desire directly in the brain. The mechanism involves activation of the part of people’s brains that controls sexual arousal. This could mean that using cannabis may be helpful for people with poor libido.

Using CBD to Balance Hormone Levels

Cbd could potentially help the body level hormone levels, improving sex drive. The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is engaged in maintaining homeostasis in the body, to regulate organ function and performance of different systems in the body towards balance and harmony.

CBD and sex go hand in hand. The cannabinoid’s relationship with reproductive health is apparently multifaceted, as a well-balanced body is vital and fertile. Hemp-derived CBD can be an ally to hormone balance.

This particular benefit also refers to how CBD helps the body deal with stress. Successful stress management is associated with recalibrating hormones.

CBD, Sex, and Emotions: Balancing Anandamide

Another way CBD can improve your sex life is by providing a deeper emotional connection during sex.

CBD increases the concentration of our native cannabinoid called anandamide, which is closely linked to oxytocin, known as the “hug hormone,” “love hormone,” “bliss molecule,” or “cuddle chemical.”

Research shows that a boost in anandamide during social contact, including a sexual experience, increases the pleasure that we draw from that event.

Are There Any Drawbacks of Trying CBD for Sex?

CBD is generally considered a safe compound. You can take it in doses as high as 1,500 mg daily and still not experience any serious side effects.

That being said, there are a few mild adverse reactions you can get from taking too much CBD at once:

Dry mouth
Dizziness
Changes in appetite
Sedation
Diarrhea

The potential side effects of CBD usually depend on how much you take and what route of administration you’re using.

CBD can also interact with prescription drugs and OTC medications, as it blocks the system of enzymes responsible for their metabolism.

While CBD and sex may be a good pairing, scientists are concerned about how using the cannabis plant affects reproductive health, including:

Potential decrease in levels of follicle-stimulating hormone in men and women
Decrease normal sperm development in men
Impact ovulation in women

The key consideration for the above effects is what type of cannabis you’re using. If your CBD product contains significant amounts of THC, it may cause a high. Scientists haven’t examined particular cannabinoids in relation to fertility, so it may be difficult to figure out if it’s specifically CBD or THC, or something else in cannabis that raises those concerns.

If you’re looking for the health benefits of cannabis without the psychoactive buzz, we recommend that you look for hemp-derived products. They are legal in all 50 states and contain less than 0.3% THC, which isn’t enough to get the user high.

How to Use CBD to Improve Your Sex Life

CBD is available in various forms. If you want to use CBD to improve sex life, you can:

Take CBD oil or eat an edible before sex to promote relaxation
Use a CBD lotion or massage oil as foreplay
Apply CBD lube to enhance pleasure by reducing dryness
Vape CBD oil before sex to reduce anxiety and improve sensation

The list of possible consumption methods will grow as researchers further investigate CBD’s effects on sexual life.

Is CBD Legal?

Yes, as long as it contains 0.3% THC or less. In 2018, the US Federal government legalized hemp under the amended Farm Bill. Under the new law, hemp is an agricultural commodity that can be grown and used for any purpose, including food, clothing, fuel, housing, and health supplements such as CBD oil. Currently, FDA experts are trying to find out more about the efficacy of CBD and its side effects.

If you want a marijuana-derived CBD oil, make sure that marijuana is legal in your state for medical and recreational use.

Here’s What Experts Are Saying About Using CBD for Sex

According to Alex Capano, medical director for Ananda Hemp and faculty member at the Lambert Center for the Study of Medical Cannabis and Hemp at Thomas Jefferson University, CBD may, indeed, help improve sex life:

“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 lubricants,” says Capano.

Moreover, CBD might just put some people in a romantic mood by reducing stress, anxiety, and promoting relaxation.

“There’s an important component of calming the mind and really focusing on enjoying it. Especially for women in heterosexual couples, who often experience the pressure of needing to orgasm,” he goes further.

While CBD doesn’t have intoxicating properties, it can boost your mood by increasing the concentration of anandamide, the aforementioned endocannabinoid that controls mood and feelings of happiness.

“Anandamide is our bliss neurotransmitter, and it’s also associated with oxytocin [also known as the cuddle hormone]. CBD helps increase the natural neurotransmitters and endorphins that we make on our own that ultimately lead to a better sexual experience,” concludes Capano.

What About Using Other Cannabinoids for Sex?

While early research fills CBD advocates with enthusiasm and excitement about its potential for health and sexuality, some experts take these findings with a pinch of salt. They claim that we should look for strains with a balanced ratio of THC and CBD, not just for CBD alone.

“There aren’t any studies on CBD for sexuality, and particularly for using it as a topical application,” says Dr. Jordan Tishler, a cannabis therapeutic specialist at InhaleMD and president of the Association of Cannabis Specialists.

“CBD is wholly ineffective for sexuality. The primary advantage is the lack of intoxication, leading to widespread acceptance [of the compound, even though it is simply a placebo. For the treatment of sexual related issues, I tend to recommend vaporized cannabis flower, because we know the THC actually helps with the four stages of sexuality: libido, arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction,” says Tischler.

Most knowledge of the benefits of CBD is coming from patients, not from clinical trials, so as mentioned, the results are purely anecdotal. However, this evidence is backed by some small human studies, which makes the theory about CBD’s effectiveness for sexual concerns possible — and leaves a decent field for further research to prove or debunk it.

Final Thoughts: Should You Use CBD to Improve Sex Life?

CBD products designed for sex are becoming increasingly popular. Whether CBD can directly help with sex-related issues or promote healthy reproduction is up for further research, but current findings are promising, to say the least.

CBD is known for its ability to reduce stress, ease anxiety, and relieve different types of pain. All of these factors can influence your performance in the bedroom and the way you experience that intimate act. On top of that, CBD can regulate hormone levels, helping the body achieve balance through its internal regulation.

Do you use CBD for sex? Does it help with your libido or boosts your satisfaction? Let us know in the comments!