It’s Monday night again. The first workday is over, and we can finally plop down on the couch. TV on, a drink in one hand, and for many Dutch-Smarters, perhaps a bong in the other. It’s no secret to us that cannabis can help you unwind after a stressful day. But did you know that this sacred green herb can also be very effective in spicing up your sex life? Well, after reading this article, you will!
Natural aphrodisiac
Here at Dutch-Smart, we sell a wide variety of aphrodisiacs. From libido-boosting herbs to liquid sex stimulants. Yet cannabis—a plant for which we sell a huge range of useful products in our headshop —also seems to be considered a natural aphrodisiac. Researchers are therefore increasingly studying the link between cannabis and sexual desire, with some interesting results. In a recent study, for example, researchers found that men and women who used marijuana daily had about 20% more sex in the past four weeks than their peers who did not use marijuana.
Although a number of such studies now confirm that cannabis has a stimulating effect, we still don’t fully understand why it works. However, theories abound. "People who use marijuana often have more sex because they put less pressure on themselves when they’re high, so they don’t have the same fear of failure as those who are sober," suggested sex therapist Amanda Pasciucco. "A small amount of marijuana can also help increase the ability to communicate preferences to a partner."
More sexual pleasure
Still, it doesn’t seem to be solely about being “high.” The specific cannabinoid delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol—also known as THC—is thought to target a part of our brain associated with sexual arousal. "Our body’s natural endocannabinoid system is key to regulating things like pleasure, pain, relaxation, and homeostasis. When activated by the cannabinoids in cannabis, users may feel relaxed, with increased pleasure and reduced pain,” says Peter Barsoom, founder of a company called 1906, which aims to bring cannabis back into the mainstream. "This can lead to increased arousal and make sex even more enjoyable. For others, the reason is the heightened pleasurable sensations that can arise with cannabis. This effect can make sex even more enjoyable."
Too much cannabis, however, is not a good idea. “Just like any substance that affects your mood, you can also overdose on cannabis,” Betty Dodson, PhD in sexology, told Motherboard. The worst thing that can happen with cannabis is that you get too tired and fall asleep instead of having sex. Still, cannabis generally has a stimulating effect. "Marijuana slows down our brain waves. During sex, you want to be more in your body and less in your mind. Marijuana can really help with that. Your taste buds and motor senses work better, your skin becomes more sensitive, and your genitals swell much more easily,” Dodson adds.
Experiment in moderation!
Can’t wait to experiment? Then pay close attention to the dose. We therefore recommend smoking or vaping cannabis if you want to see which dose produces the best effects for you. If you go for edible cannabis, such as a space cake or space brownies, there’s a good chance you’ll take way too much. And anyone who’s experienced that can tell you that’s not exactly what you want...
