The Reason Sex Feels So Good When You're High

Science Finally Figured Out Why Cannabis Enhances Sexual Pleasure — Here’s What You Need to Know

Whether you’ve already experienced the joys of stoned sex or are curious about using cannabis to amplify and diversify your sex life, the good news is that your body is ready.

“Cannabinoids can enhance sex because the human body makes its own cannabinoids called endocannabinoids,” explains Dr. Karyn Eilber, Associate Professor of Urology and Obstetrics & Gynecology at Cedars-Sinai and co-founder of Glissant Intimate Wellness.

“The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a cellular signaling system involved in multiple processes that help the body maintain homeostasis: pain, mood, stress, reproductive function, inflammation, and immune function.”

And that’s just the beginning. When used responsibly, there is research supporting the mental, physical, and emotional benefits of cannabis. Keep reading to learn the science of each — and how to integrate it into your sex life. (You may also learn how to transform your genitals into an edible.)

Mental Benefits of Cannabis During Sex

As sex therapists love to say, your biggest sex organ is your brain. So let’s kick this off by discussing the cerebral effects of cannabis on sex. First off, yes, the rumors are true: Cannabis can lower your inhibitions.

But before we move to the fun stuff, let’s get the warnings out of the way.

“At the end of the day, the THC in cannabis is psychoactive and considered an intoxicant, meaning it can inhibit someone’s ability to consent to sex properly,” says Kiana Reeves, chief brand educator at the cannabis and sexual wellness company Foria. “It’s always important to communicate with your partner and postpone sex until you are both certain that you are both in a mental space to provide informed consent.”

So, start low, go slow, disclose to your partner how high you are, and ask them the same. Of course, it’s wise to continue to check in throughout sex, but generally speaking, stoned sex with someone you trust is much safer than sex while drunk or on other substances.

So, yes, stoned sex means communication. However, it also means that not only are you more likely to come up with a new idea in bed, but you’re more likely to ask to try it, in addition to any other fantasies or desires, thanks to those responsibly lowered inhibitions.

Research suggests that THC can enhance creativity, too. This happens through divergent thinking, which is the process of connecting seemingly unrelated ideas. One only has to look at the vast number of musicians and artists, from Snoop Dogg to Willie Nelson, who use cannabis to see the connection to creativity.

However, there is one catch. Dosage is key. While a small amount of THC increases divergent thinking, too much can impair creativity. So, as always, start low and go slow.

You may not be aware of how crucial creativity is to sex. It allows for more spontaneity, which is helpful, as diversity is essential to sexual attraction and satisfaction.

However, you can still be monogamous and enjoy variety through kink, role-playing, bringing in sex toys, and more (like sharing a joint beforehand). And, when used responsibly, cannabis can help you come up with these new and exciting ideas.

Physical Benefits of Cannabis During Sex

If you’re excited about the cerebral effects of cannabis on sex, just wait until you hear about the physical benefits.

“CBD and THC are known vasodilators, meaning they support and enhance blood flow,” Reeves says.

“In the genitals, the process of arousal is a process of blood moving into the genitals, so supporting arousal with cannabinoids can greatly impact the level of arousal a person is experiencing. Heightened arousal is associated with increased access to orgasms and increased experience of sexual pleasure.”

If you’re worried about erectile dysfunction, which plenty of drugs and medicines can affect, according to Harvard cannabis specialist Jordan Tishler, MD, cannabis generally does not help with ED in males but, if used sparingly, does not worsen ED. (He adds that if overused, it definitely can worsen ED.)

So, once again, start low and go slow. A few puffs on a joint or vape or a starting dose of 2.5mg or 5mg of edibles is generally considered a safe starting point. When playing responsibly, there is much pleasure to look forward to.

“Cannabis can increase the frequency and intensity of orgasms in all genders, and in males can help prolong sexual activity,” Tishler says. “Perhaps most importantly, it can increase the release of oxytocin, leading to a greater sense of intimacy and satisfaction.”

Additionally, cannabis enhances all of the five senses. The plant heightens touch, making skin-to-skin contact even more sensual and intimate.

Use your stoned superpower sense of smell to take in all of your partner’s scents. The same goes for taste. Enjoying sexual tastes and smells is normal and healthy, whether a mouth or an orifice. Pay attention to the sounds of your lover’s voice, or even consider putting on mood music. Enjoy the sight of your partner, and don’t be afraid to close your eyes and enjoy a kaleidoscope of stoned imagery.

“Sex is all about the senses, and one of the great benefits of cannabis is that it can help heighten your own experience of the senses so that you feel fully immersed and available to them,” Reeves adds.

By now, you’ve probably heard of cannabis topicals or, for the intentions of this article, lubes or suppositories. This may not be the most effective method for cannabis delivery; if you want to feel euphoric, you’re better off with inhalation or ingestion. Topicals can provide pain relief, but one must have mucus membranes present. That means lubes and suppositories can work for people with vaginas or in the anus (cannabis is an excellent way to prep for anal sex). It can also relieve menstrual cramps.

However, it won’t do anything when applied to the penis, so sorry, fellas. However, if you have a partner with a vagina, you can turn that pussy into an edible by applying THC-infused topical and lapping it up.

Emotional Benefits of Cannabis During Sex

Emotionally, cannabis can help you bond with your partner, ideally through mindfulness or the act of putting away intrusive thoughts and living in the moment.

“We know that cannabis helps to relax and calm centers of the mind that tend to be hypervigilant (or make it hard to relax and be present),” Reeves says. “Cannabis is known to help us come into our full experience, and many cannabis users report experiencing their sensations in a heightened way, where every touch or kiss feels more full and alive.”

Perhaps some of that “feeling more alive” is because, in addition to enhancing the senses, research shows that cannabis can reduce negative bias, aka help you see the glass half-full rather than half-empty. This means that you are more likely to see the best in your partner rather than point out or notice their imperfections, which we all have.

And hey, while you’re at it, don’t be afraid to use those lowered inhibitions to communicate how much they mean to you. Remember, long-term and monogamous relationships do not own intimacy. You can experience all of the benefits of stoned sex, including feeling happy and close with your partner, whether a spouse, fuckbuddy, or a brand-new relationship.

Always remember to consume responsibly, and enjoy.

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Source: AskMen