By Alice Little, thealicelittle.com

CBD is best known for its many healing properties, from pain and anxiety relief to better sleep. But the non-psychoactive cannabinoid can also offer a boost in the bedroom. CBD functions as a secret weapon for people who face a variety of different sexual hurdles. With March designated as Sexual Pleasure Month by the American Sexual Health Association, here’s why you shouldn’t just limit your CBD intake to stressful moments—and why you should try it the next time you get intimate.

What CBD Does for Your Sex Life

Sure, there are lots of pills you could take for sex, especially if you’re experiencing erectile dysfunction. But best estimates suggest that psychological factors cause 10 to 20 percent of erectile dysfunction, and in those cases, the pill just won’t work. Plus, there are so many barriers to great sex that have nothing to do with a lack of erection. Many people struggle with decreased arousal, reduced desire, or pain during sex. And the good news is that CBD can help in these cases.

Cannabis has been used as an aphrodisiac for a long time, yet scientists are still learning about the extensive benefits CBD can have on your sex life. Some of the most widely recognized advantages can mean the difference between a disappointing roll in the hay and one you’ll remember forever.

The primary way CBD improves your sex life is by helping you to relax. Anyone with performance anxiety or an overly invasive to-do list that runs through their head nonstop (especially at inopportune moments!) will benefit from this. Anxiety is the arch-nemesis of good sex because it takes you out of your body and puts you into your mind. This can mean delayed or nonexistent climaxes for people of any gender.

CBD helps your mind slow down and focus, even for those who don’t have anxiety. This change in pace can make your sex life hotter. People tend to rush through sex or dive into a tried-and-true routine that they know works. Over time, having a sexual habit that you never deviate from makes sex dull. CBD can change up your routine and encourage you to access your creative side during sex.

CBD improves the quality of your sleep. This might seem tangential to sex, but it’s not. If you don’t have enough energy, you won’t be as focused or playful in bed. Studies continue to show the link between lack of sleep and sexual dysfunction. So, even if you take CBD before bed and forget to try it before you jump into the sack, your sex life may still benefit from the impact.

Next, CBD helps with pain management. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists estimates that 75 percent of women have painful sex at some point in their lives. Those who experience pain during sex also often suffer from a knock-on symptom: a lack of desire. After all, who would be interested in something that has been unpleasant and hurtful in the past? Other people have chronic pain conditions that aren’t induced by sex but can seriously dampen the mood. Anyone with pain related to cancer, endometriosis, arthritis, fibromyalgia, or a host of other painful disorders might experience not just relief but also a newfound libido boost. When you’re not focused on pain, it is easier to focus on pleasure instead.

Incorporating CBD for Better Sex

CBD is easy to incorporate into your sex life, especially because this cannabinoid doesn’t have the psychoactive components of THC. You can have a CBD gummy and then have sex before work in the morning if you’re in the mood. Bonus: you won’t worry that you’re acting differently for the rest of the day.

Though you don’t need to worry about CBD effecting your productivity, there are a few best practices to get started. First, plan ahead. Not every city has an accessible place to shop for quality CBD. You might need to do a little research and order something online. Look for products that have a certificate of analysis (COA) or lab testing so that you know you aren’t buying snake oil. Options for vegans and people who avoid gluten or other allergens are easy to find online.

Next, give the CBD enough time. This means that spontaneous sex might not fit well with the benefits of a gummy. Since you will have to digest them, the effects may not kick in for up to an hour. Even massage oils and lubricants might need up to an hour to take effect, so be practical when choosing your intake method. Plan to take your time, slow down, and linger before having sex if using any of these CBD formats. If you’re in the heat of the moment, try an under-the-tongue CBD tincture so that you’ll reap the benefits sooner.

Lastly, take the plunge! Start at a low dose and work your way up to find the perfect level of chill for your next Netflix and chill session.

Alice Little is a sex worker who works as a legal escort at the Moonlite BunnyRanch, a Nevada brothel. Little began her work in sex-positive careers as a BDSM sex educator and continues to produce videos for her YouTube channel with content focused on sex education in her series Coffee with Alice where she discusses intimacy topics.

Celebrate Sexual Pleasure Month this March with a kiss and…

High On Love

Angela Mustone, founder of High On Love, developed a line of cannabis-infused personal lubricants, bath oils, and edible body paints. “My line of products is very natural in terms of ingredients, very thought out and researched,” says Mustone, who notes all of the massage oils produced by High On Love are lickable and edible because she uses aromas, not fragrances. “A lot of research goes into my products in order for me to develop the formulas. My products contain hemp seed oil which results in increased blood flow to the genitals to achieve bigger, better and longer orgasms.” highonlove.store

Basis of Intimacy

Developed with pleasure in mind, Evergreen Organix Intimate Massage Oil brings the enhancing benefits of cannabis to the bedroom. “We originally developed it with the idea of putting it on very sensitive areas of the body,” explains Jillian Nelson, Evergreen Organix Operational Manager. In fact, it was specifically designed to heighten the female experience. Formulated with hypoallergenic ingredients each bottle is dosed at 100mg THC. It can also be applied to sensitive or irritated skin or infused into moisturizer so your skin can benefit from cannabis’ nourishing properties. evergreenorganix.com

Blissfully Kissable

Treat both you and your partner’s bodies to hypnotic relaxation with NLVO’s Kissable Sensual Massage Oil loaded with 250 mg of THC per 2 oz. bottle. “Our goal was to create a flavorful intimate massage oil that would be an ideal couples’ necessity for those experienced in cannabis products and those not. If you don’t want to consume an edible or inhale smoke, topical massage oil is a great way to experience the benefits of cannabis oil,” says NLVO’s Salpy Boyajian. “Although not considered an edible, our massage oil is made of natural ingredients that can be considered ‘kissable,’ making it the perfect addition to an intimate massage. And it is safe to be used as a lubricant—which makes it that much more blissful!” @nlvo_organics

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