With Valentine’s Day around the corner, we thought it was high time to address one of our favorite topics: sex while high.

Cannabis and sex go together like peanut butter and jelly and leather and lace. 

It’s the perfect way to elevate your sensory experience and go deep with your partner—after all, the brain is the largest erotic organ of them all!

So we decided to gather the questions we’re frequently asked about cannabis and sex, like…how does smoking weed impact you sexually? And…does weed make sex better or worse? 

By the end of this piece, you’ll be well-versed in the cannabis-sex connection and ready to get high on the power of love.

How does cannabis influence sexual pleasure?

Let’s start with the big question: is weed good for sex? 

While the marijuana-sex connection has been buzzed about for years until recently, the link between THC and sex has been mostly personal. People love smoking weed and having sex, and it’s hard to argue with personal experience!

However, thanks to the increasing number of states legalizing cannabis, the connections between pot and sex are gaining scientific backing. 

A study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine concluded that “Many participants…found that cannabis helped them relax, heightened their sensitivity to touch, and increased intensity of feelings, thus enhancing their sexual experience.” This study, and other scientific research, indicate that cannabis sex can indeed be more pleasurable for people of all genders.

But how does this connection work? What does weed do to you sexually? And why is having sex while high on weed so much dang fun? The answer may lie in your body’s endocannabinoid system.

couple laying down smoking

What role do endocannabinoids play in sex?

It’s no secret that weed functions by interacting with your body’s endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors throughout the brain and body that helps you maintain regular operation and is involved in a variety of the essential functions of your central nervous system.

The research shows that endocannabinoids play an essential role in your body’s sexual responses, explaining marijuana’s effects on sex. So how does weed affect you sexually? By interacting with endocannabinoid receptors within the areas of your brain that control sexual function. 

Using cannabis for sex helps stimulate those receptors within the brain like naturally produced endocannabinoids would. 

THC sex can feel more powerful simply because the cannabinoids interact with the neurotransmitters and hormonal messaging systems linked to the body’s sexual response.

Does weed lower your sex drive?

While the research shows that the cannabis-sex connection is positive, there’s a persistent rumor that overindulging can cause you to be less interested in sex. So what’s the truth? Does weed make you less sexually active?

To answer the question “does weed lower sex drive?” we need to look at another study from the Journal of Sexual Medicine that looked at sexual frequency among people who consumed cannabis and those who abstained.

The study found that there was, in fact, a connection between marijuana and sex drive, but it was positive. People who self-reported as consuming cannabis actually had more sex. 

Let’s take a closer look at why that might be by examining the various ways men and women respond to pot sexual experiences.

couple in bed

How does Cannabis affect women during sex?

Recent research has made the connection between marijuana and female sexuality clear. Yet another study in the JSM showed that women who used cannabis more frequently also reported lower rates of sexual dysfunction and higher rankings for arousal and orgasms.

While the “why” of this relationship isn’t yet clear, the researchers theorized that using cannabis could help women experience less anxiety during sex. 

“It is possible that a reduction in anxiety associated with a sexual encounter could improve experiences and lead to improved satisfaction, orgasm, and desire.” 

They also theorized that the increase in pleasure could be due to the endocannabinoid system kicking into high gear or reduced anxiety about time passing.

TLDR: does smoking affect women’s sex drive? If so, it’s for the better!

How does Cannabis affect men during sex?

We’ve got the ladies covered, but does weed affect male sex drive?

According to the sexual frequency study we cited earlier, yes, and for the better! Men who reported using cannabis regularly also said that they were having more sex than their non-weed-using counterparts in the study. 

As with the ladies, this connection is probably due to various factors, including the good ol’ endocannabinoid system and a reduction in anxiety that makes men less likely to experience sexual dysfunction. One study found that men who consumed cannabis were less likely to have trouble maintaining an erection.

Cannabis also seems to make sex more enjoyable for men and their female counterparts. As one respondent to an informal Psychology Today survey said, “Marijuana engulfs me in sex foam. I’m just pure sex on that stuff. It’s great. I could never feel that way sober or drunk.”

What type of weed should you take before sex?

If you’re already a cannabis lover, the odds are that all this evidence has got you ready to text a “u up?” to that special someone.  But before you do, let’s talk about how to select your weed for sex. What’s the best marijuana for sex? Are there particular strains that work best?

In terms of genre, finding the best pot for sex is usually a question of choosing your favorite edibles for sex. The connection between edibles and sex makes sense—there’s nothing more V-day appropriate than sharing something sweet with your sweety. 

But what are the best edibles for sex? Our pick has got to be the classic cannabis-infused chocolate bar. Not only is it seasonally appropriate, but chocolate is also an aphrodisiac, taking the best weed for sex to the next level.

What are the best cannabis strains for sex? 

We’ve got the delivery down, but what are the best strains for sex? Here are five of our favorite go tos when we’re getting romantic:

Light of Jah

High in calming limonene, this is one of the best strains for sex when you’re in the mood for a relaxing, euphoric chance to unwind with your beloved, feeling super connected and close.

Sour Diesel

Heavy in sensitivity boosting caryophyllene, this sativa-dominant hybrid is one of our favorite strains for sex because it stimulates the appetite, helping you feel exploratory and adventurous.

Keef Kola

While the debate of indica vs. sativa for sex rages on, one study showed that Kush strains were particularly effective at reducing anxiety and producing an enjoyable sexual experience.

White Dawg

The best weed strain for sex if you ever suffer from pain or anxiety, this mild hybrid will leave you feeling relaxed and at ease in your body and help get you out of your head.

Pineapple Express

High in energy-boosting humulene, this classic hybrid is one of the best marijuana strains for sex when you’re looking to get creative between the sheets.

Happy valentines Day: Old Fashioned image of man kissing a women and man's head is a cannabis flower bud

Should you use lube during sex on cannabis?

Like any other sexual encounter, sex after smoking pot is a matter of personal preference. Using or not using lube is up to you and your partner, and there’s no scientific evidence that cannabis will impact you or your partner’s ability to lubricate naturally. However, some people report cases of “cotton vagina,” so check in with your partner and make sure to have lube on hand just in case!

We’ll leave you with a final bonus tip. 

If you’re a cannabis and lube enthusiast, you should probably know there’s weed-infused lube on the market. A very romantic gift for your stoned sweetie! But whatever cannabis product you choose to indulge in this valentine’s day, we hope it’s a great one.

Here’s to true love, great sex, and high-quality Colorado cannabis.