Something To Think About

Something To Think About

Can cannabis improve your sex life?  Can it improve or enhance the overall intimacy in one’s life? Is there a difference and if so, what is it – and what does this have to do with connection? Intimacy is defined as the closeness between people in a personal relationship. More times than not, intimacy is frequently used in context of romantic relationships among consenting adults. Intimacy has become interchangeable with implying an ongoing sexual relationship with a partner (or partners). Yet what if you are wanting to but are not having sex with your chosen partner, how does this effect a relationship?  And how can hemp or cannabis help improve a multilayered concern?

One of the most impactful ways that cannabis and hemp can improve an intimate connection and sex life is by alleviating pain, pelvic pain specifically.  Low back, pelvic or hip pain could cause a decrease in arousal, fear of performance, and/or complete lack of desire to engage in any sexual activity not just intercourse. This may cause a rift in the relationship by way of silence around the lack of touch, interest, and sexual activity. Humans crave connection with a trusted lover (s). Not sharing these private moments may trigger great shame for a couple(s). 

In a study published (2019) by The Official Journal of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists called Cannabis for Treatment of Chronic Pelvic Pain: A Survey of Prevalence and Effectiveness, results concluded that participants found the use cannabis for treating their chronic pelvic pain useful and would consider continued use for managing and eliminating said pain. Pelvic pain is an enormous barrier to intercourse and enjoyment by both parties. To be able to remove that barrier is a form of closeness and intimacy that people experiencing this sort of disruption greatly appreciate. 

In another study published (2017) by The Official Journal of The International Society for Sexual Medicine found that “the majority of women who used marijuana before sex reported positive sexual effects in the domains of overall sexual satisfaction, desire, orgasm, and improvement in sexual pain but not in lubrication. Women who used marijuana before sex and those who used more frequently were more than twice as likely to report satisfactory orgasms as those who did not use marijuana before sex or used infrequently.”

Studies on cannabis and sexual health is an emerging area this is especially true when it relates to men’s sexual health.  Self-reported evidence of increased libido and arousal as result of cannabis or hemp use continues to be a mainstay in the ongoing conversation. However, studies on cannabis as an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction are mixed.  It is widely known that some of the psychological causes of ED are depression, anxiety, stress, and exhaustion because of sleep disorders. Cannabis and hemp have been used to treat many of these conditions.

Ways to incorporate hemp and cannabis into your relationship – it is important make sure everyone is on board with the use of introducing hemp or cannabis each time.  Giving someone hemp or cannabis without their consent is not only unethical it is against the law. So, consent and ethics first. 

If this is not the first-time consuming cannabis or hemp then the usual consumption methods may apply, just changing the strain or dosage to increase desired results during intimate moments could prove to be best practices. Look for cannabis or hemp stains that are known to eliminate pain, ease anxiety, address negative mood states. Strains for energy may be of great benefit for a positive experience.

The use of topicals and suppositories specifically geared towards lubrication, relaxation and/or the easing pain go a long way in assisting pleasurable outcomes. CBD or THC infused massage oil prior to or in use during an intimate connection can ease pelvic pain for and increase lubrication for both partners. It is important to always make sure products do not damage any safer sex items such as condoms or diaphragms. 

When using topicals or massage oil on intimate areas of the body – check ingredients and doing a skin test is advisable. Meaning place a small amount of the product on the skin, on the back of the hand for example, wait briefly to make sure there are no adverse skin reactions. Also speaking with a gynecologist, urologist, or dermatologist if one is available to either partner is a suggested step as well.

Talking about sex continues to be a tough topic. Broaching the subject of lack because of physical hurdles can be twice as daunting but it doesn’t have to be. Understanding what barriers cannabis and hemp products can assist in tackling may be a kinder, gentler way to approach a very difficult issue, which in turn might create more intimacy.