CBD
What exactly is CBD?
CBD is a shorthand for Cannabidiol, which is a naturally occurring compound found in the plant cannabis (aka marijuana or pot). CBD is a safe, non-addictive substance that boast therapeutic properties, and is most commonly used for relief of tension.
Will it get me high?
Nope. Even though CBD comes from the cannabis plant, it is completely non-psychoactive- meaning that it will not alter one’s behavior or mental ability to function. Because of this, CBD is able to be used and sold in states and districts that have not yet legalized the use of marijuana products that contain THC, which is a psychoactive substance. TL;DR- without THC, CBD / hemp products will not get you high.
So… what does CBD do?
Despite being non-intoxicating, CBD products can be therapeutically potent- which is why they can be a great addition to your ~self-care routine~. According to Healthline and the National Institutes of Health, the human body contains a specialized system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is involved in regulating a variety of functions including sleep, appetite, pain and immune system response.
What does this have to do with sex?
Many of the reported benefits of CBD use can be directly correlated to sex via our physical well-being. Here’s a few reported benefits, and how they can potentially improve your sex life:
- Reduction of pain (including chronic pain symptoms) through affecting neurotransmitters and reducing inflammation topically.
- For many bodies, sex can lead to some amount of pain- especially those who have chronic conditions like vaginismus and endometriosis. Topical CBD can help relieve this pain through application before and/or after play.
- Not to mention, the physical relief of tension associated with this can help the body to relax and enjoy the ride even more- whether or not pain during sex is an issue that affects you or your partner/s.
- Reduction of symptoms associated with anxiety and stress by impacting the brain’s serotonin receptors.
- CBD helps folks relax without affecting their ability to make clear, fully informed decisions. Because of this, CBD can be a great way to relieve some of the nervousness that we may experience during intimacy without impacting our ability to fully consent and remain aware- which can help open us up to better partnered communication and ability to focus on how great our bodies can feel!
- Benefiting the cardiovascular system for heart health and regulating blood pressure.
- The cardiovascular system plays a huge part in the physical part of our sex lives. With erectile tissue (like what’s found in the penis, clitoris, and nipples) functioning through the flow of blood through our bodies, having a healthy cardiovascular system can really improve our physical arousal.
Many CBD products are topical, which also means that they can be a great way to integrate some more intimate touch into your sex life. Massage oils and balms to caress into your skin, bath bombs for a sexy post-play soak, lip balms for soft lips for kissin’ up on a cutie.
So slather on that CBD and enjoy. You deserve it!
One more thing…
With the boom in the cannabis market, it’s important to remember that even with the quick turn towards legalization in the US, there are unfortunately still a lot of moral and legal issues surrounding cannabis. Cannabis policy has disproportionately been enforced on communities of color, with high arrest rates and legal punishment- often with little to no due process. There are many organizations across the country that are looking to help those who have received unequal legal ramifications due to cannabis policy, like The Last Prisoner Project.
