The idea that cannabis is good for arousal isn’t a new one, but can cannabinoids and terpenes really make you perform better and be more engaged in bed? If the anecdotal reports are true, longer orgasms, deeper intimacy, and a higher libido may all be just a puff or a nibble away.
While everyone’s experience with cannabis is an intensely personal one, interestingly, there is mounting evidence that cannabis and all the associated compounds it contains have beneficial effects on human physiology, including our sex lives. Here is what we know so far.
Are There Really Aphrodisiac Strains?
Many people swear by the efficacy of cannabis when it comes to a night of passion. Of course, since each person’s experience with cannabis is unique, and everyone’s baseline level of arousal is different, the way cannabis enhances (or interferes with) sex isn’t a straightforward equation.
For starters, the THC level is a critical factor. On the one hand, THC can help heighten libido for both men and women, but on the other, too much THC will eventually lower libido in men. THC has also been shown to significantly relieve stress in rats, with females achieving a higher benefit than males. Of course, too much THC can lead to paranoia or anxiety, neither of which are experiences you want in the bedroom.
But it’s not just the THC levels that can make or break potential sexual activities. Terpenes also interact with cannabinoids and the human body for a range of effects. Online anecdotal reports seem to cluster around a specific set of cannabis strains for sexual pleasure, including:
- Wedding Cake
- Lemon Haze
- Ghost Train Haze
- Bubba Kush
- OG Kush
- Sour Diesel
- Gelato
- Harley Quinn
- Girl Scout Cookies
- Blue Dream
- Do Si Dos
If you and your partner are looking to explore a new way to connect, you may start experimenting with these strains.
Is indica or sativa better for arousal?
There are no truly pure indica or sativa strains of the cannabis plant currently in existence. This is because we’ve been interbreeding plants from both lineages for decades.
Today, the more common way of describing cannabis plants is as “a sativa-dominant strain” or “an indica-dominant strain,” depending on their characteristics — both in the grow room (taller vs. shorter) and in their effects (sleepier vs. more energetic). When it comes to sex and arousal, everyone has individual needs and desires, which means there is no conclusive answer about which type is better between the sheets.
Best Terpenes for Arousal
Disclaimer: Terpenes are non-polar, oil-based hydrocarbons that, in pure form, can be very potent and sometimes volatile, flammable, and even corrosive compounds. For this reason, they should strictly be used by experienced and trained manufacturers, and we advise those unfamiliar with these compounds to exercise caution.
Arousal is a term often connected with vigor and excitement, but some people need to be in a calm, relaxed headspace to enjoy sexual encounters. Fortunately, there are terpenes for everyone, whether you need an energy boost and some added stamina or, rather, to slow down your brain so you can enjoy the moment.
Certain terpenes, like linalool and limonene, increase receptivity to sex pheromones, and strains with these terpenes are thought to increase arousal before and during intimacy. While studies on pheromones and terpenes mainly involve moths, and moth pheromones are not the same as human pheromones, terpenes that increase receptivity to pheromone activity are thought to work similarly across species.
That’s not all. If your mouth waters at the sight of a super-attractive partner, you could be gearing up for a good time. One study showed that olfactory exposure to β-caryophyllene increased the salivary testosterone concentration in women, which was associated with heightened female sexual behavior.
Additionally, many terpenes work to decrease anxiety and elevate your mood, helping to put you in a better headspace for sex, while other terpenes are vasodilators, helping to open up blood vessels for increased blood flow “down there.” This is associated with a greater ability for men to “last longer” during sex and increased arousal and enjoyment for women.
Stress Relieving terpenes
Recent evidence suggests that beta-caryophyllene (BCP), which can affect the cannabinoid receptor subtype 2 (CB2), is involved in the regulation of mood and anxiety disorders. If you’re just not feeling in the mood for sex but want to enjoy intimacy with your partner, this could do the trick.
Limonene-treated mice in a stress maze test showed increased locomotor activity and open-arm preference, with inhibited anxiety-related behavior. Being able to both relax and function energetically at the same time can be a big benefit when you want to enjoy sex with someone. Limonene is common in citrus fruits, juniper, and mint and is found in weed strains like Lemon Haze and OG Kush.
Linalool possesses potential sedative and anxiolytic properties that can help with performance-related anxiety and allow one or both partners to relax and enjoy themselves. Linalool is common in lavender, rosewood, and cinnamon and is found in weed strains such as Lavender and Do Si Dos.
Myrcene has been heavily researched as part of clinical studies into cannabis essential oils, revealing its anxiolytic therapeutic effects. Subjects of such studies felt more relaxed, energetic, calm, and in an elevated mood. However, too much myrcene can cause “couch lock,” leaving neither partner able to proceed with physical intimacy beyond a nice cuddle. Myrcene is common in sweet basil, mangoes, and hops and is found in weed strains such as OG Kush and Blue Dream.
Nerolidol has also been shown to provide anxiolytic therapeutic effects without causing motor control impairment (which could really make things difficult in the bedroom) and is a common side effect of many anti-anxiety medications. It’s common in neroli, jasmine, and lemongrass and is found in weed strains like Jack Herer and Blue Dream.
All photosynthesizing plants contain phytol, which has the potential for several sedative effects and anxiolytic-related properties. Fortunately, phytol is generally found in small amounts in cannabis strains, as too much can cause sleepiness. It’s common in herbs, leafy greens, cannabis, and hops and is found in weed strains like Sour Diesel and Jack Herer.
Vasodilator terpenes
Don’t feel sexy because of a migraine? Alpha-pinene might help; it has been connected to reduced pain associated with migraine through its regulation of inflammation and vasoactive modulators. A-pinene is common in conifer trees, rosemary, and orange peels and is found in weed strains such as Jack Herer, Blue Dream, and Pineapple Express.
The terpene beta-caryophyllene (BCP) specifically activates the cannabinoid 2 receptor (CB2R), increasing vasodilation. B-caryophyllene is common in black pepper, oregano, and allspice and is found in weed strains like Sour Diesel and Gelato.
Lab Effects’ Intimacy Formulas
Did you know our company began by creating therapeutic blends of carefully selected terpenes to deliver dialed-in formulations for specific and desired effects? We started mixing these formulas over a decade ago, making an entire suite of nutraceuticals for one of the first vape hardware manufacturers in the space.
Over the years, we have improved our products, refining formulations designed to increase blood flow (vasodilation) and reduce anxiety.
Now, our intimacy formulas help to bring both partners to a place of calm and engaged arousal. Our formulas help increase your physical and physiological receptiveness, making sex and intimacy enjoyable, longer lasting, and ultimately more satisfying.
- Our female intimacy enhancement therapeutic terpene formula comes in 12 delicious flavors, so you can customize your products exactly as your customers prefer.
- The male intimacy enhancement therapeutic terpenes formula comes in the same 12 flavors, and both products are available in 1 ml to 1000 ml sizes.
Deeper Connections With Lab Effects Terpenes
Getting the most out of personal interactions is possible with help from therapeutic terpene formulas designed to nurture and feed the male and female desire centers. Lab Effects’ terpenes are designed to improve arousal during intimate experiences by adding aromatic enjoyment and seductive flavors to a wide range of cannabis-based and herbal compounds.
- All-natural terpene flavors from pure botanical sources
- Zero artificial additives or chemicals so that you can build your products with peace of mind
- All purchased terpenes are guaranteed to be pure and consistent
- Use therapeutic terpene blends customized to your customer base
Order cannabis terpenes wholesale today from a reputable company in the U.S. cannabis industry. Lab Effects is cGMP-certified, ISO 9001-certified, HACCP-certified, FDA-registered, and ANAB-accredited.
