Whether you’re engaging in partnered sex or a solo session, there’s no doubt that cannabis can take our pleasure to the next level. But if you’re looking to really turn things on in the bedroom, there can be more to it than simply lighting up.

Playing with cannabinoid ratios and terpenes to find your sweet spot

Gone are the days of defining cannabis solely by indica or sativa strains, cannabinoid ratios and terpenes are what we really want to be exploring to get the desired effect during our most intimate moments.

There can be a fine line between relaxation and anxiety when taking cannabis, so to get the best of both worlds, a 1:1 CBD to THC ratio could be your best bet. This will ensure a balanced high that keeps you alert without anxiety and relaxed without falling asleep.

You’ll also want to consider the effects of terpenes. While myrcene and linalool can create a sedative effect, other terpenes like pinene may keep you more alert. And for those experiencing discomfort during sex, terpenes like beta-caryophyllene are known to be sources of pain relief. As always, it’s good to remember that finding you’re the perfect combination for the experience you want to create in the bedroom will take some experimentation, so take your time and have fun with it!

What does the research say?

There’s some compelling evidence on the benefits of cannabis for couples and their sex lives thanks to the work of researchers across the world.

One study conducted by two US universities found that the use of cannabis in the presence of or simultaneously with the present of a romantic partner increased intimacy. Unlike the effects of alcohol, the benefits were experienced equally by male and female partners. This even held true if only one partner partook, unlike alcohol, which requires both partners to consume together to experience the relationship benefits.

Here in Australia, a study published in the ‘Archives of Sexual Behaviour’ journal found that cannabis users reported higher levels of sexual satisfaction, and lower levels of sexual dysfunction, compared to non-users. We have also seen some promising anecdotes of heightened sensations, increased arousal, and reduced inhibitions, according to the findings of the Australian Sex Survey. 12% of the more than 20,000 participants who took part in the survey reported using cannabis to enhance their sexual experience.

To better understand how cannabis can affect sex and intimacy, the Bloomly team needed to do our own research, surveying 400 participants about their experiences of cannabis in the bedroom.

Of the 71% who had used cannabis in the bedroom, 87% reported better orgasms. Most participants (81%) used THC prior to intercourse, compared to CBD (19%). Interestingly, we found that most participants were using cannabis for reasons beyond enhancing their pleasure, with 86% of users saying they used cannabis to alleviate pain during sex.

Another sentiment that came across from some participants was the use of cannabis to keep them “out of their head” and present in the moment.

Here are some of our best tips for bringing cannabis into your most sensual solo-moments:

Dosing for pleasure: Start slow with micro-dosing or low doses to ease yourself gently into the experience. Toke, touch, and repeat at your own pace.

Know your terpenes: Select the terpene profiles that align with your desired effects, such as sedation or alertness, and consider options that reduce pain if needed.

Set your intentions: It’s important to decide what outcome you are searching for in your journey of cannabis-enhanced self-pleasure. Manifest how you want to feel.

Shift your mindset: If, like many women, you struggle with shame when it comes to self-pleasure, THC’s similarity to the body’s natural anandamide may help alleviate anxiety and open the door for exploration.

Finding the perfect cannabis combination for your intimate experiences requires research, experimentation, and an open mind. Just like your other sexual preferences, the dose and strain that gets you going might be different to the next person. So, it pays to take it slowly and get in tune with your body.

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