Is CBD Doing Anything For Your Sex Life? Here’s What Experts Say

Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is one of the hottest products in the wellness industry. Unlike THC, it won’t get you high, and it’s often marketed as a “safer,” everyday option for boosting health and happiness.

Nowadays, there are even claims about CBD’s benefits for sexual wellness. You’ll find everything from CBD-infused lubricants for sexual performance to libido gummies designed to make you last longer in bed.

But does the science back it up? Is CBD actually helping your sex life—or is it just another clever marketing hook?

There’s no direct yes or no answer to this. Research on CBD and sexual performance is still early, and while there are some interesting clues, the science isn’t definitive yet.

First, let’s understand how CBD might alter sexual performance. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is responsible for all sorts of bodily functions, including sexual response. As CBD interacts with the ECS, it can help reduce sexual anxeity t and helps reduce sexual anxiety, some research says that it might actually contribute to premature ejaculation.

A study published in the National Library of Medicine surveyed ___ points out how regular cannabis use (which includes CBD and other cannabinoids like THC) was associated with prolonged sexual intercourse in some men. (need to be specific about the study

But that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a good thing. Another study suggested that regularly smoking cannabis straight up lowers sex drive in men. So, while men might be able to last longer because of cannabis use, it might be because of decreased libido and sexual desire.

It’s worth noting that all major studies on sexual health and CBD are mostly based on the cannabis plant and general cannabis use instead of CBD. So, there isn’t definite proof that CBD can make you last longer, but it’s definitely associated with reduced anxiety, which can help in the bedroom.

While there isn’t a lot of CBD-specific research yet, broader studies on cannabis use suggest a strong connection between cannabinoids and improved sexual experiences.

In a 2016 survey published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, 216 people who had used cannabis during sex reported the following:

• 38.7% said sex felt better overall
• 58.9% reported increased desire for sex
• 73.8% reported greater sexual satisfaction
• 74.3% experienced increased sensitivity to touch
• 65.7% said orgasms felt more intense
• 69.8% said they were able to relax more during sex
• 50.5% said they found it easier to focus during intimacy

Interestingly, of the 28 participants who originally had difficulty reaching orgasm, half said cannabis made it easier.

While these results reflect cannabis use as a whole (not just CBD), they hint at how cannabinoids, particularly through anxiety reduction and heightened sensory perception, may positively influence sexual experiences.

Other CBD benefits that can indirectly benefit your sex life include:

Enhanced blood flow: The same studies point out how CBD can promote healthy blood flow, which could help improve arousal and sensation for both men and women.

Pain relief: For women who struggle with painful sex, CBD lubricants and topical creams might provide relief by reducing inflammation and muscle tension.

Increased relaxation: CBD helps you relax and be more present during sexual experiences to enhance sexual pleasure and intimacy.

In The Impact of Cannabidiol on Psychiatric and Medical Conditions, researchers note that low doses of CBD can actually be mildly alerting and stimulating, whereas higher doses are more sedating.

So, if you plan on using CBD for sex, try taking a smaller dose to fully take advantage of its stimulating effects. Timing also matters—taking CBD oil 30-60 minutes before sexual intercourse will help avoid any unwanted drowsiness while still providing anxiety-reducing benefits.

Since cannabis is researched to increase blood flow and sensation, there’s no direct link that CBD’s increase in blood flow will specifically target sexual organs.

There’s currently no scientific evidence that CBD is better than Viagra for erectile dysfunction. They both work very differently.

On the one hand, Viagra specifically targets erectile dysfunction by enhancing blood flow to the penis, but CBD has a more indirect, broad, full-body effect.

Key differences between CBD and Viagra:

CBD

• Very few side effects reported
• Indirect effects on sexual function
• May reduce anxiety and relieve pain
• Effects not specifically targeted at erectile issues
• Legal status varies (hemp-derived CBD is federally legal)

Viagra

• Requires prescription
• More documented side effects
• Directly targets erectile dysfunction
• Doesn’t affect psychological aspects
• Specifically designed for erectile dysfunction

There are many ways to incorporate CBD into your sexual activity, some of which are pretty fun and have other health benefits outside of sexual stimulation. Try these approaches:

CBD Oil Tinctures

• Take 15-30mg sublingually about an hour before sex
• May help reduce anxiety and enhance mood
• Effects typically last 4-6 hours

CBD-Infused Lubricants

• Apply directly to enhance sexual pleasure
• Often combined with other natural lubricants
• May increase sensitivity and reduce discomfort

Topical CBD Products

• Massage oils and creams can be applied to erogenous zones
• Good option for those who don’t want internal effects
• May help increase local blood flow and sensation

CBD Edibles

• Good for longer sexual experiences
• Dosage can be more challenging to control
• Slower (60-90 minutes) but longer-lasting effects

While hemp-derived CBD products can market themselves as being excellent for sexual intimacy, improving blood flow, and improving sexual performance, they’re not the end-all be-all. These additional practices can be a game changer:

• Kegel exercises: Strengthen pelvic floor muscles to improve ejaculatory control
• Start-stop technique: Pause stimulation when approaching climax to extend performance
• Mindfulness practices: Reduce performance anxiety and increase awareness
• Proper hydration and nutrition: Support healthy blood flow and energy levels
• Communication: Discuss preferences and concerns with your partner to reduce anxiety
• Reduce alcohol consumption: Despite its relaxing effects, alcohol can worsen sexual dysfunction

While there isn’t concrete evidence to support that CBD can improve your sex life, anecdotal evidence and research suggest that it could have potential benefits on sexual performance indirectly.

If you still want to try CBD for sexual health concerns, be realistic. It won’t offer the complete, specific support you might be looking for, but its broader benefits on the mind and body can definitely help ease stress in the bedroom, especially for those whose sexual issues are linked to anxiety or discomfort.

The good news is that hemp-derived CBD products are generally considered safe with very few side effects. They’re an affordable, accessible, low-risk option for those curious about their potential benefits in the bedroom.