Sexual wellness seems to be front and center in the conversation around the many health benefits of cannabis. This is not a new discovery– long before cannabis was criminalized, it was popularly prescribed by doctors for relief from painful sexual and gynecological issues.
As Foria Wellness explains:
The earliest written records of the gynecological uses of cannabis date back around 4,000 years to Ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. These manuscripts describe different preparations used for difficult childbirths and other unspecified female ailments. Later texts from Asia and Africa detail numerous recipes containing cannabis seeds, flowers, stems and/or extracts used in gynecology. Perhaps because of cannabis’ effectiveness, its gynecological use spread throughout Asia and Africa, finding its way to Europe in the Middle Ages and later to the Americas. Before its widespread prohibition in this last century, physicians across the globe prescribed cannabis, often in combination with other herbs, for a broad range of gynecological conditions. Archival medical texts from the 1800’s describe different cannabis formulations effective for:
- Aphrodisiac uses
- Painful menstrual cramps
- Heavy bleeding
- Painful urination
- PMS
- Pain during sex
- Nausea during pregnancy
- Menopause
- Gonorrhea
- Post-partum hemorrhage
- Difficult childbirth
How could CBD be helpful in treating some of these issues?
The female reproductive system is full of endocannabinoid receptors. They are found throughout the fallopian tubes, vagina, vulva and ovaries, and most densely in the uterus. These receptors are able to positively interact with immune cells that control inflammation, hormone secreting glands, sensation mediating nerves and muscles that enable energy usage.
Remedy Review recently explored the effects of CBD on sex. Over 5,000 Americans were surveyed and 502 (9.3%) of people were open about their CBD usage during sex with a current or past partner. Overall, this is what they had to say about their experiences using CBD for sex:
- Women reported being 33% faster to orgasm
- 72% of men and 76% of women said they experienced stronger orgasms
- 66% of men and women use CBD to alleviate sexual anxiety
- Men lasted 31% longer before orgasm
- 87% of men and women took CBD as a couple
- 69% are likely to continue to use CBD for sex
- 57% report being “more satisfied” with their relationship
Research on CBD suggests that it can be used for more than just alleviating pain during sex. Higher libido, less sexual anxiety and better orgasms are just the tip of the iceberg.