Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is increasingly well-known for its therapeutic effects throughout the body. It can reduce inflammation, aid sleep, and generally help folks chill out.
For some people, it may also help spice things up in the bedroom, even if its effects aren’t exactly as spectacular as a certain “little blue pill.”
In this article, we’ll take a look at how CBD may be able to support overall sexual wellness for men and women, and what other benefits it might be able to offer. We’ll also briefly outline some of the best CBD products to help with libido, and touch on some risks to be aware of before you add it to your routine.
If you’re already convinced CBD should be a part of your personal wellness journey and want to get started right away, our Chill Out CBD + THC Gummies are one of the best ways to help set the mood with CBD.
At a glance:
Does CBD Increase Libido?
While scientific research on the benefits of CBD for libido is limited, we do know that it interacts with endocannabinoid receptors throughout the body, including in the brain and sex organs. These receptors are part of a system that regulates a wide variety of functions on a cellular level to keep them running smoothly.
That may translate to less inflammation, better circulation, and reduced tension and stress on a physical and mental level. All of that means CBD can help set the stage for intimacy and make the actual act more enjoyable and satisfying.
Beyond that, a study from early 2023 found that CBD was associated with healthy testosterone levels for men over 40. While it’s commonly thought of as the “male hormone,” testosterone plays an important part in libido for people of all genders, so this research suggests CBD can, in fact, help increase libido.
Does CBD Have Other Sexual Benefits?
CBD has been shown to have other potential sexual benefits as well, which can differ a little whether you’re biologically male or female.
Men
For men, some limited studies have shown that CBD may help improve sexual performance by:
- Helping with Erectile Dysfunction: CBD has been shown to reduce blood pressure in the short term, which can help increase blood flow and sustain an erection.
- Reducing Anxiety: If you’re all worked up — and not in a good way — it can be hard to, well, get it up. CBD has been shown to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, both of which are instrumental to sexual arousal. Simply put: the more relaxed you are in the bedroom, the better things are likely to go with your partner.
- Maintaining Testosterone Levels: As we mentioned earlier, CBD has been shown to help maintain healthy testosterone levels, which are generally associated with sex drive. This research suggests CBD can help keep your levels in the right place.
Some earlier studies did find that especially high doses of CBD can cause a decrease in testosterone levels, but these studies were mostly done in animals. While more research on human beings is still needed, the evidence so far suggests CBD can be a decent boost to men’s sexual health.
Women
There’s also evidence that CBD can be helpful for women’s libido as well:
- Reducing Anxiety: It’s the same story as it is for the guys: CBD’s anti-anxiety effects can help promote relaxation, which is important for getting “in the mood” both mentally and physically.
- Relieving Pain: CBD has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help women for whom sex may be painful.
- Increased Blood Flow: There’s some evidence that CBD can improve blood flow throughout the body, which can enhance sexual pleasure by improving sensitivity and natural lubrication.
While researchers are still looking into the complex ways in which CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, the evidence that exists so far is promising. Depending on where you are on your sexual wellness journey, CBD could be a useful part of keeping the spark of a healthy libido going.
Best CBD Products for Libido
There are so many CBD products out there that claim to help with libido that, to be honest, this topic deserves its own article — which we’ve actually put together already. In the meantime, though, here are a few to check out:
FOCL Chill Out CBD + THC Gummies
We might be a little biased in putting them first, of course, but our Chill Out CBD + THC gummies are designed to provide the sort of whole-body calm that can help get you in the mood.
Our gummies contain a well-balanced, full-spectrum mix of CBD and a little bit of THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana. Both compounds work together to help reduce stress and ease tension without going too far.
They also contain L-theanine, an amino acid that helps enhance mental focus and clarity. The blend of relaxation and gentle alertness in our gummies can help remove some of the common barriers to sexual arousal and let your libido blossom.
We believe everyone’s wellness journey is unique, and that includes your sex life: if you try our Chill Out gummies out and decide they aren’t for you within 60 days, we’ll give you your money back.
If you’re ready to get started down the path to better sexual health, our Chill Out gummies are a great way to do so.
Shop FOCL Chill Out CBD + THC gummies
Batch CBD Gummies
Batch’s CBD gummies are another solid choice that come recommended by Cosmopolitan magazine as a great gummy for relaxation.
They’re also a full-spectrum gummy, which means they contain many other compounds from the hemp plant aside from CBD. These compounds are believed to work in concert to enhance their effect and provide a more well-rounded sense of calm and focus, which is crucial for sexual intimacy.
One compound from the hemp plant that Batch leaves out is THC, which might mean the stress relief effect is a little more subtle than some others. But they’re still a decent option for reducing anxiety and getting in the mood.
Penguin CBD Gummies
Penguin’s gummies are a popular choice for those who want to ease into using CBD to set the stage for increased libido.
At just 10 mg CBD isolate per gummy worm, they’re certainly not the strongest option out there, but they can still have a subtle calming effect on the body.
If you’re at all unsure about how you might react to CBD, a low-dose, non-full spectrum one like Penguin’s could be a good place to dip your toes in, so to speak, before trying something with a stronger relaxation effect.
Side Effects and Risks of CBD for Libido
Of course, it’s natural to wonder, if you haven’t tried CBD for libido before, whether or not there might be some decidedly un-sexy downsides to it.
The good news is that for most people, CBD is well-tolerated at low-to-moderate doses. So long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and don’t eat a whole package of gummies before the act, chances are you’ll be okay.
The research that’s out there does show that the most common side effect of CBD is drowsiness or lethargy. Unlike the Ramones, you probably have no interest in being sedated if you’re using CBD to improve your libido. Starting slow with a moderate dose could be a good plan.
Some people also experience stomach issues, like nausea, decreased appetite, and even vomiting or diarrhea. And, for some people, CBD can cause dry mouth due to reduced saliva production. At very high doses, there have even been some isolated cases of liver injury from CBD.
CBD can also interact with certain medications in unexpected ways. It’s important to consult your doctor before adding CBD to your sexual wellness routine.
Like any substance, there are some risks to CBD, but most of these side effects are relatively mild and can be avoided by lowering the dose and taking it slowly.
Getting Started
With a mindful approach, the libido-enhancing benefits of CBD can definitely outweigh what risks there are. It can help reduce the anxiety and stress, both physical and mental, that so often get in the way of intimacy. It can also help maintain the balanced hormone levels that are key to a healthy sex drive.
If you’re ready to find out if CBD could be part of your own sexual wellness journey, our Chill Out gummies are a great place to start. They’re made with high-quality, full-spectrum CBD, a bit of THC, and L-theanine to help you relax, reset, and focus on yourself and your partner. And, if ultimately they don’t work for you within 60 days, we’ll always take them back so you can continue on your path, worry-free.
