How CBD May Improve the Female Sexual Experience
Understanding how Cannabidiol (CBD) may enhance sexual well-being for women begins with the body’s endocannabinoid system and the complex interplay of relaxation, inhibition, and desire.
The connection between the endocannabinoid system and female sexual function
Research indicates that women who use cannabis often report improved sexual function, heightened desire and more intense orgasms.
The endocannabinoid system – our body’s internal network of cannabinoid-like compounds – plays a role in female pleasure. For example, higher levels of endogenous cannabinoids such as Arachidonyl ethanol amide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol have been linked to increased arousal in women.
It therefore follows that supporting this system via external CBD may positively influence female sexual responses.
How CBD may enhance sexual experience
For many women, easing into a state of deep relaxation, lowering anxiety and reducing inhibition are key to achieving heightened arousal and satisfying orgasm. CBD is known for its calming influence, which may help reduce psychological barriers to pleasure.
This effect can be particularly pertinent for those experiencing sexual pain or conditions such as vaginismus. By easing tension and enabling surrender to pleasure, CBD may help enhance desire, arousal and physical satisfaction for women in all stages of life.
Furthermore, cannabinoid receptors such as CB1 are present in serotonin-secreting neurons. Serotonin is a primary neurotransmitter in feelings of well-being and is released abundantly during female climax.
What this means in practice
If you’re exploring how CBD might fit into your sexual wellness routine, the key points to keep in mind are:
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Supporting the endocannabinoid system may promote arousal and sexual responsiveness.
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The relaxation and anxiety-reducing effects of CBD may remove psychological blocks that limit pleasure.
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Enhanced serotonin release via cannabinoid pathways potentially contributes to intensified orgasmic experience.
The scientific evidence
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A 2012 study found that circulating endocannabinoid concentrations were linked to female sexual arousal.
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Other research has assessed cannabis use in relation to female sexual function using validated instruments such as the Female Sexual Function Index.
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Systematic review work has explored the broader role of cannabinoids in treating conditions such as pain, anxiety and depression—all of which can indirectly affect sexual function.
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A 2020 review explored the effects of cannabinoids on female sexual response in a clinical context.
Final considerations
While the evidence is still emerging and more clinical trials are needed, the existing data suggests a meaningful role for the endocannabinoid system in female sexual health and a potential supportive role for CBD via relaxation, inhibition reduction and neurochemical pathways.
As always, any new wellness strategy should be discussed with your healthcare provider—especially in cases of chronic sexual pain, medical conditions or concurrent treatments.
References
Klein C, Hill MN, Chang SC, Hillard CJ, Gorzalka BB. Circulating endocannabinoid concentrations and sexual arousal in women. J Sex Med. 2012 Jun;9(6):1588-601. doi: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2012.
Kasman AM, Bhambhvani HP, Wilson-King G, Eisenberg ML. Assessment of the Association of Cannabis on Female Sexual Function With the Female Sexual Function Index. Sex Med. 2020;8(4):699-708. doi:10.1016/j.esxm.2020.06.009
Kosiba JD, Maisto SA, Ditre JW. Patient-reported use of medical cannabis for pain, anxiety, and depression symptoms: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Soc Sci Med. 2019 Jul;233:181-192. doi: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2019.06.
Lynn B, Gee A, Zhang L, Pfaus JG. Effects of Cannabinoids on Female Sexual Function. Sex Med Rev. 2020 Jan;8(1):18-27. doi: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2019.07.004. Epub 2019 Sep 12. PMID: 31521567.