Key Takeaways:
- Using cannabis for sex requires open communication and clear consent to ensure a safe and positive experience.
- Selecting the right delivery methods, such as gummies versus inhalation, allows you to control the onset and duration of effects.
- Starting with a low dose and curating a comfortable environment are essential for minimizing side effects and maximizing connection.
Intimacy. Physical and emotional connection. Successful relationships are exuberant examples of these romantic pillars, with some couples making the affection and passion seem natural and ever-present.
In truth, relationships require work. While intimacy and physical connection may be easier for some in the beginning, that initial biological pull towards a lover may wane with time. Insecurities, stress, and other performance struggles creep in.
The focus on the physical connection transitions to the emotional. Not to say physical intimacy isn’t still important, only that it gets harder and can feel like work.
Cannabis for sex is an option to soothe these difficulties. It’s one option many couples are considering to overcome the staleness that can stymie physical desire. Pro Cannabis created this guide to showcase ways to use cannabis for arousal and intimacy, to show you how to implement it safely and without adversely affecting the dynamic of your relationship.
1. Prioritize Communication and Consent
Combining cannabis and sex isn’t a unilateral decision. Neither is it something to be discussed spontaneously nor in the throes of passion. The topic requires focus and explicit understanding.
Cannabis is, after all, a mind-altering substance. It may impair cognitive function, affecting individual judgment and perception. Know that consent under these conditions isn’t straightforward and that pursuing sexual activity with someone, even a partner, who’s in an altered state, can lead to misunderstandings and potentially even accusations.
You can avoid all of this by having a clear-headed discussion away from the bedroom and temptation. Talk about why you want to use cannabis for sex (to relieve trepidation or uneasiness, to enhance physical sensations, or to allow yourself to be more present and less in your head).
Having a dialogue gives both parties room to share feelings, reservations, and consent. It allows both people an opportunity to set boundaries and build a safe, consensual environment.
Important Note: Consent is ongoing and revocable. Be sure to revisit your discussion and agreement frequently.
2. Select the Delivery Method That Suits Your Timing
When using cannabis for arousal, it’s all about the timing. The marketplace is full of cannabis products, from vapes to edibles; each product type affects the body differently and on a varied timetable.
As you consider your options, think about your sex life. Is it more structured and predictable, or is it more spontaneous?
Inhalants and Tinctures for Spontaneity
Using pre-rolls or vapes can be good for the rapid onset of effects. Depending on the dosage, you’ll likely feel effects within a few minutes after inhaling, with peak effects occurring 10 to 30 minutes later. The main drawback is the relatively short-lived experience (1 to 3 hours).
Tinctures can increase the duration of the effects by several hours (4 to 6), but they take a little longer to kick in (10 to 45 minutes).
Either option allows for increased spontaneity in a relationship. Tinctures just provide a little more room for foreplay, using THC for intimacy while avoiding the smoke.
Edibles for Duration
Ingesting cannabis also has its benefits. Edibles, such as gummies for sex, provide the longest experience (6 to 8 hours or more), but they require foresight and planning. Typically, the onset of edible effects takes 30 minutes to 2 hours, and peak effects occur 2 to 4 hours later.
So if you’re looking for a long-lasting experience, choose edibles. They can help maintain the mood and stamina for a long and positive evening.
3. Explore Topicals for Localized Sensation

Maybe you or your partner is unsure about the psychoactive effects of cannabis, causing reluctance in adopting it for your sex life. Topicals provide a unique solution, as the cannabinoids rarely absorb into the bloodstream in large enough amounts to cause intoxication.
Instead, they provide a targeted approach to using cannabis for arousal, offering localized effects rather than a whole-body sensation.
Topicals come in creams, lubricants, and other balms. They may offer localized enhancement (increased blood flow, sensation, and relief) without inhibiting decision-making or perception.
4. Pay Attention to Terpenes and Strains
Beyond product selection when using cannabis for sex, it’s crucial to pay attention to terpene and strain profiles. Terpenes, such as limonene and linalool, lead to novel experiences. In some cases, hybrid strains might be preferred for their terpene profiles, regarding sex and intimacy.
For example, limonene, a common terpene found in citrus and various cannabis strains, has a reputation for elevating mood and easing stress. Users often report that it’s uplifting and energizing. Alternatively, linalool, the primary terpene in lavender and naturally present in many cannabis strains, is known for its calming and relaxing properties.
Hybrid strains often combine various terpenes to create a more balanced, harmonious experience. This can mean including limonene and linalool to create an energized experience without mental distance, allowing you to be present and receptive to physical sensations.
By understanding terpenes, you and your partner can curate your own experience. You can find a hybrid that caters to each other's specific needs, ensuring that while using THC for intimacy, you’re creating a truly shared experience.
5. Create the Right Conditions
Couples who want to experiment with cannabis for sex should heed the adage, “start low and go slow.” Not only is it best practice for new users unfamiliar with their dosage tolerances, but it’s also essential for controlling unwanted effects.
Everyone is different, so the right dosage for you might not be suitable for your partner. It’s often best to try different strains, products, and dosages before using them in the bedroom.
Also, focus on your physical environment. Cannabis can amplify your mindset and surroundings, making your environment a powerful complement to a positive and pleasurable experience. Try using:
- Warm lighting
- Soothing music
- Soft fabrics
- Pleasant smells
Finally, prepare for adverse reactions, such as cottonmouth and paranoia. Have plenty of water close by and go-to comforts, including food, clothing, movies, and music.

Choose Pro Cannabis for Quality, Lab-Tested Products
Using cannabis for sex is one way to improve intimacy in a relationship. However, it’s vital to buy your cannabis products from legal and licensed retailers. Pro Cannabis is your go-to supplier with an inventory of third-party, lab-tested, high-quality products. Shop our catalog today.