Of Love and Pot: High Sex in Denver

Even after the legalization of cannabis prejudices and stereotypes of cannabis users persist; the government, the media, and the education system have portrayed smokers as, at best, lazy deadbeats with no ambition, and at worst, potentially-violent and mentally-ill menaces to law-abiding society (flashbacks to the 1936 film Reefer Madness).

This displays an interesting parallel to sexuality, especially with queer people and women, who have also been hypocritically demonized throughout history. As it turns out, these two taboo pleasures have been joined in the form of weed-fueled erotic activity, and this trend has been gaining popular interest.

Jaymen Johnson has run weekly sex parties since January at his Colorado Springs-based cannabis club, Speakeasy.

“I’ve been in the industry for ten years, and as far as I was concerned, cannabis and sex first combined quite a while ago,” said Johnson. “Most couples that I know who consume cannabis already incorporate it into their intimate lives. What we’re seeing now is the branding and propagation of it, people putting money behind the science of it.”

There’s no doubt that legalized cannabis has spawned a burgeoning new industry. Companies like FORIA Pleasure, an all-natural cannabis oil thoughtfully designed for women and their partners, have gained respectable profits, as well as coverage from a variety of media outlets. These products are often infused with cannabidiol (or CBD), a hugely-present phytocannabinoid within the hemp plant that does not affect the user’s mind.

Usually, when anxiety-reducing CBD is the main component of the product, the idea is to ease any pain or nervousness associated with sex; this is present in products such as FORIA’s “Explore” anal suppository, as well as circulation-increasing women’s lubricants from companies like Privy Peach.

“As long as it helps you check in, not check out, it can be really helpful. I’ve seen it be really helpful for people who are trying to tap into their own arousal or their own orgasm,” explained Jenni Skyler, a sexologist, therapist, and longtime director of the Boulder-based Intimacy Institute, in regard to sensual cannabis use.

Skyler said that while she has seen cannabis help people who are trying to “heighten the sensation” not unlike a glass of wine or other stimulants, it is important that if you are totally reliant on a substance to be comfortable enough for sexual acts, “you’ll want to double-check yourself and examine consensuality.”

The cannabinoid type-1 receptor (CB1) is the part of your brain that THC activates, and according to psychology professor Mitch Earleywine, it “seems to be involved in improved tactile sensations and general euphoria.” Indeed, most cannabis users can attest that pot makes your body relaxed; this can very obviously lead to horniness, and can help put people at ease during sex or masturbation.

The research and data regarding this topic is new, and will likely progress in the next decade, as companies are definitely going to figure out new ways you can use cannabis products to have better sex.

At the moment, however, the efficacy and beneficiality of these products are often best reflected by the testimonials of consumers. But, consumers are not disappointed, as a plethora of sprays, suppositories, lubricants, and other products have received immense praise.

All of this in mind, remember that pot affects everyone differently. If you are going to try out cannabis-assisted carnality, make sure all parties are consenting and comfortable. If that’s all in order, do your research on a product, pick up some of that genital manna, and have yourself some safe and responsible fun.