Lubricants reduce friction, increase pleasure, and decrease discomfort during sexual activities. They come in water-based, oil-based, or silicone-based varieties to meet customers’ varied needs. But did you know that cannabis-infused lubricants (also known as lube) are also options on the market?
Made with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), these products combine the typical lube experience with the effects of topical cannabis. Let’s take a closer look at THC lube and how it works.
Many brands now make THC lubes, expanding the options for customers who want more targeted experiences. THC lubes typically feature a combination of carrier oils (such as grapeseed, sunflower, and MCT oil) mixed with cannabis extract. They might also include other moisturizing ingredients like vitamin E or aloe vera. Water-based lubes will contain water as a key ingredient, whereas silicone-based lubes may have cyclopentasiloxane or other silicone-based compounds.
While the formulations can vary widely based on the brand and target market, one thing is consistent in ingredient lists across all THC lubes: cannabis extract.
Brands market infused lubes as products that boost blood flow and sensitivity to the applied region, increasing pleasure and reducing discomfort. Product reviews often say that THC lube increases warmth and arousal, even producing tingling sensations to the applied area.
Many brands market THC lubes as non- or mildly-intoxicating. The product absorbs into the bloodstream through the permeable mucous membranes in and around the genitals. However, users typically feel localized effects—more blood flow to the applied area and increased pleasure. Unless someone ingests the product or a brand specifically formulates it otherwise, most THC lubes don’t get users high.
THC lubes may also help with chronic pain, inflammation, or sensitivity around the genitals. We have some evidence indicating that cannabinoids may help relieve symptoms of various gynecological pain conditions, with the most abundant evidence pointing to relief from endometriosis.
THC lubricants work on the cannabinoid receptors in the body. Mucous membranes in the vagina and rectum can absorb THC with ease, providing effects within 15 minutes, typically.
These products are often marketed toward women, as studies have found a significant relationship between the endocannabinoid system, particularly CB1, and female sexual arousal. A big part of this basis creates THC’s role as a vasodilator, which means it can widen or dilate blood vessels). Widened blood vessels mean more blood flow, which increases arousal and stimulates lubricant production.
Additionally, research on eye vasodilation indicates that cannabinoids can stimulate the release of nitric oxide, a molecule that relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow, which also leads to increased arousal and pleasure.
As we mentioned before, marketers often target women with THC lube because their mucous membranes in and around the genitals are more permeable. However, that doesn’t mean other people can’t enjoy THC lube. It’s typically recommended that men use these products rectally because the area is vastly more absorbent than the penis, but users can feel free to experiment as they like.
The key to success with THC lubes is to wait a bit after application before engaging in any activity. Recommended wait times may vary based on different product formulations, but typically, you’ll want to wait anywhere between 15 and 30 minutes after application before sexual activity. Be advised: effects may last anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, but it’s self-limited.
Keep in mind that many of these lubricants are oil-based, so they can make quite a mess—prepare your space accordingly. Non-infused lubricant brands usually encourage people to apply their product liberally, taking a more-the-merrier approach. You can follow the same guidelines with THC lube, but some people choose to apply it more conservatively since infused products cost more.
When used externally as directed, THC lube is generally considered safe for use. Some people are allergic or sensitive to certain ingredients in lube, so be sure to read the ingredients list before trying out a new product. You can also try a small amount of lube in a contained area first to make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction before applying it for the intended use.
Depending on the formulation, THC or any oil-based lube may not be safe to pair with latex condoms. Oil-based lubes can break down latex, which reduces the effectiveness of the barrier. Select a pH-balanced lube to reduce risk of UTIs.
Keep in mind that THC lubes are not medical products, and the Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated them for safety or efficacy. If you have a health condition or questions about whether THC lube is safe for you, talk with your healthcare provider to get personalized guidance.
THC lubricants are not the only ways that people can enhance their sexual experiences with cannabis. But for those looking to increase pleasure and reduce discomfort, lubricants may be a great option to try.
If you’re not ready to try THC lube, or you prefer other ways to incorporate cannabis into your sex life, there are plenty of options, including smoking, vaping, eating edibles, and any other preferred method of consumption. According to one survey, 70% of adults experienced increased desire when they consumed cannabis before sex.
Previous studies have indicated that access to legal marijuana correlates with more sex. Research also suggests that regular cannabis use may help to improve orgasm and sexual experiences, since cannabinoid receptors in the brain can impact pleasure.
Deciding whether to incorporate cannabis into your sex life is a personal choice. While it may increase pleasure or help ease discomfort for some, others may not enjoy the effects it has on their sexual experiences. Fortunately, there are plenty of THC lube products on the market with vastly different formulations to try. If one doesn’t work for you, you may have a better experience with a different brand or formulation.
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