For centuries, lovers and lovers of the plant have believed in the power of cannabis to enhance intimacy, arousal, and connection. Ancient Eastern traditions cite cannabis as an aphrodisiac, and modern research and anecdotes support what many couples and individuals have discovered firsthand: a little green can bring a lot more groove between the sheets.
But not all cannabis is created equal when it comes to sex.
Some strains are famed for heightening sensitivity, reducing anxiety and inhibition, and intensifying pleasure. Others, when chosen poorly or taken in excess, can dampen libido, leave you stuck to the couch, or cause unwelcome dry mouth and distraction.
When you understand the right strains, doses, and methods, you can open the door to an even more satisfying sex life, whether solo or with a partner.
Let’s explore the connection between cannabis and sex, review the science and sensations, then dive into the best strains and how to use them to ignite desire and deepen connection.
Table of Contents
Why Does Cannabis Affect Sex?
Cannabis and sex are a great combo, but ever asked yourself why they work so well together? Well, cannabis interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps regulate mood, sensation, pain, and arousal. Endocannabinoids are active in reproductive organs, the brain, and peripheral nerves, so introducing phytocannabinoids from marijuana brings a notable impact on sexual experience.
Potential Sexual Benefits of Cannabis
The use of cannabis isn’t hearsay, it works because it’s built to do so. You can roll one and continue to have the best sex of your life. Here are some benefits you can draw from smoking or using cannabis in any form before sex:
- Reduces inhibitions and anxiety: Many people cite cannabis’ capacity to quiet self-doubt or performance worries, making it easier to be present and playful.
- Increases sensation: Cannabis can heighten tactile sensitivity, making touch more pleasurable; some users report intensified orgasms.
- Enhances emotional connection: Strains that boost empathy or euphoria can help partners feel more affectionate and connected.
- Improves body awareness: Feeling “in” your body, rather than stuck in your thoughts, can increase your responsiveness to touch, rhythm, and intimacy.
- Extends pleasure: Some report that cannabis can prolong arousal or stave off orgasm for a more drawn-out experience.
What to Look for in a Strain for Sex
Not all weed is created equal. So when you’re looking for weed to enhance your sexual experience, you need to identify the right strains. Things might not turn out the way you hoped for with the wrong strains. You might end up being anxious or sleepy, inhibiting the very sexual experience you hoped to improve. Here is what to look for in a cannabis strain for sex.
1. Terpene Profile
Terpenes are aromatic compounds with more than just scent. They affect mood, energy, and sensation. Look for strains rich in:
- Limonene: Uplifting, energizing, often found in citrusy strains.
- Linalool: Relaxing, anxiety-reducing, floral aroma.
- Caryophyllene: Spicy, warming, may reduce pain.
- Myrcene: Sedative at high levels (sometimes too relaxing), but can enhance touch sensations at lower doses.
2. Cannabinoid Balance (THC/CBD)
- THC: Increases euphoria, sensation, and relaxation. However, high doses may cause anxiety or distraction.
- CBD: Balances and reduces anxiety, can improve focus and whole body relaxation without intoxication.
- Ratio: Many find strains with moderate THC and low-to-moderate CBD work well; a small amount of CBD-rich flower in a mix can keep the high grounded.
3. Sativa, Indica, or Hybrid?
- Sativas often provide energy, creativity, and sensory delight—great for adventurous or extended lovemaking.
- Indicas offer relaxation, body awareness, and tension release, but too much can leave you yawning.
- Hybrids can offer the best of both. Many top sex strains are hybrids leaning in one direction or the other.
4. Method of Consumption
- Smoking or vaping offers quick onset, allowing you to feel the effects within minutes and last 1–3 hours.
- Edibles and oils are stronger, longer-lasting but harder to dose and can take up to 2 hours to work. Since they’re hard to dose, use with caution if you’re new.
Best Weed Strains for Sex: Our Top Recommendations
This is the best you’ve been waiting for. We did our best, and these strains will set the mood and heighten your hunger for sex. Now you don’t have to guess, just get any of these and create lasting memories in your bedroom:
1. Strawberry Cough
- Type: Sativa-dominant
- Primary Effects: Euphoria, energy, giggles, mental focus
- Why for Sex: Dazes you in a haze of sweet, uplifting energy. Reported to heighten taste and smell, encourage eye contact, increase playfulness, and banish anxiety. Perfect for adventurous, talkative, passionate sessions.
2. Granddaddy Purple
- Type: Indica-dominant
- Primary Effects: Full-body relaxation, arousal, stress relief
- Why for Sex: Deeply relaxing but with a pleasant, dreamy high that encourages you to let go of tension. Known for body-melting pleasure—great for slow, sensual, or tantric sex, massages, and cuddling afterglow.
3. Sour Diesel
- Type: Sativa-dominant
- Primary Effects: Creativity, stimulation, energy, focus
- Why for Sex: Provides a heady, buzzing high without heavy sedation—stimulates conversation, creative role-play, or energetic “romps.” Best for daytime encounters or when you want to stay awake and explore.
4. Bubblegum Kush
- Type: Hybrid (Indica-leaning)
- Primary Effects: Bliss, sensuality, stress relief, bodily comfort
- Why for Sex: Famous for lush, sweet aroma and a balanced high—relaxes muscles while keeping the mind present. Promotes playful, affectionate touch and a soft, open mood. Many report longer, more intense orgasms.
5. Wedding Cake (Triangle Mints #23)
- Type: Indica-dominant hybrid
- Primary Effects: Euphoria, arousal, bodily relaxation, giggles
- Why for Sex: Popular for its dessert-like flavor, mental uplift, and a spelled-out sense of warmth and comfort. This strain both relaxes physically and enhances mood—perfect for steamy evenings.
6. Blue Dream
- Type: Balanced hybrid
- Primary Effects: Balance, invigoration, gentle relaxation, brightness
- Why for Sex: Famous for not being too overwhelming in either direction—dreamy, balanced, creative. Blue Dream boosts physical pleasure while keeping you relaxed but not sleepy. A top pick for “all-purpose” lovers.
7. Mimosa
- Type: Sativa-dominant hybrid
- Primary Effects: Euphoria, stimulation, engagement, tingles
- Why for Sex: With a vibrant, citrus profile and just the right degree of mental stimulation, Mimosa is brilliant for morning or brunch “love sessions.” Heightens touch, deepens eye contact, and sparks conversation.
8. Trainwreck
- Type: Sativa-leaning hybrid
- Primary Effects: Stimulation, creativity, body buzz
- Why for Sex: Combines strong cerebral energy with a tingly body feel—think playful experiments, guilty pleasures, and dynamic “bedroom innovation.” May prolong pleasure and intensify orgasms.
9. Zkittlez
- Type: Indica-dominant hybrid
- Primary Effects: Relaxation, arousal, happy mood
- Why for Sex: Sweet, candy-like taste makes foreplay flavorful. The mental effect is soft and dreamy, perfect for winding down while keeping the spark alive. Enhances taste, smell, and sensitive touch.
10. Jack Herer
- Type: Sativa-dominant
- Primary Effects: Energizing, creative, clear-minded
- Why for Sex: Known for “head high” clarity and joyous, sparkly energy. Jack Herer is perfect for exploration, role play, and spontaneous connection—get lost in conversation (and each other).
How to Use Cannabis for Better Sex
As with everything, knowing the strains isn’t just enough. You need to know how to use them to get the best results from the best strains for sex:
1. Start with the Context
Set the mood. Clean the space. Dim the lights, put on music, and create space for playfulness and connection. Aromatherapy candles or sensual playlists can enhance the effect.
2. Choose the Right Dose
The right dose is less than you think! A shared joint with your partner or two hits from a vaporizer is usually enough—too much will dull sensation or send you to sleep. If using edibles, dose very carefully and plan ahead.
3. Consider Topicals
Cannabis-infused lubricants and sensual oils (such as those using coconut oil and full-spectrum extract) can be applied directly to the genitals or massage targets. These generally don’t get you “high” systemically, but can increase local blood flow and sensitivity—especially for those with vaginas.
4. Play With Sensations
Try new foreplay—icy or warming touch, feathers, massage oils. Cannabis often makes textures and sensations more profound. Explore what feels good and communicate openly.
5. Stay Hydrated
Cannabis dries the mouth (and sometimes other places). Keep water or non-alcoholic drinks handy, and if dryness is an issue, have extra lube nearby.
6. Focus on Connection
Let cannabis tune you into your own body and your partner’s responses. Slow down, pay attention to breath, touch, and the emotional landscape. The best cannabis for sex helps you savor, not rush.
Tips, Safety, and Consent
- Discuss boundaries and preferences ahead of time with your partner.
- Check for allergies to cannabis, terpenes, or any lube ingredients before using topicals.
- Never use cannabis with anyone non-consenting or underage.
- Avoid combining with alcohol or pharmaceuticals that can worsen disorientation or risk.
- Start slow—if one strain doesn’t work, try another with slightly different properties or terpenes.
- Aftercare matters—cuddle, check in, and snack together to complete the experience.
Common Concerns and FAQs
Can cannabis make me too anxious for sex?
Yes, if the dose or strain is wrong for you, it can heighten self-consciousness, detachment, or performance anxiety—especially high-THC, racy sativas. If you know you’re sensitive, try lower-THC strains or mix in some CBD-dominant flower.
Can it improve orgasm intensity?
Many users report stronger, longer, or “whole-body” orgasms—especially women and non-binary people—citing heightened sensitivity and mind-body connection. Not everyone will respond this way.
Is it safe to use infused lube?
Generally, yes, but only with properly formulated products using food-safe, non-irritating carrier oils; beware of allergies or interactions with latex. Do not use oil-based lube with latex condoms, as it can degrade them.
How can I avoid being “too high”?
Dose carefully—start with just one or two puffs, wait, and see. If you feel anxious or over-stoned, hydrate, slow down, and let time work; CBD can also help soften THC effects.
Conclusion
The fusion of cannabis and sexuality is as old as any love song, newly invigorated by the flowering of legal access, breeding, and body-positivity. The best weed strains for sex are those that invite curiosity, ease, connection, and joy.
There is no single “sex strain”—just the one that allows you to relax, open up, laugh, and be fully in the moment with yourself or your partner.
As with all things cannabis, mindful exploration is key. Use this as a guide to begin, but let your own desires, chemistry, and creativity lead the way. The next time you set out to create intimacy, consider how a touch of green could help you see stars—or even your own personal northern lights—between the sheets.