There’s CBD in your deodorant, your serum, and your toothpaste. Your grandma’s using it for her arthritis. Even IKEA put CBD in meatballs (ew, but OK). The “green boom” and legalization of cannabis across many states has resulted in the normalization of hemp-based supplements and the mainstream embracing CBD.
Chances are, you’ve also seen an explosion of CBD topicals (lubricants, creams, gels, and suppositories) and ingestibles (capsules, gummies, and tinctures/oils) geared towards boosting your sex life and sexual wellness.
As it turns out, there are a number of applications cannabidiol can have in the bedroom, from managing your hormones to alleviating pain, and even to increase your libido.
The Global Sexual Wellness Market size is expected to reach $125.1 billion by 2026 (1), according to Research and Markets, rising at a market growth of 12.4% CAGR during the forecast period.
While the research on CBD and other cannabinoids supporting sexual wellbeing is still in its infancy for both clinical and personal use cases, there is research that shows the endocannabinoid system does have heavy receptor sites in both male and female reproductive systems. For this reason and from the anecdotal evidence from reported use cases, there could be a role cannabinoids play in elevating the sexual wellness market.
How Cannabinoids May Support Sexual Wellbeing:
According to a 2009 article published in the journal Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences (2), researchers have found ECS receptors in male sexual reproductive organs, such as the testicles.
The female reproductive system has a cannabinoid receptor called TRPA1, found in the clitoris (3). When activated this receptor causes an increase in nitric oxide. This in turn causes an increase in blood flow. CBD can activate TRPA1 (4) receptors, leading to increased blood flow and producing an enhanced sensitivity.
CBD has both been shown to have vasodilatory effects (5), meaning they can help promote blood flow to the areas in which they are applied.
Further studies show that the endocannabinoid system is involved in managing stress, blood circulation, pain, and many other factors that, directly or indirectly, may affect our experience in the bedroom.
Finally, there’s a solid body of anecdotal evidence, from men and women alike, on the potential for heightened arousal and sensitivity with cannabis-enable lubricant products. Many people also find that cannabis products (such as edibles, tinctures, and vapes) help them get into the right headspace for sex by lowering their inhibition and reducing feelings of nervousness
The Market Opportunity: Cannabinoid-Based Lubes
Lube could be a game-changer for women experiencing perimenopause or menopause, phases that include lower sex drive, vaginal dryness, and discomfort during sex. For men, being well-lubricated can enhance pleasure and prevent vaginal abrasions and penile friction burns. Some medicines, as well as being anxious or stressed out, can interfere with a pleasurable sexual experience. Bonus for everyone: lube can help sex last longer and feel better.
Cannabis vs CBD Lube:
Cannabis and CBD lubricants are different, and it’s important to understand their distinctions in order to properly manage your expectations when experimenting with either.
- Cannabis lube usually contains a mix of THC, CBD, and other compounds present in cannabis.
- CBD lube, on the other hand, typically does not contain THC and is derived from hemp.
CBD lubes, like any other cannabis topical, deliver cannabinoids and other compounds directly to receptors in the skin. In doing so, they may produce a wide variety of effects, including:
- Heightened arousal: Studies have established a clear link between endocannabinoid levels and arousal (6), particularly in women. By interacting with the endocannabinoid system, cannabis/CBD lubes (and other cannabis products) may help us “get in the mood” for sex.
- Vasodilation: As mentioned previously, CBD has both been shown to have vasodilatory effects (5), meaning they can help promote blood flow to the areas in which they are applied.
- Soothing effects: Cannabinoids are revered for their soothing properties and immunomodulatory potential (7). These effects may help people who experience pain during any part of sex.
- Increased sensitivity: By increasing blood flow to the genitals, cannabis lubes can enhance sensitivity, in a positive way.
- Relaxation: Some people find CBD lubes to promote muscle relaxation, which may help stimulate arousal by improving blood flow (thanks to their vasodilatory effects).
While research is lacking, enthusiasm in CBD and sexual wellness is not. The fading stigma attached to sexual experimentation is a key factor boosting market growth. Additionally, the convenience of e-commerce also enables consumers to opt for sexual wellness offerings without having to pay for such products at the checkout counter.
With interest in CBD soaring and the sexual wellness market also on the up and up, the niche CBD sexual wellness category could very well crack the mass market. Many cutting-edge brands are developing cannabinoid-enabled products, to help address conditions related to sexual wellness — see below for a few innovative market examples.
Cannabinoid-Enabled Market Examples:
Smooth Operator is Aloe-Vera based and condom safe. Formulated using full-spectrum CBD hemp oil, this lube could help increase blood flow, decrease inflammation and pain, and promote relaxation. Quim recommends applying the serum at least five minutes before play. As a bonus, Smooth Operator is 100 percent organic and vegan.
Manna Molecular Sciences – Manna Vella
Manna Vella was developed by the same urologist who leads the clinical trials for Viagra. He decided to turn his attention to female sexual health and teamed up with Manna Molecular, a scientifically responsible company that uses pharmaceutical-grade whole-plant cannabis and proprietary delivery methods. Manna Vella is a serum that can be used as a vaginal moisturizer and lubricant. It also contains hemp-based CBD (cannabidiol), which is the non-psychoactive component of cannabis. Utilizing the smooth muscle relaxing properties of CBD, Manna Vella was designed to enhance arousal.
Works Cited:
1) Marqual IT Solutions Pvt. Ltd (KBV Research). (2020, December). Global Sexual Wellness Market By Product, By Distribution Channel, By End User, By Region, Industry Analysis and Forecast, 2020 – 2026 (No. 5233829). Research and Markets. https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/5233829/global-sexual-wellness-market-by-product-by?utm_source=BW&utm_medium=PressRelease&utm_code=nc7w7d&utm_campaign=1487427+-+Global+Sexual+Wellness+Market+Analysis+and+Forecast%2c+2020-2026%3a+Market+Size+is+Expected+to+Reach+%24125.1+Billion+by+2026%2c+Rising+at+a+12.4%25+CAGR&utm_exec=chdo54prd
2) Fasano, S., Meccariello, R., Cobellis, G., Chianese, R., Cacciola, G., Chioccarelli, T., & Pierantoni, R. (2009). The Endocannabinoid System: An Ancient Signaling Involved in the Control of Male Fertility. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. Published. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.04437
3) Ückert S, Albrecht K, Bannowsky A, Sohn M, Kuczyk MA, Hedlund P. Expression and distribution of the transient receptor potential cationic channel A1 (TRPA1) in the human clitoris-comparison to male penile erectile tissue. Int J Impot Res. 2017 Sep;29(5):179-183. doi: 10.1038/ijir.2017.15. Epub 2017 May 4. PMID: 28469181.
4) Muller C, Morales P, Reggio PH. Cannabinoid Ligands Targeting TRP Channels. Front Mol Neurosci. 2019 Jan 15;11:487. doi: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00487. PMID: 30697147; PMCID: PMC6340993.
5) Pacher, P., Bátkai, S., & Kunos, G. (2005). Cardiovascular pharmacology of cannabinoids. Handbook of experimental pharmacology, (168), 599–625. https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-26573-2_20
6) 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.1743-6109.2012.02708.x. Epub 2012 Mar 29. PMID: 22462722; PMCID: PMC3856894.
7) Nichols, J. M., & Kaplan, B. (2020). Immune Responses Regulated by Cannabidiol. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 5(1), 12–31. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2018.0073
There’s CBD in your deodorant, your serum, and your toothpaste. Your grandma’s using it for her arthritis. Even IKEA put CBD in meatballs (ew, but OK). The “green boom” and legalization of cannabis across many states has resulted in the normalization of hemp-based supplements and the mainstream embracing CBD.
Chances are, you’ve also seen an explosion of CBD topicals (lubricants, creams, gels, and suppositories) and ingestibles (capsules, gummies, and tinctures/oils) geared towards boosting your sex life and sexual wellness.
As it turns out, there are a number of applications cannabidiol can have in the bedroom, from managing your hormones to alleviating pain, and even to increase your libido.
The Global Sexual Wellness Market size is expected to reach $125.1 billion by 2026 (1), according to Research and Markets, rising at a market growth of 12.4% CAGR during the forecast period.
While the research on CBD and other cannabinoids supporting sexual wellbeing is still in its infancy for both clinical and personal use cases, there is research that shows the endocannabinoid system does have heavy receptor sites in both male and female reproductive systems. For this reason and from the anecdotal evidence from reported use cases, there could be a role cannabinoids play in elevating the sexual wellness market.
How Cannabinoids May Support Sexual Wellbeing:
According to a 2009 article published in the journal Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences (2), researchers have found ECS receptors in male sexual reproductive organs, such as the testicles.
The female reproductive system has a cannabinoid receptor called TRPA1, found in the clitoris (3). When activated this receptor causes an increase in nitric oxide. This in turn causes an increase in blood flow. CBD can activate TRPA1 (4) receptors, leading to increased blood flow and producing an enhanced sensitivity.
CBD has both been shown to have vasodilatory effects (5), meaning they can help promote blood flow to the areas in which they are applied.
Further studies show that the endocannabinoid system is involved in managing stress, blood circulation, pain, and many other factors that, directly or indirectly, may affect our experience in the bedroom.
Finally, there’s a solid body of anecdotal evidence, from men and women alike, on the potential for heightened arousal and sensitivity with cannabis-enable lubricant products. Many people also find that cannabis products (such as edibles, tinctures, and vapes) help them get into the right headspace for sex by lowering their inhibition and reducing feelings of nervousness
The Market Opportunity: Cannabinoid-Based Lubes
Lube could be a game-changer for women experiencing perimenopause or menopause, phases that include lower sex drive, vaginal dryness, and discomfort during sex. For men, being well-lubricated can enhance pleasure and prevent vaginal abrasions and penile friction burns. Some medicines, as well as being anxious or stressed out, can interfere with a pleasurable sexual experience. Bonus for everyone: lube can help sex last longer and feel better.
Cannabis vs CBD Lube:
Cannabis and CBD lubricants are different, and it’s important to understand their distinctions in order to properly manage your expectations when experimenting with either.
- Cannabis lube usually contains a mix of THC, CBD, and other compounds present in cannabis.
- CBD lube, on the other hand, typically does not contain THC and is derived from hemp.
CBD lubes, like any other cannabis topical, deliver cannabinoids and other compounds directly to receptors in the skin. In doing so, they may produce a wide variety of effects, including:
- Heightened arousal: Studies have established a clear link between endocannabinoid levels and arousal (6), particularly in women. By interacting with the endocannabinoid system, cannabis/CBD lubes (and other cannabis products) may help us “get in the mood” for sex.
- Vasodilation: As mentioned previously, CBD has both been shown to have vasodilatory effects (5), meaning they can help promote blood flow to the areas in which they are applied.
- Soothing effects: Cannabinoids are revered for their soothing properties and immunomodulatory potential (7). These effects may help people who experience pain during any part of sex.
- Increased sensitivity: By increasing blood flow to the genitals, cannabis lubes can enhance sensitivity, in a positive way.
- Relaxation: Some people find CBD lubes to promote muscle relaxation, which may help stimulate arousal by improving blood flow (thanks to their vasodilatory effects).
While research is lacking, enthusiasm in CBD and sexual wellness is not. The fading stigma attached to sexual experimentation is a key factor boosting market growth. Additionally, the convenience of e-commerce also enables consumers to opt for sexual wellness offerings without having to pay for such products at the checkout counter.
With interest in CBD soaring and the sexual wellness market also on the up and up, the niche CBD sexual wellness category could very well crack the mass market. Many cutting-edge brands are developing cannabinoid-enabled products, to help address conditions related to sexual wellness — see below for a few innovative market examples.
Cannabinoid-Enabled Market Examples:
Smooth Operator is Aloe-Vera based and condom safe. Formulated using full-spectrum CBD hemp oil, this lube could help increase blood flow, decrease inflammation and pain, and promote relaxation. Quim recommends applying the serum at least five minutes before play. As a bonus, Smooth Operator is 100 percent organic and vegan.
Manna Molecular Sciences – Manna Vella
Manna Vella was developed by the same urologist who leads the clinical trials for Viagra. He decided to turn his attention to female sexual health and teamed up with Manna Molecular, a scientifically responsible company that uses pharmaceutical-grade whole-plant cannabis and proprietary delivery methods. Manna Vella is a serum that can be used as a vaginal moisturizer and lubricant. It also contains hemp-based CBD (cannabidiol), which is the non-psychoactive component of cannabis. Utilizing the smooth muscle relaxing properties of CBD, Manna Vella was designed to enhance arousal.
Works Cited:
1) Marqual IT Solutions Pvt. Ltd (KBV Research). (2020, December). Global Sexual Wellness Market By Product, By Distribution Channel, By End User, By Region, Industry Analysis and Forecast, 2020 – 2026 (No. 5233829). Research and Markets. https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/5233829/global-sexual-wellness-market-by-product-by?utm_source=BW&utm_medium=PressRelease&utm_code=nc7w7d&utm_campaign=1487427+-+Global+Sexual+Wellness+Market+Analysis+and+Forecast%2c+2020-2026%3a+Market+Size+is+Expected+to+Reach+%24125.1+Billion+by+2026%2c+Rising+at+a+12.4%25+CAGR&utm_exec=chdo54prd
2) Fasano, S., Meccariello, R., Cobellis, G., Chianese, R., Cacciola, G., Chioccarelli, T., & Pierantoni, R. (2009). The Endocannabinoid System: An Ancient Signaling Involved in the Control of Male Fertility. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. Published. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.04437
3) Ückert S, Albrecht K, Bannowsky A, Sohn M, Kuczyk MA, Hedlund P. Expression and distribution of the transient receptor potential cationic channel A1 (TRPA1) in the human clitoris-comparison to male penile erectile tissue. Int J Impot Res. 2017 Sep;29(5):179-183. doi: 10.1038/ijir.2017.15. Epub 2017 May 4. PMID: 28469181.
4) Muller C, Morales P, Reggio PH. Cannabinoid Ligands Targeting TRP Channels. Front Mol Neurosci. 2019 Jan 15;11:487. doi: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00487. PMID: 30697147; PMCID: PMC6340993.
5) Pacher, P., Bátkai, S., & Kunos, G. (2005). Cardiovascular pharmacology of cannabinoids. Handbook of experimental pharmacology, (168), 599–625. https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-26573-2_20
6) 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.1743-6109.2012.02708.x. Epub 2012 Mar 29. PMID: 22462722; PMCID: PMC3856894.
7) Nichols, J. M., & Kaplan, B. (2020). Immune Responses Regulated by Cannabidiol. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 5(1), 12–31. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2018.0073
There’s CBD in your deodorant, your serum, and your toothpaste. Your grandma’s using it for her arthritis. Even IKEA put CBD in meatballs (ew, but OK). The “green boom” and legalization of cannabis across many states has resulted in the normalization of hemp-based supplements and the mainstream embracing CBD.
Chances are, you’ve also seen an explosion of CBD topicals (lubricants, creams, gels, and suppositories) and ingestibles (capsules, gummies, and tinctures/oils) geared towards boosting your sex life and sexual wellness.
As it turns out, there are a number of applications cannabidiol can have in the bedroom, from managing your hormones to alleviating pain, and even to increase your libido.
The Global Sexual Wellness Market size is expected to reach $125.1 billion by 2026 (1), according to Research and Markets, rising at a market growth of 12.4% CAGR during the forecast period.
While the research on CBD and other cannabinoids supporting sexual wellbeing is still in its infancy for both clinical and personal use cases, there is research that shows the endocannabinoid system does have heavy receptor sites in both male and female reproductive systems. For this reason and from the anecdotal evidence from reported use cases, there could be a role cannabinoids play in elevating the sexual wellness market.
How Cannabinoids May Support Sexual Wellbeing:
According to a 2009 article published in the journal Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences (2), researchers have found ECS receptors in male sexual reproductive organs, such as the testicles.
The female reproductive system has a cannabinoid receptor called TRPA1, found in the clitoris (3). When activated this receptor causes an increase in nitric oxide. This in turn causes an increase in blood flow. CBD can activate TRPA1 (4) receptors, leading to increased blood flow and producing an enhanced sensitivity.
CBD has both been shown to have vasodilatory effects (5), meaning they can help promote blood flow to the areas in which they are applied.
Further studies show that the endocannabinoid system is involved in managing stress, blood circulation, pain, and many other factors that, directly or indirectly, may affect our experience in the bedroom.
Finally, there’s a solid body of anecdotal evidence, from men and women alike, on the potential for heightened arousal and sensitivity with cannabis-enable lubricant products. Many people also find that cannabis products (such as edibles, tinctures, and vapes) help them get into the right headspace for sex by lowering their inhibition and reducing feelings of nervousness
The Market Opportunity: Cannabinoid-Based Lubes
Lube could be a game-changer for women experiencing perimenopause or menopause, phases that include lower sex drive, vaginal dryness, and discomfort during sex. For men, being well-lubricated can enhance pleasure and prevent vaginal abrasions and penile friction burns. Some medicines, as well as being anxious or stressed out, can interfere with a pleasurable sexual experience. Bonus for everyone: lube can help sex last longer and feel better.
Cannabis vs CBD Lube:
Cannabis and CBD lubricants are different, and it’s important to understand their distinctions in order to properly manage your expectations when experimenting with either.
- Cannabis lube usually contains a mix of THC, CBD, and other compounds present in cannabis.
- CBD lube, on the other hand, typically does not contain THC and is derived from hemp.
CBD lubes, like any other cannabis topical, deliver cannabinoids and other compounds directly to receptors in the skin. In doing so, they may produce a wide variety of effects, including:
- Heightened arousal: Studies have established a clear link between endocannabinoid levels and arousal (6), particularly in women. By interacting with the endocannabinoid system, cannabis/CBD lubes (and other cannabis products) may help us “get in the mood” for sex.
- Vasodilation: As mentioned previously, CBD has both been shown to have vasodilatory effects (5), meaning they can help promote blood flow to the areas in which they are applied.
- Soothing effects: Cannabinoids are revered for their soothing properties and immunomodulatory potential (7). These effects may help people who experience pain during any part of sex.
- Increased sensitivity: By increasing blood flow to the genitals, cannabis lubes can enhance sensitivity, in a positive way.
- Relaxation: Some people find CBD lubes to promote muscle relaxation, which may help stimulate arousal by improving blood flow (thanks to their vasodilatory effects).
While research is lacking, enthusiasm in CBD and sexual wellness is not. The fading stigma attached to sexual experimentation is a key factor boosting market growth. Additionally, the convenience of e-commerce also enables consumers to opt for sexual wellness offerings without having to pay for such products at the checkout counter.
With interest in CBD soaring and the sexual wellness market also on the up and up, the niche CBD sexual wellness category could very well crack the mass market. Many cutting-edge brands are developing cannabinoid-enabled products, to help address conditions related to sexual wellness — see below for a few innovative market examples.
Cannabinoid-Enabled Market Examples:
Smooth Operator is Aloe-Vera based and condom safe. Formulated using full-spectrum CBD hemp oil, this lube could help increase blood flow, decrease inflammation and pain, and promote relaxation. Quim recommends applying the serum at least five minutes before play. As a bonus, Smooth Operator is 100 percent organic and vegan.
Manna Molecular Sciences – Manna Vella
Manna Vella was developed by the same urologist who leads the clinical trials for Viagra. He decided to turn his attention to female sexual health and teamed up with Manna Molecular, a scientifically responsible company that uses pharmaceutical-grade whole-plant cannabis and proprietary delivery methods. Manna Vella is a serum that can be used as a vaginal moisturizer and lubricant. It also contains hemp-based CBD (cannabidiol), which is the non-psychoactive component of cannabis. Utilizing the smooth muscle relaxing properties of CBD, Manna Vella was designed to enhance arousal.
Made with broad-spectrum hemp-derived CBD and organic botanicals, this lube is designed to support blood flow and increase sensation and lubrication. It also features 9 plant-based aphrodisiacs.
Works Cited:
- Marqual IT Solutions Pvt. Ltd (KBV Research). (2020, December). Global Sexual Wellness Market By Product, By Distribution Channel, By End User, By Region, Industry Analysis and Forecast, 2020 – 2026 (No. 5233829). Research and Markets. https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/5233829/global-sexual-wellness-market-by-product-by?utm_source=BW&utm_medium=PressRelease&utm_code=nc7w7d&utm_campaign=1487427+-+Global+Sexual+Wellness+Market+Analysis+and+Forecast%2c+2020-2026%3a+Market+Size+is+Expected+to+Reach+%24125.1+Billion+by+2026%2c+Rising+at+a+12.4%25+CAGR&utm_exec=chdo54prd
- Fasano, S., Meccariello, R., Cobellis, G., Chianese, R., Cacciola, G., Chioccarelli, T., & Pierantoni, R. (2009). The Endocannabinoid System: An Ancient Signaling Involved in the Control of Male Fertility. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. Published. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.04437
- Ückert S, Albrecht K, Bannowsky A, Sohn M, Kuczyk MA, Hedlund P. Expression and distribution of the transient receptor potential cationic channel A1 (TRPA1) in the human clitoris-comparison to male penile erectile tissue. Int J Impot Res. 2017 Sep;29(5):179-183. doi: 10.1038/ijir.2017.15. Epub 2017 May 4. PMID: 28469181.
- Muller C, Morales P, Reggio PH. Cannabinoid Ligands Targeting TRP Channels. Front Mol Neurosci. 2019 Jan 15;11:487. doi: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00487. PMID: 30697147; PMCID: PMC6340993.
- Pacher, P., Bátkai, S., & Kunos, G. (2005). Cardiovascular pharmacology of cannabinoids. Handbook of experimental pharmacology, (168), 599–625. https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-26573-2_20
- 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.1743-6109.2012.02708.x. Epub 2012 Mar 29. PMID: 22462722; PMCID: PMC3856894.
- Nichols, J. M., & Kaplan, B. (2020). Immune Responses Regulated by Cannabidiol. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 5(1), 12–31. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2018.0073
