The Big “O” on Cannabis

The Magic of the Big “O” orgasm

The magic that happens as you embark and finally roll over into the Big "O" orgasm is nothing short of spectacular. The surge of dopamine, serotonin, prolactin, estrogen, and testosterone are responsible for feelings of desire, euphoria, and arousal, while the release of endorphins, vasopressin, oxytocin and DHEA promote intimacy, bonding, pain relief and longevity.  

The spontaneous reward that comes as these ‘pleasure’ chemicals ravage our mind and body can teach us how to show up and stay present. If we could bottle up an orgasm, we certainly would.  

So what are you waiting for?

It is well known, especially for women, that pleasurable sex is as much about the brain as it is the body. The practice of pleasure, showing up and staying present, can not only induce prolonged intimacy but can lead to multiple oOrgasms.

Studying the Big “O” 

In her article, Here's What Happens to Your Brain When You Orgasm¹, Sofia Mitrokotas explored the use of MRI scans and shared some remarkable insights when it comes to the release of endorphins and hormones such as dopamine, oxytocin, prolactin, and vasopressin. Indeed, the MRI scans showed that with orgasmic climax neurotransmitters open and communicate spontaneously connecting pleasure through the mind and body.   

Not unlike eating a delicious meal, hearing a favorite song, or the mind opening freedom that can come with using cannabis or classical psychedelics, oOrgasmic pleasure triggers and stimulates reward pathways. The benefits of these magical, dancing hormones can promote intimacy and pleasure between partners. When compounded with kindness these bonds can strengthen romantic relationships. 

So if pleasurable sex does all this, why are we not prioritizing more and better sex? 

Tanya’s Tips: Spontaneous sex, while exciting, relies on at least one partner initiating. Try scheduling orgasmic pleasure and then build it into your weekly routines. 

No Place for Shame

Similar to the demonization of cannabis, the stranglehold of cultural and societal influences is often not enough to offset even the most powerful of hormones and chemical reactions that occur during oOrgasmic pleasure. 

Being free in our mind and body is not always easy.  If prone to a destructive inner voice or cultural shame and stigmas, then openly receiving pleasure may be challenging. Shame, when internalized, can disrupt how we feel and interact with pleasure and partners. 

Tanya’s Tips: Practicing pleasure without shame or stigma can free the mind to receive and enjoy pleasure.

Men and Women are Different

When it comes to sex and cannabis, one size does not fit all. When it comes to men and women, we are different. Mitigating factors such as age, sexual orientation, mindset, sexual experiences, relationship dynamics, physical disorders, libido, hormones, menopause, pregnancy, breastfeeding, stress, pain, etc., etc., can each disrupt your path to sexual health and wellness. All this before we even discuss the “pleasure gap” between men and women.

Although this gap has been firmly cemented through cultural and religious ideology, there is hope, my friend. Sociologist Kathleen Rowland⁶ found that “neither medical malady nor psychological condition but rather a result of our culture’s troubled relationship with women’s sexual expression” is at the root of this difference.

Similar to the legalization of cannabis, we have made great strides in accepting others, legalizing gay marriage, and cracking open the door to female sexuality. Our job now is to ensure this door stays open and the path to sexual freedom is cleared.

We have long understood that women have the upper hand when it comes to sex and Cumming. Our bodies are capable of multiple orgasms and once we get started, we can roll baby roll! Furthermore, men and women may not be created equal when it comes to cannabis. Although we are just getting around to being allowed to study the cannabis plant and its effects on the human mind and body, early studies suggest that while men’s libidos may lower with cannabis use, women experience the opposite effect. In a 2019 study published in Women’s Sexual Health, thanks to cannabis, women reported improvements in their libido, pleasure, and orgasms.

Tanya’s Tips: Women are capable of multiple rolling orgasms. Our ever-changing hormones, especially estrogen, interplay with THC at both CB1 and CB2 receptors. Using cannabis with intention, starting slow and tracking use can help you dial in pleasure. Learn more YestoSex Dancing with Cannabis, Estrogen and Orgasms 

Alcohol and Sex

Until very recently alcohol has been the darling of dates and romantic interludes. It has long been used to lower inhibitions and help get you in the mood. The trouble with alcohol, especially for mid-life women, is that it does not play well with fluctuating hormones.  

Despite initial stimulating feelings and elevated energy, tiredness can sneak up quickly while insomnia comes around later to disrupt sleep. Alcohol is classified as a depressant. It slows down the central nervous system (CNS) affecting brain activity, causing drowsiness and reduced inhibitions. While initial doses can spike dopamine triggering those first feelings of energy and well-being this high is difficult to maintain and before you know it, you're in no position to be conversing much less enjoying oOrgasmic sex.  

While alcohol’s overall effect and reduction in brain activity make it less than ideal when paired with sex, cannabis can stimulate and trigger CB1 and CB2 receptors and help rather than inhibit the connectivity between neurotransmitters.  

Tanya’s Tips: Alcohol, while it may get you in the mood and lower inhibitions, it is not necessarily your friend when it comes to prolonged sexual pleasure. Try swapping cannabis for alcohol and see where the night takes you. Remember to start slow, track your dosing, and practice, practice, practice. 

Mind, Body, and Cannabis

When it comes to cannabis and sex, one of the key benefits comes with the ability to ‘free your mind’.  In his book, How to Change Your Mind, Michael Pollan⁸ speaks to the “importance of forgetting” and staying present. Recent research suggests that the naturally occurring neurotransmitter anandamide, an endogenous cannabinoid also known as ‘the body’s own marijuana’, helps to calm the stress response, lowers cortisol, and ultimately, helps us erase traumatic memories. Cannabidiol (CBD) boosts the production of this trauma-soothing molecule, and THC mimics it, interacting with the same receptors.

While we are only beginning to understand the biological mechanisms and dance between sex and cannabis, we have discovered that the part of the brain associated with pleasure and reward is the same part that responds positively to erotic stimuli. This suggests that the THC in cannabis reacts to the same receptors as sex. It can intensify the desire to experience pleasure resulting in arousal, focus, and the ability to stay present and in the mood. 

Tanya’s Tips: oOYes Edible Sex Play lubes and elixirs are designed to be used topically on private parts, while the oOYes Sex Quiz can playfully open communication and encourage partnered SexPlay.

Moderation is Key

Research has shown that women who include cannabis in their sex play experienced increased pleasure, studies have yet to demonstrate the optimal cannabis potency, ratios, strains, or infused products certain to deliver a predictable high. Like sex, it will take experimentation, an open mind, and plenty of practice to consistently hit that ‘sweet spot’.

Unlike great sex, moderation is key.

Those of us who have mindfully blended cannabis into sex play join the choir of anecdotal reporting singing the praises of cannabis and sex. As a cannagasmic warrior, you also learn that more is not always better. The key is to start slow and track your dosage relative to sensation then practice, practice, practice. This with understanding that great sex happens as much in your head as your body.  

Sex and drugs are not always predictable. It is important to open communication around consent and pleasure. If you are practicing with a partner, you can track and practice together to elevate a mutual experience. 

When smoking, vaping, or ingesting cannabis edibles, remember that a little goes a long way. Getting too high can cause the opposite to your desired effect leaving you dazed, confused, or laughing uncontrollably. When it comes to topical use, edible sex play lubes and massage oils, you have more leeway to experiment and less risk of overdoing it. The mouth and vulva are both vessels rich in mucus membranes ready to deliver cannabis to the bloodstream.

Tanya’s Tips: Start slow and track your dosing. If new to cannabis and want to dial in that 'sweet spot' before introducing to partner's play, practice dosing first for self-pleasure.  

A Guide for Cannabis Use

Whether you choose to smoke, eat, or rub infused cannabis products onto your private parts, the fun part will be experimenting with what combination works best for you. We are not all created equally when it comes to dosage and the effects of cannabis. Regular users will build a tolerance that can only be broken by time off, while virgin users may feel the effects come on quickly and unpredictably.

A safe place to start is topicals such as infused lubes and oils. Topicals can be applied directly to private parts, localizing your cannagasm while exciting the mind with a new experience. It is recommended to allow up to 20 minutes for edible sex play topicals to seep into mucous membranes and hit the bloodstream. Adding smoking or vaping to the mix can ‘free your mind’ and allow you to manage and enjoy immediate effects. 

Remember, ‘moderation is key.’ When experimenting with edibles, less is often more. Microdosing is always an option as you learn how to dial in your sweet spot. As the edibles kick in, you will know it's coming as all your senses become elevated, and taste, smell, and touch may trigger increased excitement. Unlike smoking, edibles can take time to kick in, so plan your foreplay accordingly. Don’t eat the entire chocolate bar; it is sure to sneak up on you!

While CBD/CBG infused ecstatic sex products like oOYes can be purchased online or at boutique retail stores, THC-dominant products can only be purchased at licensed dispensaries. When shopping at a dispensary, budtenders can help guide you through the ideal strain, concentrate, or edible to mix with sex. 

Tanya’s Tips: A Guide to Sex and Cannabis : Dosing, Delivery Methods and Strains

Choosing Cannabis for Sex

While opening your mind and body to explore cannabis with sex may start with choosing and experimenting with a suggested flower, edible or topical, it is also about bringing new and exciting play into your sex life. Whether solo or with a partner, giving yourself permission to fall deep into your sexuality and awareness can elevate the use of substances such as cannabis or micro-dosed psychedelics.

As with all substances and sex, it is important to discuss ground rules and consent with your partner before consumption.

Sources

1. Here's What Happens To Your Brain When You Orgasm. 2019. Sofia Mitrokotas, Bussiness Insider. Science Alert.

2. https://www.cannabismuseum.com/aphrodisiacs-included-cannabis-extracts/

3. Both S. (2017). Recent Developments in Psychopharmaceutical Approaches to Treating Female Sexual Interest and Arousal Disorder. Current sexual health reports, 9(4), 192–199. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-017-0124-3

4. Michael R. Aldrich (1977) Tantric Cannabis Use in India, Journal of Psychedelic Drugs, 9:3, 227-233, DOI: 10.1080/02791072.1977.10472053

5. Why and when did marijuana become illegal? 2021. Matan Weil. The Cannigma

6. https://www.katherinerowland.com/about

7. Cannabis and Culture World Anthropology, Vera Rubin ISBN 3110812061, 9783110812060

8. How to Change Your Mind, Michael Pollen

9. Understanding sexual arousal and subjective–genital arousal desynchrony in women