Couples typically add spice to the bedroom with bendy sex positions, erotic kinks, or vibrating toys. Now, there’s growing research that CBD from hemp can potentially bring another new dimension to one’s intimate life. CBD, otherwise known as cannabidiol, is an active botanical compound found in the Cannabis sativa plant that, among other purported benefits, has been touted as a way to support your libido while promoting relaxation.* The CBD marketplace for sex products has been booming with oils, oral sprays, lotions, lubricants, capsules, and edibles to meet your desires. Hemp CBD gummies—a form of edible made with a concentrated cannabidiol oil from hemp extracts—are one method for consumption that’s become popular because of how discreet and convenient they are. Ahead, your guide to choosing the best CBD gummies for sex. First things first: Hemp, by legal definition in the U.S., is composed of less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound found in cannabis. Meaning? Using hemp CBD gummies won’t make you feel “high.” But we do know CBD can evoke a relaxation state and enhance your mood, all of which play key roles in having satisfying sex.* “Several studies have shown that when taken orally, CBD can help reduce the stress hormone cortisol1. It can also act in the brain, working on the serotonin system and the GABA system, which are both related to anxiousness and stress levels2,”* Julie Moltke, M.D., a medical doctor with a focus on mental health and the author of A Quick Guide to CBD, previously told mbg. “By interacting with these neurotransmitter systems and the stress hormone cortisol, CBD is able to lower stress.”* When you’re more relaxed and in a better mood, you’re able to better enjoy and be present in your sexual experiences. And when people feel less apprehensive about sex, it can also lead to more confidence and freedom in the bedroom. Research has also revealed that phytocannabinoids like CBD interact with the endocannabinoid system, aka the body’s “master regulatory system” that has receptors all over the body—including in our reproductive organs and skin. And while the presence of the lock (receptors) and key (CBD) mechanism in our sexual organs could suggest that taking a CBD supplement orally could activate feeling and perhaps support arousal in these areas, more research is needed to prove that theory. Because of these promising findings, some companies have begun to develop CBD gummies meant to support people’s pleasure endeavors.* And anecdotally, some customers seem pleased: Dennis Mistrioty, CEO of BATCH CBD, says several customers have reported using their CBD gummies for an extra kick to their sex life. “Some people have found that CBD reduces performance anxiety2, which allows them to be more present and prolong their experience. Others have found that CBD offers enhanced sexual pleasure, especially with full-spectrum products,”* he tells mbg, though notably, research has yet to definitively prove these specific claims. What makes these CBD Calming Gummies stand out from the rest is their thoughtful formula made with several relaxing ingredients that also happen to come with some potential extra kickbacks in the bedroom. One serving (two gummies) has 25 mg of a hemp extract blend, as well as additional cannabinoids CBG and CBN for an “entourage effect.” The formula also features ashwagandha, an ayurvedic herb that has been popularized for its soothing qualities as well as its potential to boost sex drive and fertility, and L-theanine, a calming amino acid naturally found in black and green tea that’s also known to support attention, cognitive function, and a sunnier mood.* You’ll also find other calming botanicals and bioactives like lemon balm, valerian, and GABA. Managing stress, upping relaxation, and feeling more present–together–are a powerful recipe for awakened desire. Notably, these gummies are broad-spectrum, meaning there are not even trace amounts of THC (like in full-spectrum hemp). Reviewers note they’re strong enough to help them with their hectic lifestyles yet gentle enough to take everyday. One reviewer says, “Both my husband and I take these especially if we are having a busy day and life gets in the way. They settle us down.”* Sourcing & Ingredients: cbdMD’s gummies are made from hemp plants grown in America, and they’re vegan-friendly, non-GMO, and gluten-free. The brand touts its clean ingredient list, and their products are made with organic sweeteners, oils, and juices. These broad-spectrum CBD gummies are also batch-tested to ensure they’re THC-free. Transparency: Each cbdMD product batch goes through in-house testing and third-party testing at ISO-accredited independent labs. Their COA lab results can be viewed here. Joy Organics’ products are developed to support sleep, focus, joint health, and balance, all of which can translate into more relaxation in the bedroom.* The Joy Organics Organic CBD Gummies come in two flavors (strawberry lemonade or green apple) and two strengths (10 mg or 25 mg of CBD per serving). Regardless of your pick, you’ll receive organic broad-spectrum hemp, which retains terpenes, flavonoids, and an array of cannabinoids (including CBD) to support the endocannabinoid system to achieve homeostasis in the body.* Sourcing & Ingredients: From working with organic farmers to carbon-free shipping, Joy Organics is mindful of maintaining highly eco-friendly practices. The brand is dedicated to environmental sustainability, offsetting 100% of carbon emissions.e. Joy Organics products are also USDA certified organic, and the brand works hard to only use the most natural ingredients. Transparency: Joy Organics’ COA lab results can be viewed here. Penguin goes above and beyond in showcasing its lab certifications and naturally grown methods. The brand opts for CBD isolate rather than broad- or full-spectrum hemp. Sourcing & Ingredients: Penguin is committed to keeping its products non-GMO and pesticide-free with pure, high-quality CBD. They source hemp from Oregon farms that use regenerative farming methods, and the brand uses a CO2 extraction process that preserves all of the terpenes and cannabinoids for their full-spectrum offerings. Transparency: Penguin’s COA lab results can be accessed via a QR code and viewed here. Although BATCH’s Gold Reserve Gummies don’t explicitly talk about libido in the product description, they recommend the product for sexual health in their emails and blogs with a large customer base that raves about the gummies for sexual perks.* The flavors come in a tangerine flavor and 30 per container, so you can try it out for the entire month. Sourcing & Ingredients: Made in-house, BATCH grows a hardy, full-spectrum hemp with a quality cannabinoid and terpene profile. The hemp is grown in Neillsville, Wisconsin, which has fertile land, natural spring water, and high-caliber soil. Transparency: BATCH’s products are third-party tested. You can search for the results of your batch here. Although not specifically made for sexual purposes, some customers have used Otterspace’s CBD gummies for sexual purposes. Reviewers rave about its ability to calm their mood and help with stress, two factors that can help with libido.* The CBD gummies have a simple ingredient list with minimal excipients or “other ingredients.” Each gummy has 25 mg of CBD and comes in a variety of yummy natural flavors, such as raspberry, blueberry, and mango. Sourcing & Ingredients: Otterspace’s hemp is made in the USA without any preservatives or fillers. Transparency: Otterspace has a simple, easy-to-read website with detailed instructions on dosage and clear ingredient lists, although no supplement facts label is available on the site. Products are rigorously third-party tested, and the company’s lab results can be viewed here. In addition to 15 mg of full-spectrum hemp, House of Wise’s Sex Gummies feature several ingredients that are thought to up the hotness factor in the bedroom, such as horny goat weed, maca root, and an Ayurvedic herb called ashwagandha to promote stamina, desire, and relaxation.* These CBD gummies for sex have many happy reviewers reporting improved sex lives and increased presence: “We’re always looking for new ways to spice it up. These gummies are the ticket,”* one reviewer raves. “Longer lasting and rich sensations, I highly recommend these. The naps afterward are gold.”* Sourcing & Ingredients: House of Wise’s hemp plants are locally grown on USDA-certified organic farms in Denver, Colorado. It takes care to avoid harsh chemicals, unnecessary additives and preservatives, and pesticide contamination in ingredients. Transparency: All of the brand’s products are third-party tested and independently verified. House of Wise’s certificate of quality assurance (COA) and lab results can be viewed here. According to Heather Jackson, CEO of cannabinoid research nonprofit Realm of Caring, CBD is generally nonaddictive and in fact, doesn’t bind to a specific receptor in the brain. “Because CBD modulates and regulates instead of simply binding, it does not produce addiction, habituation, tolerance, or reinforcement,” she previously told mbg. “Rather than requiring periodic increases to regain efficacy, once a person reaches ‘saturation,’ or their ‘subjective therapeutic dosing level,’ they can stay there and in some cases even decrease to a maintenance dose.” Thus, the key to safe CBD use is in the dosage. The right dosing is different for everyone and how each person metabolizes it. (For a helpful reference point, mindbodygreen internally categorizes less than 20 mg of hemp CBD as gentle, 20 to 39 mg of hemp CBD as moderate, and 40+ mg of hemp CBD as strong.) Moltke recommends “starting low and slow with a dose of around 15 mg of hemp-derived CBD and gradually working your way up.” Mistrioty agrees and recommends gradually increasing it until finding the minimum effective dosage, which is the smallest amount needed to produce the desired effects. “The ideal dosage of CBD can vary greatly from person to person, as everyone is unique and may have different needs and tolerances,” he notes. “It is important to keep in mind that the dosage that works for one person may not work for another, and it may take some trial and error to find the right dosage for you.” *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease
