Cannabis Lube and CBD Lube: Everything You Need To Know

Cannabis can enhance the sound of music, the taste of food, and even the pleasure of sex. Cannabis lubes have become a recent hit all around the world for their ability to relieve tension, enhance sensitivity, and promote arousal.

Keep reading to learn how to use cannabis and CBD lube to spice things up in the bedroom.

What Is Cannabis Lube?

Cannabis lube is, you guessed it, lubricant infused with the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds found in cannabis. Cannabis lubes typically come in two forms: oils, which have a similar texture and consistency to massage oil, and gels, which more closely represent the lube you’d find at a pharmacy.

Cannabis lubes have become increasingly popular over the last couple of years as the topical benefits of cannabis have made their impact on the global cosmetics industry.

• What About CBD Lube?

CBD lube is a lubricant enriched with cannabidiol and other non-intoxicating compounds derived from hemp. Because CBD lubes don’t contain THC, they are typically more readily available, since hemp isn’t as strictly regulated as other types of cannabis.

How Do Cannabis Lubes Work?

Cannabis 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:

• Arousal: Studies have investigated the link between endocannabinoid levels and arousal,^[1] particularly in women. By interacting with the endocannabinoid system, cannabis/CBD lubes (and other cannabis products) may impact levels of sexual arousal.

• Vasodilation: THC and CBD have both been shown to have vasodilatory effects^[2], meaning they may affect blood flow to the areas at which they are applied.

• Impact on sensation: CBD, THC, and other cannabis compounds are being studied for their analgesic and immunomodulatory potential.^[3]

• Increased sensitivity: By increasing blood flow to the genitals, cannabis lubes can sometimes leave you more sensitive, in a very good way!

You might be reading this and wondering how cannabis lube can manage to have such a wide variety of effects. This comes down to the fact that the active compounds in cannabis lube interact with our endocannabinoid system, a complex network of chemicals, receptors, and enzymes that mediates almost every biological process in our body.

Studies show, for example, 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.

There’s a solid body of anecdotal evidence, from men and women alike, on the potential for heightened arousal and sensitivity with cannabis lubes. Many people also use cannabis products (such as edibles, tinctures, and vapes) when heading for the bedroom, in preparation for sex.

Unfortunately, some people find that cannabis (especially high-THC cannabis flower/products) increases their anxiety, something we obviously don’t want to happen in the bedroom.

Luckily, that’s where cannabis lubricants come in. Cannabis lubes deliver cannabinoids like THC and CBD directly to receptors in the skin, without entering the bloodstream, meaning even lubes containing THC won’t produce that intoxicating high that we get from smoking, vaporizing, or eating weed.

Note: While anyone can enjoy the effects of cannabis or CBD lube, women seem to report more intense effects when applying cannabis lubricant to the labia and entrance of the vagina. This may be due to the fact that female genitalia is made up of more exposed mucous membranes.

Cannabis Lube vs CBD Lube

Remember, 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 usually derived from hemp.

What does this mean for you in the bedroom? Well, first and foremost, no cannabis lube (regardless of whether it contains THC or not) will get you high the same way smoking a joint will.

However, some people may find cannabis lube containing THC to have more obvious physiological effects (such as heightened arousal, sensitivity, and blood flow) than a CBD lubricant.

Is Cannabis Lube Safe for Sex?

Yes, any cannabis lube from a reputable retailer or made using a reliable home recipe is safe for sex. Just keep in mind that oil-based cannabis lubricants should not be used with latex condoms.

Does Cannabis Lube Get You High?

No, as we mentioned earlier, cannabis lube will not get you high (at least not in the same way as smoking a joint). Some people with a very low tolerance for THC may experience somewhat of a buzz from using cannabis lube, but, again, it's nothing compared to the intoxicating high associated with smoking or eating weed.

Note: THC-rich cannabis lube will definitely get you high when swallowed. Keep that in mind if you’re thinking of using THC lube during oral sex.

How To Make Cannabis Lube

If you’re not lucky enough to live in a legal cannabis market, and therefore can’t readily access cannabis or CBD lube, don’t fret. Making weed lube at home is super easy and safe; just follow this recipe:

Equipment for Cannabis Lube

- 16–18 grams viscous oil (like coconut oil)
- 18 grams decarboxylated buds or trim, or 1 gram of hash
- 1 tablespoon liquid sunflower lecithin
- Sieve and cheesecloth (for straining)
- 2 mason jars
- Saucepan (deep and wide enough to fit the mason jar)

Note: To decarb your bud or trim, grind to a medium consistency and bake in the oven at 110°C for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cannabis Lube: Step-by-Step Directions

1. Place your decarboxylated weed or hash into a mason jar with the oil and sunflower lecithin; screw on the lid.
2. Place the mason jar inside the saucepan.
3. Pour enough water into the saucepan to cover all of the oil and weed, creating a water bath.
4. Cook on low heat for 4–5 hours. Every 45–60 minutes, use oven mitts to take out the mason jar and shake for roughly 30–60 seconds. You will need to add more water to the bath regularly.
5. Remove the mason jar from the water bath and let it cool.
6. Place a strainer over the second mason jar and line it with three layers of cheesecloth.
7. Pour the mixture through the strainer. Use a spoon to squeeze as much oil from the plant material as possible.
8. Put the lid on the mason jar with the oil and store it in a cool, dry place (or wherever you keep your sex toys!).

Can You Add CBD Oil to Lube?

Yes, you can add CBD or cannabis oil directly to lubricant, given that it is also oil-based. Some people also apply CBD oil directly to parts of their body, similar to how one would use a normal lubricant. Just make sure to read the ingredients on your products to ensure they don’t contain anything that might irritate your skin.

How To Use Cannabis Lube

There is really no “right” or “wrong” when it comes to using cannabis lube. Use as little or as much of it as you want, and feel free to apply to virtually any part of your body that feels good. As we mentioned earlier, just keep in mind that oil-based lubricants can degrade latex condoms.

Is Cannabis or CBD Lube Edible?

Yes. As long as it is made with edible oil or gel, cannabis/CBD lube is totally edible. Keep in mind that swallowing THC-rich lube will get you very, very high!

How Long Does Cannabis or CBD Lube Take To Work?

Cannabis lubricants take effect almost instantly. Because they act on localised receptors in the skin, you should start to feel the effects of your weed lube within minutes.

Tips for Using Cannabis Lube

• Cannabis lube isn’t just for women. Guys, give it a try too!
• Consider making lube with these sex-enhancing strains.
• Never use oil-based lubricants with latex condoms.
• Remember, THC lube will make you high when swallowed!

By soothing tension, enhancing touch, and promoting arousal, cannabis lube is a fun, safe, and natural way to spice things up in the bedroom. Either make it yourself using our recipe or grab some from your local dispensary!