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With the recent explosion of available cannabis products, it was only a matter of time before companies started pitching female-centric items promising everything from more intense orgasms to slinkier sex. Forbes, along with a double-Board-certified physician, and OBGYN Dr. Monica Grover, examine some buzz-worthy cannabis-infused vaginal lubricants.
Ponder the questions of whether or not these products provide something essential that people's lives are lacking or are solely a cheap ploy to play off women’s insecurities about sex to target their wallets. Less nefariously, are "weed lubes" merely a novel way to spice things up on Valentine's Day?
Why THC lubricant? Recent scientific studies substantiate what many marijuana users have claimed all along —that it enhances sexual relations.
Apothecanna SexyTime Personal Intimacy Oil - Apothecanna claims their customers use Sexy Time to enhance their sexual experience solo or together with a partner. Some Sexy Time users disclosed they use the oil to moisturize the delicate skin in that area, which they probably shouldn’t. A vagina that needs moisturizer probably needs to see a doctor.
Apothecanna says they receive feedback from women who struggle with various disorders, some painful, that Sexy Time has allowed them to lead normal sex lives again. They also claim it is one of the few all-natural products that can be used inside the vaginal walls, to provide relief and relaxation.
“There is a growing awareness of the potential health concerns of personal care products that contain chemicals, parabens, and dyes, and as a result, a renewed conversation around the importance of vaginal health,” says Apothecanna. “Many personal lubricants contain toxic chemicals that are harmful and have been shown to cause endocrine and reproductive complications and even cancer. One of the most absorbent parts of the body, the vagina and its thin mucous membrane is very delicate and sensitive to toxins and chemicals that can cause irritation and inflammation.
“Our Sexy Time is formulated with powerful, nourishing botanicals that are paraben and chemical-free. We use food-grade essential oils that are non-GMO and vegan. The all-natural ingredients of jasmine, coconut, argan and cannabis help to stimulate the body’s natural chemistry with enhanced blood flow, heightened sensitivity and arousing aromatherapy. Sexy Time can also help with easing vaginal discomfort and inflammation during sexual activity and daily life.”
The coconut oil used in cosmetics is a different formulation from raw, edible coconut oil. In Apothecanna’s case, they “isolate specific Triglycerides in the coconut oil, that as a final product is tasteless, odorless, neutral pH, and almost thinner than water. It does not contain most of the original coconut oil but is required to be labeled as such, since it is technically coconut oil.”
Apothecanna has not conducted clinical trials of SexyTime, citing the expense and cannabis' schedule one classification, which curtails research.
Dr. Grover isn’t buying it. “While essential oils may be used aroma therapeutically as aphrodisiacs, using them in the vaginal environment can pose more harm than good.” Additionally, Dr. Grover says, "Clinical trials of triglycerides were not conducted, so these claims are not medically proven or founded.”
Argan and coconut oil derivatives may create "a beautiful glide to increase sexual sensation," but may also give sensitive vaginas a yeast or bacterial infection by upsetting the vaginal microcosm's delicate pH balance.
Either way, Apothecanna advises that SexyTime is not compatible with condoms, so that is a crucial deciding factor as well.
Foria Awaken - Like SexyTime, this product also contains some formulation of coconut oil and “ancient aphrodisiacs,” including kava root, hemp, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, peppermint, vanilla, and cacao. Therefore, if it doesn’t work as a decent lubricant, at the very least, a pum pum will smell like Christmas morning at Starbucks. Like Sexy Time, Awaken is incompatible with latex.
Foria is trying their best to debunk the medical theories that coconut oil is unsafe for vaginas. According to a Foria press release, "If you've encountered this idea online or at the gynecologist's office, you'll be delighted to learn that it's absolutely a myth, and it's based on a study of synthetic, perfumed baby oil — not coconut oil."
However, Dr. Grover and these gynecologists clearly disagree. Erring on the side of caution is putting faith in lady parts physicians over male-led companies that proliferate dubious vaginal products. There are other ways cannabis can enhance your sex life, other than inserting it in your yoni. Using sticky, scented lubricants may contribute to vaginal infections by drawing in microscopic contaminants if it is not washed off quickly and adequately.
According to gorgeous, coffee table book quality Mary Magazine, prior to the creation of Foria, CEO Mat Gerson founded Sir Richard’s Condom Company.
From a cleanliness perspective, Foria Awaken comes in an elegant spray bottle, so hands will not contaminate the ingredients.
Foria Awaken is $48 for a discreet, white 30ml bottle and is available online on the company’s website.
Love Potion #7 by Humboldt Apothecary, as far as aphrodisiacs go, might be the millennial generation's Chanel #5. What is interesting about this lubricant is that even though it too contains the dreaded coconut MCT oil, a user can optionally consume it sublingually. As this dual purpose tincture is edible, drinking it might be a better option than applying it topically, for those with sensitive skin.
Like Foria, Love Potion #7 contains cannabis extract, cinnamon, cardamom and vanilla bean. Additional ingredients include kava kava and organic stevia. What differentiates this love potion from an enticing cup of hot chocolate, is perhaps most notably, damiana.
According to witches' bible, the Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, damiana (AKA T. Aphrodisiaca), is a masculine plant known for its use in lust infusions and lust spells. In which case, the Good Spell Book might be the perfect pocket-sized companion for casting a lust spell along with this love potion.
In addition to its "intoxicating aphrodisiac qualities," according to the manufacturers, LP#7 may be used for "supporting stress relief and a healthy libido," as well as "externally for enhanced pleasure. "
However, if you are wary of the effects Awaken might have on genitalia, Humboldt Apothecary claims that "a drop under the tongue or in a glass of water will have you and your partner feeling euphoric in no time." However, they also contradictorily state that "the effects of this product may be delayed by up to two hours."
Oh Yes, Latex Safe Serum by Quim is a quinny emollient created by two women. CEO Cyo Ray Nystrom, according to Mary Magazine, started experimenting with plant-based formulas at home, to destigmatize the shame and discomfort of yeast and urinary tract infections as well as stimulate conversations about vaginal health and cannabis.
Oh Yes contains Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, sclerotium gum (mushroom-based), plant-derived emulsifier, sunflower oil, gluconolactone, mixed phospholipids, sodium benzoate, Vitamin C and Vitamin E.
Quim claims that "cannabis absorbed vaginally has been shown to increase blood flow –augmenting sex drive and enhancing sensation. It has also been shown to decrease coitus-related vaginal pain."
Dr. Grover disagrees. “It doesn’t make sense to me from a physiological standpoint how this would help the vagina,” she says.
Quim advises its users to apply four to six drops "liberally wherever they are looking to enhance sensation." This serum is designed to work faster than Awaken or Quiver. "For best results, apply five to seven minutes before play time, game time, or you time."
Unfortunately, you may not be able to score some Oh Yes Latex Safe Serum by Valentine's Day because like its potential users, Oh Yes is coming soon.
Quiver Sensual Pleasure Cannabis Oil by HerbaBuena, unlike Foria, comes in a non-spray bottle, without a dropper. Therefore, the real fun is not necessarily based on its potential efficacy, but on that fact that it needs to be applied topically and digitally (i.e., with a finger, not with an iPhone). By design, this encourages stimulation and foreplay, which naturally leads to deeper intimacy, unless of course, one is using Quiver solo. However, having to apply it and then wait 20 minutes for its full effect, could be a potential buzzkill for anyone pleasuring themselves.
If bringing in external enhancement may cause embarrassment to a person’s partner, topically apply the quiver 20 minutes before playtime, and keep it a secret.
Quiver is $50 for a 30ml bottle containing 120mg of THC and is available online for delivery in California.
Bottom Line, while some of these products may spice up even the most perfunctory playtime on Valentine's Day, it's probably best not to add a cannabis-infused lubricant to regular playtime rotation. A good old fashioned, water-based lubricant, combined with micro-dosing THC might be the healthiest option.
As with all things cannabis-related, it is a personal choice whether or not the risks outweigh the reward. While this type of talk may be a buzzkill, it is important to have all the facts. Cannabis lubricant on a quinny is exciting to play with, but there may be residual consequences. If one night of Valentine's Day passion is worth potentially being itchy and uncomfortable for a week, meow, get it!
