Better Sex Through Terpenes

There is a plethora of circumstances that can lead to an inhibited sex life. Society remains blanketed in stress, anxiety, and fear and none of us are immune. This has clouded our ability to genuinely connect with one another and that includes with our most intimate partners. No matter what Hallmark has to say about it, there is no amount of chocolate and candy hearts this Valentine’s Day to alleviate the more deeply rooted causes of emotional disconnect.

On the other hand, cannabis offers individuals a much more potent aphrodisiac that may just be the spark you’ve been missing to ignite a fire in your heart.

Beyond just the delivery method you choose when consuming cannabis (smoking, vaping, edibles, etc.), let’s take a deeper look at the role terpenes play. There are some terpenes included in the products you select that have shown to lower inhibitions, lift your mood, deepen relaxation, and heighten your energy. And where is this all going? More pleasurable sex, that’s where.

If you’ve been curious to learn which terpenes might lead to better sex, you’re not alone. So, let’s take a deeper dive beyond the strains themselves and examine which terps might be your best bet to achieve some bed-levitating whoopee.

Time out… What are terpenes anyway?

The terpenes found within the cannabis plant are the compounds that give each cultivar its smell, taste, and intended effect. Terpenes work within our body’s endocannabinoid system to communicate and interact with various receptors at the cell level. It’s our endocannabinoid system that’s responsible for keeping our body in homeostasis and it works to regulate our mood, sleep, appetite, immune response, and more.

In fact, certain terpenes have been shown to increase libido (i.e. your sex drive!) and help us generate higher levels of intimacy. Here are a few terpenes commonly known to make sex more enjoyable for both you and your partner.

Limonene:

You’ll know your strain contains limonene if you get a strong whiff of citrus or tropical fruit. Strains that are high in limonene are said to increase energy levels and we all know how tiredness can negatively impact our sex life. Limonene is often responsible for producing mental euphoria and a warm body high. This is generally a good state of mind to be in when looking for love and intimacy. So it may just be that a strain containing heavy limonene terpenes is your best bet for boosting sex drive.

Billo strains containing limonene: Cap’s Frozen Lemons | Tropicana Cookies

Linalool:

Outside of cannabis, linalool is most commonly found in both birch bark and lavender. If you’ve ever smelled the sweet scent of a lavender candle then you know first-hand how linalool can put one’s mind at instant ease. Linalool is widely known to be responsible for reducing both stress and depression. Think about it, our muscles tense and our heart rate increase when we’re under stress. This is the opposite of what we want when we’re looking to get a little nookie in the bedroom. Achieving greater connection between partners happens most naturally when we have a clear and relaxed state of mind facilitated by the presence of linalool in our system.

Billo strains containing linalool: Kimbo Kush | Slurricrasher

Terpinolene:

This terp is most commonly associated with boosted energy levels, which might be the get-up-and-go you need to get things started in the bedroom. Terpinolene, especially that found in sativa strains, can be credited for lowering your anxiety while invigorating your body and mind. This can positively impact your sexual desire while helping you and your partner feel at ease and generally more comfortable. Terpinolene has also been shown to help relieve the symptoms of headache and migraines so you and your partner can better focus on each other.

Billo strain containing terpinolene: Lilac diesel

Caryophyllene and Humulene:

We group these two terpenes together because they both exhibit a capacity to reduce pain and alleviate discomfort. These are best used in relieving muscle tension and exhibity anti-inflammatory qualities as well. Terpenes like caryophyllene and humulene commonly found in indica-dominant strains may help soothe bodily pain and reduce physical discomfort. However, finding a more balanced hybrid strain containing these terps might be more appropriate for comforting your body without putting you to sleep. Nothing says “Honey, I’m not interested” louder than a yawn when it comes time for intimacy.

Billo strains containing caryophyllene and humulene: Mr. Nasty | Solstice