How CBD lube is heating things up in the industry

The CBD wellness industry is booming, so it was only a matter of time before cannabidiol slipped between the sheets.

The American market is overflowing with lubricants and intimacy products to help couples spice things up in the bedroom, but the trend has so far been relatively slow to catch on in the UK.

Although much of the research is anecdotal, many fans have touted its benefits, which are said to include reducing pain and anxiety during sex, increasing arousal and boosting the intensity of orgasm.

This side of the Atlantic, UK CBD producer Medivita is one of the first companies to catch on to its potential.

They teamed up with Sam David at Bnatural to launch their first lubricant earlier this month, after noticing a boom in the adult toy industry during the coronavirus lockdown.

“During lockdown, we were discussing which industries were succeeding, and the two that were performing the best were alcohol and adult toys,” Medivita director, Mike Peates told Cannabis Health.

“We saw CBD lube as a product which had to come to the UK.

“It’s a little bit different to what’s on the market at the moment. There’s a lot of cosmetics and skincare out there but only one other lubricant in the UK, so if people want CBD lube they have to import it from the States.”

Since having the idea Mike has learned how the lubricant can help women experiencing issues such as vaginal pain, dryness and irritation.

It is particularly beneficial for those with gynecological conditions such as endometriosis and vaginismus, where the vaginal muscles automatically tighten up whenever penetration is attempted.

CBD is thought to decrease inflammation, increase blood flow and help with muscle relaxation, which means it could provide welcome relief for those experiencing pain during intercourse.

One woman, who lives with both endometriosis and vaginismus, is Jessica*, 29, who chronicles her health journey through Instagram account The Endo Monologues.

She first tried US brand Foria – which is renowned for its products aimed at improving women’s health – in 2019.

Now Jessica claims CBD lube has allowed her to enjoy having sex again.

“My boyfriend and I use CBD every time,” she said.  “It helps the blood flow and reduces pain internally and around my vulva, so I can enjoy sex as opposed to finding it a really painful experience.

“I’m at a point now where I can have penetrative sex and it doesn’t hurt, which is a huge thing that hasn’t happened for a long time.”

Jessica vapes CBD and applies the lube 15 minutes before the couple plan to have sex.

She explained: “There’s a warming sensation and you can feel the blood flow increasing, so there’s also that element to it, but for me, it’s more about the fact that it relaxes my muscles and it makes it less painful.

“Sometimes it’s still uncomfortable but it’s definitely helped me to overcome the fear of it hurting.”

She added: “When you live with any chronic illness which affects your ability to have sex, it really takes a toll on your mental health.

“I don’t think I’d be having sex at this point if it wasn’t for CBD. I think it’s something I would still be trying to overcome.”

Mike who has been in contact with Jessica since the launch of Medivita’s lube, is now offering discounted rates to followers of The Endo Monologues who live with endometriosis.

But you don’t necessarily need to be experiencing pain and inflammation for CBD lube to boost your sex life, as wellness journalist Ruby Deevoy discovered.

She was initially dubious about trying The Tonic Clit Spritz with her partner recently but found it helped get her in the mood.

“I was pleasantly surprised by how effective it was,” she said. “I’m generally pretty dubious about putting anything on my easily-irritated nethers, so I was a little nervous when I read that this particular lube contained terpenes found in Tea Tree, Eucalyptus and Menthol.

“But I needn’t have been, it was extremely gentle and barely noticeable when first massaged in.

“The inclusion of these extracted terpenes, plus the 100mg CBD made for heightened sensitivity in the best possible way.”

Ruby added: “It’s hard to completely relax and enjoy sex with a three-year-old sleeping next door, but the CBD lube helped amplify sensation and as a result, keep my awareness wholly on the task at hand.

“It’s definitely a product I’ll be using again. In all honesty, it was the best sex I’ve had in quite a while.”

However, Ben Hofmeister, founder of UK CBD brand Kokora warned not to get too carried away.

“As CBD is a potent, natural anti-inflammatory, in the right context it can help reduce inflammation pain, and due to Endocannabinoid receptors being present throughout the female reproductive tract, it can heighten female senses,” he said, while recommending sticking to a natural coconut-oil base.

“CBD is also well known for supporting the processes to reduce stress and anxiety including promoting the production of Anandamide, commonly known as the ‘bliss’ molecule.”

He added: “I think a CBD lube can help, but I don’t think it should be relied upon.”