Everything you need to know about THC lube

THC lube is a type of cannabis product that contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It’s used to lubricate the genital area and enhance sex drive, sensation, sexual pleasure, and climax during sex.

THC lube is made with cannabis oil or extract, plus other ingredients that act as a base and help with the absorption of THC. Coconut oil, tea tree oil, olive oil, and cocoa butter are popular choices. The THC concentration in cannabis lube is generally lower than in other products you may smoke or eat.

Is THC lube different than standard lube?

Some differences exist between normal and THC lube.

Consistency

Normal lubes generally have a gel-like consistency.  

Some THC lubes also have this consistency, whereas others have a more oily texture. THC lube can also come in the form of a spray bottle.

Onset of effects

With traditional lubes, the intended effects are typically achieved immediately, as the main purpose is lubrication. With THC lube, users may be interested in additional effects besides lubrication.

The effects of the THC take time to set in — typically 15 to 30 minutes. This is because the THC needs to be absorbed through the membranes underneath the skin.

Purpose

Typically, the purpose of normal lube is simply to lubricate the genital area before sex to reduce friction, dryness, and pain.

While THC lube has these effects as well, it may also help to enhance the overall experience during sex. THC can do this by increasing sensitivity in the genital area, boosting arousal, and possibly reducing vaginal pain in some users.

THC lube vs. CBD lube

There are two main types of cannabis-infused lubes: cannabidiol (CBD) and THC.

These differ in the main cannabinoid present, and some cannabis lubes may have a mixture of THC and CBD.

CBD lube is made similarly to THC lube. However, instead of THC oil, it contains CBD oil.

Are CBD and THC lubes legal?

THC lube is only available in states where THC is legal.

However, CBD lube is available in all 50 states. This is because of the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized derivatives of cannabis with extremely low concentrations of THC (less than 0.3%).

Effects on the body

A key difference between THC and CBD in cannabis products is that THC has psychoactive, intoxicating effects that can make you feel “high.”

However, with most products applied to the skin, such as lubes, you won’t experience intoxicating effects. This is true even when you use THC lube, because the THC isn’t absorbed into the bloodstream.

Anecdotally, THC lube may have more intense sexual effects than CBD lube, including greater blood flow and sensitivity in the genital area.

How does THC lube work?

Research and anecdotal evidence have found that the endocannabinoid system and sexual functioning and behavior in women are linked. Based on this, it is believed that cannabis use may help to increase:

• Sexual desire
• Sexual arousal
• Orgasms
• Sexual satisfaction and pleasure

Most THC lube is designed for people with vaginas because female genitalia have more mucus membranes, through which THC lube can be absorbed. THC lube can be applied to the vulva, on the inside of the vagina, or onto the anus.

People with penises can also use THC lube, although it’s recommended they apply it to their rectum rather than their penis to ensure enough THC is absorbed.

The THC in the lube acts on your cannabinoid receptors and interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system, creating local effects on the skin. THC is absorbed through your skin and mucosal membranes, but isn’t absorbed into the bloodstream.

Once absorbed, THC can act as a vasodilator, meaning it widens the blood vessels so more blood can flow to the genital area.

THC lube generally works 15 to 30 minutes after it’s absorbed through the skin, though exactly how long it takes depends on a person’s tolerance to cannabis, age, and weight.

Potential benefits and uses

THC lube can potentially improve someone’s sex life in several ways.

However, it should be noted that THC lube is not a medical product. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not evaluated THC lube and there have been few studies on its use.

The intensity of the effects will likely depend on the amount of THC in the product, with higher amounts leading to more intense or noticeable effects.

Potential effects of THC lube include:

• Stronger or prolonged arousal
• Improved sensation
• Increased sensitivity of the genital area due to greater blood flow
• Pain relief during sexual activity and greater comfort during sex
• Pain relief from soreness experienced after sex
• Reduced vaginal dryness and increased lubrication, which helps with penetration during sex
• Longer, stronger, and more frequent orgasms

Potential risks and side effects

Most people can use THC lube without experiencing adverse effects.

However, like any cannabis product, there are some risks to be aware of, such as:

• Reactions to ingredients: If you have sensitive skin, you may experience side effects from other ingredients in the lube. Read the label and be especially careful if you react to coconut oil, tea tree oil, other carrier oils, or essential oils.
• Risk of breaking latex condoms: Unlike typical lubes, oil-based THC lubes should not be used with silicone sex toys and latex condoms. This is because the oils in the lube may cause the latex to weaken and break down, making it ineffective for protection and increasing the risk of pregnancy or contracting a sexually transmitted illness (STI).