By: Amanda Fisher-Katz-Keohane
It’s no secret that cannabis and sex are increasingly overlapping industries. And it makes sense why. Cannabinoids can quiet our minds, allowing us to tap into our senses and relax into our bodies. When this happens, we’re able to fully experience and enjoy sex and lean into our sexuality. Because of this, the connection between sex and cannabis is often highlighted in the context of sexual tantra.
The word “tantra” has been used and referenced in many ways and contexts throughout history. According to Imma Ramos for the British Museum, “Tantra is a Hindu and Buddhist philosophy that affirms all aspects of the material world as infused with divine feminine power.” While tantra is an ancient concept, it’s made a fairly-recent surge into the western zeitgeist, particularly in the sex-positive movement.
Tantric sex is a transformative act. Being present in our bodies, tapping into our divine feminine, and connecting deeply with ourselves and our partner(s) can allow us to clear our minds and embody our sensuality, thus transforming ourselves. By reframing the goal of sex from reaching orgasm to slowing down and focusing on the experience itself through a heightened awareness of the senses, Tantra transforms the act of sex itself into one of ritual and sacredness.
I recognize that this all sounds a bit hokey and bombastic, but it’s actually quite simple. When we engage intentionally and enthusiastically during sex (both parterned and solo), we are tapping into a core part of what makes us human.
But, of course, that’s easier said than done.
You’re not alone if, as a woman, you’ve struggled to relax into sex. The dishes are piling up, you haven’t shaved in weeks, and you need to pick up the kids in an hour. Minds wander during sex. It’s inevitable. And that’s where cannabis comes in.
Cannabinoids have been used to enhance tantric practices for millennia and have long been considered one of the best aphrodisiacs (Moser et al., 2023). This is because it can ease anxiety, quiet those nagging thoughts, and, most importantly, heighten the senses. Incorporating marijuana into your tantric experience makes it much easier to slow down and stay present. And, thanks to the recent surge in cannabis-infused sexual wellness products, there are many ways you can use this plant during tantric rituals.
1. Massage
Use a THC- or CBD-infused oil, salve, balm, etc. during a sensual massage to enhance relaxation and intimacy. Tantric massage can be a powerful ritual tool and a perfect entryway into tantra. Focus on the erogenous zones, move slowly, connect with the breath, and remember that the goal isn’t an orgasm; the goal is connection to yourself and your partner(s).
2. Inhalation
Taking a moment to indulge in some inhalants can be the key to getting to the right head space quickly. Even if recreational marijuana isn’t legal where you live, there are many brands of CBD roll-ups and herbal cigarettes that can help you relax into your body, calm the noise in your mind, and heighten your awareness and sensations.
3. Ingestion
There are many edible cannabis-infused sexual wellness products out there these days, from gummies and tinctures to chocolate body paint. Ingestion is a slower onboarding process than inhalation and can be the key to a slow, sensual build or delayed kick-in depending on your schedule or ritual. Try splitting a cup of Sensuali-Tea from Kikoko with your partner during a candlelit date night to get things going. Making the tea, itself, can even be an enjoyable, slow, and sensual experience.
4. Soak
There are even cannabis bath bombs out there. What could be sexier than some tantric massage while taking a warm, calming bath? Dim the lights, put on some soft music, and indulge with your partner.
However you choose to engage in tantra or incorporate cannabis, the key is to remember these few things: try to quiet your mind, connect with your body and its sensations, be present with your partner, move slowly, and don’t make orgasm the end goal. Instead, focus on appreciating your body, your partner’s body, and the connection between you all. Building rituals can help with that presence and connection, but more than anything, it’s about surrendering and embracing the moment.
