Great sex is a natural high. Some folks would argue that cannabis is a natural high too- they say that humans and cannabis have co-evolved together over millenia. I'm not sure about that, but since recreational cannabis became legal in Washington state, there's been marijauna in the air, both literally and figuratively.

Sexually speaking, cannabis may be helpful medically in alleviating symptoms of sexual dysfunction, by enhancing arousal, increasing lubrication, intensifying orgasm and decreasing pain. Or it may be more recreational- sensory awareness and settling into a more more timeless stae of mind.

So what about stoned sex? When you go to a "pot shop" in Seattle, or in other states with legalized cannabis, there are lots of strains to choose from. The people who work at the stores, sometimes called budtenders, are knowledgable about the different varieties and their effects. In some ways the budtenders are similar to the sex educators at Babeland. Just as a Babeland sex educator can guide you to the best vibrator for you out of the sometimes overwhelming array of choices, a budtender can help steer you to the best pot for your purpose.

For sex that would probably be something that is sensual and embodied rather than a trippy or head high. Last week we partnered with two cannabis dispensaries to further explore the sex/cannabis connection. Babeland had an in-store event with a cannabis expert from Dockside, which was a well attended short talk and Q & A. Babeland also went to Uncle Ike's and set up a mini pop-up there. Turns out that people who come to us wanted to hear about cannabis (it was an advertised event) but people who come to a pot shop don't necessarily want to stop and look at sex toys. Buying a what-until-recently was a controlled substance? Fine. Talking sex in a semi public space- fuhgedaboutit.

Smoking, vaping or ingesting edible cannabis will give the full "high" that we associate with marijauna. A less intense option is topical enhancers (meaning apply to skin rather than smoke or eat). Some people really love them. Cannabis topicals applied to the vluva can increase lubrication and sensation and decrease pain, without making the user feel stoned. I've also heard from people who enjoy a little dab on the frenulum. Supposedly there are no psychoactive effects when used topically, although I've heard reports of increased arousal and great sex, so my hunch is that it is a mild high. If you're in an adventurous state of mind, it might be fun to expore for yourself.