Is CBG good for arousal?

With growing interest in cannabis-based wellness, some are exploring whether plant compounds like CBG may also offer benefits related to sexual health and arousal.

Cannabigerol (CBG) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in hemp and cannabis that demonstrates therapeutic potential. But could CBG specifically help with arousal, sexual performance, and associated aspects of sexual function?

Let's objectively examine the current research on CBG for intimacy and arousal enhancement.

An Introduction to CBG

First, a quick primer on CBG itself. CBG stands for cannabigerol - considered a "minor cannabinoid" because it occurs in relatively low concentrations in most cannabis strains.

However, new production techniques allow for extraction of CBG into oils, capsules, topicals and other supplements.

Early studies suggest potential wellness benefits of CBG may include:

• Reduced pain and inflammation
• Neuroprotective effects
• Anti-anxiety properties
• Improved sleep quality
• Temporary relief from muscle spasms
• Enhanced mood
• Antibacterial qualities

With this wide range of effects, some are specifically curious whether CBG may also benefit libido, arousal, and overall sexual function. Let's dig into the limited research.

CBG for Arousal and Sexual Function

Very minimal direct research exists examining CBG for arousal or sexual enhancement. However, some preliminary findings suggest CBG may influence aspects of sexual health and performance in the following ways:

Influences Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) helps regulate reproductive physiology and plays a key role in sexual function. Early studies show CBG interacts with ECS receptors, which could translate to sexual health effects.

Vasodilation Properties

By relaxing muscles and dilating blood vessels, CBG may allow for increased blood flow to reproductive organs, theoretically enhancing arousal response.

Anti-Anxiety Effects

Anxiety and mental distress are significant contributors to sexual dysfunction. By reducing anxiety, CBG could help alleviate psychological barriers to arousal.

Analgesic Qualities

CBG demonstrates pain-relieving properties that may minimize discomfort associated with sexual activity in some cases.

Improves Sleep Quality

Proper sleep and circadian rhythms strongly influence sexual health. CBG's apparent ability to regulate sleep cycles could provide secondary arousal benefits.

So while direct clinical research is still lacking, CBG's effects on key pathways tied to sexual function suggest it may offer potential benefits for intimacy, arousal, and overall sexual health. But controlled studies are needed.

Currently Unproven Benefits and Claims

While the mechanisms above provide plausible theories for how CBG could impact sexual function, the following claimed benefits lack scientific substantiation:

• Directly increasing sex drive or libido
• Boosting testosterone or estrogen
• Enhancing erection quality in males
• Improving vaginal lubrication
• Overcoming specific erectile dysfunction causes
• Producing aphrodisiac effects

There is currently no evidence CBG can directly produce these specific outcomes. While possible, controlled clinical data would be needed to support such direct claims around CBG for sexual enhancement. Responsible reporting on current understanding is important.

Potential Risks of Using CBG for Sexual Function

While considered generally safe, some potential drawbacks of using CBG for sexual purposes may include:

• Safety uncertainties for pregnant/nursing women
• Unknown long-term impacts on fertility and reproduction
• Potential drug interactions (erectile dysfunction drugs, hormones, etc.)
• Excessive sedation or impairment at high doses
• Unrealistic expectations leading to disappointment

The safety profile and pharmacological limitations of CBG related to sexual function must be considered. As with any supplement, sustainable lifestyle practices remain foundational.

Considerations for Using CBG for Intimacy and Arousal

If choosing to explore potential benefits of CBG for your sexuality, some best practices include:

• Communicating honestly with any partners about your CBG use
• Being realistic about degree of effects CBG can provide
• Monitoring for over-sedation that could hinder arousal
• Avoiding combining CBG with erectile dysfunction medications without medical guidance
• Sticking to moderate CBG doses and avoiding overuse
• Tracking your experiences objectively

While direct clinical proof is still lacking, some individuals do anecdotally report beneficial effects on sexual health from mindful CBG use. Being an informed consumer and carefully managing expectations is key.

Is CBG good for arousal? Conclusion

In summary, there is currently very limited scientific research directly examining the effects of CBG on sexual arousal, libido, performance or associated aspects of intimate health.

However, CBG's influence on the endocannabinoid system, vasodilation, pain modulation, anxiety reduction and sleep cycles does provide a plausible theoretical basis for how it could potentially benefit arousal and sexual function in some capacity.

But specific benefits like boosting testosterone, directly enhancing erections, or increasing vaginal lubrication remain wholly unproven. Much more clinical research is needed before any definitive conclusions can be made regarding CBG for intimacy and arousal.

While anecdotal accounts of benefits exist, individuals should approach using CBG for sexual enhancement cautiously until controlled studies can better characterize its effects. As with any wellness supplement, healthy lifestyle practices remain foundational.

Resources used to write this article

• Gormaz, J.G., Pereira, M., 480 Silva, A.P.D. et al. (2022). Exploring the Role of Cannabinoids in Sexual Behavior and Function: Preclinical and Clinical Perspectives. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 7(1), 25-36. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2021.0084
• Bruni, N., Della Pepa, C., Oliaro-Bosso, S., Pessione, E., Gastaldi, D., & Dosio, F. (2018). Cannabinoid Delivery Systems for Pain and Inflammation Treatment. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 23(10), 2478. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23102478
• Rajfer, J. (2017). Evolving applications, perceptions, and research on cannabinoids and male sexual dysfunction. The journal of sexual medicine, 14(7), 837–840. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2017.04.002
• Sansone, R. A., & Sansone, L. A. (2010). Marijuana and erectile dysfunction: a review. The Innovations in clinical neuroscience, 7(5), 12–13.
• Murphy, L.L., Muñoz, R.M., Adrian, B.A. et al. (1998). Function of Cannabinoid Receptors in the Neuroendocrine Regulation of Hormone Secretion. Neurobiology of Disease, 5(6), 432-446. https://doi.org/10.1006/nbdi.1998.0208.