High-Gasms with Ashley Manta

As a workshop leader, sex educator, and author, I’m asked a lot of the same questions about combining cannabis and sex. Here are my answers to the most common ones—plus toy recs, because playing with vibes and weed together is really, really FUN.

WHAT STRAIN OR PRODUCTS SHOULD I USE?

I don't like to recommend specific strains because choosing the right one depends on personal body chemistry, mood, and of course, what kind of sex you want to be having. The product you'd choose for energetic, frenzied sex is different than the one you'd choose for slow, sensual sex. Before you try a cannabis product for partnered sex, make sure to experiment on your own to see how it affects your solo sexual response.

That said, my go-to ratio is 1:1 THC to CBD because it keeps you from getting too high and is great for discomfort, stress, and many of the other factors that can get in the way of enjoying sex.

WHAT TOYS SHOULD I INTEGRATE INTO MY PLAY, AND HOW?

One of my favorites is BE·ONE, which is a finger vibe that can be applied to any erogenous zone—nipples, lips, inner thighs, and of course, your favorite spots on a vulva or penis/testicles. The heightened sensations will make the vibration even more impactful, and you may even notice that new spots have come online!

I am obsessed with the stroker that shares my name (that’s MANTA) for all methods of penis stimulation, since it can be seamlessly added to a blowjob to take it to the next level, or even applied to the base of the cock to make the entire shaft vibrate during penetration!

SUNDAZE is my favorite vibrator in the FUN FACTORY catalog because it really does all the things—vibrates, pulsates, taps, and thrusts!

HOW SHOULD I TIME MY HIGH?

You really just need to know how much time you want to spend on your erotic exploration, then choose a consumption method accordingly.

An inhalation high usually hits (pun intended) in three to 10 minutes and lasts up to a few hours, while an edible high takes up to two full hours before you’ll feel the full effects, and it can last up to eight hours. This is why, for edibles, the dominant wisdom is “start low, go slow,” to ensure that you don’t accidentally over-consume and then find yourself on an unenjoyable ride for quite a long time.

Finally, topicals can be applied to the vulva 15 to 40 minutes before play. Topical effects last two to four hours, so there's a broad window to explore what feels good.

WHICH TECHNIQUES MIGHT PAIR WELL WITH CANNABIS?

One of the great things about cannabis is that it can pair well with just about anything! That said, I find manual stimulation (hand jobs and pussy massage) to be especially enjoyable after consuming cannabis or applying topicals to the vulva. Check out my technique videos on hand sex that are included in the BLOW & GLOW Kit!

WHAT KINDS OF PRODUCTS ARE THERE AND WHICH ONES GO WELL TOGETHER? WHAT SHOULDN’T BE COMBINED?

The country and state or region where you live will determine what’s legal and available. Generally, though, products include:

Topicals, like bath bombs or soaks
Arousal oils
Massage oils
Suppositories (vaginal or anal)
Edibles, like gummies or chocolates
Tinctures (oil- or alcohol-based)
Inhalables
Concentrates
Capsules

The important thing when choosing a product is to ensure it has been lab-tested and comes with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) showing that it is free from molds, pesticides, and residual solvents. Also, be sure that you shop with companies focused on sustainability and social justice.

A few important things to remember—any oil-based products applied to genitals should not be combined with latex barriers (condoms, dental dams, or gloves) or any toys with a motor. Don’t stack intoxicating consumption methods (smoking and taking an edible, etc.) unless you’re acutely aware of your tolerance.

If you’re new to combining sex and cannabis, consider choosing a non-intoxicating product (CBD-only) or consumption method (topical) until you’re more comfortable. Finally, if you apply a THC-infused topical product to a body part and then someone licks that body part, they could get high.

IN CBD INTIMACY PRODUCTS, WHICH INGREDIENTS SHOULD I LOOK FOR AND WHICH SHOULD I AVOID?

Fewer ingredients is usually better. If you’re looking at oil-based products, you’ll want to gravitate toward those labeled “full-spectrum,” which will have the most helpful plant-based compounds.

Pay attention to sensation-enhancing additives if you’re sensitive. These might be things like ginger, cinnamon, peppermint, eucalyptus, or kava. Definitely, for the love of all things pleasurable, avoid anything that contains capsaicin. That’s the compound in chili peppers that makes them burn. (Unless you enjoy recreationally lighting your genitals on fire, in which case, have at it!)

Ashley Manta is an award-winning sex educator and coach and has become a sought-after authority on mindfully combining sex and cannabis as part of her CannaSexual® brand. She is the author of The CBD Solution: Sex, published in 2020 in conjunction with Merry Jane and Chronicle Books. She completed her certification as a Bodysex® Facilitator after studying with legendary pleasure pioneer Betty Dodson and will be hosting Bodysex retreats in California with Dr. Shannon Chavez starting Summer 2022. She is the creator of the Activating Your Cosmic Pussy sisterhood and series of online intensives and retreats.

This post was written by a guest blogger, and all opinions and ideas expressed are that of the author. All ideas included are for educational and entertainment value, and do not constitute medical advice.