BY RUTH HILL R.N.
Move over roses! A different type of “flower” may take over Valentine’s Day. Accessibility to legal cannabis may be a driver in the uptick of intended Valentine’s Day cannabis use. Data from surveys suggests the traditional Valentine’s Day gifts of flowers and chocolates may see real competition in 2023, with close to 2 in 5 (37%, or close to 55 million3) American adults stating they would be happy to receive cannabis as a gift this Valentine’s Day.
More than 19 million American adults ages 21+ (13%) who plan to incorporate cannabis into their Valentine’s Day this year do not plan on drinking alcohol to celebrate. Men are more likely than women (66% vs. 57%) to incorporate cannabis into Valentine’s Day plans. Gen Z and Millennials are significantly more likely than Gen X and Boomers to include cannabis in their Valentine’s Day plans (70% vs. 57%).
One of the more surprising statistics found that American adult parents were significantly more likely than their peers without children (69% vs. 57%) to consider making cannabis a part of their Valentine’s Day celebration this year. There is also a perceived increase in romance and sexual performance, with about 1 in 4 (24%, or more than 35 million5) American adults believing cannabis use will put them in a more romantic mood, and about 1 in 4 (23%), or more than 32 million American adults who use cannabis, also report that it improves their sex life.
Ashley Manta wrote a book called Merry Jane’s The CBD Solution: Sex: How Cannabis, Cannabidiol (CBD), and Other Plant Allies Can Improve Your Everyday Life in 2020. She also co-founded the Sex and Cannabis Professional Alliance, a group dedicated to education and destigmatization of the pairing of sex and cannabis. Manta has been a Sex Educator for over 15 years. When she moved to California and had access to medical cannabis, it was surprisingly helpful for her on several levels.
“I am a trauma survivor, and I’ve had pain with penetration my entire adult life. No one was ever able to help me. Most doctors kind of shrugged. The quasi-helpful ones were like, ‘Well, you know, lots of foreplay.’ One actually suggested lidocaine. I was like, wow, that’s horrifying,” says Manta.
She also explained that Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a vasodilator that increases blood flow, and, lo and behold, you need increased blood flow to your genitals to experience pleasure. THC also has anti-inflammatory effects and blocks pain receptors, activating more pleasure-based receptors.
The Perfect Valentine Cannabis Strains
Looking for a unique Valentine’s Day gift for your other half? Check out these Valentine’s cannabis strains and edibles that make fun and exciting gifts and are perfect for enjoying with your loved one!
Chill’s Cappuccino Crunch Milk Chocolate is a bite-sized 10 mg serving of potent hybrid cannabis. Each piece features finely crushed espresso beans in creamy milk chocolate that melts in your mouth. The perfect treat for any chocolate lover!
Kiva’s Mint Chocolate Chip Dark Chocolate bar comprises 20 pieces of rich dark chocolate infused with potent cannabis extract. This unique treat features a crisp, fresh mint flavor reminiscent of mint chocolate ice cream. Kiva’s dark chocolate bar boasts 100 mg of hybrid extract wrapped in exquisite chocolate that boasts a superior taste to most all other cannabis edibles.
Northern Lights: Feeling anxious from all the Valentine’s Day excitement? Northern Lights is the perfect strain to create a relaxing mood for a night of intimacy. Chocolope is a mouthwatering cannabis strain made by crossing Chocolate Thai with Cantaloupe Haze. This delicious treat produces dreamy, uplifting effects that are perfect for spending time with your loved one.
White Widow: This legendary strain produces a mix of physical and cerebral effects laced with powerful bursts of euphoria that are sure to excite. White Widow produces an uplifting sense of happiness that functions as an excellent aphrodisiac. CBD Critical Mass: Not a big fan of THC? CBD Critical Mass features a roughly 1:1 THC to CBD ratio that helps it to soothe and relax rather than stimulate.
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