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What is THC Lubricant and What Does It Do?

THC lubricant is a relatively new product, used the same way as other types of personal lubricant. This topical has cannabis enthusiasts talking so we are too. In this guide, we’re going to tackle the afterdark topic of cannabis lubricant, answering:

  • What Is THC Lubricant?
  • How Does Cannabis Lubricant Work?
  • How Do You Use Marijuana Lubricants?
  • How Do THC & CBD Lubricants Work?
  • THC Lubricant FAQs

What is THC Lubricant?

THC lubricant is a cannabis topical product created by infusing cannabinoids into an oil-, water-, or silicone-based lubricant. While it is primarily designed to be used on the genitals to improve sex, it can also be used on the skin as a massage oil. Of course, the ways it can improve your sex life depend on you and your endocannabinoid system. For example, some cannabis enthusiasts say that THC lubricant makes sex more comfortable, while others insist it actually enhances sensation, making sex more pleasurable, and even making orgasms last longer.

How Does Cannabis Lubricant Work?

Cannabis lubricants work the same way as any other cannabis topical. The cannabinoids in the product interact with our endocannabinoid system, activating CB1 and CB2 receptors in the skin. This can create unique, localized effects, including increased blood flow. Because the skin of the penis, vagina, and rectum is pretty thin compared to the skin on your arm or back, it’s also possible for cannabinoids like THC to sink past the skin and into the bloodstream, similar to how a THC patch works, causing mild intoxicating effects. For some, the reactions they feel from this unique topical can enhance sensation or even reduce discomfort during intercourse.

It’s important to note that it seems, based on general feedback from cannabis enthusiasts who have experimented with this product, THC lube has a greater effect on people with vaginas or people who use THC lube inside the rectum—due to the prevalence mucus membranes in both areas.

How Do You Use Marijuana Lubricants?

Remember that when using marijuana lubricant, it takes time to begin to work. First, the cannabinoids need to get to the receptors in the skin, then those receptors need to activate, signals need to be sent to the brain, which come back to the skin and create a reaction. Sometimes it’s warmth, sometimes it’s tingling—truly, everyone is different so one person’s experience with THC lubricant may not be yours. We recommend that if you’re going to use marijuana lube, take it slow—THC lube can take up to an hour to really start working.

How Do THC & CBD Lubricants Work?

THC and CBD lubricants both work the same way: they sink into the skin and activate the CB1 and CB2 receptors, creating localized effects that are unique to your endocannabinoid system. It could be warmth or tingling, it could be an increased sensation, or it could be something completely different.

It’s also possible, due to thin skin and the presence of mucus membranes in the genitals, that both cannabinoids can also enter the bloodstream. For THC, this means there could be some psychoactive effects involved when using cannabis lubricant. With CBD, you will not experience any kind of intoxicating effects due to the laws requiring all hemp-derived CBD products to have less than 0.3% THC in them.

Answering Cannabis Lubricant FAQs

We get it—sometimes, it can be embarrassing to ask questions about intimate topics like sex and lubricant, even when cannabis and cannabinoids are involved. That’s why we’ve answered a few of the questions we’ve gotten here:

Does THC lubricant get you “high”?
THC lubricant can create psychoactive effects. The skin of the genitals and rectum is quite thin. Because of this, it’s easier for THC to pass through that skin and into the bloodstream, causing mild intoxication. It is also possible for THC lubricant to be ingested during oral sex. If you do not want to risk experiencing any psychoactive effects, we recommend using a non-cannabis lubricant during sex.

How long does it take for THC lubricant to work?
Depending on the lubricant, the potency, the cannabinoids involved, and your body (including your hormones), it can take up to an hour for THC lube to take effect.

What’s the difference between THC lubricant and CBD lubricant?
The difference between THC lubricant and CBD lubricant is in the cannabinoid—THC lubricant may contain only THC, or it may contain THC in addition to other cannabinoids. CBD lubricant may contain only CBD, or CBD and other cannabinoids, but typically, if it’s labeled CBD lubricant, it will not contain anything more than 0.3% THC due to strict federal law.

Where Can You Buy THC Lubricant?

THC lubricant can be purchased at your favorite dispensary, just like cannabis tinctures, flower, concentrates, and more. The nice thing about purchasing marijuana products like this today is you can look it up on the dispensary’s online cannabis menus. This allows you to read more about the product, make your selections, and then head over to pick up your product—without having to ask a budtender any questions. Of course, we always want you to feel comfortable, so if you have questions about THC lube, we’re happy to answer them.


Recreational cannabis is not available in all states. Cannabis is for medical use only and may only be used by certified patients in Ohio and Pennsylvania. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and certified patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.