First ‘Aphrodisiac Weed’ Targeted to Women Hits the Market

The FDA is finally approving a form of Viagra for women, but one woman is already several steps ahead with a natural solution—a low-THC strain, grown, packaged and branded as an “aphrodisiac weed,” especially for women.

Karyn Wagner, founder of Paradigm Medical Marijuana who dubbed the product “Sexxpot,” explained to New York Magazine that the THC levels are only about 14 percent. The idea is to create a sensual, psychological effect without getting the smoker too high to function properly, she explained. Sexxpot was derived from a low-THC strain called Mr. Nice.

While pot has been cited as an aphrodisiac in ancient texts and folk medicine, striking the right balance, especially for women, took some research.

Berkeley-based nurse practitioner and member of the American Cannabis Nurses Association, Eloise Theisen told New York Magazine that women need less THC in general.

“High levels of THC can promote anti-estrogen activity, though science is still very limited,” Theisen said. “Sexxpot, with lower THC, regulates the body’s endocannabinoid system and helps bring back the balance of hormones, but without sacrificing the therapeutic properties.”

The late Carl Sagan, known to have used cannabis for most of his adult life, wrote in an essay that pot “enhances the enjoyment of sex. On the one hand it gives an exquisite sensitivity, but on the other hand it postpones orgasm: in part by distracting me with the profusion of images passing before my eyes.”

While medical studies on the effects of weed on sex are few and far between, experts such as Dr. Mitch Earleywine from SUNY in Albany and world-renowned medical marijuana researcher, Dr. Lester Grinspoon, suspect the polarity is “dose-dependent,” that is to say, a negative consequence from getting too high.

It seems—at least so far—that Wagner’s Sexxpot has gotten the dosage right!