What Is CBD?
CBD—or cannabidiol—is a compound found in hemp plants. Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t get you high. But it does still interact with your brain’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates your mood, appetite, and sensitivity to pain (2).
For this reason, CBD is frequently used as an alternative remedy to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and treat chronic pain.
CBD is available in many different forms such as tinctures, oils, vapes—and now, even gummies.
When you inhale or ingest CBD, the cannabinoids enter your bloodstream and travel to your brain. While inhaling CBD brings on the effects of the compound sooner, eating a gummy takes about 30 minutes to an hour to kick in. Once the CBD takes effect, you should feel deeply relaxed or euphoric—but not high.
CBD Benefits for Men
Reduced anxiety
According to cannabis expert Shari Caplan, L.C.S.W., the mental health benefits of CBD all start in your endocannabinoid system.
“Our bodies make our own natural cannabinoids that are lichen to CBD,” Kaplan explains. “But they can become depleted through chronic or traumatic stress, lack of sleep, injury, illness, and so on.”
So, taking CBD can help replace the cannabinoids that have been impacted—which can reduce stress and anxiety. A 2024 randomized trial found that CBD can reduce anxiety immediately after taking it, with the potential to alleviate stress long-term (3).
Better erections
While research into CBD for erectile dysfunction is ongoing, there are a few reasons why scientists suspect some men report improved erections after taking CBD.
For one, research shows that CBD may reduce blood pressure (4). And high blood pressure is linked to erectile dysfunction (5).
On the other hand, men who are dealing with psychogenic ED—a type of erectile dysfunction that is caused by mental health struggles—may find that CBD relieves their anxiety, improving their erections.
However, if you’re having chronic erectile dysfunction, you should ask your doctor about treatment options and whether supplementing your protocol with CBD is recommended.
Do CBD Gummies Work?
According to Kaplan, gummies are one of the best ways to get a pre-measured dose of CBD—without the guesswork involved in taking CBD via oil or tincture. Plus, gummies are more discreet than vaping.
“Many men prefer CBD gummies for their convenience,” Kaplan says. “They are also more socially acceptable to consume and provide a non-intoxicating way to manage stress, anxiety, and other health issues.”
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