Lifestyle

How to augment the power of aphrodisiacs with cannabis

Published on February 12, 2016 · Last updated February 9, 2023

Spoil yourself (and your partner) by nourishing your body, mind, and love life with tantalizing foods and titillating cannabis strains paired together in sensual harmony.

We’ve taken 12 common foods that are considered aphrodisiacs, or “love boosters,” and recommended a strain of cannabis to pair with each one. Try a few of these strain pairings for flavor, but don’t be afraid to couple these foods and recipes with other strains known for their own aphrodisiac qualities.

1. Fresh Chili Peppers

These spicy peppers contain capsaicin, which has shown to increase circulation and blood flow and stimulate nerve endings.

Fresh chili peppers

Pair with: OG Kush. This classic hybrid, known for its earthy flavor and euphoric effects, is the perfect mate to the spicy goodness of the chili pepper.

Leafly "OG Kush" hybrid cannabis strain tile
Leafly "OG Kush" hybrid cannabis effects bar

2. Pomegranate

Pomegranates are full of antioxidants that keep the blood pumping and blood flow strong.

Person holding pomegranate

Pair with: Green Crack. The energetic and invigorating buzz from this fruity, tangy sativa makes it a superb match for the stimulating effects of pomegranate and is sure to help keep you going all day (or all night) long.

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Leafly "Green Crack" sativa cannabis strain tile
Leafly "Green Crack" sativa cannabis effects bar

3. Bananas

Adding to their suggestive appearance, this fruit is bursting with potassium, an essential mineral for muscle strength and contractions.

Bananas on blue table

Pair with: Blue Dream. Another classic hybrid, Blue Dream’s calming yet euphoric effects blend naturally with the potent nutrients found in bananas.

Leafly "Blue Dream" hybrid cannabis strain tile
Leafly "Blue Dream" hybrid cannabis effects bar

4. Avocado

Avocados are loaded with vitamin E, which is needed to make the hormones that stimulate sexual responses.

Avocados in bowl

Pair with: Tangerine. The fruity flavor and aroma of this sativa-dominant hybrid, along with its uplifting and energetic effects, are sure to synchronize nicely with the stimulating effects of the avocado

Leafly "Tangerine" hybrid cannabis strain tile
Leafly "Tangerine" hybrid cannabis effects bar

5. Chocolate

This Valentine’s Day all-star contains phenyethylamine, a chemical that stimulates feelings of excitement and well-being.

Chocolate on table

Pair with: Chocolope. The sweet, yet earthy, coffee-like flavors and relaxing yet euphoric effects of this sativa make it the ideal companion to any dessert dish, especially chocolate.

Leafly "Chocolope" sativa cannabis strain tile
Leafly "Chocolope" sativa cannabis effects bar

6. Oysters

A little cliché, but these seductive bivalve mollusks have lots of zinc, a mineral that’s essential for testosterone production which can boost sex drive in men (not to mention their naturally provocative shape).

Oysters on stone table

Pair with: Lemon Haze. Nothing goes better with fresh oysters then a little squeeze of lemon juice. No lemons? No problem! Try this uplifting sativa with its fresh-peeled-lemon scent, citrus flavor, and relaxing high.

Leafly "Lemon Haze" sativa cannabis strain tile
Leafly "Lemon Haze" sativa cannabis effects bar

7. Red Wine

Red wine is packed full of resveratrol, an antioxidant that increases blood flow and improves circulation. Moderation is key — too much alcohol can depress your system and lead to decreased sensitivity and lower blood flow.

Red wine in bottle next to glass

Pair with: Raspberry Kush. The distinct raspberries and cream aroma, along with the palate-pleasing fruity flavor, makes this indica a wonderful counterpart to a glass of your favorite red wine.

Leafly "Raspberry Kush" indica cannabis strain tile
Leafly "Raspberry Kush" indica cannabis effects bar

8. Salmon

Salmon contains a plethora of healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which help keep sex hormone production at peak.

Cooked salmon

Pair with: Dutch Treat. The robust citrus bouquet of this potent and floral hybrid is sure to lift your mood while enticing the appetite.

Leafly "Dutch Treat" hybrid cannabis strain tile
Leafly "Dutch Treat" hybrid cannabis effects bar

9. Vanilla

This delicious bean is known to stimulate nerve endings and increase your body’s response to sensation — plus it smells good, too!

Fresh vanilla on wood table

Pair with: Lavender. This savory and spicy indica creates a bold and beautiful balance when paired with the warming sweetness of vanilla.

Leafly "Lavender" indica cannabis strain tile
Leafly "Lavender" indica cannabis effects bar

10. Watermelon

This plump and juicy fruit is full of citrulline, a phytonutrient that relaxes blood vessels, allowing for increased circulation. In addition, watermelon is incredibly hydrating, making it the perfect pre- or post-exertion snack.

Sliced watermelon

Pair with: Banana Kush. This legendary hybrid, with its alluring fragrance, distinctly fruity flavor, and blissful effects, will keep you in high spirits while enhancing your creativity and relieving stress.

Leafly "Banana Kush" hybrid cannabis strain tile
Leafly "Banana Kush" hybrid cannabis effects bar

11. Garlic

Don’t let the smell deter you — the compound allicin, found in garlic, is known to stimulate blood flow. Just make sure you and your partner are indulging together.

Garlic

Pair with: Sour Diesel. The pungent and sharply sour essence of this world-renowned sativa helps creates a sense of equilibrium with the characteristic zest that garlic is known for.

Leafly "Sour Diesel" sativa cannabis strain tile
Leafly "Sour Diesel" sativa cannabis effects bar

12. Almonds

Historically, the aroma of almonds is said to “arouse passion.” However, it’s the vitamin E, magnesium, and fiber that really get the blood circulating and keep your muscles contracting.

Almonds in bowl

Pair with: Mr. Nice. End your evening right with the heavy-hitting, high-flavor, mellow buzz of this indica marvel. Known for its mouthwatering sweetness, Mr. Nice will leave you feeling hungry, happy, and with high spirits.

Leafly "Mr. Nice" indica cannabis strain tile
Leafly "Mr. Nice" indica cannabis effects bar

Do aphrodisiac foods really work? Guess you’ll just have to eat up and find out for yourself! Be sure to check out the simple and easy recipes below for the perfect romantic dinner.

“Sensual Salmon”

"Sensual salmon" dinner

Ingredients:

  • 2 pieces wild-caught salmon
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 red or green chili pepper, chopped
  • cannabis-infused cooking oil

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Spray a baking pan or lightly coat with olive oil.
  3. Mix chopped garlic and chilis with 1 Tbsp. olive oil in a small bowl.
  4. Place the salmon in the baking pan and top with the oil mixture.
  5. Bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes, until fish is tender and flaky.
  6. Bonus: Serve with your favorite red wine.

And for dessert…

Fresh Watermelon, Cannabis & Basil Martini

Watermelon martinis

Directions:

  1. In a mixing glass, mash 1 C. of fresh watermelon with a spoon or fork until juicy.
  2. Mix in 2 oz. of your favorite vodka.
  3. Add 2 drops of your preferred cannabis-infused tincture.
  4. Pour into two chilled martini glasses and top with club soda.
  5. Garnish with fresh basil and/or cannabis leaves and serve cold.

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Jessica Aragona
Jessica Aragona
As a registered dietitian and nutrition consultant, Jessica has a unique perspective on the nutritional benefits of cannabis.
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