In Planet Sex, Cara Delevingne investigates the link between sex and cannabinoids

Cara Delevingne, a British model and actress, explores «gender, sexuality, and our deepest desires» in Planet Sex, a new documentary series airing on the English channel. BBC Three.

A documentary starring Cara Delevingne

In Planet Sex, a six-part series with Cara Delevingne, the model explores what's called «orgasm deficiency» by being the «guinea pig» for some unconventional experiments. To such an extent that she can be seen entering a university hospital in Berlin, Germany, telling the camera she's about to donate an orgasm to science.

The objective of this study is to show the public, through this documentary, the chemical changes that occur in our bodies when we have an orgasm.

Planet Sex investigates the link between cannabis and cannabinoids.

Before the experiment began, a blood sample was taken from Cara's arm, which was then compared to a second sample taken after her orgasm, in order to discover the neurological and biological effects of her orgasm.

According to researchers Johannes Fuss and Sarah Biedermann, Cara's second blood sample contained endocannabinoids, molecules naturally produced by the body and whose effects are shared with phytocannabinoids, molecules from cannabis.

«Endocannabinoids are powerful chemicals. They are important for reducing anxiety, increasing euphoria, and having enjoyable sex. So, endocannabinoids are kind of your body's version of cannabis,» explains Dr. Fuss.

According to the research findings, endocannabinoid levels rise by up to 44% during sexual intercourse and peak during orgasm.

The science behind the high

We have already looked into the The relationship between sex and cannabis, revealing surprising connections. To date, it has been established that our endocannabinoid system can be activated in several ways, from exposure to external products like cannabis to sexual stimulation – as demonstrated by the work of Fuss and Bidermann in this area. But this is not the only experiment these researchers conducted to evaluate the link between endocannabinoids and sex.

A 2017 study co-signed by Fuss and Biedermann, recognized for the first time the association between sex and orgasm, and an increase in endocannabinoids, particularly 2-AG.

«The endocannabinoid 2-AG is involved in the human sexual response cycle, and we hypothesized that 2-AG release plays a role in the rewarding consequences of sexual arousal and orgasm,» the researchers concluded.

Another study, published in 2019, revealed that participants who consumed cannabis were more likely to report an increase in sexual desire, more satisfying orgasms, and reduced pain compared to women who did not consume cannabis.

While further research is certainly needed to fully understand the role of cannabinoids—both endo- and phyto—in sexual pleasure, current evidence strongly suggests—as Cara Delevingne's participation in orgasm donation may well have demonstrated—that cannabis and sex can often be a perfect match.