Contemporary Cannatherapy
“Our whole mission is really to open up this dialogue.”
Foria is a natural sensual enhancement product specifically designed for female pleasure. Currently available in California and Colorado, it is a topical spray that contains purified cannabis extracts – primarily THC – and other natural ingredients. I spoke with Anna Walters, Director of Marketing and Communications for Foria:
Q: What was the inspiration for this product?
A: We had a desire to contribute a safe, non-toxic sensual enhancement tool to help women and people who love them experience the full pleasure that we are all naturally capable of. We believe that healthy sexual expression benefits both mind and body. Unfortunately, there is a kind of “pleasure gap” that exists between men and women; while both men and women experience struggles with arousal and desire, there is an imbalance in how male and female sexuality are approached both culturally and pharmaceutically. So we set out to create a product specifically designed for natural female pleasure enhancement.
Q: How does Foria work?
A: Foria is designed to be used topically and internally prior to intimacy. Used on the vulva and vagina, Foria does not produce a “high” or psychoactive effect. Women who have used Foria report localized effects, including heightened sensation, tingling, and increased blood flow or engorgement. There are other effects, such as improving the perceived intensity and duration of orgasm. In general, it encourages a tendency to slow down and enjoy the experience more, setting up a positive, and pleasurable, feedback loop.
Q: How did you test out Foria? What did the recruitment process entail? What age groups were included?
A: We conduct ongoing testing efforts, but began with 50 women medical cannabis patients ranging from the early 20s through post-menopause. We had a remarkable diversity of feedback reporting different effects, but nearly all these women reported having a very powerful and positive experience.
It’s important to note that there is evidence to suggest that the effect of THC varies according to hormone levels and is likely to impact a woman differently at different times during her menstrual cycle. We’re still in the very early stages of scientifically understanding this plant—more research needs to be done, particularly on cannabis and women.
Q: Is this a product for the peri-, post-, or menopausal woman?
A: Certainly! While it’s not a lubricant, we are hearing feedback from women who use Foria to enhance lubrication and give it a little bit of a jump start. And we have patients up to their 80s using the product as an everyday comfort product, not specifically related to sex.
Foria really is for everyone. It’s for the sexually adventurous, and it’s a great thing to put on after the bath for a night at home watching a Netflix series. Women of all ages reach out to us.
Orgasms and climax get the headlines, but that’s not the sole intention of the product. We wanted to help provide women with a sense of self-confidence, and the ability to be in touch with this part of the body.
Q: Is Foria only for women? Would a man be able to use it for self-pleasure, say?
A: Female anatomy is simply more absorptive, so it is more effective when used vaginally, but there is nothing to keep men from enjoying the product! Plus we see tons of male customers getting this for someone they love, and appreciating the joy of their partner’s pleasure.
Q: Can you ship Foria to other states?
A: Not at this time. However, there are recipes for very similar topicals that women can make at home. We would always recommend using food-grade ingredients and a very clean cooking space.
Q: Historically, the US has had a fairly conservative, or at least conflicted, approach to both female sexuality and the cannabis plant. What challenges, and what opportunities, does this present to you?
A: Cannabis and sexuality are both emerging from “prohibition culture.” Foria exists at the crossroads of cannabis stigma, and stigma around empowered female sexuality. Sometimes it’s actually cannabis which opens the door to conversations about sensuality. People who are willing to take the first step through the door of a dispensary have already begun to overcome one stigma. It’s a good time to approach them about this other one. “Hey, this thing that people have told you for so long was bad for you, or shameful? Turns out there can be wonderful benefits!”
Becky DeKeuster, M.Ed is a founder and the current Director of Community & Education of the Wellness Connection of Maine, a not-for-profit mutual benefit corporation which operates four of Maine’s eight state-licensed and regulated medical cannabis dispensaries. For more information, visit www.mainewellness.org,or email info@mainewellness.org.
ELM™ | Maine
