Chocolate, chili peppers, oysters, red wine, and pot are all scientifically proven to get you hot. While each of these come from the earth, my sesame street upbringing forces me to do right by Big Bird and point out the painfully obvious: “One of these doesn’t look quite like the others. One of these doesn’t belong.”

Although unconventional, marijuana’s chemical properties have been known to increase sexual desire and enhance the human sexual experience for thousands of years.

Ancient sacred texts and written historical records from China, India, and parts of the Middle East have discussed how to effectively use marijuana for bedroom activity.

In ancient India newlyweds were served bhang beverages and bhang candy on their wedding night. The mixture consisted primarily of milk, herbs, and cannabis while coming in a variety of consistencies. Indian prostitutes were known to eat a bhang sherbet before working to arouse them.

Ancient Serbian couples made similar mixtures, substituting the milk for egg whites and using more local spices. Morocco, Egypt, Lebanon, and other Middle Eastern and North African countries employed the use of cannabis as an aphrodisiac as recently as the early 1900s. These countries used a potent form of cannabis called kief.

Conversely, ancient cultures also used marijuana to suppress sexual desire, numb pain, and induce hunger and recognized its status as a multifaceted medicine. This makes sense in conjunction with modern research, which emphasizes that there are several components that determine the effect of marijuana on the individual. These include: the person’s personality, physical response, environment, culture, and expectations for their high.

Essentially, it’s a cross section of mind and matter.

An informal poll by Psychology Today revealed that marijuana smokers are relatively split on the issue of weed as natural enhancement. While 67 percent of respondents reported that cannabis enhanced their sex lives, 20 percent deemed it dependent on the situation and others said it did nothing to their sex drive.

Those who do report enhancement explain that marijuana use lowers inhibitions, increases physical sensitivity, and enhances emotional connection between partners during the act. Some describe it as a “puzzle piece” fit for both genitalia and mind.

But there are caveats. Smokers emphasize the importance of moderation and good breeding.

With that in mind, before smoking a un-Chongly amount, consider your potential intake. Take no more than a few hits. If you’re ingesting it, consume a smaller amount than usual. Monitor how you feel throughout the experience, especially if you’re eating your high because the time release for edibles varies.

Ideally, you should feel relaxed but not so much under the influence that it interferes with your ability to cognitively function

Unlike men, not all marijuana strains were created equal, but like small children they are all special in their own way. Distinctive genetic strains of marijuana evoke unique physiological and psychological responses within the human body. And while no standard response exists for each, there is agreement among users as to which strains bode best for sexual endeavors.

Seed companies, breeders, and growers break down strains into five basic groups: pure indica, mostly indica, indica-sativa, mostly sativa, and pure sativa. For those who wish to engage in sexual activity, experts recommend a sativa dominant strain.

Sativa blends offer more of a body high, whereas indica dominant strains affect the mind. Smokers report that the comedown from indica strains is considerably noticeable after a physical activity like sex and often leave users “couch locked.”

Medicalmarijuanastrains.com recommends two specific hybrids: Pink Kush and Island Sweet Skunk, both of which are very potent. Site staff writers recommend no more than a couple hits at time for both strains.

It is important to recognize that as with any substance use, marijuana use impairs judgment. This often leads to high-risk sexual behaviors such as having unprotected sex with one or more partners.

At the risk of sounding like Annie Hall, I encourage you to consider your sexuality in two words: “why not?”

Appreciate your humanity. We are the only species in the animal kingdom that have the opportunity to set the mood and turn lovemaking from an act to an experience with elements like music, candles, incense, food, beverages, massage,  oils, and drugs.

Celebrate your opposable thumbs however you see fit, whether you use it to support a joint or not.