When we first heard about FORIA, we were a little skeptical. How could a non-prescription topical CBD spray offer enhanced pleasure, sexual renewal and “life-altering” relief from pelvic discomforts? Motivated more by the intrigue of sexual renewal and the assurance from gynecologist Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz that we weren’t doing any harm, we set off on our own ITG journeys that confirmed FORIA is not just a promise –it delivers.
A more in-depth conversation with FORIA spokeswoman, Kiana Reeves (yes, that is her real name!) schooled us in the science of Foria, why it works and how.
Can you tell us a little bit about you?
My background started in birth work as a doula that works with laboring mothers and families. I also did a lot of post-partum work. The more I studied, the more I realized we don’t know how to talk and care about our pelvic area. It became a real passion of mine to understand the complexity and deeply linked experiences we have as women. Several years ago, I founded my own company called The Tulip around women’s pelvic health. I was asked to become a voice for FORIA and agreed because I love our viewpoint as a brand with its’ high quality, focus on herbs and commitment to teaching women to be more connected to their own sexual experiences and more.
Tell us about Foria’s CBD products.
Awaken is Foria’s CBD topical spray that is available and legal anywhere. It combines CBD with a number of other extracts, primarily cacao and cava. Cava works with the nervous system – on multiple layers, not just topically but also with the nervous system and the motor system. Also, it smells wonderful and seems to inspire a sensory-rich experience.
What was the development phase of the product like? How many different versions existed before you reached the final product?
I came on right after Awaken was launched. I’m very good friends with the woman who helped us launch it – she’s an amazing herbalist. She’d been working on this for a while and already had a familiarity with the way these herbs work – we added CBD and hoped we could generate a similar result with Awaken. Not everyone wants or can use THC. We were pleasantly surprised by how well people reacted.
Pleasure Within is THC + CBD formula – is there a different response?
Firstly, there is no psychoactive response when THC is added, you won’t get stoned! Both are formulated to do similar things. They work well together and separately. Some people prefer Awaken, some Pleasure and some have no preference at all. It is really about the individual person. It’s unique! What’s happening in our vaginas is so specific to certain people. Some respond right away, for others, it can take longer. Formulated specifically for women, Pleasure enhances tactile sensations while decreasing tension, discomfort and dryness. Clients report enhanced access to orgasm and deeper orgasms.
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It’s being prescribed more and more by gynecologists. Why do think?
Customer feedback says people have tried so many alternatives, especially for pain. They’ll write and say this is the only thing that lets them have pain free sex. Which speaks volumes. Pain could be anything – there is such a wide spectrum. Endometriosis or menopause or dryness or – it seems to be from what we gather working across a wide spectrum of issues. Doctors are enthusiastic about being able to offer their patients a ‘do no harm’ avenue for relief.
Your founder is a, ahem, a man. We are guessing that somebody had to learn a new language– can you tell us about that.
Matthew Gerson is one of the most sensitive and visionary men that I have known. He was working a lot with cannabis and has such deep respect for the earth. He’s a tender, in tune human and always coming up with new things. He had this moment and his friend mentioned cannabis oil – it made him think, “Cannabis is pain relieving ” and so he just made a batch for his friends. It started in his kitchen. He wasn’t expecting the response.
How did he make the leap from cannabis oil to putting it directly on your vagina?
The company came together very naturally. He started Sir Richard, which was a condom company. He’s a social and environmentalist entrepreneur. He realized there was a huge gap between products for male pleasure and none for women.We’ve grown organically because of our product. We’re not sitting around desks trying to innovate. Our R&D is client-driven – it was just people going “whoa?”
How did he get from his kitchen to manufacturing?
It was Matthew’s goal to keep things as clean as possible. When choosing how to manufacture, the first thing we think is “how can we make this with the highest quality ingredients” because we’re putting this on genitals. And not even genitals, but mucous membrane so it’s going into the bloodstream. “Hey put cannabis on your genitals” people are like WHAT?
Are the products compatible with condoms?
Yes, with lambskin (natural skins), nitrile, and polyisoprene.
Are you available internationally?
Yes! Especially our CBD line which is available worldwide. California, Colorado, and parts of Canada offer the THC/CBD lines.
Are there hoops you have to jump through internationally or is the United States most complicated?
We’re not making claims in a medical way. This is intimacy oil and can be used to support the body’s natural response to arousal. So far, there haven’t been many hoops. The biggest hoop is the cannabis, in places like Spain, there can be issues with customs but other than that, there’s a warm response. Particularly from the customers.
Is the product stable?
The shelf life is two years.
Are there any side effects? Any health risks?
Nope! But some people don’t realize they have allergies to things like chocolate or mint or coconut. So we say test a little bit on your mouth or arm.
Why is there no male response to things?
The penis doesn’t have the same mucosa that the vagina does. It is a different erectile network. Inter-vaginally it’s always wet, moist and that’s not the penis. It just doesn’t work the same way. Some guys have described it as an “enhancement cream” but in the sense they can delay ejaculation a little bit. But generally, it won’t work the same way.
More products in the pipeline?
CBD tonic called Basics – an oral tincture. A supplement to help your sleep and decrease response to stress and anxiety. It’s our first oral tonic – will be available worldwide, on our website and with a lot of retail partners. Whole Foods isn’t currently selling CBD but I think they will. Two different pens – one is CBD and vaping is the quickest way to get CBD into your system. For anxiety, sleep issues, sexual anxiety, the pen is an instant tool to help during those moments. And then CBD suppositories, which will be out at the end of the year to treat all sorts of pelvic pain.
You can buy Foria products here.
