Tossing and turning all night. Looking at the clock every hour as morning gets closer. The anxiety that kicks in when you think about how exhausted you’ll be the next day. Insomnia is the worst.
Some people don’t like taking prescription or over-the-counter sleeping pills. Maybe they feel like they’re not getting quality sleep, or they don’t love how they feel in the morning.
Is Cannabis Good or Bad for Sleep?
Many cannabis users have found that certain strains of weed really do help them sleep better. And now there are several studies that show cannabis can work as a sleep aid.
In a small Canadian study (38 patients), 71% of patients reported a subjective improvement in their sleep or related condition.1
A 2017 investigation revealed the many benefits of medical cannabis from a dispensary member’s perspective. The 984 participants were legal members of medical cannabis dispensaries who had been diagnosed with chronic pain. Two-thirds of patients in the study reported pain relief as the primary benefit of cannabis use, with improved sleep being the second-most reported benefit.2
Best Cannabis for Sleep
You may want to start by looking at specific terpenes, compounds that give plants their aromas and flavors. They’re also behind many of the specific effects provided by individual marijuana strains:
Beta Myrcene is not only one of the best terpenes for sleep, it’s also the most abundant terpene in cannabis. Known for its soothing properties, Beta Myrcene can help you relax and increase the amount of time you actually sleep.
Strains high in Beta Myrcene that you may want to try are: Lemon G, Hell’s OG, Grapefruit Durban, Headband Cookies, and Grandpa’s Stash.
Beta Caryophyllene is an anti-inflammatory compound and one of the most popular for reducing stress and anxiety. People love it for its ability to calm racing thoughts and reduce stress.
Strains with Beta Caryophyllene you may want to try are: Diesel Punch, Lotawana OG and Cook-e Monster.
Linalool is another great terpene for sleep. It reduces symptoms of stress, promotes relaxation and can be effective in treating depression.
Strains high in Linalool include: Fin Mintz, FatKids Cake, Pink Kush, Trainwreck and Fire OG.
Nerolidol is a sleep-inducing terpene that can also soothe aching joints and muscles. It’s one of the components of valerian essential oil that can be used to treat insomnia.
Strains to try include: Star Killer, Heaven’s Devil, Sunset Sherbert, Grease Monkey and Cake Crasher.
Terpinolene is known for giving users a sedating effect. It’s perfect for overactive minds, while promoting drowsiness and increasing sleep time.
Strains you may want to check out to help you sleep: Heaven’s Devil, Mac & Cheese, White Poison, Lemon G and Cherry Diesel.
What About Cannabis Gummies or Edibles for Sleep?
Cannabis edibles and gummies tend to produce a longer-lasting effect than smoking or vaping marijuana, which may help some people fall asleep and stay asleep longer. Edibles high in CBD contain naturally relaxing properties which may be good for some people struggling with insomnia.
Finding the Right Cannabis to Help You Sleep
As you know, everyone reacts differently to cannabis, so a strain that helps your friend sleep may not necessarily work for you. Tracking your experiences can be incredibly helpful in finding the product that works best for you.
Things to note:
- Product/strain and dominance (Indica, Sativa or Hybrid)
- Top terpenes
- Your intake method and dosage
- How did you feel before using cannabis? How did you feel after?
- What was the overall effect?
Shop Today for Better Sleep Tonight
When you come into Key Cannabis, be sure to share with your Budtender your notes and experiences. That’s the best way they can make recommendations on cannabis products that will help you sleep better. Shop today.
