Certain cannabis strains may improve your quality of sleep, especially those with higher levels of cannabidiol (CBD). Indica-dominant hybrids with high CBD, moderate THC, CBN, and terpenes like myrcene may be the best cannabis strains for sleep. However, keep in mind that adding any of these strains to your medication regimen requires a medical recommendation from a certified MMJ doctor.
Since sedation is usually the result of CB1 receptor agonism, low to moderate THC dosages may help treat insomnia. Learn which cannabis strains can help you get deeper, more restful REM sleep and which strains are best for insomnia.
How Cannabis Can Aid in Combating Insomnia
Each of the cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant has special therapeutic qualities. Chronic pain and insomnia are just two of the many conditions that can be treated with THC and CBD.
All cannabinoids must bind to receptors in your unique endocannabinoid system (ECS) in order to work. The ECS regulates many essential body functions, including the ability to fall asleep.
The main psychoactive component of cannabis, THC, has a range of effects on insomnia. A high THC level may cause some people to fall asleep more quickly. On the other hand, excessive THC use can make some people anxious and have trouble falling asleep. CBD has also been shown to exacerbate anxiety in some people, though not to the same extent as THC.
Which cannabinoid is better for insomnia, THC or CBD? Body chemistry, ingestion method, and strain selection (chemovar) all affect the response.
The cannabinoid connection also requires consuming a well-balanced combination of botanical compounds. These organic compounds contain flavonoids and terpenes in addition to cannabinoids, which work together through the entourage effect to optimize therapeutic benefits.
For example, a 1:1 THC to CBD ratio might help you sleep, but small amounts of CBD by itself might keep you up. If you include some relaxing terpenes like myrcene and linalool, you might have the ideal cannabis recipe for a good night’s sleep.
Best Practices for Using Cannabis to Relieve Insomnia
Taking the right strain of cannabis a few hours before bed can help with insomnia. If you are able to nap during the day and would like to get more sleep, you can also take cannabis in the morning or afternoon.
CBD-rich edibles are potent and have the ability to induce trance in certain users, but edibles high in THC can increase the risk of insomnia and cause anxiety if consumed in excess. If you want to use edibles as a natural sleep aid, eat them at least two hours before bed to allow your body to process the ingredients.
Low to moderate THC dosages are ideal for sedative effects without anxiety. Terpenes and cannabinoids like myrcene, linalool, pinene, and CBN can induce relaxation and reduce the amount of THC needed for sedative effects.
Other CBD products that may help with insomnia include topical creams, CBD oil, gel, and lotion. Additionally, some people discover that scented bath bombs and other CBD bath products help them relax before bed.
Top Strains for Insomnia Relief
Since the brain is where sleep starts, the best medical marijuana strains for insomnia have a calming effect on the mind. These are the best recommendations for nighttime insomnia.
- Blackberry Kush
Blackberry Kush has a berry, earthy, and sweet flavor profile. Medical cannabis users love this chemovar because of its strong sedative effects, which produce an uplifting and euphoric high. Patients who suffer from chronic insomnia may find that Blackberry Kush helps them eat more.
- Lavender
Lavender has a sweet, floral flavor profile. Medical patients use lavender to treat anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain. The most common terpene in lavender is linalool. Studies suggest that linalool may reduce anxiety and prevent the harmful physiological effects of stress.
- ACDC
This high-CBD strain has a sweet, spicy, and earthy flavor profile. With minimal intoxication, it induces relaxation and drowsiness. ACDC is a good choice for people who have used CBD products in the past and found them to be beneficial for insomnia. This dosage of CBD may make other people more alert and raise the risk of a sleepless night.
- Grape Ape
This strain has a fruity grape flavor profile and a high myrcene content. Due to its relaxing effects, Grape Ape is a popular strain for use at night to help people relax after a long, demanding day. It is a strain that many medical patients claim is helpful for promoting sleep.
- The Northern Lights
Northern Lights has a piney and earthy flavor profile. Its euphoric and calming effects make it an excellent strain to include in your nighttime routine. It is ideal for managing anxiety, stress, insomnia, and chronic pain.
- Bubba Kush
A myrcene-rich strain with a citrusy, earthy flavor profile, Bubba Kush is perfect for a leisurely evening. This indica strain’s sedative and relaxing qualities make it ideal for nighttime use and can lessen the symptoms of chronic pain, stress, and insomnia.
- Grandaddy Purple
Grandfather With a distinct grape flavor, purple has a delightful blend of earthy, fruity, and sweet notes. While its uplifting qualities can help reduce stress and anxiety, its deeply calming qualities can help fight insomnia and promote sound sleep.
- Harlequin
Harlequin is a great example of a 1:1 strain that is balanced. Many users find that Harlequin, which has nearly equal amounts of THC and CBD, has a calming effect. Equal amounts of CBD counteract any uplifting effects of THC.
The only way to find out which strain of THC or CBD is better for your insomnia is to try both. Work your way up to higher THC levels from CBD strains to avoid unwanted side effects.
Learn about the potential benefits of medical cannabis for a range of conditions, including sleeplessness, with your own medical marijuana card online in Maryland. Contact 420 doctors in Maryland, and we’ll help you apply for a medical marijuana card through our fully online clinic.