Cannabis as a Sleep Aid: Here’s What You Need to Know

A lot of people use cannabis simply for the sensational recreational effects it gives you, making you feel happy, euphoric, and more creative and focused.

However, there’s a wide body of research that shows that cannabis also has a whole host of medical uses. Some of the most common medical uses of cannabis are relieving pain, reducing stress and anxiety, and warding off illnesses. However, many people also use cannabis as a sleep aid.

Anyone who’s used cannabis before knows that it can have great natural effects for helping you sleep. Although some strains are more energizing, others have intensely relaxing properties which can make you feel relaxed, sedated, and even make it hard to get up. Cannabis also helps by relieving some of the symptoms of insomnia- users find it much easier to sleep when they aren’t plagued by nagging pain or anxiety.

However, there are some things you need to be aware of before you use cannabis as a sleep aid. On the whole, cannabis is much safer than prescription sleep medications. However, it can still have unwanted side effects if you use too much. There’s also a lot of differences between cannabis strains and it’s best to buy strains that are primed for helping you sleep. Here’s what you need to know about cannabis as a sleep aid.

Using Cannabis as a Sleep Aid: Does it Work?

Cannabis is becoming much more widely accepted across the world and especially in Canada. Users can now buy cannabis legally in the country for any purpose. Although many simply enjoy the psychoactive effects brought on by the THC in cannabis, many also use it for medical purposes- including using it to help with sleep.

Many users have experienced the sleep-inducing effects of cannabis for themselves. Some strains help induce mild relaxation which can lull you into a soothing sleep after peak effects wear off. Other strains are known for their powerful sedating properties, making them useful natural remedies for anyone suffering from insomnia or other sleep issues.

There are various studies that show that both THC and CBD can have positive effects on sleep for some users. Many users also find it useful for warding off symptoms of insomnia such as pain, stress, anxiety, and depression. Surveys also show that many people use cannabis as a natural sleep aid and many users find it helpful for their symptoms. Although cannabis can affect everyone differently, the evidence suggests it can work well for aiding sleep.

Effects of THC On Sleep

THC is the psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis strains. In other words, THC is the chemical compound that makes you high when consumed. Many users associate marijuana with the effects of THC, and many users find these effects particularly helpful for sleep.

When you consume marijuana or other THC-based products, you’re likely to experience an intense, psychoactive high. Users usually report feeling happy, calm, and euphoric. It can ease your mind of worries and relieve your body of pain, both of which can help you feel more relaxed and sedated.

A study found that even a small dose of THC can have sedative effects for users. Consumers generally feel much more sleepy when under the influence of THC. A 2011 study also found that users fell asleep much quicker after using cannabis. The evidence suggests that THC can significantly reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, which can be helpful to sufferers of insomnia.

Another study found that using THC can make it easier to fall asleep and increase Stage 4 sleep. Although it appears that THC can reduce REM sleep, this can reduce dream recall and be helpful for those who suffer from sleep problems due to nightmares, such as users with PTSD.

It’s also notable that THC can counteract many of the common causes of insomnia. For instance, research shows that cannabis use can improve sleep in users who suffer from chronic pain, as well as improving their mood and relieving physical distress. Similarly, some users may experience better sleep due to the ability of THC to relieve stress, anxiety, and depression.

THC is generally seen as the most effective cannabinoid for helping with sleep, and many users smoke cannabis or use THC Tinctures, Oils, and Vape Products to help with their symptoms. However, some research also shows that CBD, another common cannabinoid, can also be helpful for sleep.

Effects of CBD On Sleep

CBD or cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in many strains of cannabis. Hemp plants, in particular, contain high levels of CBD and the cannabidiol is often extracted for use in products such as CBD Oils, Edibles, Capsules, and other convenient products. Many marijuana strains are also bred for high levels of CBD, making them particularly helpful for medical users.

Many users use CBD as a high-free alternative to medical marijuana. When you consume CBD, it attaches to cannabinoid receptors in the body and impacts the body’s endocannabinoid system, which can have a positive effect on various biological functions. As such, it can provide many of the same medical benefits of THC without psychoactive effects.

CBD doesn’t have the hard-hitting sedating effects that THC has, but research suggests it still has some useful benefits for sleep. For example, one study on using CBD for sleep found that a single high dose of 160mg of CBD could make it significantly easier to sleep. Lower doses of 40mg and 80mg didn’t have strong sedative effects, but they were found to reduce dream recall, which can help users who suffer from PTSD or night terrors.

It can also help due to its natural ability to relieve anxiety and depression. A study on using CBD for anxiety and sleep found that taking a daily dose of CBD for around a month helped users reduce ratings of anxiety and improve their sleep. Similarly, a study on using cannabis for stress, anxiety, and depression found that high-CBD strains were the best for relieving stress and depression. With anxiety, stress, and depression being common causes of insomnia, the effects of CBD may help users sleep better.

It also has other beneficial effects which may be helpful for sleep. For instance, much like THC, CBD has been shown to help relieve pain, aches, and strains. As such, users with nagging, chronic pain can sleep easier by using CBD. Although it’s not as potent as THC, some consumers may prefer CBD for its ability to provide helpful effects without any negative side effects, even when using it in high amounts.

Best Cannabis Strains for Sleep

There’s a massive variety of cannabis strains available to buy online, although some work better for sleep than others. Indica strains are generally more sedating whereas sativa strains are more stimulating, although levels of THC and CBD can also make a difference. Hybrid strains are also usually a good option to use as a sleep aid. Here are some of the best cannabis strains for sleep to choose from.

Death Bubba – Death Bubba is an indica-dominant strain with THC levels reaching as high as 25-27%. It’s known for delivering a powerful, sedating high that can help even the most insomnia-prone users get to sleep. Although the high starts out uplifting and stimulating, it’ll eventually lull you into a long and restful sleep as well as warding off any pain, stress or anxiety.

Gelato – Gelato is a delicious marijuana strain with a sweet and fruity flavor. It’s a fairly well-balanced hybrid with a ratio of around 55:45 indica to sativa and THC levels averaging 26%. It offers both mental stimulation and physical relaxation. It’s a great strain for users who want a strain that’ll help them sleep without being too overwhelmingly sedating

Black Diamond – Black Diamond is an ideal strain to use late in the day when you want to relieve yourself of any stress or anxiety and get a good night’s sleep. With strong THC levels and higher than average levels of CBN, it’s one of the best cannabis strains to use as a sleep aid.

OG Kush – The high given by OG Kush can actually be quite stimulating. You’ll swiftly feel happy, euphoric, and motivated, making it great for counteracting any kind of mood disorder. However, it also packs powerful physical effects which are likely to make you melt into the couch and fall into a deep sleep.

God Kush – God Kush delivers all-over, soothing physical effects that are perfect for relieving pain, inflammation, and physical tension in general. Users will quickly feel both mentally and physically calm. You might want to use this strain at night, but it can also be perfect for inducing peaceful daytime naps.

Best THC Products for Sleep

If smoking or vaping weed isn’t for you, there are plenty of other THC products that can help you sleep. These products offer unique methods of consumption which can give you all of the same effects of THC in different ways. Here are some of the best alternative THC products for sleep to try out.

Concentrates – Cannabis concentrates are products extracted from marijuana with seriously high levels of THC. It only takes a very small amount to deliver strong effects, and they’re usually used in a vaporizer, dab rig or by mixing some into weed in a joint or bowl. Concentrates come in many forms such as shatter, budder, and hash. These can help users who need strong sedative effects for severe sleep issues.

Edibles – Edibles are among the strongest THC products available. Edibles deliver a much stronger high as the THC contained within them is converted into the stronger 11-hydroxy-THC by your liver. It’s best not to use a high dose of edibles for sleep as the high can last for anywhere from 4 to 12 hours. However, microdosing with a dose of around 2.5-5mg of THC can be helpful for inducing sedating effects.

Vapes – THC Vape-Oils and Vape Cartridges offer another great alternative for experiencing the strong sedative effects of THC. These come in many different forms and flavors which you can apply to a vape pen or vaporizer for fast-acting effects. Many users find vaping particularly enjoyable and relaxing, making them great for users who want to counteract sleep issues.

Oils – THC Oils or Tinctures are another fantastic options to use as a sleep aid. These products are particularly fast-acting. Simply apply the oil under your tongue, hold it there for a minute or two, and the effects of THC will quickly work their way around your system.

Best CBD Products for Sleep

If you don’t enjoy the strong, psychoactive effects of THC, you can use CBD products as an alternative. Although they may not be as strong as smoking cannabis or using products like THC Tinctures, CBD products can provide effects that make it easier to sleep without any unwanted side effects. They won’t make you high and they’re also safe to use in any quantity safely. Here are some of the best CBD products for sleep.

CBD Tinctures – CBD Tinctures or CBD Oils are generally the most popular option due to just how easy and convenient they are. You can use CBD Tincture within a couple of minutes by applying the oil under your tongue and holding it there for a minute or two to absorb the cannabinoids into your system. As an alternative, you can also use CBD Phoenix Tears.

CBD Edibles – CBD can also be taken in edible form. There are many tasty products such as CBD Gummies which you can use to get the benefits of cannabidiol. They may take longer to work than products such as oils as they need to be digested first, however they’re a highly effective way to consume CBD.

CBD Vapes – You can also use vape products such as CBD Vape Cartridges for a fast and effective way to take CBD. These come in many different flavors and can be applied to a vape pen or vaporizer to heat, inhale, and enjoy.

CBD Capsules – CBD Capsules are one of the most convenient ways to take CBD. Each comes with a healthy dose of CBD. All you need to do is swallow them with some water and allow them to digest. It’s best to take CBD Capsules daily to feel the effects, although you can also take a high dose all at once if you prefer.

Conclusion

Various users find it helpful to use cannabis as a sleep aid. Although you shouldn’t rely solely upon cannabis to fix insomnia and other sleep problems, it can offer a helping hand, especially when combined with other methods. There are various cannabis strains that can help with sleep, in addition to a multitude of THC and CBD products. You can find all of the products you need for delivery from WCCannabis.ca.