It’s no secret that more and more patients with trouble sleeping are turning to medical marijuana. In fact, a 2020 survey in the Journal of General Internal Medicine showed that poor sleep is one of the main reasons patients seek medical marijuana in the first place.
If you’re one of the nearly 70 million Americans that suffers from sleep problems every year, don’t give up. Medical marijuana may offer a solution to your bedtime sleep sorrows. We’ll take a look at how medical marijuana may help improve your sleep, as well as some of the best cannabis strains (indica and otherwise) for insomnia, in this post.
Marijuana and Sleep: How Does it Work?
Okay, so we know that sleep is one of the biggest reasons that patients use medical marijuana. But what does science actually say about cannabis’ effectiveness as a sleep aid?
A Recent Clinical Study
Fortunately, we have some clinical data on the subject. One team of researchers at the University of Western Australia’s Sleep Centre examined how cannabis extract affected participants suffering from sleep problems.
The study, published in 2021, was a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. That means some of the participants received cannabis extract while others were simply given a sublingual application with no actual effects. The researchers who administered both the placebo and the cannabis extract didn’t know which was real, a common scientific technique that works to eliminate any sort of researcher bias.
The study involved 24 participants and took place over two weeks. Participants kept a sleep diary over the course of the study to record any changes in their sleep pattern. Researchers also administered a comprehensive sleep test, called a polysomnography, during the course of the study.
The Results
Overall, the study appeared to show that cannabis could be an effective way to fall asleep faster and stay asleep throughout the night. Participants also reported that they felt more well-rested upon waking up in the morning. Moreover, the study showed that cannabis was fairly well-tolerated among all the participants. There were no serious adverse effects, suggesting that cannabis may be a safe way to improve sleep as well.
Cannabis for Sleep: Best Ways to Use Medical Marijuana
So we’ve established that cannabis can provide effective relief for those that suffer from sleep troubles. But how exactly can you best utilize marijuana to improve a night’s sleep?
That depends on what exactly you’re trying to accomplish. Two of the main active ingredients in cannabis, THC and CBD, each play their own role in changing sleep patterns. According to the Sleep Foundation, THC could be an effective way to deal with sleep apnea, to reduce nightmares related to PTSD, and to alleviate chronic pain keeping patients awake through the night.
In contrast, CBD could soothe REM sleep problems and eliminate daytime sleepiness, one of the most prominent side effects of insomnia. You can choose products with different THC to CBD ratios to make the most of these different benefits.
Use Edibles and Time Them Right
You also may want to consider using edible cannabis products to help get better sleep. Edibles have potent, long-lasting effects, sometimes lasting 6 hours or more. As a result, they may be an excellent choice for helping you stay asleep throughout the night. However, you’ll want to make sure you take them at the right time. Edibles can take up to an hour to kick in, though, so make sure you plan ahead and take them at least an hour before bedtime.
Are Indica Strains the Best Cannabis for Sleep?
There’s plenty of conventional wisdom out there that talks about how sativa strains are more energizing and euphoric, while their indica counterparts are more relaxing and best for improving sleep.
While many indicas do demonstrate these properties, not all of them do. Instead, a plant’s cannabinoid and terpene content will determine these effects. In particular, myrcene (one of the most common cannabis terpenes) appears to improve sleep according to some data.
The Best Medical Marijuana for Sleep
Finally, the moment you’ve all been waiting for! Here are some of the best cannabis strains that medical marijuana patients visiting our dispensary have reported help them with sleep.
Granddaddy Purple
It should come as no surprise that one of the best cannabis strains for medical marijuana patients seeking better sleep is this legendary indica. Grandaddy Purple made waves when it burst onto the scene in 2003, and it’s solidified itself as a top-shelf indica in the 20 years since. This cross between Purple Urkle and Big Bud has a high THC content, usually around 25% or higher. That makes it a perfect nightcap to tuck you in after a long day.
Sunflower Purple Myrcene
This heavy indica is loaded with myrcene, the perfect terpene for lulling you into a deep, restful sleep. Sunflower Purple Myrcene is so packed with this terpene that they put it in its name. This cannabis strain is also an indica, making it one of the best strains out there for medical marijuana patients seeking better sleep. Its THC level usually rests around 20% to 25%, making it accessible for experiences and newer cannabis consumers alike.
Hindu Kush
One of the original indica strains to make its way to Western cannabis consumers is also one of the best medical marijuana strains for sleep. With a THC content around 25%, Hindu Kush has lent its genetics to countless indica strains since its introduction to breeders in the 1960s. It’s a great strain for banishing daily stress and anxiety and lulling you into a comfortable, tranquil snooze.
Find the Best Strain for Sleep and More at Takoma Wellness
You’re not going to want to sleep on the indica cannabis strains in this post if you’re a medical marijuana patient trying to get better rest. Fortunately, you can find all of them at Takoma Wellness.
That’s not all, though—we also carry a huge variety of cannabis products for any ailment. To learn more, check out our online menu. And if you’re not a medical marijuana patient yet, we can help you complete your application. We’re looking forward to seeing you!