Cannabis has long been known for its relaxing properties. But for those struggling to sleep, it can make a real difference. Whether you’re dealing with chronic insomnia, stress-induced restlessness, or occasional bouts of sleeplessness, the right type of cannabis can help you doze off.
But what are the right types of cannabis? As I’d find out while researching this, there are more effective ways to use cannabis for sleep than smoking weed.
And luckily for us, Michigan’s dispensaries are full of products to help you sleep. They range from gummies and tinctures to vapes and transdermal patches.
I visited some dispensaries to learn more.
But first, here’s what we know about cannabis: It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays an important role in regulating sleep, mood, and stress.
Several cannabis compounds are associated with relaxation, stress-relief, and sleep. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in marijuana, can have sedative effects, especially in indica-dominant strains and ones with sleep-inducing terpenes like myrcene.
Cannabidiol (CBD) can help with stress and anxiety, which are common causes of insomnia, while Cannabinol (CBN) is primarily known for its sedative effects.
A lesser-known compound, called Cannabigerol (CBG), is believed to reduce anxiety and stress and relieve muscle tension.
When taken together, these compounds are the most effective because they interact with each other to enhance relaxation and drowsiness.
It’s further proof that cannabis is a dynamic plant with a wide range of benefits that go far beyond getting high.
Sleep has become one of the primary reasons people use cannabis these days, and it represents a significant and expanding share of the market.
And it’s no wonder. Trouble sleeping is a serious concern in the U.S. Approximately 50 to 70 million Americans have sleep disorders, and about one-third of adults do not get enough uninterrupted sleep, according to SleepHealth.org.
A 2022 survey of more than 27,000 medical marijuana users in the U.S. and Canada found that nearly half used cannabis to address sleep issues. Another study published in Exploration of Medicine found that people felt more refreshed, focused, and functional in the morning when they used cannabis to induce sleep, as opposed to relying on a conventional sleep aid.
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