Best Cannabinoids for Sleep

In today’s world, there are so many different cannabis strains and cannabinoid concentrations available to patients. However, if you’re new to the world of cannabis and feeling overwhelmed, know that you’re not alone. Deciphering all the strains and products available can be confusing.

From melatonin and THC to your natural sleep cycle and cannabis consumption methods, there’s so much to learn when it comes to sleep. Understanding specific cannabinoids and the conditions they can treat is important, so which are the best cannabinoids for sleep?

Which Cannabinoids Help Most With Sleep?

While cannabis continues to be studied by the scientific community, there is some research regarding cannabinoids and sleep.

Research has found that the effect cannabis has on sleep is likely due to its interaction with the CB1 receptor. This action on the receptor creates neurotransmitters that have various effects, including inducing sleep. This study also found that THC taken at high doses can actually change your sleep cycle, lowering the amount of stage 3 sleep and increasing overall sleepiness.¹

A 2022 study examined whether or not cannabis can be an effective option for reducing dependency on medicinal sleep aids. It found that 39% of patients were able to lower or completely stop their sleep-inducing prescription medication significantly. When researchers checked in with study participants at a later date, they found that 71% noticed positive changes in their sleep.²

Which Cannabinoid Concentrations and Ratios Help Most With Sleep?

While THC-dominant cannabis itself may be helpful for sleep, a combination of THC and CBD may likely be the most effective at helping patients sleep. The research has found that when patients were given a combination of THC and CBD, their natural melatonin levels improved, and 60% of those who participated in the study no longer qualified for a clinical insomnia diagnosis after two weeks.³

Patients can take advantage of the potential benefits of both THC and CBD to make sure that they’re getting the full spectrum of positive effects. Individuals have reported that compared to conventional sleep aids, using cannabis for sleep resulted in fewer unwanted side effects and better overall results.⁴ However, it’s important to speak with your doctor if you are taking any sleep medications and are interested in introducing cannabis to your routine.

When it comes to what cannabinoids and combinations are right for you, it’s important to think about your goals. Cannabinoids can present a variety of different benefits. Exploring all the different options, doing independent research, and speaking with professionals are all great ways to make sure that you’re on the right track.

How to Choose Strains for Sleep Based on Cannabinoid Content

How can patients choose the best cannabis strain for sleep? 

A combination of THC and some CBD, as well as terpenes like linalool and myrcene, could be the most effective at helping patients get some rest. Choosing this type of chemovar may be a great way to feel relaxed and calm, so consider using that qualification when shopping.  Many have reported that strains in the Kush family often relax and help induce sleep.

If you’re unsure of what strain or cannabis product may contain the best cannabinoid levels, you can always ask to see the packaging and product label. You can also request to see the certificate of analysis (CoA), which can verify the product's cannabinoid, and often terpene, content. You can also speak with the staff at your local dispensary, who may have insights and recommendations from their own use or other consumers' product choices.

While the cannabis products you consume are important, it’s also essential to think about the dosage as well. The right dosage varies for everyone and will depend on the goals for your cannabis use. It’s a common mistake to take too much cannabis if you’re still starting out, so a good way to avoid this “mistake” is to be cautious and only increase your dose slightly if you think that’s the right step.

The 5 Best Strains for Sleep Based on Cannabinoid Content

If you’re looking for the best sleep gummies or another cannabis product that will help you fall asleep easier, there are some top strains to consider. Melatonin and THC are complicated topics, but the following products may help you get some more rest.

1. Blackberry Kush: This strain has an average of 20% THC. It is a fruity strain known for its relaxing and calming effects. Some of the terpenes included in this strain, such as myrcene and pinene, may help you get some rest. This is a pungent strain, but it’s a great choice for both more experienced cannabis users and those who are just starting out.
2. Northern Lights: Northern Lights could be right for you if you want a more potent strain, having up to 27% THC. This strain is probably best reserved for those who have some experience using cannabis. Certain grows of this strain may have a slight CBD component, so it may be a good option if you want a combination of cannabinoids. Some of the terpenes featured in this strain include terpinolene and myrcene.
3. Wedding Cake: This strain has both vanilla and herbal flavors and is a good option if you’re looking for a potent strain. It contains myrcene,  an average of 22% THC, and some batches may contain around 1% CBG. If you’re dealing with insomnia, this could be the right strain for your situation and potentially lead to feeling calm and relaxed.
4. GG4: This strain boasts around 20% THC, but some harvests can reach up to 30%, so proceed with caution. This might be the right choice if you’re looking for a pungent option. The high percentage of THC likely is one of the top reasons why this is a great option for those looking to get some sleep.
5. Mochi Gelato: Mochi Gelato is known for promoting creativity but is also a great option for winding down and getting some sleep. This is a hybrid strain with 21% THC. Some terpenes included in this strain are myrcene and pinene.

References

1. Edwards D, Filbey FM. Are Sweet Dreams Made of These? Understanding the Relationship Between Sleep and Cannabis Use. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2021;6(6):462-473. doi:10.1089/can.2020.0174 ↩︎
2. Vaillancourt R, Gallagher S, Cameron JD, Dhalla R. Cannabis use in patients with insomnia and sleep disorders: Retrospective chart review. Can Pharm J (Ott). 2022;155(3):175-180. Published 2022 Apr 15. doi:10.1177/17151635221089617 ↩︎
3. Low ZXB, Lee XR, Soga T, Goh BH, Alex D, Kumari Y. Cannabinoids: Emerging sleep modulator. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. 2023;165:115102. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115102 ↩︎
4. Stueber A, Cuttler C. A large-scale survey of cannabis use for sleep: preferred products and perceived effects in comparison to over-the-counter and prescription sleep aids. Exploration of medicine. Published online October 25, 2023:709-719. doi:https://doi.org/10.37349/emed.2023.00171 ↩︎

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.