Top Rated Cannabis Products for Sleep, Stress, and Pain

THC is the most popular cannabinoid, but it isn’t the be-all-end-all like some might lead you to believe. The entire plant profile, including hundreds of cannabinoids and numerous terpenes, all play a part in delivering the unique experience you seek out. 

In this post, we look at their importance to better understand pot’s potential impact on sleep, anxiety, and pain relief. We'll also discuss some of the top products NuggMD patients try for sleep after getting their medical marijuana card. We recommend consulting your doctor about what products may be best for you.

Let's get to it!

Why Do Different Cannabinoid/Terpene Profiles Give Unique Effects? 

You may already know that not every cannabis strain is ideal for every medical condition or need. But why is that the case? The short answer is that every compound is different. The content of the flower is what shapes the experience. 

Think of cannabis as a pizza. A pizza rich in pepperoni is going to taste much different than one loaded with sausage and mushrooms. The taste and aroma will change when ingredients are combined in certain ratios. 

Cannabis works much the same way, except instead of different toppings, each strain offers a unique combination of cannabinoids and terpenes. A strain with a high ratio of CBN and linalool may provide a different experience than a strain loaded with THC and myrcene.

We’ll pull away from the comparison now that we’ve got pizza in your mind. Unlike that cheesy goodness, each cannabis compound not only impacts the flavor and aroma, but the overall effects produced (in other words, the type of high you’ll experience). Plant compounds interact with one another and with the body’s various receptors. The combined interactions produce effects ranging from uplifting energy to calm sedation.

The combination is why many support the entourage effect, or the largely-held belief that the ideal cannabis consumption experience requires the whole plant profile rather than a distillate or isolate. 

With that, let’s look at some of the cannabinoids and terpenes that research patients have found to be helpful for sleep, stress, and pain relief. For each condition, we’ll also consider three popular cannabis products that offer a high ratio of the sought-after compounds.

Cannabinoids, Terpenes, and Cannabis Products for Sleep

While there are many clinical studies stating the potential efficacy of cannabis for sleep, more research is needed before being able to recommend a specific cannabis product or ratio confidently. Some medical cannabis patients suffering from sleep issues have found positive results by using products high in the following terpenes and cannabinoids:

• Myrcene: Certain analysis indicates that higher levels of this terpene may induce couch-lock while lower doses can produce increased energy levels.¹
• Limonene: The above study also notes that limonene may induce sedation and lessen anxiety by boosting serotonin and dopamine levels.
• Pinene: One study called α- and β-Pinene "A Miracle Gift of Nature," with another study concluding that pinene increased non-rapid eye movement in mice, concluding it acted as a hypnotic to improve sleep quality.^2,3
• Linalool: Also found commonly in lavender, certain studies concluded that linalool induces sedative effects through its interactions with the body's GABA neurotransmitter systems.⁴
• CBN: This cannabinoid is more commonly found in aged cannabis strains and has been said to help induce sedation, yet no clinical studies provide strong support for this claim.⁵ However, a clinical trial is underway to find out more about the effects of CBN and sleep.
• CBD: The most present cannabinoid besides THC, CBD is often regarded for producing similar effects to THC without the well-known intoxicating "high" cerebral effects.

Wyld Elderberry 2:1 THC/CBN

Edible

Hybrid | 100mg

Each Wyld CBN infused Elderberry gummy provides a lovely burst of syrupy-sweet goodness mixed with 10mg of THC and 5mg of CBN. 

1 serving size / 0.5 of a gummy = 5 mg THC + 2.5 mg CBN

1 gummy = 10 mg THC + 5 mg CBN

1 package = 100 mg THC + 50 mg CBN

Kurvana True OG Vape

Vape

Indica | .5g | 81.61%

Kurvana vape pens are some of the most flavorful options around. Not only that, but their combination of terpenes that may help induce sleep, like limonene, beta-caryophyllene, beta-myrcene, linalool, and beta-pinene may help enhance sleep experiences.

Claybourne Vanilla Cake Flower

Flower

Indica Hybrid | 3.5g | 26.06%

If you want your sleep aid to pack a punch while tasting like dessert, then this Vanilla Cake takes the, well, cake! Beyond an irresistible taste, Vanilla Cake contains limonene, linalool, beta-caryophyllene, and other cannabinoids research has demonstrated to be associated with improved sleep.

Cannabinoids, Terpenes, and Cannabis Products for Stress

Medical patients have also claimed to experience stress relief from similar terpenes and cannabinoids associated with improved sleep, as well as other compounds we haven't yet touched upon.

Some leading stress-relieving compounds include:

• Caryophyllene: Caryophyllene contains α- and β-caryophyllene as well as the compounds cadinene, eudesmol and guaiol. Certain studies have reported their beneficial anti-anxiety effects in recent years.⁶
• Pinene and Linalool: Both monoterpenes have been reported to possess antidepressant activity through effects on transmitters, including serotonin, dopamine and many others.⁷
• CBG: Stress may also help relieve physical tension in the body. In some studies, CBG has been identified as a muscle relaxant.⁸
• CBC: Extracts of this cannabinoid have generated antidepressant effects in rodent studies.
• CBD: Select studies suggest that the prominent cannabinoid can relieve physical and mental stress without likely experiencing any intoxicating effects as THC produces. 
• THC: Among its many benefits cited, THC has been identified as a muscle relaxant that can address spasms and other stress-related pains. 

CANN Yuzu Elderflower 2:1 CBD

Edible

High CBD | 12mg

CBD and yuzu are believed to help reduce stress, just like elderflower may help with pain and inflammation–including any allergy-induced sinus pains. And with CANN, you’re getting one of the most popular drinks in cannabis today. 

Himalaya Purple Punch Live

Vape

Indica | 1g | 79%

Live resin carts contain as much of the plant profile as possible, and you’ll want that with Himalaya’s Purple Punch. Not only is it rich in flavor but also caryophyllene, a terpene associated with relieving stress and physical tension.

Union Electric Pai Gow #9 Flower

Flower

Sativa | 28g | 19.23%

Billed as a mood balancer, Union Electric’s Pai Gow #9 is a flavorful flower rich in myrcene and limonene, two stress-busting terpenes. The sativa-leaning cross is also known for providing a bit of energy and stress relief.

Cannabinoids, Terpenes, and Cannabis Products for Pain Relief

Some of the compounds listed above may also provide pain relief. Together with the cannabinoids and terpenes below, these are believed to be some of the leading compounds for addressing pain:

• Caryophyllene: β-Caryophyllene has been considered a CB2 agonist in at least one rodent study, noting the cannabinoid's positive effect on inflammatory pain. 
• Linalool: Linalool can aid in various inflammation cases and may act more potent when combined with compounds containing similar effects.⁹
• Myrcene: In some studies, β-myrcene is credited for potentially creating similar analgesic effects as THC and CBD. 
• Pinene: In select studies, α-pinene has been considered a beneficial remedy for various aching issues, including dental pain.
• Limonene: Limonene may relieve a range of pains, including brain and respiratory inflammation. 
• CBD: A noted physical and mental analgesic.
• THC: Another previously mentioned analgesic.¹⁰
• CBG: In select studies, CBG has also lessened inflammation and body pains.¹¹

Jetty Do-Si-Do Unrefined Live Resin

Vape

Hybrid | 0.5g | 76.54%

Jetty once again offers a top-tier strain with a taste and aroma to match its often therapeutic effects. This live resin option is a superior cart selection rich in limonene–contributing to its reported delicious and physically soothing experience.

Pabst Blue Ribbon Lemon Seltzer

Edible

Hybrid | 20mg

They’re not just a beer brand anymore. PBR is now in the cannabis game, producing a non-alcoholic, citrus-y option that should kick in faster than most edibles on the market while providing long-lasting effects that many consumers rate as euphoric and relaxing.

Claybourne Cookies N Cream Flower

Flower

Indica Hybrid | 3.5g | 27.32%

Known for relieving pain and lifting moods, Cookies N Cream is an award-winning delicious choice with a cannabinoid and terpene profile that has the potential to reduce pain symptoms quickly. 

How to Find the Products You Need Without the Hassle

Whether you're visiting a dispensary or perusing online, ask the following questions before buying:

• What are the most popular products among shoppers with similar needs and medical conditions?
• What else should I know about this product before buying and consuming it?
• What is the product's cannabinoid and terpene profile?
• Where and how was it grown?
• How was this product processed?
• Can I view the certificate of authenticity or a link/QR code to the company's lab analysis? What were the contaminant results?
• What do customer reviews say, especially reviews from people with my medical condition?

Or, consider a subscription box, like Nugg Club. This way, you can take the hassle out of the process and quickly find the products you need, all while saving cash. Each month you'll receive five to seven products curated to your specific preferences, allowing you to choose which ones work best for you. 

References

1. Sommano SR, Chittasupho C, Ruksiriwanich W, Jantrawut P. The Cannabis Terpenes. Molecules. 2020; 25(24):5792. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25245792 ↩︎
2. Salehi B, Upadhyay S, Erdogan Orhan I, et al. Therapeutic Potential of α- and β-Pinene: A Miracle Gift of Nature. Biomolecules. 2019;9(11):738. Published 2019 Nov 14. doi:10.3390/biom9110738 ↩︎
3. Yang H, Woo J, Pae AN, et al. α-Pinene, a Major Constituent of Pine Tree Oils, Enhances Non-Rapid Eye Movement Sleep in Mice through GABAA-benzodiazepine Receptors. Molecular Pharmacology. 2016;90(5):530-539. doi:https://doi.org/10.1124/mol.116.105080 ↩︎
4. Milanos S, Elsharif SA, Janzen D, Buettner A, Villmann C. Metabolic Products of Linalool and Modulation of GABAA Receptors. Frontiers in Chemistry. 2017;5. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fchem.2017.00046 ↩︎
5. Corroon J. Cannabinol and Sleep: Separating Fact from Fiction. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. Published online August 31, 2021. doi:https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2021.0006 ↩︎
6. Machado K da C, Paz MFCJ, Oliveira Santos JV de, et al. Anxiety Therapeutic Interventions of β-Caryophyllene: A Laboratory-Based Study. Natural Product Communications. 2020;15(10):1934578X2096222. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/1934578x20962229 ↩︎
7. Guzmán-Gutiérrez SL, Bonilla-Jaime H, Gómez-Cansino R, Reyes-Chilpa R. Linalool and β-pinene exert their antidepressant-like activity through the monoaminergic pathway. Life Sci. 2015;128:24-29. doi:10.1016/j.lfs.2015.02.021 ↩︎
8. Russo EB, Cuttler C, Cooper ZD, Stueber A, Whiteley VL, Sexton M. Survey of Patients Employing Cannabigerol-Predominant Cannabis Preparations: Perceived Medical Effects, Adverse Events, and Withdrawal Symptoms. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. 2021;7(5). doi:https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2021.0058 ↩︎
9. Kim T, Song B, Cho KS, Lee I-S. Therapeutic Potential of Volatile Terpenes and Terpenoids from Forests for Inflammatory Diseases. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2020; 21(6):2187. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21062187 ↩︎
10. Elikkottil J, Gupta P, Gupta K. The analgesic potential of cannabinoids [published correction appears in J Opioid Manag. 2010 Jan-Feb;6(1):14. Elikottil, Jaseena [corrected to Elikkottil, Jaseena]]. J Opioid Manag. 2009;5(6):341-357. ↩︎
11. Kogan NM, Lavi Y, Topping LM, Williams RO, McCann FE, Yekhtin Z, Feldmann M, Gallily R, Mechoulam R. Novel CBG Derivatives Can Reduce Inflammation, Pain and Obesity. Molecules. 2021; 26(18):5601. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26185601 ↩︎

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.