Are you having trouble sleeping? Well, you are not alone. In fact, according to the National Sleep Foundation, this common issue is affecting 50-70 million U.S. adults and between 10 and 15 perches of adults deal with chronic insomnia.
With such a large number of people who suffer from insomnia, many turn to cannabis as an effective method to help them sleep. Let’s break down what works and what does not.
Which is better for sleep, CBD, CBN, or THC?
The marijuana plant can contain many different cannabinoids, which are the chemical substances in marijuana that can make you high. These cannabinoids, like the popular THC and CBD, also exhibit other effects. Here is a breakdown of the main cannabinoids known to help sleep:
- Cannabidiol (CBD): Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a non-mind-altering cannabinoid that promotes relaxation.
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): This is a psychoactive component that causes many feelings of being high and sedation.
- Cannabinol, or CBN: This is a less well-known cannabinoid than CBD. It appears to have powerful sedative effects, which may be enhanced when it’s combined with THC.
Most of us have heard of THC and CBD and what they can do, but you might wonder which cannabinoid is best for sleeping. The research here is mixed.
So what does the research say exactly? A study with 147 participants found that both THC and CBD reduced the time it took to fall asleep. However, another study found that CBD produced a more alert state in some individuals, while THC acted as a sedative. To further cloud the picture, much of the current support for cannabis as an aid to sleep is anecdotal.
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