Finding ways to unwind and recharge at the end of the day is essential, and for many, cannabis has become part of that nightly ritual. Whether you’re looking to quiet your thoughts, relax your body, or simply set the tone for a peaceful evening, the right strain can make a big difference. So, we’re here to help you explore cannabis with confidence.
In this guide, you’ll find insights into how different strains and product types may fit into your evening routine, along with customer favorites often chosen for their calming, end-of-day effects. By the time we’re done, you should be well prepared to use this potent plant to access better rest.
Using Cannabis for Sleep: An Introduction
Most of us tend to take sleep for granted—until it’s hard to find. According to the CDC, roughly 50 to 70 million Americans are affected by sleep issues at any given time, and some 1 in 3 adults report not getting adequate sleep regularly. While there’s seemingly no end to the prescription and over-the-counter remedies that promise relief, the truth is that there’s no one-size-fits-all, and some medications work while others don’t for certain people.
As an alternative to the world of sleep aids, could cannabis be the ticket? The answer is “likely,” but it’s complicated.
Cannabis interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), one of the body’s most important regulatory networks, helping govern such crucial processes as nervous system function, appetite, metabolism, immune response, and memory. The ECS contains specialized receptors that interact with THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids, in addition to the cannabinoid-like compounds our body creates called “endocannabinoids.”
Research suggests that the ECS plays a vital role in regulating our sleep patterns, so THC and CBD may impact restfulness as well. The real question is: Are they helping or hurting sleep? And just as no two people are the same, the answer to that question is highly personal. Once bedtime rolls around, here’s how they play out:
THC for Sleep
THC is the cannabinoid that’s most responsible for the cannabis plant’s psychoactivity. But what happens when you sleep while high? One sleep study found that high-THC cannabis reduced the proportion of test subjects’ rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, the stage in which people experience dreams. The theory is that fewer dreams could lead to more time spent in restorative “deep sleep.”
On a related note, reducing REM sleep also means fewer nightmares, a major cause of sleep disruption. All that said, THC may not be a completely sustainable solution in and of itself. Some research suggests that regular THC use can reduce the quality and duration of our rest.
CBD for Sleep
CBD, the “second cannabinoid,” won’t make you feel high, but may impart several potential medical benefits. One clinical study suggests that CBD may reduce REM-related sleep disorders without causing grogginess the next day. One rodent-based study suggests that CBD may increase total sleep time, though experts point out that more human studies are needed to confirm these findings. Finally, since anxiety can be a major contributor to insomnia and restlessness in general, one study suggests that CBD may help reduce anxiety, which was greeted as big news in the sleep-health community.
Then there’s CBG, a minor cannabinoid that’s been shown to impart some potentially major benefits. While clinical evidence supporting the use of CBG for sleep is still emerging, research suggests the compound may have potential calming and anti-anxiety benefits that may play a role in future sleep treatments.
Why Does Cannabis Make You Sleepy?
Given how many of us turn to cannabis for sleep, it’s worth asking exactly how it works. To answer this, we have to turn back to the endocannabinoid system. THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids bind to specialized receptor cells in the ECS, including CB1 and CB2 cells.
When THC binds with CB1 cells, it has the effect of suppressing neurons in the brain’s arousal system, reducing our alertness and making it easier to drift off into sleep. We’ve also known for some time that at lower doses, THC acts as a potential sedative, generally slowing brain activity overall. At moderate or high doses, THC may have the opposite effect, promoting wakefulness or even anxiety. It’s especially important to “start slow, stay low” when trying weed strains for sleep.
Cannabis also contains hundreds of compounds that aren’t cannabinoids. These include sedative-leaning terpenes such as myrcene, as well as a-pinene, linalool, and many others. That’s a reminder that the best cannabis for sleep purposes may be a full-spectrum product that contains all the terpenes and other secondary compounds native to the plant.
Does Sativa or Indica Make You Sleepy?
Another big topic in the cannabis for sleep debate is the question of indica vs sativa strains. In general, indicas (and indica-leaning hybrids) are thought to impart calming, relaxing body-centered effects, while sativas (and sativa-leaning hybrids) are known to instill energizing and stimulating qualities.
It stands to reason that indicas would be the go-to option. But as with so many things involving cannabis, the ways we interface with this complex plant can be highly personal. If a given sativa has a high enough THC content or enough sedative terpenes, it could reasonably support sleep and impart the opposite of its typical energizing qualities.
Cannabis for Sleep: Benefits and Potential Risks
As with any sleep aid, there are benefits to using CBD and THC for sleep, and there are risks. Here’s a rundown of some of the top reasons you might want to try cannabis to help you sleep, or give it a pass.
Pros:
- Low doses of THC may help individuals fall asleep faster.
- Since cannabis may help reduce pain, some individuals may potentially experience improved sleep due to the plant’s pain-relieving qualities.
- Cannabis may help reduce nightmares, especially in individuals who have PTSD.
- CBD may help reduce anxiety, which can improve sleep duration and quality.
Cons:
- While cannabis may reduce REM sleep, it can also alter REM patterns in ways that may negatively impact sleep quality.
- Higher doses of THC, especially in edibles, may lead to daytime grogginess or impaired cognitive function.
- Regular cannabis users may develop tolerance and dependence. In some cases, discontinuing use may trigger insomnia.
In general, it’s best to keep in mind that there is still only limited research on the long-term effects of cannabis on sleep quality, so approach carefully and start with what works best for your body and mind.
What Are the Best Strains for Sleep?
Though experiences will vary, here are a few strains available at Mission Dispensaries that customers often turn to when looking for a good night’s rest, from THC knockouts to soothing CBD- and CBG-rich picks:
Hindu Kush
Widely considered one of the best weed strains for sleep, this indica is recommended for moderate to experienced users who can handle the heavily sedating effects associated with this stone(d) cold classic.
Wedding Cake
Producing sweet, sticky, and appealing buds, this popular indica can boast a very high THC content. It’s popular for its sour and tangy flavor profile and for its typical indica effects, including warmth, heaviness, and the tendency to send you to an early bedtime.
Harlequin
A much-loved high-CBD strain, Harlequin typically boasts equal amounts of CBD and THC. It’s a great option if you’re new to cannabis.
White Widow
This high-THC strain has an optimal amount of CBD—between 1% – 4%—and also contains CBG, a cannabinoid that may support deeper sleep. Fans love its daytime or nighttime versatility.
ACDC
A bona fide high-CBD powerhouse, ACDC is a great choice if you need a good strain for sleep that can help you avoid grogginess the next day.
Blueberry
Another classic indica, this flavorful smoke is one of the top sleepy weed strains at our dispensaries. It’s especially beloved for its delicious berry-scented smoke.
Grandaddy Purple
A favorite and very potent indica, Grandaddy Purple, also known as Grandaddy Purp, is known for imparting sedative and muscle-relaxing effects.
Jack Frost
A potent and delicious hybrid, Jack Frost is commonly chosen for its sweet and woody scent and its potential to relieve symptoms of PTSD and stress, according to many of our customers.
Find the Right Strain for You at Mission
Ready to hit the snooze button? Of course, your particular physiology will play a significant role in determining the best strain and cannabinoid ratio for own body. However, if you’re searching for a sleepy strain, our team is here to help. Whether you’re a first-time user or an experienced consumer looking to fine-tune your routine, we offer personalized recommendations and a wide selection of products formulated to support better rest.
Visit your local Mission Dispensary in Illinois or Massachusetts, or browse our online menus to explore flower, edibles, tinctures, and vape products that may help you sleep more soundly. See you soon!
