For something so vital to human health and overall wellbeing, sleep can sometimes be difficult to come by. In fact, 50-70 million American adults have a sleep disorder. The American Psychological Association lists insomnia as the most specific sleep disorder, with 30% of American adults reporting difficulty getting some shut-eye. Insomnia affects about 40 million Americans every year, with 10-15% of adults dealing with chronic insomnia. Unsurprisingly, the problem of lack of sleep has spurred innovation and discovery in the quest for a good night’s sleep. This search has led scientists and researchers to a natural remedy – cannabis. The best strains for sleep have shown effective healing qualities for sleeping disorders with little to no side effects.
It is nature’s remedy to a problem that has plagued man for a long time, and humans have harnessed its therapeutic effects for centuries. It’s no news that cannabis is an effective plant-based alternative to pharmaceuticals.
Medical Marijuana And Sleep: What’s The Relationship?
Marijuana contains more than 100 different chemical compounds known as cannabinoids, and these compounds are notable for their medicinal qualities. Two of the most popular are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main compounds used in medical marijuana. Cannabinol (CBN), created when you expose THC to heat and light over time, is a lesser-known cannabinoid noted for its sedative effects.
CBD is not psychoactive, meaning it does not cause you to “feel high”. Researchers think CBD affects the way our brains respond to serotonin, a chemical linked to mental health. They believe that these effects lead to stress relief, decreased anxiety, and induces sleep in persons who have insomnia or other conditions.
On the other hand, THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid and responsible for the classic psychoactive effects the plant is known for. Using it helps with nausea, anxiety, insomnia, and pain. If pain is the cause of your sleep problems, a strain with high THC content is an excellent option. In fact, some states allow you to get your medical cannabis card for debilitating sleep disorders.
CBD and THC both have medical benefits and are both considered safe. According to research, their interactions with any other drug are the likely cause of most side effects.
The best strains for sleep also possess analgesic properties that act as a pain reliever. In addition, its anti-anxiety properties can soothe the mind and lead to an elevated mental state.
Benefits Of Using Cannabis For Sleep
Using medical marijuana for sleep disorders can create immense benefits, and the best strains for sleep will have you getting your required daily amount of sleep and much more.
- Fall Asleep Faster: THC causes users to fall asleep quickly by shortening sleep latency – this is the amount of time it takes to go from fully awake to fully asleep. THC can act as an anti-inflammatory agent and pain reliever; you get a better sleep when you’re not suffering pain. It may also reduce the number of times you wake up at night.
- Longer Sleep: Researchers who have studied the effects of CBD have reported an improvement in both the length and quality of sleep. This means you sleep for longer and wake up feeling refreshed because your mind and body are completely at rest.
- Relax Your Mind: CBN is noted for its sedative qualities, so choosing a strain high in this compound is a great choice for a good sleep.
Best Strains For Sleep
There are varieties of weed for sleep available on the market, and individual experience varies according to the product. However, there are some you can’t go wrong with.
Hindu Kush
Named after its exotic origins — the mountain range stretching 500 miles between Pakistan and Afghanistan — the aroma of Hindu Kush is a delightful blend of sandalwood with a sweet undertone. It has a THC content of 15%-32% and a CBD content of less than 1%. This high THC content makes it suitable for moderate and experienced users. Users reported feelings of relaxation and sleepiness.
Grandaddy Purple
This marijuana strain is purple and goes by many different names, including “Grand Daddy Purp,” “G Purps,” “Granddaddy Purps,” “GDP”, “Gridlock,” and “Grandaddy Purple Kush.” Its aroma is a heady mix of grape and berry. Grandaddy Purple has sedating and muscle-relaxing effects, making it perfect for those who have trouble sleeping. Its THC content is 12.5%-32%, and CBD content is less than 1%.
Harlequin
Harlequin is perfect for beginners who are hesitant to dive into the psychoactive qualities of THC. It is a 1:1 strain, which means it has almost equal quantities of THC and CBD. This strain is great for treating pain and anxiety. THC content is 7%-15% while CBD content is 8%-10%. Its aroma is predominantly musky and earthy, with undertones of tropical and citrus fruit.
ACDC
This strain combines low THC and high CBD to give a feeling of clarity and focus with little to no intoxicating effects. It is the ideal medical marijuana and can help with all sorts of things, from nerve pain and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) to epilepsy and PTSD. THC content is 1%-6% while CBD content is 14%-20%
The Best Strains for Sleep, From Elevate Holistics
At Elevate Holistics, we are committed to improving health and wellness using natural products, and a good night’s sleep is a significant part of healthy living. We believe that accessibility should not be a barrier to your health needs, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. Our practice combines quality medical cannabis procedures with qualified physicians to give you the holistic care you need. We look forward to helping you get a deep, relaxing night of dream-filled sleep.
