Guide: Cannabis for Sleep
Plus: "Goodnight, Dear Cats" an AI-generated sleep poem
Do you have a hard time falling asleep, or staying asleep? My mind is usually spinning in circles about tasks to finish, people to message, worrying about loved ones, anxiety about money and work, ideas for content, catchy TikTok songs, and trying to keep up in a noisy, fast-paced digital life. Ugh, feel familiar?
Can cannabis help? Truthful answer: Maybe. More studies need to be done to understand the effects of cannabis on sleep. But it doesn’t stop companies from promoting cannabis as a sleep solution. Last week, I mused about why we were having difficulty sleeping and, thankfully, my zombie anxiety dreams have stopped.
From sleep gummies to drinks, cookies, teas, and CBN, the marketing machine is telling us there are solutions for our collective lack of sleep. In today’s post, let’s dive into cannabis for sleep and sort facts from hype.
Vol 18.5 // In This Issue for Paid Subscribers:
Hype vs Science
Cannabis for Sleep: What to Consider
Recommended: Products to Try
“Goodnight, Dear Cats” an AI-generated sleep poem
Hype vs. Science
The reality is there are limited studies with mixed results on cannabis and sleep. It’s impossible to properly research cannabis when it is still listed as a Schedule 1 Drug. What we’re seeing and hearing now about cannabis and sleep is mostly hype from anecdotal evidence and not enough scientific studies to support facts. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t work.
Some studies have shown that THC can help people fall asleep, but it disrupts REM sleep and dreams. Too much THC can inhibit sleep. CBD may help you feel relaxed to prepare for sleep, in addition to helping you stay asleep. CBN, a minor cannabinoid touted by companies for its potential to induce sleepiness, may be helpful but there’s not enough scientific evidence to say for sure.
From my personal experimentation and anecdotal stories, I’ve found that cannabis products containing whole plant cannabinoids (including THC, CBD, CBN, etc.) found in flower and solventless edibles, vape cartridges, and concentrates work best.
READ // “Is Cannabis Good or Bad for Sleep” via The New York Times
MAKE // Cannabis-infused Tea Recipe
HIVE MIND! // Let’s help each other sleep better. What’s something that’s worked for you?
Cannabis for Sleep: What to Consider
I can’t say for certain that products marketed with CBN for sleep will work for you. Each person’s body and endocannbinoid system interacts with the plant’s cannabinoids differently. You’ll need to try a few different things to find out what works best for your unique needs.
Here’s what to look for when choosing cannabis for sleep:
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