Does Weed Help You Sleep?

The effects of cannabis on sleeping patterns has been under debate for a long time. While seasoned marijuana users swear by the drug’s sedative qualities, researchers have found little evidence to support this claim entirely. According to them, the answer to this question is much more complicated than a simple yes or no.

The active ingredients in cannabis, THC and CBD, are complex compounds. These ingredients have varying effects on different people, depending on the quantities in which they are found in various marijuana strains.

Other factors that determine the impact of THC and CBD on a user include the method of administration, the type of plant and the psychological condition of the user.

For instance, most medical users of weed now resort to the vaporization technique instead of physically smoking marijuana. This method lets users alter the dose and consume the drug in short episodes. On the contrary, others prefer to take edible forms of weed that are mixed with desserts, shakes and more. Similarly, a user’s personal condition also determines the affect weed has on them. While some are more resistant to it, others are very sensitive and may react strongly with the smallest of doses.

Research carried out on weed’s impact on sleep quality reveals that while small doses may increase sleep, with repeated use, this affect is likely to disappear. However, since cannabis is known to calm the senses and relax the body, it may help users achieve a state of mild stupor more quickly. Similar studies have also found that in small doses THC can aid sleep, while in moderate doses it can turn into a stimulant.

Sleepiness also depends on the type of strain you plan to take. Indica strains are better at inducing sleep, while Sativa strains tend to make users alert and active. Moreover, another determinant in the weed and sleep relationship is the age of the cannabis. According to experts, the drier and older the weed variety, the sleepier it tends to make user. This is, in part, due to the deterioration of THC over time. It does not simply dissipate, though, but rather it converts into a more sedative compound; CBN.