Start Sleeping Well with the Best Cannabis and Hemp Sleep Products

If you often find it hard to fall (and stay) asleep at night, you’re not alone. Insomnia and other sleep disorders have become increasingly common, and effective treatments can be hard to find. Cannabis and hemp have the potential to deliver powerful sleep relief, but figuring out exactly which cannabinoid concoction will do the trick can get confusing.

In this article, we’ll explore why cannabis helps with sleep, how to maximize its benefits, and mitigate potential drawbacks. Our list of today’s best cannabis products for sleep will help you find the ideal cannabinoid sleep solution to whisk you off to dreamland.

Using Cannabis For a Good Night’s Sleep

Cannabis (and its non-psychoactive counterpart, industrial hemp, from which most CBD-specific products are derived) can deliver powerful sedative effects as well as relieve pain, anxiety, stress, and a host of other conditions known to negatively impact sleep. These impressive effects have prompted several countries and US states to approve prescribed medical marijuana as an insomnia treatment and inspired still more individuals to experiment with using cannabis, CBD, or other cannabinoids before bed.

A Safer Sleep Alternative

Cannabis is generally considered a much safer alternative to pharmaceutical sleeping pills since there is no risk of fatal overdose or of developing a dangerous addiction to it. However, with cannabis’s wide range of potential effects – on sleep and otherwise – it’s highly advisable to consult your physician before implementing a cannabis treatment plan for disordered sleep. Never administer cannabis or CBD products to children without the express recommendation of a physician.

Cannabis sleep aids work most effectively when paired with good sleep hygiene. Maintaining a regular bedtime routine, dimming the lights and avoiding screen time before bed, cutting out stimulating substances (like caffeine or chocolate) in the hours leading up to bedtime, and aiming to be in bed at the same time each night can make a significant impact on how well cannabis impacts your sleep.

How Does Cannabis Help With Sleep?

While popular opinion has long been held that the best cannabis strains for sleep are indica, while sativa strains energize, treating insomnia with cannabis isn’t quite that simple. The cannabinoid and terpene makeup of any cannabis or hemp product is actually a much better indicator of its likelihood to help you rest. Here’s a look at how and why each of these individual cannabis compounds may affect your sleep.

• THC – Low doses of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), best-known as marijuana’s psychoactive component, can have a sedating effect as well as soothing pain, nausea, and other conditions that inhibit sleep and relaxation. Some studies suggest THC may even alleviate sleep apnea and related conditions by improving breathing quality. THC also reduces the amount of time the body spends in REM sleep cycles while increasing time spent in the restorative “deep sleep” stage. This can be especially helpful for people who suffer from PTSD-related nightmares, or who struggle with getting enough deep sleep. But it is important to be aware that THC (especially in higher doses) can sometimes hinder sleep more than it helps, invoking stimulating feelings such as euphoria, anxiety, paranoia, increased focus, or food cravings.
• CBD – CBD (cannabidiol) is often thought of as cannabis’s non-psychoactive sleep and relaxation powerhouse. The best cannabis strains for sleep are typically high in CBD, though CBD may not actually cause sleepiness as much as it lessens anxiety, pain, muscle tightness, and other conditions that make relaxing into sleep more difficult. Higher doses of CBD for sleep tend to be most effective, as low doses can actually have a mildly stimulating effect.


The best cannabis strains for sleep are typically high in CBD.

• CBN – CBN (cannabinol) is a lesser-known cannabinoid that’s recently begun drawing more attention. CBN is created when THC breaks down, losing its psychoactive qualities while becoming a powerful sedative, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic (pain reliever) agent. Using CBN for sleep may also help users stay asleep longer once they drift off.
• CBG – CBG (cannabigerol) is another lesser-known cannabinoid people have begun turning to for sleep. While large doses of CBG can impart a sedative effect, much like CBD, this cannabinoid’s positive effects on sleep can be mostly chalked up to its anxiety-reducing and muscle-relaxing characteristics.
• Terpenes – Terpenes are aromatic compounds that give plants their distinct aromas and flavors. When it comes to cannabis, terpenes are significant players in the “entourage effect” – the theory that cannabis’s full effects are enhanced and balanced out by synergistic interactions between all of its chemical compounds. Some cannabis and hemp strains contain terpenes known to increase levels of relaxation and sleepiness, such as linalool (also found in lavender) and myrcene (also found in hops).


Terpenes are aromatic compounds that give plants their distinct aromas and flavors.

• Additional Ingredients – A growing selection of cannabis sleep products are made with additional non-cannabis sleep-enhancing ingredients, such as melatonin (a hormone associated with the sleep-wake cycle), valerian root, or other sedative botanicals.

The Cons of Using Cannabis for Sleep

Despite cannabis’s amazing sedative and sleep-enhancing properties, there are potential drawbacks to be aware of and take into consideration before treating sleep issues with cannabis.

Increased Tolerance

Regular cannabis use often leads to increased tolerance, which means that you’ll eventually need to use a higher dosage in order to continue achieving the desired effects. Because of this, it’s better to use cannabis sleep aids as short-term solutions rather than something to lean on at bedtime every night.

Reduced REM Sleep

Studies have shown that THC use can shorten the amount of time your body spends in the REM stage of sleep. While this can be a blessing for those who suffer from nightmares and PTSD, REM sleep serves important purposes in the brain, including processing and retention of memories and other important information, and there may be long-term adverse health effects connected with consistent REM suppression. REM sleep cycles will return when you stop (or significantly reduce) bedtime cannabis use – often with a vengeance. This “REM Rebound” typically causes a significant increase in dreams and more time than usual spent in REM sleep.

Next-Day Grogginess

Even after a good night’s sleep, some people who use cannabis or CBD for sleep will remain groggy well into the next day. These lingering effects can impact focus and energy levels, and potentially make the operation of motor vehicles or other machinery dangerous.

Dependence

While cannabis is not necessarily a physically addictive substance, it is possible to become emotionally attached to or psychologically dependent on it. This can be especially true for pain, insomnia, or nightmare sufferers for whom cannabis has delivered desperately-needed relief. Discontinuing cannabis use after a period of regular use can lead to uncomfortable feelings of withdrawal, as well as a resurgence of the sleep problems it was keeping at bay.

Other Side Effects

Any cannabis use can cause side effects, many of which can actually make falling asleep harder. Some effects commonly associated with cannabis include anxiety, paranoia, dry mouth, euphoria, and increased appetite. However, everyone’s body responds to cannabis differently, and multiple factors can affect your experience with it on any given day.

Different Ways to Use Cannabis Sleep Products

Now it’s easier than ever to incorporate cannabis into your bedtime routine. Different delivery methods may have slightly different effects, so it’s great to have a variety of options to choose from.

• Flower and Pre-Rolls – Inhaling cannabis provides the quickest cannabinoid delivery, so hitting a joint right before you slip under the covers can help you nod off quickly. Of course, you can always roll your own joints, but pre-rolls are a great option if you want to skip the rolling and packing steps before bed.
• Edibles – Edibles can be an enjoyable part of your bedtime routine, but keep in mind that they can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours to take effect, so you’ll need to eat them a while before hopping into bed. However, edibles do stay in your system longer, so they may help you enjoy a longer stretch of sleep. Make sure to enjoy edibles before brushing your teeth for the night!
• Tinctures, Oils, and Sprays – Tinctures, oral sprays, and pure cannabinoid oils are also taken orally (or sublingually), but they kick in a bit faster than edibles – typically within 15-45 minutes.


Tinctures, oral sprays, and pure cannabinoid oils are also taken orally (or sublingually).

• Topicals – While not as potent as other delivery methods, topicals are a gentle way to ease cannabinoids into your bedtime routine. Cannabinoid-infused lotions and creams relieve sore or tense muscles and impart a relaxing effect. If you love a nice warm bath before bed, cannabis or CBD bath bombs or bath oils are a luxurious way to make it even more soothing. Alongside their cannabinoid content, infused topicals typically include other soothing ingredients, such as lavender.

How to Select the Best Cannabis Sleep Aid for You

With a massive selection of cannabis and CBD sleep aids on the market, finding the best one for you can be overwhelming. Here are the most important things to consider before starting to use cannabis or CBD for sleep.

• Cannabinoid Content – Cannabinoid content is one of the most important considerations when choosing a cannabis-derived sleep product. CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids can have dramatically different effects at various ratios, and different products will contain these compounds in differing amounts. It’s also worth considering whether to use cannabinoid isolate products or those made with full-spectrum hemp or cannabis. Isolates are often preferred by CBD or CBN users trying to avoid any trace THC exposure. However, full-spectrum products include all of the other terpenes, cannabinoids, and other plant compounds that work synergistically to deliver the fullest effects – many with barely detectable levels of THC, if at all.
• Delivery Method – Do you prefer smoking cannabis, indulging in a tasty edible, or soaking in a CBD-spiked bath before bed? Some delivery methods kick in faster and may have stronger or different effects than others, but you should also consider choosing a consumption method you enjoy and can easily work into your bedtime routine.


Do you prefer smoking cannabis, indulging in a tasty edible, or soaking in a CBD-spiked bath before bed?

• Ingredient Quality – Ingredient quality can make a huge difference in everything from the taste to the efficacy of cannabis products. Of course, it’s wise to avoid products filled with toxins or harsh chemicals and opt for organically grown, responsibly sourced cannabis and organic, non-GMO ingredients wherever possible. Fortunately, numerous cannabis companies are embracing these better quality practices, making it easier to find “clean” cannabis products.
• Complementary Ingredients – Many cannabis and CBD sleep aids are infused with additional botanicals or other ingredients known to enhance and encourage sleep, such as melatonin, valerian root, or lavender. Always consult a physician before attempting to treat insomnia with melatonin.
• Positive Reviews – Look for cannabis sleep aids from trusted companies with great reputations and ample positive reviews from satisfied users. If you’re ready to start using cannabis for sleep, our list of trusted, high-quality cannabis sleep aid brands is a great place to begin your search.

Our Favorite Cannabis Sleep Aids