Can cannabis help you sleep better?
Rest easy. We know that many of you have trouble sleeping; one in three Americans struggle with sleep. And here’s a more natural solution: cannabis.
More and more, problem sleepers are reaching for cannabis. A study conducted in September 2017 revealed nearly half of all cannabis consumers (47 percent) use it primarily as a sleep aid. Research is ongoing, but early studies show cannabis can improve the duration and quality of sleep. Another study found those who regularly use cannabis fall asleep faster.
But before you try cannabis to help you sleep, there are a few things you should know.
Start low and go slow
Most cannabis consumers report lower doses provide the best sleep. The best advice is to start with a low dose and go slow, listen to your body and conduct a few trials. Let a Greenlight Approved retail partner guide you through the lower dose options that best suit you.
Indica and Sativa
In the most basic terms, there are two main categories of cannabis: Indica and Sativa. When it comes to sleep, look for cannabis that has a higher percentage of Indica, as this is more effective in relaxing your body. Sativa, on the other hand, provides a more upbeat experience.
CBD & THC
Cannabis contains more than 100 chemical compounds called cannabinoids, but there are only two that you really need to know about: CBD and THC. These two cannabinoids affect body in different ways, but both are essential for a good night’s sleep.
THC is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis that provides the euphoric or intoxicating “high” effect. THC is also the component that will help you fall asleep, while CBD is a non-psychoactive compound that will help you stay asleep.
• Problem falling asleep? Cannabis slightly higher in THC may be best for you.
• Problem is tossing and turning during the night? Try a CBD-dominant cannabis.
Consumption Methods
There are various methods you can try, and it really depends on personal preference. The best way to choose is to discuss your situation with a Greenlight Approved retail partner
Cartridge-Based Vape Pens
There are a lot of advantages to vaporization: It’s discreet and fast acting, and produces no smoke or odor.
The cartridge-based vape pen is a great option because of its simplicity and relatively low cost. The vape pen also allows you to try different cartridges filled with cannabis oil.
Smoking
If you’re not averse to smoking this method works quickly and effectively. For many people with trouble sleeping, a few puffs of cannabis before bedtime is all they need for a restful night.
Edibles
More people with sleep issues are turning to edibles as a way to get a solid night’s sleep. Eating cannabis certainly has some advantages, but there are two things to understand before going this route:
1. There is a delayed reaction.
2. Figuring out the correct dosage.
Because edibles need to be processed through your digestive system, you will not feel the effect until about 45 to 90 minutes after consumption. Plan ahead and be patient. A typical pre-packaged dose of 5-10 milligrams of THC will do the trick.
Although edibles may require more time to take effect, they also stay in your system longer – up to eight hours for a typical dose. So, for those with difficulty staying asleep, this may be a smart option.
(Drops) Tinctures
Tinctures are typically water, alcohol, or glycerin-based that come in small bottles with an eyedropper.
Simply fill the dropper with a few drops of tincture (dropper is a 10-mg dose) and place it under your tongue. Keep it in your mouth a few seconds before swallowing. The THC/CBD is absorbed in the blood vessels lining your mouth and is an excellent way to ensure the proper dose.
Find a Retailer
Find the Greenlight Approved retail partner nearest you and discuss the solution that best meets your unique needs with their expert staff.