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If you find yourself counting sheep night after night, listen up! Whether you’re struggling to get enough sleep or looking to supplement your nighttime routine, the key to your next restful slumber lies in the best weed strains for sleep.
According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, adults between the ages of 18 and 60 require at least seven hours of sleep on a nightly basis. But for all of the night owls and insomniacs, obtaining a healthy sleep schedule is easier said than done.
However, a natural solution does exist: cannabis. So before you reach for that bottle of sleeping pills resting on your bedside table, keep reading to discover five of our favorite cannabis strains for a good night’s sleep.
How Does Cannabis Work as a Sleep Aid?
Many stoners reach for their daily dose of cannabis during the PM hours. Maybe it’s to help them relax, unwind, and take the edge off. Or maybe they use cannabis as a source of chronic pain relief, helping them to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Either way, cannabis has been shown to act as a powerful sleep aid on more than one occasion, tackling some of the deepest root causes of chronic insomnia.
Cannabis is believed to work as a sleep aid through its interaction with the endocannabinoid system in the body. The endocannabinoid system plays a role in regulating various physiological processes, including processing emotions and our circadian rhythm (sleep-wake cycle).
The compounds in cannabis, such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), can work with terpenes to affect the endocannabinoid system and improve sleep quality through:
- Sedating effects
- Chronic pain-relieving properties
- Stress reduction
- Relaxing effects
It’s important to note that the effects of cannabis on sleep can depend on various factors. These factors include the specific strain, dosage, method of consumption, and an individual’s unique biology and tolerance.
Additionally, regular and excessive use of cannabis, especially high-THC strains, can disrupt sleep patterns and cause adverse effects, such as dependency or cannabis withdrawal symptoms, when discontinued.
Sedative and Sleep Terpenes
If you’re familiar with our stance on THC vs. terpenes, then you’re likely caught up to speed on the entourage effect.
In case you need a refresher, the entourage effect is the union of THC and terpenes to create the magic of cannabis. In other words, it implies that terpenes are not only powerful vehicles for aromatics, but they influence one’s overall experience with cannabis, as well.
However, just as certain cannabis strains are ideal for sleep, certain terpenes are preferred for their sleep-promoting properties. A few of our favorite terpenes that have been suggested to have sleep-inducing qualities include:
1. Myrcene
Myrcene is the most common terpene found in marijuana strains and happens to be an excellent choice to combat sleep problems. It is believed to have calming and relaxing effects and may contribute to the knockout sedative effects of certain cannabis strains.
2. Linalool
Yet another sedating terpene, Linalool is best known for its floral lavender scent. Studies suggest that this particular terpene may help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, potentially aiding in better sleep.
3. Caryophyllene
Caryophyllene has a spicy, peppery aroma and is widely praised for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Combined with THC via the entourage effect, it may contribute to relaxation and stress reduction, which may soothe anxiety and aid in sleep.
Which Type of Cannabis is Best For Sleep?
There is plenty of discourse in the world of weed in regard to indica vs. sativa vs. hybrid marijuana strains.
And while some stoners swear that an Indica-dominant hybrid is a key to sleep regulation, others may gravitate toward sativa strains, such as Blue Dream, for their mood-boosting properties.
But which is actually better for sleep? Let’s explore.
Indica or Sativa for Sleep?
At its very core, the classifications between an indica strain, sativa strain, and hybrid strain are differentiated by physical characteristics versus effects.
However, pure indica strains are commonly associated with a physical body high, sedation, calming effects, and pure relaxation.
Sativa strains, on the other hand, typically produce cerebral sensations and energizing effects, potentially making them not as suitable for sleep.
It’s essential to understand that not all strains are created equal, and the effects of different THC strains vary among individuals. What is relaxing for one person may be anxiety-inducing for another. Therefore, it’s always important to proceed with caution and gauge your tolerance level for any cannabis product before consuming higher concentrations.
With that being said, our best strains for sleep are chosen based largely on the terpene profile and THC levels to determine psychoactive effects better.
Best Ways to Use Cannabis for Insomnia
Both recreational and medical cannabis is consumed in a variety of ways. That said, it’s necessary to not only find the right strain for you but to find the right consumption method as well.
Common methods of cannabis consumption that may potentially aid in improving sleep include:
1. Inhalation
Whether by means of smoking or vaping with a heavy hitter’s battery, inhalation is the most common form of cannabis consumption. And for great reason! In fact, inhalation provides fast-acting effects, making it useful for immediate relief.
However, smoking may have potential health risks associated with it, so take that into consideration when choosing your ideal method.
2. Edibles
Edibles are a delicious and long-lasting way to enjoy the effects of cannabis. Different edibles, such as Kiva edibles, take longer to kick in since they need to be digested and metabolized, but the effects can last several hours.
Be sure to start with a low dose and allow enough time for the edible to take full effect before taking more.
3. Sublingual Administration
Sublingual administration refers to placing a tincture, such as Yummi Karma, or cannabis oil under the tongue for quick, optimal absorption. This form of consumption bypasses the digestive system, resulting in quicker onset compared to edibles. Sublingual administration offers more precise dosing and is discreet.
4. Topicals
If you’re searching for relief without psychoactivity, you may gravitate toward topicals. Topicals are known to boast muscle-relaxing effects for localized relief and relaxation. Apply cannabis-infused creams, balms, or oils directly to the skin to potentially alleviate pain or discomfort associated with insomnia.
5. CBD Strains or Products
CBD is a non-intoxicating compound found in cannabis. It’s best known for its potential calming effects and therapeutic properties.
A CBD-rich strain with low or no THC may benefit those hoping to treat insomnia or other sleep disorders without the psychoactive effects. These products are available in various forms, which include oils, capsules, and edibles.
Best Strains for Insomnia
Treating insomnia is no easy feat, but a little help from the right strain goes a long way.
The following strains for insomnia are chosen based on their terpene profile, typical THC content, and yes — even their cannabis classification.
So without further ado, keep reading for a few of the best marijuana strains for insomnia.
1. Northern Lights
Northern Lights ranks among the best strains for insomnia — so much so that we simply couldn’t compile this list without including it among our top choices.
It presents the typical indica effects we all know and love, often leaving consumers feeling euphoric, relaxed, and supremely sleepy. With that being said, Northern Lights is often offered as a vape through brands such as Alpine Vapor.
Given its relatively high THC levels as well as its myrcene and caryophyllene terpene profile, this popular indica strain is likely to reduce insomnia and offer a few hours of shut-eye when it’s needed most.
2. Tahoe OG Kush
Tahoe OG Kush is a heady indica-leaning hybrid that’s best known for its heavy body sensation that often leaves even the most experienced stoners completely locked to the couch.
The dominant terpene is myrcene, which may play a role in its sedative qualities that help consumers fall asleep quickly and easily.
A phenotype of OG Kush, Tahoe OG is THC dominant. This means that it has a relatively high THC content that averages around 21%. In your search for different strains used for sleep, 3C Farm’s Tahoe OG Kush is an excellent choice to pursue.
3. Pink Kush
Yet another OG Kush relative: Pink Kush. This strain boasts sweet flavors and a pungent aroma meant to tantalize the senses with every hit.
The indicia-dominant hybrid effects are just as pleasant, presenting very potent and powerful full-body effects. And though effects may vary, stoners typically feel extremely relaxed with a heavy body high and even heavier eyelids.
4. Bubba Kush
Bubba Kush is one of the most popular indica strains in the US thanks to deep sleep-inducing effects. Though its parent strains are a bit hazy, Bubba Kush is an excellent strain to help you fall asleep.
Boasting sweet and earthy flavors, each hit is like a well-earned treat. However, the effects are the true star of the show.
Stoners who smoke Bubba Kush often feel relaxed and ready to indulge in a night of blissful slumber.
5. Girl Scout Cookies
You’ll find Girl Scout Cookies among the most popular indica-dominant hybrids and best weed strains for sleep. This classic strain is incredible on its own. However, it’s often crossed with other strains due to favorable genetics and euphoric effects that induce deep sleep and overall happiness.
A relatively high THC percentage and a terpene profile dominated by caryophyllene and myrcene easily place Girl Scout Cookies among the best marijuana strains and leaves even the most discerning of cannabis connoisseurs coming back for more.
FAQ
1. What is a good relaxing weed strain?
If you’re searching for relaxing weed strains, we’ve got you covered. Cannabiotix’s Mount Zereal Kush and Slurty 3 are both excellent choices because they offer Indica-dominant genetics that encourages supreme relaxation and good vibes all around.
2. Is Runtz weed good for sleep?
The Runtz strain is an evenly-balanced hybrid best known to encourage euphoric and uplifting effects. Though it’s not necessarily discouraged for sleep, its talkative and giggly high may not be ideal before catching some z’s. Many brands, such as Pearl Pharma, offer their version of the Runtz strain.
3. Which gets you more high sativa or indica?
Sativa strains are typically less potent and produce cerebral ‘head’ highs. Indicas are known to be more potent and are typically consumed for their physical ‘body’ highs.
