It is no secret that Cannabis does help relieve stress, anxiety and affects your sleep positively. There are opinions circling that cannabis makes one sleepy. However, there are strains of cannabis that make you go sleep, while others give energy to go about.
Therefore, finding the suitable strains for sleeping is the best way to get the best out of cannabis consumption.
High-CBD Weed Strains
Interestingly, you can pick a cannabis strain for sleeping like picking a coffee blend. There are different strains with different properties. Listed below are the three most common kinds of strains:
Sativa – Generally, sativa strains have uplifting and stimulating effects making you feel excited, happy, and energized.
Indica – This type of strain has a full-body effect. The effect is soothing and relaxing.
Hybrids – As the title suggests, Hybrids are a combination of both indica and sativa. They are blends created by dispensaries and breeders.
So, looking at the three types above, it is safe to assume that Indica strain is meant for helping your sleep. Infact, Indica strain is also known as “Nightime” consumed at end of the day for unwinding. Alternatively, you can go for hybrid varieties which are Indica-dominant.
Indica-dominant strains tend to have high concentrations of chemicals called terpenes that provide different cannabis strains with a distinct flavor. Over 100 different terpenes have been identified in the cannabis plant. Different strains have unique terpene type and composition. Indica strains generally have Terpenes including Myrcene, Limonene, Linalool, Terpineol, and Caryophyllene which cause a relaxing and sedative effect.
Different strains will also have different amounts of cannabinoids in them, but when it comes to getting sleep, indica strain is recommended to induce sleep.
Two most dominant and well known cannabinoids found in Cannabis are – THC and CBD. It is known that THC strains are typically the most effective for sleep.
Dr. Jordan Tishler, a Harvard-trained physician and cannabis therapeutics specialist, recommends a strain with less than 20 percent THC. Though different body compositions react differently to THC. If THC agrees with your body and does not cause unpleasant side effects like anxiety, a THC-dominant strain might be your most reliable source of sedating effects.
However, it is advisable to go easy on the high-THC strains, anxiety is the reason that causes sleep disorder or makes you an insomniac. A lighter dose of THC can bring you calming sleep, but a larger dose instead can worsen anxiety. If your body does not agree with THC, you may resort to CBD. You may try a strain higher in CBD.
Cannabis edibles can help you stay asleep longer. Though inhaling cannabis yields faster effects, but effects edibles last a lot longer. Popular opinion would tell you that indica strains tend to induce heavy, sleepy effects and sativas are known to be uplifting and energizing.
Grandaddy Purple has an average THC level of 17% and induces an extremely relaxing body high. It has potent sedative effects and produces a massive body melt. This is why the strain is more suitable for evening use, at the end of a long, hard day. Its hallmarks are an intense cerebral high and deep body relaxation. It is useful for treating medical conditions like loss of appetite, insomnia, pain, stress, and muscle spasms.
Taking into account the facts about THC, Terpenes and research on the effect of cannabinoid, we conclude that Cannabis may help treat insomnia if taken in appropriate doses. Do not consume more than the suggested dose as it can worsen the problem and cause other health ailments. To be on the safe side, it is always recommended to consult your doctor before using Cannabis as a sleep aid.
