Struggle with insomnia or just looking to have more relaxed, restful nights? Many consumers report cannabis is perfect for getting sleep patterns on track. There are many varieties that may make it easier for you to snooze, but understanding strain types, chemical makeup, and compounds can help you find your best cannabis strain for sleep. We’re excited to share insights on THC as it relates to sleep, diving into cannabis edibles for sleep, sleepy terpenes—and so much more. See what the hype is about when it comes to relaxing cannabis strains reported to help you get some shut-eye.
Understanding Sedation: All About Chemicals
If you want to understand what to look for when it comes to the best cannabis strains for sleep, you have to take it back to the basics and dive into the science. The strains that customers report help them catch some Zzzs are those that are rich in sedative compounds. Many consumers are particularly interested in THC, CBD, and CBN for sleep. Let’s break it down.
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are compounds found in cannabis. There are over 100 of these powerful substances that interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system, believed to produce various effects—including sleepiness.
- THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): THC for sleep is a popular option chosen by consumers. Believed to help you fall asleep quickly, this psychoactive compound has been reported to induce feelings of relaxation and euphoria.
- CBD (Cannabidiol): Want to rely on CBD for sleep assistance? You’re in luck. This compound is non-intoxicating and does not have psychoactive effects, but it does impact receptors in the body, with many consumers reporting improvements to anxiety, pain, and in turn, sleep.
- CBN (Cannabinol): Restful nights are the name of the game with CBN, which many say can be extremely effective when it comes to helping you fall (and stay) asleep.
Sedative Terpenes
Terpenes are also found naturally in cannabis. They’re responsible for the smell in many strains, but more importantly, they also interact with your body’s receptors to produce a myriad of effects through their therapeutic properties. Specific terpenes have been known to support things like sleep, euphoria, and relaxation. Let’s explore the most common types of sleepy terpenes that cannabis consumers swear by when looking to achieve a better night’s rest.
- Myrcene: This terpene is known primarily for its sedative effects, working to help you fall asleep quickly—and find a bit of zen.
- Linalool: Working to reduce anxiety, depression, and even pain, this sleepy terpene is often used in aromatherapy treatments and its calming properties are also known to induce sleep.
Strain Selection: The Power’s in the Profile
Indica is traditionally known as the best cannabis type for sleep and many report that it can work wonders when it comes to helping you get your snooze on. However, the overall profile is really what you should take into consideration when searching for the perfect option. This includes understanding sleepy terpenes and cannabinoid ratios found within specific relaxing cannabis strains—which may be the true indicators of efficacy.
This phenomenon, known as the entourage effect, is the common idea that all of the compounds found in cannabis (like the cannabinoids and terpenes above) work best as a team. To put it in perspective, when combined, CBD can help undercut the intensity of THC and terpenes can also take the sedative effects of THC to the next level.
The best cannabis strains for sleep are those that present the perfect blend, better interacting with your body’s systems for a balance that’s as pleasant as it is relaxing—and sleep-inducing. So, what should you look out for? High-myrcene strains are found by consumers to be particularly useful when it comes to having more restful nights, and can be a great place to start your search.
Consumption Methods: Duration and Dosage
Wondering whether you should smoke, vape, or opt for a different consumption method when exploring the best cannabis strains for sleep? While the path you choose ultimately depends on your own preferences, you may want to consider your options when looking to score the best sleeping effects.
The effects of flower and vaping are often quicker and therefore faster-acting, but because of that, they may not last through the night. However, the effects of cannabis edibles are reportedly more delayed, but therefore long-lasting. Tip: Take your edible an hour or two before you plan to go to sleep. If you’re a beginner, starting with a lower potency cannabis edible for sleep may do the trick.
Visit Us at East Coast Cannabis
Whether you’re ready to find the best cannabis strains for sleep or are searching for other options, we’re here to help. As one of the top cannabis companies in Maine, East Coast Cannabis is ready to serve you at our three trusted locations.
Our budtenders are educated on all things cannabis and are here to help, whether this is your first trip or you’re a regular.
