If racing thoughts are keeping you awake or you find yourself waking up several times throughout the night, marijuana may be the natural sleep aid you need. Cannabis can help calm anxious thoughts, relax the body, and bring on sleepiness. However, in order to get the best sleep-inducing benefits from cannabis, you need to choose the proper strain and form for your unique sleep needs.
Your Guide to Marijuana as a Sleep Aid
We’ve compiled everything you need to know about finding the perfect strain of marijuana to help you get to sleep quickly and stay asleep throughout the night.
What Type of Marijuana Should You Use?
When selecting a strain of cannabis to help you fall asleep, the type of marijuana is an important consideration. You should look for an indica over a sativa, as the relaxing effects commonly associated with indica will help you relax and get to sleep, while sativas may give you more energy.
The CBD to THC ratio in the cannabis strain is also worth considering when searching for a sleep aid. Stay away from strains with a high THC content, as that could bring on anxiety and other adverse psychoactive effects that keep you awake. Strains containing some CBD can bring on additional relaxing effects to help you sleep.
Should You Consume Flower or Edibles for Sleep?
The choice between smoking marijuana or eating it depends on what kind of sleep aid you need. Smoking cannabis brings on relaxing and sleep-inducing effects faster, making it the ideal choice if you have trouble falling asleep or calming racing thoughts at night.
However, if you find yourself waking up several times throughout the night, edibles may be the better choice for you. The effects last significantly longer than when smoked, so taking an edible before bed may help you rest peacefully through the night.
If you’re experimenting with using cannabis as a sleep aid for the first time, your local budtender will be able to help guide you to the right strain and form for you.
What Are the Best Cannabis Strains for Sleep?
Big Bud
Big Bud is a potent indica that can quickly put you to sleep. Users report overwhelming sleepiness immediately after consuming this strain, making it the perfect choice for users who always toss and turn at night before finally falling asleep.
God’s Gift
If anxiety or racing thoughts are keeping you awake at night, God’s Gift is the strain for you. People who have tried God’s Gift note that you feel peaceful, relaxed, and clear-minded after consuming the strain, helping you have a worry-free night.
Granddaddy Purple
Granddaddy Purple is one of the go-to strains for people suffering from insomnia, and for a good reason. The strain has high levels of the compound myrcene, which is commonly associated with sleepiness. Users say that the strain has strong relaxing and sedative effects, perfecting for de-stressing before bed.
Girl Scout Cookies
Girl Scout Cookies is an indica strain with 20% THC and 2% CBD, making it an effective and powerful sleep aid. It’s well-known for its full-body relaxing effects and the mental calmness it brings on.
A-10
A-10 is one of the longest-lasting strains on the market today, making it an ideal option for those who struggle to stay asleep. People who consume A-10 also report that it reduces anxiety, minimizes headaches, and brings on full-body de-stressing.