The Big Picture: A study reveals that marijuana, particularly forms containing THC, CBD, and myrcene, is increasingly preferred for its effectiveness in aiding sleep and reducing next-day side effects.
Driving The News: The growing acceptance and use of marijuana as a sleep aid is reshaping the conversation around its medicinal benefits.
Zoom In: Despite its benefits, marijuana use for sleep is not without side effects, including morning-after feelings of sleepiness, anxiety, and irritability.
PHUKET, THAILAND. A recent study conducted by Washington State University (WSU) researchers, published in the journal Exploration of Medicine, has brought new insights into the use of marijuana as a sleep aid. The study, which surveyed 1,216 cannabis consumers using the medical marijuana app Strainprint, found a growing preference for marijuana over traditional sleep aids.
Participants reported that cannabis, especially products containing THC, CBD, and the terpene myrcene, helped them feel more refreshed and focused the next morning, with fewer side effects like headaches and nausea. This contrasts with the side effects often associated with prescription sleep aids (PSAs) and over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids, such as morning-after sleepiness, anxiety, and irritability.
The study’s co-author, Carrie Cuttler, highlighted the absence of a ‘hangover’ effect with cannabis, a common issue with long-acting sedatives and alcohol. However, she also noted some lingering effects of cannabis, including sleepiness and mood changes.
Most respondents preferred smoking joints, vaping flower, or using cannabis oil before bed. Interestingly, despite the longer-lasting effects of edibles and capsules, these were less popular among those with sleep issues, possibly due to the immediate onset of effects desired by those struggling to fall asleep.
While the study indicates a shift towards marijuana as a preferred sleep aid, it also acknowledges the need for more objective research to fully understand its effects on sleep. The authors note that their findings align with previous research suggesting marijuana can lead to longer sleep durations and fewer awakenings but may also cause next-day fatigue.
In conclusion, while marijuana shows promise as a sleep aid, its side effects and the subjective nature of current research suggest a cautious approach. Future studies employing more objective measures are necessary to provide a comprehensive understanding of cannabis’s impact on sleep.
Source: Weedmaps News
