Cannabis is one of the most versatile plants with many benefits and options for consumption, which is why it’s helpful to know what sort of experience you’re hoping for when choosing. For many cannabis consumers, the goal is a better nights sleep.
Life is becoming increasingly stressful and many of us are finding it harder to sleep at night. Thankfully, marijuana is a fantastic, nonaddictive sleep aid with plenty of options to choose from. If you’re like millions of others hoping for a more restful experience, then this is the article for you.
Sleep = Life
We don’t need to tell you how important sleep is for us. Even though we don’t completely understand how dreaming works in our brain, we know it’s vital for our mental and physical wellbeing. Even missing one night of sleep can leave us feeling zombie-like.
Lack of sleep impacts our thinking and feeling, leading to irritable moods and lower energy levels. Sleep deprivation can lead to a long-term risk of mental and physical health problems when trouble sleeping becomes chronic. Yet, studies show about a third of Americans struggle with sleep. While sleep aids flood the market, an increasing number of people are turning to cannabis as a natural sleep aid, and for a good reason.
How Cannabis Works as A Sleep Aid
Regardless of which strain or method of cannabis you choose, when you consume marijuana, the cannabinoids within it attach themselves to cannabinoid receptors in the brain. When the cannabinoids from cannabis bind to these receptors, they send messages to the brain, such as increased adenosine levels, which promote sleep and make you tired.
If you’ve read many of our blogs, you probably know that marijuana has several active compounds. The two most commonly known are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is responsible for the psychoactive high often associated with cannabis, and cannabidiol (CBD) which is touted for its remarkable medicinal benefits.
Of the two, THC can be further divided into Sativa, Indica, or hybrid strains, and you’ll want to pay attention to which one you choose if your goal is sleep. Sativa strains are more commonly used for energetic or creative stimulation, which might work against your ability to sleep. Whereas Indica strains are known for promoting relaxation of the body and mind. This is also why indica is commonly known as “in-the-couch” because of its relaxing mentality, making it ideal to consume before bedtime.
Additionally, CBD, while not attributed to the same high THC provides, holds its own when it comes to acting as a sleep aid. While some claim CBD doesn’t create any physical sensations to the same degree as THC does, studies show that in low doses, CBD can promote alertness, but higher doses appear to bring on sleepiness.
Best Cannabis Products for Sleep
Like there are options when it comes to choosing which cannabis strain will work best to aid your sleep troubles, there are many methods to pick from. All of which you can find at Greeley Gallery, our north Portland cannabis dispensary.
Smoking cannabis is the most common consumption method. One benefit of smoking cannabis before bed is its quick reaction time, as it only takes about fifteen minutes to feel its effects. At Greeley Gallery, you’ll find a great selection of indica strains to allow your night to begin with euphoric relaxation.
However, edibles are another popular option if you don’t like smoking indoors or smoking cannabis at all. Greeley Gallery offers a variety of edibles to choose from, depending on your preference. We love WYLD gummies with THC, CBD, and 1:1: options.
Similarly, cannabis-infused beverages are refreshing during warm summer nights and are a great alternative to a glass of wine to unwind at night.
Remember, edibles and beverages take longer to activate as cannabis needs to be processed by your digestive tract. So, you’ll want to be sure to consume it about two hours before you plan to sleep.
Lastly, cannabis tinctures are a fantastic and underrated marijuana option. They don’t smell or have a high-calorie intake and are the easiest to dose properly. The activation time for tinctures is between smoking and edibles, meaning it can take between 15 minutes and an hour to feel its effects.
Final Thoughts
A good night’s sleep is crucial for ongoing mental wellness, but it also helps us feel energized and ready to take on the day. Life is hard enough without feeling cranky and sleep deprived, but often sleep aids come with risks. Cannabis is an easy and natural way to feel good about getting your sleep back on track.
At Greeley Gallery, all of our cannabis products are of the highest quality and are hand chosen to hold the most medicinal benefits, so no matter which option you choose, you know it’ll be good. If you have any questions, our friendly and knowledgeable staff are happy to assist you. We’re open 7 days a week except holidays, from 7am to 10pm.
Katrina Paulson
