Get Better Sleep with These Cannabis Products

If there's one thing most can benefit from, it's better sleep. According to a CDC survey published in 2020, 34.8% of US adults receive less than the 7 hours of sleep recommended per night. And according to the Sleep Foundation, 50-70 million Americans have a sleep disorder, and 4.8 of every 10 workers report being tired during the day. Could cannabis be a solution for better sleep?

A 1998 research publication revealed that the endocannabinoid named anandamide plays a role in reducing alertness and encouraging deep sleep and REM sleep. This discovery was significant in understanding how cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system, especially since THC and CBN are known to activate the same receptors as anandamide.

Further investigation in 2004 focused on THC and its effects on sleep, especially considering different dosage levels based on individual experience. The findings confirmed that THC does aid in sleep induction and helps users fall asleep more quickly, although it might lead to morning drowsiness. Additionally, it was observed that CBD could enhance sleep quality at higher doses, but at lower doses, it might have the opposite effect, increasing alertness.

And, interestingly, sales of over-the-counter sleep aids in recreational states seem to confirm that consumers are reaching for cannabis instead. In an analysis of market share of sleep aids in Colorado published in 2019, researchers recorded a steady decline in OTC sleep aids month over month, with a steadier decline as more dispensaries enter an area. Overall, between December 2013 and December 2014, researchers note a 236% decline of market share upon a dispensary's opening.

Medical cannabis, too, has shown a decrease in OTC sleep aids, according to a study published in 2017. New England medical cannabis patients were surveyed about their cannabis use; of the 1,513 responses, 65% decreased their sleep medications (while 42% reduced alcohol consumption, 71% reduced their anti-anxiety, and 67% decreased their migraine medications).

While more clinical research is needed to confirm marijuana's efficacy as a sleep aid, the evidence available is compelling. And, with the multitude of options available to try in medical and recreational states, there is no time like the present to try and catch some extra zzz's with the help of the plant. If sleeping better is one of your 2024 resolutions, consider exploring these products:

The Best Marijuana Flower for Sleep

Full-spectrum benefits make flower a hard option to pass up for any reason, but especially for sleep. The instantaneous effects of cannabinoids and terpenes working synergistically to provide a suite of effects can be hard to beat. And there's something about the routine of preparing a joint, bowl, or dry herb vape, which can help the relaxation settle in before the first inhale. Regardless if it's the routine or effects for you, peruse these top-rated strains for sleep:

Verano Cherry on Top

Cherry on Top offers users a skunky inhale, followed by soft, sweet notes of fruit. This indica is beloved for its sedating and calming effects, and is often utilized as a nighttime aid for sleep. Paired with its Verano Reserve status, you can expect big, beautiful nugs densely coated in trichomes.

WoW this one is a real SLEEPER , you have problems sleeping this one will take care of that. bought an 1/8 went back got 2 more. this works GREAT. only issue is your neighbors will know LOL it is VERY strong smell VERY strong.

- Reviewer w****o

Available in Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

Bold Cultivation Queen Mother Goji

A delicious phenotype of Goji OG, Queen Mother Goji provides flavors of fruit punch undercut with spice, with scents of strawberries and black cherries. The landrace cross of Nepali OG and Snow Lotus is a nighttime staple for all that try it, bringing deep relaxation and a pleasant heaviness to body, mind, and especially eyes.

This strain helped relieve my knee and back pain, eased anxiety and helped me with my insomnia too. It didn't take much to do so either. Great strain for these three issues. Be careful though, too much and you're either going to be glued to the couch or find yourself wanting to take a nap.

- Reviewer v****3

Available in Arkansas.

Diamond Cut GMO

An intense but pleasant body high awaits with GMO. A cross of GSC with Chemdawg, the indica-leaning hybrid provides strong scents of diesel with the unique flavor of garlic. Cultivated by Diamond Cut in Michigan, this strain is a staple for many due to its deeply relaxing, stoney, and drowsy effects.

This is a serious strain. Super heavy stone. Beautiful dark green, purple splotches and just smothered in trichomes. Very dense chinky buds, breaks up great. A little bit goes a long way. Has a deep pungent skunk, funky fuel smell. Skunk lovers rejoice! This quickly became my favorite strain, and I've been smoking for 30 years. If your an old school smoker, you definitely owe this strain a chance. Love,love love this strain!

- Reviewer n****9, who adds it helps to ease their mind and get some sleep

Available in Michigan.

Cannabis Vapes for Sleep

Instant soothing relaxation with minimal scent, it's no wonder many keep a vape on their nightstand. Take a look at the options top-rated for sleep in Zen states:

Savvy Sleepover Cherry Sorbet THC:CBN

Stash this under your pillow – your sleepover starts with Savvy. Sleepover Cherry Sorbet blends THC and CBN at a 4:1 ratio for maximum ZzZzs. Expect the sweet notes of cherry from this pen or cartridge, and the soothing sensation of drowsiness.

This will hit you in the body. This will make you sleepy. For distillate, it packs a nice punch if you need to get some sleep. CBN is my go to for relaxation and sleep issues, so I gave this 4:1 ratio a shot. I'm glad I did...I'll keep buying it until I can't.

- Reviewer w****3

Available in Arizona, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Ohio.

Savvy Kickback Guru

Savvy is your wallet's favorite cannabis brand, and that goes double for Guru disposable pens. Bred by crossing two classic cannabis strains, Forbidden Fruit and Petrol OG. Guru showcases notes of grapefruit and diesel that linger on the exhale. Known for its peaceful, calming nature and ability to relieve pain, Guru is ideal for indica fans looking for rest.

Available in Pennsylvania.

Osage Creek Forbidden Fruit

Forbidden Fruit is an indica lover's dream (pun intended). The botanical vape by Osage Creek blends together the best of this strain's effects: deep body relaxation compounded by a stoney mental high. And the flavor? Rich cherry and berries, with hints of tropical fruit.

Nice flavor; smooth draw, and a good, relaxing buzz.

- Reviewer m****2, who adds it helps them find sleep

Available in Arkansas.

CTPharma Stomper Kush Pure Vape

A delightful cross of MAC Stomper with Pancake, this hybrid unfolds like a buttery stack of pancakes. Notes of rich butter, fuel, and pine, enhanced by terpenes myrcene, limonene, and pinene make this vape a flavorful and soothing bedtime option.

Available in Connecticut.

STIIIZY White Raspberry

Inhale soothing relaxation and drowsiness with STIIIZY White Raspberry pods. Crafted with botanical terpenes for a fruity, herby flavor and heavy notes of berry, this pod is a staple for many for end-of-day or before-bed relaxing.

I really liked it it really helps me for my anxiety and arthritis.

- Reviewer c****3, who added it helps them to get sleep

Available in Illinois and Michigan.

The Best Marijuana Edibles for Sleep

A hallmark of some of the best edibles for sleep is the inclusion of CBN. Referred to by many as the "sleep molecule," the soothing cannabinoid has been shown to coax users into sleep. And, because of their long-lasting effects, edibles have remained a favorite for many as a sleep aid.

Encore Pomegranate Punch CBN:THC Gummies

Feeling tense before bed? Let the soothing properties of CBN and THC work in harmony to melt away your stress. With a perfect terpene blend crafted for soothing relief, these edibles are your ally in achieving a state of blissful relaxation. At 5mg CBN and 10mg THC, Encore Pomegranate Punch gummies are a go-to for many for restful sleep, no counting sheep required.

Great product, great flavor. Kept me asleep throughout the night and woke up without that groggy feeling I get from other types of edible products. Would recommend for anyone who has issues winding down in the evening.

- Reviewer a****e

Available in Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, and Ohio.

Encore Indica RSO Gummies

A smash hit in edibles, Encore RSO Gummies leverage full-spectrum Rick Simpson Oil for the full entourage effect and ultra-potent effects. Paired with the juicy flavors of concord grape, the RSO taste is minimal, while the benefits are maximum. Formulated with an ultra-soothing indica terpene profile to encourage deep relaxation, these edibles are a staple in many routines for a reason.

Impressive fast-acting RSO gummy that functions perfectly like it's supposed to. Kicks in fairly quickly and lasts quite a while. The Concord Grape flavor is delicious and sweet, with absolutely zero after-taste. I find it's wonderful for immediately reliving stress, easing pain (muscle spasms & back pain for me), alleviate racing thoughts, and helping me get a good night's rest. Simply the best place to get the highest quality edibles anywhere, that work exactly how they are listed, without sacrificing taste or experience.

- Reviewer m****e

Available in Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Ohio, and Pennsylvania as Verano Troches.

Good Day Farm Night Night CBN:THC:CBD Gummies

The ultimate sleep aid blend. Good Day Farm Night Night gummies are infused with equal parts THC, CBN, and CBD at ~4mg each, to encourage deep, restful sleep. Each vegan gummies is infused with 4mg of all three cannabinoids and crafted with real fruit for the delectable taste of blueberry.

The best sleep aid around! CBN does not mess around. Are you even trying to sleep if you aren't incorporating CBN? This is definitely not a gummy for trying to feel high, but if you're looking for a powerful sleep aid with no groggy after affects, look no further!

- Reviewer t****5

Available in Arkansas.

Wyld Elderberry 2:1 CBN + Indica Enhanced Gummies

THC paired with the sleep molecule CBN makes for a delightful bedtime option. Wyld Elderberry CBN Gummies provide 10mg THC and 5mg CBN tangy, earthy, sweet flavor of elderberries. Indica-enhanced, leveraging a blend of soothing, relaxing terpenes helps to guide you to rest.

These gummies are amazing. I have terrible insomnia with pain, which woke me up nightly, before I started eating these before bed. I recommend these and ALL WYLD gummies.

- Reviewer k****1

Available in Arizona, Illinois, Michigan, and Nevada.

Shop Cannabis for Sleep at Zen Leaf

If you're ready to find better sleep in 2024, we're here to help. Outside of the products in this guide, we offer a host of options at your local Zen Leaf Dispensary, and our expert Cannabis Advisors are the ideal guides to the best product for your needs and flavor preferences. Shop cannabis for sleep online now or stop in to add some extra zzz's to your nightly routine.

References:

1. Doremus JM, Stith SS, Vigil JM. Using recreational cannabis to treat insomnia: Evidence from over-the-counter sleep aid sales in Colorado. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, Volume 47, 2019. DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2019.102207.
2. Kisiolek JN, Flores VA, Ramani A, Butler B, Haughian JM, Stewart LK. Eight weeks of daily cannabidiol supplementation improves sleep quality and immune cell cytotoxicity. Nutrients. 2023 Sep 27;15(19):4173. doi: 10.3390/nu15194173. PMID: 37836465; PMCID: PMC10574483
3. Murillo-Rodríguez E, Sánchez-Alavez M, Navarro L, Martínez-González D, Drucker-Colín R, Prospéro-García O. Anandamide modulates sleep and memory in rats. Brain Res. 1998 Nov 23;812(1-2):270-4. doi: 10.1016/s0006-8993(98)00969-x. PMID: 9813364.
4. Piper BJ, DeKeuster RM, Beals ML, Cobb CM, Burchman CA, Perkinson L, Lynn ST, Nichols SD, Abess AT. Substitution of medical cannabis for pharmaceutical agents for pain, anxiety, and sleep. J Psychopharmacol. 2017 May;31(5):569-575. doi: 10.1177/0269881117699616. Epub 2017 Apr 4. PMID: 28372506.
5. Suni E, Truong K. (2023, September 26). 100+ sleep statistics. Sleep Foundation. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/sleep-facts-statistics