As a first-time cannabis user, you’d probably get overwhelmed and confused by the numerous varieties of marijuana strains available in the market. As different strains have completely different effects on your body and brain, you need to choose wisely from them. Some strains produce a highly energetic high whereas others give you completely opposite, relaxing effect. Some marijuana strains are therefore more suited to induce calmness and sleep than others. In this post, we will explain to you the relationship between weed and sleep and guide you towards the strains that will help you to achieve a calmness of body and mind.

Marijuana and sleep

Numerous studies have proved that cannabis is an amazing relaxant and sleep aid. According to Dr. Matt Roman, a physician and a medical cannabis specialist, ‘Marijuana is an effective sleep aid because it restores a person’s natural sleep cycle, which so often falls out of sync with our schedules in today’s modern lifestyle’. Not only does it help you to fall asleep quickly, but also ensures a longer and uninterrupted sleep regime. But not all cannabis strains are equally effective in calming your nerves and muscles or helping you to sleep. Before we move forward, let us first understand how cannabis makes one relaxed or fall asleep.

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) – the two cannabinoids along with various terpenes present in cannabis are mainly responsible for the drowsy, sleepy effect on body and brain. Studies have shown that THC has a highly sedative effect and can make you fall asleep faster. It decreases the level of dopamine produced by our brain which is required for all energetic and creative functions. Moreover, terpenes like myrcene and linalool have hypnotizing effects on brain and relax our muscles. CBN or cannabinol, a metabolite of THC, is another chemical compound present in cannabis that has great sedative powers.

Quality of sleep also depends on cannabinoids

Researches have shown that THC can reduce the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) phase of sleep and increase the deep, slow wave sleep phase which means that the user will have fewer dreams. This makes it extremely useful in treating PTSD or other psychological conditions that generate traumatic nightmares. While deep sleep is necessary for muscle restoration, cell regenerations and consolidation of long-term memories, REM phase is also crucial for our body. A diminished REM phase can result in short-term memory losses or waking up with fatigue in the next morning.
Which cannabis strain is best for sleep?

The marijuana experts more or less agree – THC dominant strains are more effective in inducing sleep. However, too much THC in your cannabis can make you lethargic and tired the next day. Therefore, to ensure that you fall asleep faster as well as have a good quality sleep, you need to find a cannabis strain that has the right amount of CBD to balance the negative effects of the high THC content in it. Though smoking buds is a faster way to get high, marijuana users have repeatedly noted that edibles give you a long-lasting effect.

5 cannabis strains to help you achieve calmness and the best sleep

• God’s Gift

A THC dominant strain with the blissful aromas of berry and citrus, God’s Gift literally gives you a heavenly calm and relaxed sleep. Apart from the highly sedative terpene myrcene, it also has caryophyllene which makes it very useful for insomnia patients. The strain is very popular for the dreamy yet peaceful periods of sleep it can produce.

• Girl Scout Cookies

Different marijuana users and experts have noted that Girl Scout Cookies has great anti-depressant and tranquilizing qualities. With a high THC content (20%) and medium level of CBD (2%), it gives you a calm and uninterrupted sleep. The moderate CBD content also ensures that you won’t wake up groggy or tired after the sleep.

• Northern Lights

According to one marijuana reviewer, ingesting this particular strain would ‘make you feel like you are in Norway scanning the stars while you snuggle up in a warm woolen blanket’. Northern Lights is a 95% indica strain with an extremely high level of THC (up to 33%) that has been helping insomnia patients to get a good night’s sleep since the 1980s.

• Purple Kush

A cross of Purple Afghani and Hindu Kush, Purple Kush has about 22-27% THC and less than 0.1% CBD in it. If your sleep is getting affected by chronic pain, this is the cannabis strain you need. Apart from its muscle-relaxing and sedative properties, Purple Kush has amazing pain-relieving powers too. The aroma which is a mix of sandalwood musk, hash and different fruity notes, is absolutely mood uplifting.

• Bubba Kush

Another one from the illustrious Kush family, Bubba Kush or Bubblegum Kush is known for the couch-lock high it produces. Extremely useful in reducing stress and treating sleep disorders, it has a THC content of 15-22%. As the name hints at, the strain has a refreshing taste and flavor of bubblegum mixed with nuanced notes of pine, moss, and honey among others.

In today’s fast and highly competitive world, sleep deprivation or unhealthy sleep cycles is one of the major reasons behind a range of health conditions and psychological disorders. A recent study has discovered that 51% of the world’s adult population does not get enough sleep that they require. Cannabis strains, especially those we have discussed above, can help you to achieve a healthy and relaxed sleep regime every night. However, you should always remember that not all human bodies or brains respond similarly to the same strain of marijuana. If you are thinking about using cannabis to treat your sleep disorder, it’s better to consult a medical professional or a marijuana expert so that you can identify the strain most favorable for your specific sleep requirements or health condition.