Approximately 60 million Americans suffer from insomnia each year and many of the pharmaceutical solutions to this issue can be addictive or dangerous. With it’s broadening medicinal and recreational legality, people are beginning to turn to cannabis to help them get to sleep and stay asleep.
The best strains for sleep aid are ones that are high in the terpene Myrcene. Myrcene is a compound that is found in mangos, bay leaves, hops, and certain strains of cannabis, and is known for having sedative and anti-inflammatory effects. Popular strains that are high in myrcene are Grand Daddy Purp, Purple Punch, and God’s Gift. Try packing a bowl of one of these strains and puff your way into La La Land.
Surprisingly, cannabis that is old or has been poorly stored can actually help you get to sleep better than your best bud! This is due to the creation of a cannabinoid called cannabinol, or CBN, which occurs when THC is exposed to light and oxygen. This cannabinoid doesn’t have a strong psychoactive effect, but it has been proven to make consumers sedated and sleepy. According to an article in High Times,
“Cannabinol is the most sedative known cannabinoid. They claim that 5mg of cannabinol is equal to 10mg of diazepam (valium) in terms of body relaxation.”
Old weed might not get you very high, but it might be able to send you right to sleep.
If you’re not a smoker, edibles are a great alternative to rolling up or popping pills. They are typically slower acting than other methods of consumption and are therefore able to get you to sleep and last all night. Eating edibles often yields a heavier body high, which can help you relax, ease your aches and pains, and subdue your anxiety.
So next time you find yourself tossing and turning, don’t give up hope on getting a good night’s sleep! Try adding some cannabis into your nightly routine, and you may never need to count another sheep.