BEST CANNABINOIDS FOR SLEEP

There are millions of people who have trouble sleeping. This makes people consider different remedies to boost their sleep. Herein are the best cannabinoids for sleep, including THC and CBD, and their effects and risks.

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in cannabis plants, including hemp and marijuana. Over 100 cannabinoids,with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) being the most dominant. The former makes one feel high, while the latter is non-intoxicating.CBD is believed to have therapeutic effects. However, there is insufficient evidence to back these claims. In addition, there is not enough evidence to show that THC, CBD, or its combining elements can improve the quality of sleep. However, Babson et al. (2017) said that dronabinol, a version of medical extracted from THC, can be used to obstruct sleep apnea. Dronabinol helps one sleep faster but in the short term.Although Porter & Jacobson (2013)showed that the cannabis compound is helpful for better sleep, it is difficult to identify the best cannabis and cannabinoid. It requires a trial and error method. This article helps you understand the best cannabinoids for sleep.

Benefits of Cannabis

Kogan et al. (2019) reported that cannabis is much helpful in managing health conditions. The conditions include; anxiety, pain relief, and epilepsy. People with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) get the solution after using nabilone,an artificial version of a medicine.However, studies on the benefits of CBD are limited, and there is a need for further research to show how cannabis can cause long-term sleep and how it can reduce sleep disorders.

Risks of Using Cannabis

Although cannabis is highly popularized,Penington (2015) clarified that it is highly addictive. Those who use it repeatedly are unable to sleep unless they use cannabis. High use of cannabis affects memory-making; one does not think well or forgets easily. Other problems like poor attention may be experienced due to cannabinoids. In vape CBD products, all forms of smoke are harmful to the lungs, heart, and blood vessels. In addition, cannabinoids are riskyfor pregnant and lactating mothers.

Is CBD Safe?

People take CBD for many reasons,and improving the quality of sleep is one of the reasons. Besides, the FDA does not regulate the use of CBD. CBD may be contaminated with THC, which is highly effective in human biological systems. However, research is needed to show how long-term use of cannabis affects the systems.

How to Use Cannabis

There is no set dosage of cannabinoids. Uses of CBD vary from one person to the other, depending on a person’s body composition, experience, and metabolism. For instance, a beginner requires low dosages, while an experienced cannabis user may require higher doses to feel the effects. The reason for taking CBD should also be considered. When taking CBD for chronic insomnia, higher doses are necessary.The FDA does not regulate cannabinoid use. Therefore, consult the doctor before using cannabinoids for sleep.

Factors to Consider When Selecting the Best Cannabinoid for Sleep

After the legalization of CBD by the 2018 Farm bill at the federal level, CBD products have become more popular as more brands have joined the industry. As a result, the chances of low-quality products increase. Consider the following factors to get the best cannabinoid for sleep.

Third-party Laboratory Testing

Assess a product’s third-party test result before settling on any product. This test will ascertain whether the potency and THC levels on the product labels are true. The results will also show if the product is void of contaminants such as heavy metals and pesticides. You can access these results by scanning the QR codes on the product labelorrequesting a Certificate of Analysis from the brand.

Brand Reputation

Buy Cannabinoid products from highly reputable brands. You can read customer reviews to ascertain if the brand offers high-quality products. In addition, check if the brand has received any warnings or negative reviews from bodies such as the FDA and BBB. You can also identify a reputable brand by checking if it offers a money-back guarantee for customers who find its products ineffective.

Hemp Source

It is also essential to concentrate on the hemp source to ascertain if the final products are high quality. Go for brands that use organic farming methods, void of chemicals.

Extraction Methods

Companies use different techniques to extract cannabinoids from the hemp plant. Go for brands that employ the CO2 extraction method. This process is considered clean since harmful products do not infiltrate the final products compared to the use of solvents.

Why Do You Need Both CBD and THC?

Russo et al. (2007) noted that THC is the best cannabis for sleep. It causes faster and longer sleep.However, this compound makes one feel high. THC has effects on anxiety which may hinder sleep. CBD is still used as an aid for sleep. Effects of CBD include; keeping calm, reducing anxiety, and decreasing pain. Based on personal preference, the combination of the two is used as a balance. This is why it is advisable to use both combined.

Conclusion

Anxiety and stress cause sleepless nights. Some people use sleeping pills to boost their sleep with no positive results. Cannabis could improve sleep quality in case of stress and anxiety. However, cannabinoid products are illegal in some states, but most states take steps to make them wholly or partially legal.Landing the best cannabinoid for sleep isalso difficult as it involves a trial and error method.The FDA does not offer dosage guidelines, making it difficult to determine the correct doses.

References

Babson, K. A., Sottile, J., &Morabito, D. (2017). Cannabis, Cannabinoids, And Sleep: A Review Of The Literature. Current Psychiatry Reports, 19(4), 1-12.

Kogan, L., Schoenfeld-Tacher, R., Hellyer, P., &Rishniw, M. (2019). US Veterinarians' Knowledge, Experience, And Perception Regarding The Use Of Cannabidiol For Canine Medical Conditions. Frontiers InVeterinary Science, 5, 338.

Penington, D. G. (2015). Medical Cannabis: Time For Clear Thinking. Medical Journal OfAustralia, 202(2), 74-76.

Porter, B. E., &Jacobson, C. (2013). Report Of A Parent Survey Of Cannabidiol-Enriched Cannabis Use In Pediatric Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy. Epilepsy &Behavior, 29(3), 574-577.

Russo, E. B., Guy, G. W., &Robson, P. J. (2007). Cannabis, Pain, And Sleep: Lessons From Therapeutic Clinical Trials Of Sativex®, A Cannabis‐Based Medicine. Chemistry & Biodiversity, 4(8), 1729-1743.