Sleep deprivation is not something that anybody wants to deal with. Lack of sleep can take its toll on human health, from negatively impacting focus and mood, to slowing down the healing process. However, two-thirds of Americans will suffer from sleep disorders at some point in their life. If you are one of them, consider trying cannabis as a natural sleeping aid.
What are the dangers of insomnia?
Every single day, the human body works extremely hard. Without even noticing, as many as 70 billion cells die inside our bodies every single day. Every 3-4 days, a brand new intestinal tract is produced and every three months, red blood cells die. Fast forward to a year and all of the body’s kidney cells will have renewed themselves – pretty amazing, huh?
Our brains play a major role in allowing all of this to happen. Without doing so, the human body would be susceptible to disease and could potentially die. This is why it is so important that you get your full eight hours of sleep every night. Aside from the fact that a good night’s rest will leave you feeling recharged for the day ahead, sleep is critical for preventing health problems.
Unless you learn how to tackle insomnia, should it occur, your chances of developing serious health problems like obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease will rise exponentially. This is where cannabis compounds like Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) come in handy.
What is CBD and THC?
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most well-known and common cannabis compound of the hundreds that have been discovered by scientists. It is responsible for the euphoric “high” that many recreational cannabis users favor. Cannabidiol (CBD), on the other hand, is non-psychoactive. It is a powerful medical chemical that can be consumed in the same way(s) as THC, but it offers dissimilar effects.
Here is an overview of the effects produced by both THC and CBD:
The Medical Properties of THC – Neuroprotective antioxidant, appetite stimulant and relaxant
The Medical Properties of CBD – Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-anxiety
Combined, both types of cannabinoids can relieve insomnia and give the body a dose of goodness in the process. However, you’d be better off avoiding high-THC cannabis strains if you don’t want to feel sedated or unable to perform daily tasks properly, since THC is a psychoactive cannabis compound.
Recommended Cannabis Strains for Insomnia
Below, we highlight some of the best cannabis strains for treating insomnia:
- Harlequin – Prepare for a pleasurable night’s sleep when you try this hybrid cannabis strain, which is also commonly used as an anxiety and pain reliever. Harlequin has a CBD to THC ratio of 5:2 and tastes like sweet mango.
- Cookie Jar – A hybrid blend of Platinum Girl Scout Cookies and White Fire Alien OG, this insomnia-relieving cannabis strain will make the entire body feel relaxed. The flavor is similar to cookies!
- Girl Scout Cookies – Containing in upwards of 20 percent THC and around 2 percent CBD, GSC is a sedating strain that will put you straight to sleep. Make sure you start slow on this dessert-tasting strain, because it packs a mean hit of psychoactivity!
- White Widow – This relaxing hybrid strain is balanced and will deliver a cerebral high. The THC content is around 20 percent and the CBD content significantly lower. You may also treat pain and depression with this musky-flavored strain.
- Afghani CBD – Who said that only THC-rich strains would cure you of your insomnia? This high-CBD cannabis strain is as therapeutic as it is relaxing. Not only will the floral-flavored strain ensure a dreamy night’s sleep but also, Afghani CBD will ease the symptoms of stress and depression.
- Grape Ape – If you fancy treating your taste buds to something fruity, try this sedating cannabis strain. A popular choice for easing pain and spasms caused by Parkinson’s disease, has a flavor that has been likened to sour grapes.
- A-10 – Fight chronic pain, migraines and insomnia with this high-CBD strain. It has a CBD percentage of around and an earthy/hashy flavor.
- Hawaiian Purple Kush – Last but not least, we have this indica-dominant hybrid. Containing small amounts of CBD and high levels of THC (around 15 percent,) this mix between Hawaiian and Purple Kush promotes muscle relaxation and calms the mind, allowing for a deep sleep. It has a deliciously tropical flavor.
Choosing a Product for Accurate Dosage
Visiting an online dispensary menu is a good way to start your journey to insomnia relief. Inside this medical cannabis dispensary, you will find a medley of products and cannabis strains that will ensure a proper night’s rest. In order to experience the best results when using weed for sleeping disorders, it’s advisable to visit a doctor who can recommend a dosage.
Many products on the market nowadays actually deliver a specific dosage of cannabinoids to the body. These products make it easy to dose-up discreetly. They include metered-dose inhalers, sprays, capsules, suppositories, tinctures, edibles and liquids. Remember to choose a product based on your personal preferences.
If you have any questions regarding finding a cannabis product for accurate dosage, don’t be shy to ask one of the budtenders working inside the store.
