Peaceful Evenings: Best Cannabis Strains To Use At Night

Sleep is an integral part of living a healthy life. On average, you should get 7 hours of sleep each night. However, many adults struggle to get enough sleep. Some find it difficult to fall asleep, while others cannot seem to stay asleep. While there are tips and remedies for improving sleep out there, they do not always work.

Due to this, many individuals have started turning towards cannabis as a sleep aid. We will explore how cannabis and sleep interact, along with how some strains will help you to get some more rest.

Can Cannabis Help Me Sleep?

Scientific researchers are far from understanding the full effect cannabis has on sleep, but they have made some interesting discoveries about the most famous cannabinoids in cannabis: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD).

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

THC is the cannabinoid that is responsible for the well-known euphoric “high” that is often associated with cannabis use. Research suggests that THC helps people to fall asleep faster and to stay asleep for longer. However, it may decrease REM sleep, during which you have dreams.

Cannabidiol (CBD)

CBD is the cannabinoid that is non-psychoactive, meaning that it does not produce any euphoric “high.” Most users report that THC has a sedating effect while CBD is uplifting, but most CBD users also mention an improvement in sleep quality and length. CBD also has pain relieving properties, relaxing the body completely for improved sleep.

Indica, Sativa, Hybrid: Which Is Better?

Cannabis plants are usually labelled as Indica, Sativa, or a Hybrid of both. Products derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant are known for their energising properties, while products from Cannabis Indica plants are famously more sedating. Hybrids fall in between, depending on whether the Indica or Sativa elements are dominant. On top of that, there are also terpenes and other cannabinoids found in cannabis that may aid in sleep which should also be considered.

Due to the fact that they have sedating properties, it is best to choose Indica dominant products if you are looking for something to improve your sleep quality. You can also simply ask your dispensary for something that has Indica properties. 

The Best Cannabis Strains To Help You Sleep

People have reported improved sleep quality when using the following cannabis strains:

• Granddaddy Purple
• Harlequin
• Girl Scout Cookies
• Purple Urkle
• Bubba Kush
• Grape Ape
• ACDC

Grandaddy Purple

This purple Indica strain is well known for its muscle relaxing and sedative properties. However, its high THC content of up to 32% stands as a warning to new cannabis users. The pleasant grape and berry aroma will prepare you for a dreamy buzz, while your body prepares for a couch-lock. This strain is also popular with users who want pain relief, need an appetite boost, and require a muscle relaxant.

Harlequin

For users who want the potent effects of THC without the intense high, consuming it with a decent amount of CBD can help to moderate its euphoric effects. Harlequin is a one-on-one strain, so it has nearly equal amounts of THC and CBD. It is a good and safe strain for new cannabis users who often feel anxious or paranoid when using cannabis. The higher CBD content is also effective when it comes to aiding with pain-related sleep issues. Take this strain a while before you sleep as its initial effects are uplifting.

Girl Scout Cookies

Experienced cannabis users who are looking for a powerful sleep session can consider using Girl Scout Cookies. This high-THC (19%), Indica-dominant Hybrid is also rich in caryophyllene, a terpene that also aids in sleep. With a sweet and minty aroma, you will soon feel full bodily relaxation. This will soon be followed by being hungry, happy, and stress-free. If you struggle with chronic pain, nausea, and a loss of appetite, Girl Scout Cookies can help you out.

Purple Urkle

If you want to fall asleep immediately, Purple Urkle will be a perfect fit for you. This strain has a quick onset of effects, and will dull any stress and pains related to work, medical conditions, or life’s general worries. This makes it easy to fall asleep. With earthy and sweet berry aromas, this deeply relaxing strain is truly the best for full-body relief. It is not far-fetched to say that this strain was made for those who suffer from insomnia.

Bubba Kush

Bubba Kush provides both physical and mental relaxation, making it the perfect strain to end your day. With woody and chocolate flavours, it can feel like having a bedtime snack. Its couch-lock effect will make going to bed your number one priority. Users report being relaxed but still functional, however they also mention that the euphoria can be overwhelming and might be strong enough to send you to bed.

Grape Ape

This Indica is known to leave people feeling perfectly carefree and relaxed. It is a well-recommended strain for stress and anxiety. Grape Ape also contains the terpene myrcene, which gives it its earthy scent and is said to have sleep enhancing properties. The THC content can vary, but it is mostly 18% and higher, making it quite the heavy hitter when it comes to making you fall asleep.

ACDC

Although research suggests that THC is mostly responsible for the sleep enhancing effects of cannabis, it does not state how much of it is necessary to achieve results. ACDC has a low amount of THC combined with a high concentration of CBD (13%), therefore it does not produce any intoxicating effects. It also helps to relieve pain and anxiety, as well as the effects of chemotherapy and epilepsy. Many medical cannabis patients choose this strain for those very reasons. The CBD in this strain might make you feel alert, so be sure to take it a while before bedtime.

While there is not extensive research on cannabis and sleep, current research and user reports show that there is a positive correlation between using cannabis and improving sleep quality. However, it is important to remember that individual experiences vary and what works best for some users may not have the same effects for others. It takes trial and error to find the right cannabis products for you. We hope you can enjoy a peaceful night’s rest with the sleep-enhancing properties of cannabis.