“We found that the strongest evidence for improving sleep was associated with cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN) and combinations of the two—but not primarily THC.”
By Andrea Efre, University of South Florida College of Nursing
The cannabis sleep market represents a shift away from traditional pharmaceuticals toward a natural alternative. Historically, cannabis products marketed for sleep have largely focused on THC because of its sedating qualities. Dispensary recommendations, product marketing and consumer assumptions have reinforced the belief that THC is the cannabinoid most responsible for helping people sleep.
But our new research, recently published in the Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, suggests it may be time to rethink that assumption.
After conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of medical cannabis for insomnia, we found that the strongest evidence for improving sleep was associated with cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN) and combinations of the two—but not primarily THC. Across the available evidence, medical cannabis was associated with reduced sleep disturbance, increased total sleep time and less daytime sleepiness.
Yet THC-containing formulations did not demonstrate significant improvements in sleep outcomes and were associated with higher rates of adverse effects.
This finding matters because nearly one in four Americans reports using cannabis
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