Insomnia affects approximately 40 percent of American adults who report difficulty falling asleep or remaining asleep. The results of insomnia include drowsiness, low moods, and generally low energy levels. 

Lack of adequate sleep can negatively affect overall well-being. With the legalization of recreational use, many people turn to cannabis to help induce a good and restful night's sleep. 

Cannabis has been used to treat insomnia due to its sedating and soothing effects. About 70% of young adults casually use cannabis to help them sleep. A 2019 study found that among cannabis users, 84% reported that the plant was “very” or “extremely” helpful. 

Cannabis and Sleep

Research indicates that the compounds in cannabis, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), can help us fall asleep more quickly due to their interactions with cannabinoid receptors in the brain. However, not all strains are the same. Some strains can help you get better sleep, while others are designed to keep you focused and alert.

THC is the intoxicating compound responsible for the high you feel after smoking. CBD has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that can set you up for a good night’s sleep. While THC can induce a sedative effect, it can stimulate some people, so it’s essential to understand which strains are best for you and your condition. 

Strains for Insomnia

Indica or Indica-dominant hybrid strains are usually recommended to those experiencing insomnia symptoms. The balance between CBD and THC levels delivers feelings of calm and relaxation. However, it’s usually the concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes that make certain strains an excellent sleep aid. 

The terpenes in cannabis responsible for aiding sleep are:

• Myrcene

• Limonene

• Linalool

• Terpineol

• Caryophyllene (Beta)

Strains recommended for rest have high amounts of these terpenes.

Here are the best strains for insomnia:

Purple Kush

The Purple Kush strain is an Indica mixture of Hindu Kush and Purple Afghan and is one of the most popular sedative strains available. Containing 27 percent THC, tokers can expect a relaxed state of mind and body, making it an excellent strain for your bedtime sesh. 

Gorilla Glue

Gorilla Glue, commonly used for chronic pain and depression is also a perfect nighttime strain due to it’s high THC content. The effects of this strain are very sedating and can result in a body high, so it’s not recommended for daytime use. 

God’s Gift

This Indica-dominant strain is ideal for bedtime use and can have a THC content of up to 27 percent. Users can expect to feel a full-body high quickly and are suitable for winding down after a long day. 

Northern Lights

This strain is popular for relaxing the muscles and the mind, allowing you to get that needed shut-eye. This strain comprises Afghan Kush and Thai Stick and contains THC levels up to 18 percent. This strain is also high in the terpene, Myrcene, which produces feelings of sleepiness. 

How Much to Smoke

When using cannabis to treat insomnia, the quantity should also be taken into consideration.

Strains recommended for sleep usually contain high levels of THC, which can induce cerebral high or high levels of euphoria, which isn’t necessarily the best for rest. 

You might think smoking high amounts of cannabis before bed is helpful, but smoking too much can actually aggravate your anxiety and keep you up. If you’re new to cannabis, start small and gradually work your way up if needed.

Those using cannabis for insomnia must also take tolerance into consideration. Smokers with a low tolerance will require less cannabis than those with a higher tolerance. 

The effects of cannabis are highly dependable on the individual, the amount inhaled, and how many times inhaled. If you find that strains with high levels of THC make you paranoid or anxious, try opting for a CBD-dominant strain, which can reduce the high produced by THC. 

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Insomnia affects millions of Americans, and many are turning to cannabis to help them catch those needed z’s.

Indica-dominant strains are generally the go-to for rest, but it’s a strain’s terpene profile that provides the high required for a restful night’s sleep. If you’re unsure which strain is best for you, chat with your local budtender, who should be knowledgeable about the products they offer. 

Make sure you check Cannasaver before heading off to your favorite dispensaries and rest well knowing you got the most of your hard-earned dollar! 

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Oh the juicy terps, glorious terpenes. By now, I’m sure you know all about wonderful terpenes. 

Wait, you don’t? 

Well, let’s boot in and upload that knowledge upon you. 

What are Terpenes?

Terpenes are biological aromatic compounds found in many different plant species. In cannabis, they are responsible for the various flavors and aromas each strain obtains. The terpenes produce citrus, pepper, pine, and floral tastes/smells gathered within the buds or more specifically in the trichomes (kief).

They promote relaxation/stress relief for indica strains.

As for the sativas, they produce focus, uplifting, and energy.

So now that you are an expert, you’re probably headed to your favorite dispensary to purchase a fresh jar of juicy terpenes. They are going to get you higher than you have ever been. Well, let’s stop there and ask this question:

Do terpenes get you high?

A Closer Look At Terpenes

So now that you have a little knowledge of terpenes and that they exist, let’s dive in a little closer. Terpenes come in a big bag of different types which influence the type of high you will experience while you smoke. Let’s consider terpenes a type of “choose your own adventure” for the cannabis world.

Limonene

This juicy citrus terpene is found in various different fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, berries, and lemons. Limonene reduces anxiety. This occurs by the terpene increasing your serotonin and dopamine production within your brain, thus improving your overall mental health. A happy brain is a good brain.

Limonene has a high availability which essentially means it will allow a substance, cannabis in our case, to enter your bloodstream and have an actual effect on your body.

Some other added benefits include being an antiseptic and helping overall gastrointestinal health.

Some strains which contain Limonene include:

• White Widow
• Hindu Kush
• Goji OG
• Banana Kush

Myrcene

The most common terpene amongst the marijuana ranks is myrcene. Studies have shown myrcene improves cell membranes in the body to absorb nutrients. Myrcene makes up 20% of all the terpenes found in all cannabis strains. The terpene also appears as the most dominant among 40% of shelved marijuana strains. With these percentages, there is a very good chance you have had plenty of this terpene. 

Myrcene affects the blood/brain barrier. The terpene lowers the barrier allowing THC to pass through easier thus allowing for a sustained high. The terpene protects against circulating toxins/diseases which cause brain infections. This process does not raise the psychoactivity of THC but naturally increases the sense of chill and couch-lock. This allows the marijuana to hit fast/strong. Typically completely halving the onset time. 

Some health benefits from Myrcene are digestion improvement, relaxing muscles, reducing asthma flare-ups, and aiding sleep.

Some strains which contain Myrcene include:

• Green Crack
• Ak-47
• Blue Dream
• 9 Pound Hammer

Pinene

This woodsy, lumberjack of a terpene is the most common terp in nature. Pinene is found in pine trees, coniferous trees, rosemary, and other plants. In the marijuana world, Pinene has earthy, woody, and piney tastes/aromas. This terpene hits with stimulation, focus, and clarity receptors in your brain. The terpene is also a bronchodilator, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, and, believe it or not, it improves your memory.

Some strains which contain Pinene include:

• Mimosa
• Do-Si-Do
• Island Sweet Skunk
• Jack Herer

Linalool

Linalool is a bit of a flower child. Overall floral with a hint of spice, the terpene is found in lavender, rosewood, birch bark, and cinnamon. Linalool is aromatherapeutic which promotes health and an overall sense of well-being.

The terpenes reduce anxiety and allow the feeling of sedation. Linalool helps prevent heart disease and is slightly pain-relieving. The flower child also produces vitamin E which has anti-aging properties. 

Some strains which contain Linalool include:

• Grand Daddy Purp
• Amnesia Haze
• Wedding Cake
• L.A. Confidential

Caryophyllene

Oh, the spice with everything nice. Caryophyllene is found in basil, black pepper, and oregano. The terp has spicy, woody, and pepper aromas/flavors. High caryophyllene terpenes are noticeably pain-relieving and inflammation-reducing. The terpene binds with CB2 receptors in the brain which improves brain health and overall well-being.

Caryophyllene can also counteract the effects of THC. This could be good for those who need to be less high/anxiety-ridden. This spicy girl is good for digestion, pain relief, and relieves itchy skin.

Some strains which contain Caryophyllene include:

• Skywalker OG
• Super Silver Haze
• Chemdawg

The Terpene Experience and Getting High

So I know you’re thinking as you stand at your favorite dispensary with your mouth watering at the sight of the jar of fresh terpenes, “Do terpenes alone actually get you high?”. 

Unfortunately, the short answer is no. 

This simply breaks down to the terpenes themselves containing no THC. For those needing a friendly refresher, THC delivers the high we are all fondly familiar with. The terpenes interacting with THC and other cannabinoids are where the terpenes shine. They come in and become a “pick your own high” known as the Entourage Effect.

The Entourage Effect is the combination of THC, any terpene, and CBD. Many believe that cannabis is improved by adding terpenes. Terpenes work closely in the brain interacting with your body’s naturally forming cannabinoids pairing divinely with consumed THC and/or CBD. The combination is much stronger than THC, CBD, and terpenes alone. 

The Entourage Effect indirectly works as a major chemical compound and increases the potential benefits of everything involved. This improves mood and biological responses which boosts the quality of life. For those with marijuana anxiety, certain terps keep paranoia and anxiety completely away.

Now that you are an actual expert, make sure you grab that jar of terpenes. They allow you to choose the flavor/smells you enjoy. Then, remember to also buy some stinky, dank flower because terpenes alone will not get you high. But the Entourage Effect swoops in to boost cannabis effects longer, faster, and stronger. Helping to improve your body beyond your high.

Health and getting high, who would have thought...

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Sleep is a huge factor in someone maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Sleep is a necessity for a healthy brain and your overall physical healthiness. While asleep, your brain will repair your blood vessels and other bodily functions. 

But if you’re like me, sleeping does not come easy. Like at all. Insomnia is a real son-of-a-bitch and those who experience it know it sucks. Many adults experience some sort of insomnia at some point in their lives. Some adults even deal with chronic insomnia.

Signs of insomnia include:

• Difficulty falling asleep
• Waking up in the middle of sleeping
• Not feeling rested
• Daytime tiredness
• Difficulty paying attention

Sleep is oh so important to our ever-fragile physical and mental well-being. When we don’t get enough sleep, we don’t function at our most optimal. Work becomes way more stressful, our thought processes become much harder, and fatigue runs our emotional tanks to empty. 

Melatonin and various supplements can improve your sleep but there are studies that show that marijuana can help you get to sleep; much faster and stay asleep much longer. If you’re a canna-connoisseur like myself, many outstanding marijuana strains await you to offer a solution for sleeplessness. With that said, we will explore a few of the best marijuana strains for sleep.

The Science of Marijuana For Sleeping

Though still fairly recent, scientific research into the different uses for marijuana in the area of sleep has become something that may lead to more natural restful sleep. Many studies have shown marijuana’s ability to help deal with conditions that cause sleep disorders. Within any one marijuana plant, hundreds of cannabinoids are present.

Each cannabinoid holds the potential for medicinal properties. They stimulate the body’s cannabinoid system which regulates sleep, memory, appetite, and mood.

Terpenes For Sleeping

Strains that are high in these terpenes are going to be best for getting to sleep:

• Terpinolene: Promotes a feeling of bliss. Helpful in aid for sleep

• Myrcene: Affects the blood/brain barrier. The terpene lowers the barrier allowing THC to pass through easier thus allowing for a sustained high. The terpene protects against circulating toxins/diseases which cause brain infections. This process does not raise the psychoactivity of THC but naturally increases the sense of chill and couch-lock. This allows the marijuana to hit fast/strong. Typically completely halving cannabis onset time. 

• Caryophyllene: Helps activate your endocannabinoid system. Making each cannabinoid in your body function much more potently.

Watch Your THC Levels

THC marijuana strains are typically the most effective strains for sleeping. They are the most reliable source for creating the sedation effect which is essentially a sleep incarnate.

A strong indica is a good way to get high. But if a strain has too much THC, it can increase feelings of anxiety. If that’s the case, go lower in THC percentage. Intense feelings of anxiousness and paranoia are not good for promoting healthy sleep.

Increase Cannabinoids

Introducing cannabinoids such as CBD and CBN increases success for the most restful sleep. CBD is often used to reduce stress levels, stress, and various other conditions which lead to insomnia.

CBD also contains pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory elements which promote a better body and sleep as well.

CBN occurs in the marijuana plant as the plant ages because with time and extended exposure to heat/oxygen THC becomes CBN naturally. CBN interacts with your body’s natural endocannabinoid system directly.

The chemical allows your body to naturally influence mood and cognition which allows your brain to shut off much more efficiently for better sleep.

Indica Strains

Indica strains are known for much more of a body, can cause what we call “couch-lock”. This kind of relaxation goes with sleep like mac n cheese. Indica strains help to soothe your muscles and slow down that ever-thinking brain for the ultimate relaxation.

Top Strains For Sleeping

Before we begin our list, I’d like to mention that every strain affects every single person differently though common ground can be found between strains. With that said, I’d like to recommend some of the best strains for sleeping.

9lb Hammer

Like a powerful blow from Thor’s mighty hammer itself, 9lb Hammer is a heavy-hitting sedative, helping those who suffer from insomnia for years now. The strain clocks in between 20-23% THC. 

9lb Hammer contains incredible power and relaxing vibes. The taste of 9lb Hammer can be described as having light grape tones and various fruity flavors. The strain promotes feelings of euphoria and crushes insomnia like it was Thanos’ head. When you find your 9lb Hammer sweet spot when seshing at night, you’ll slide into dreamland on ice skates. 

Afghan Kush

The legendary Afghan Kush is a pure 100%  indica strain that can be traced back to the Hindu Kush mountain region. Like many Afghani lineage indicas, Afghan Kush has heavy, body-heavy effects that will move your body into bed with ease. With the strain being rich in CBD, Afghan Kush is one of the best strains for managing sleeplessness in those who tend to experience anxiety/paranoia when getting high.

Afghan Kush has a pleasant earthy scent and sweet taste undertones of old-school hash. It has dense buds amounting in an abundance of trichomes. This strain will take the distractions/pains you may have accumulated during the day and melt them away like butter.

Blue Cheese

If you haven’t had the pleasure of trying a cheesy strain, you are missing out. Blue Cheese is the king of cheese. Blue cheese is a cross between Blueberry and U.K. Cheese; a yummy combination. The strain has a THC percentage between 15-18% having nice mild psychoactive effects.

Blue Cheese has an interesting sweet and savory aromas of blue cheese and berries. The smells begin to transform into a unique creamy marijuana flavor. Blue Cheese helps promote euphoria, a deep sense of relaxation, and most importantly provides sedation for sleepy time.

Blueberry Muffin

Blueberry Muffin is a sweet way to send yourself off to sleep. With amazing blue beauty, Blueberry Muffin’s powers are shown through the euphoric high that will entangle itself around your body like a comforting blanket. 

Blueberry Muffin is a cross between Purple Panty Dropper and Blueberry. This strain will send your stress and worries to a place where they simply melt away.

Critical Kush

Warning: we are now at critical levels.

Critical Kush is a cross of OG Kush and Critical Mass. Critical Kush is known for first delivering a pleasant euphoric feeling and follows up the high with relaxing feelings throughout your body and brain..

Critical Kush has a unique piney aroma with a spicy taste undertone. This strain delivers full-body relaxation and boosts your mental health. After smoking this strain, you will feel blissfully relaxed within 15 minutes or so. Critical Kush’s stress relieving  properties will help you deal with sleeplessness efficiently.  

Northern Lights

Meet one of my absolute all-time favorite strains: the legendary, one and only, Northern Lights. Some consumers have stated that the strain like its namesake will leave you blissfully staring into the infinite space and stars above.

Northern Lights is a pure indica strain and is a cross between Afghani Kush and Thai. Northern Lights tends to weigh in at 16-22% THC. The strain carries aromas of sweet/spice. Northern Lights has a quick onset time and will help you to achieve healthy REM sleep cycles throughout your night’s sleep. The strain also has the ability to ease insomnia, anxiety, depression, and stress. 

Original Glue

Original Glue (formerly Gorilla Glue) packs a powerful kick of stress relief and positive well-being. With the stickiest of buds and an overwhelming alluring aroma. It is a great marijuana strain if you are in need of a restful night’s sleep.

Original Glue has approximately 20% THC and is a cross between Sour Dubb, Chocolate Diesel, and Chem’s Sister. The strain carries flavors of chocolate, diesel, and pine. This strain, like its namesake, is known for its ability to glue you tight to your bed; making this an ideal nighttime smoke sesh.

Querkle

Querkle seems to attack insomnia at its many sources. Anxiety calms, nausea dulls, and depression evaporates, leaving you in a meditative state as you gently coast into a restful sleep. That being said, this strain may not be the one you rely on for forcing your brain into sleep; rather, it pre-conditions a tranquil mindset so sleep comes easier when it’s time to shut the lights out.

Querkle is a cross between Purple Urkle and Space Queen. The strain has a strong grape and berry aroma with flavors to match. Querkle provides a strong body high, which helps consumers feel lazy, sedated, and ultimately tired. 

Wedding Cake

Wedding Cake is one of the newest strains on the list. The strain is a cross between Cherry Pie and Girl Scout Cookies. Wedding Cake delivers a drowsy kind of high that almost simultaneously begins to rock the consumer off to the adventures of Slumberland. 

Wedding Cake has a THC percentage of 23-25%. It basks in waves of vanilla smells and a berry taste. Wedding Cake reduces insomnia and provides pain relief.

Sleep well, friend!

Nighty night.

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