I’ve always struggled to fall asleep, and it doesn’t matter how much I exercised that day or how little I slept the night before. I’ve never been a great sleeper. I’ve tried various sleep aids, from melatonin to Ambien to boiling lettuce and drinking the leftover water. Yes, apparently, this makes some people tired.
Not getting enough rest negatively impacts our well-being, and it’s hard to go through life constantly tired. According to the Cleveland Clinic, lack of sleep can lead to health problems like diabetes, hypertension, and even weight gain. My journey with sleepless nights caused me to be moody and less productive during the day. This is no fun, and I realize I am not alone in this journey.
One natural solution has worked for me, though – medical marijuana. It helps me get to sleep without my normal tossing and turning, and it also helps me stay asleep!
How Weed Helps With Sleep
There are various terpenes and cannabinoids found within the cannabis plant. Each of them has varying functions which interact with our endocannabinoid system (ECS)
I did a considerable amount of research on weed as a sleep aid and found a hefty amount of science to back it up. According to a 2008 study, consuming higher levels of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) typically reduces the amount of REM sleep, which means you’ll spend less time in “deep sleep.” Another study found that THC helps to reduce the time it takes to fall asleep. It’s advised to consume smaller quantities of THC.; more significant amounts of THC may keep you awake.
One of the other most common cannabinoids is cannabidiol (CBD) which has been shown to affect serotonin levels in the brain, helping reduce anxiety and calm the mind. In one study, CBD promotes sleep and increased sleep scores in 67% of adults within one month. CBD is also thought to help with the release of cortisol, which acts as a sedative in consumers.
Another lesser-known cannabinoid is cannabinol (CBN), which reduced stress and anxiety in some studies. It is also thought that CBN enhances the impact of THC and CBD. This cannabinoid is created through the oxidation and decomposition of THC. When THC is heated and exposed to Co2 (oxygen), it will convert to CBN over time.
Lastly, Cannabigerol (CBG) has been touted as a powerful pain reliever, which can help some people get to sleep and stay asleep. Research on CBG is limited but shows it may also reduce inflammation and nausea and work to slow the proliferation of cancer cells.
What Cannabis Products Are Best for Sleep?
With so many weed products today, it’s hard to know which cannabis product to choose. In my recent experimentation, I found that some work far better than others. This review covers my experience with the Wana Optimals Fast Asleep gummies.
Review: Wana Optimals Fast Asleep Gummies
I won’t lie; I’m often skeptical about marijuana edibles and how they might affect me. I’ve had some bad experiences of feeling too high for too long. But these edibles are in lower doses and help me fall asleep and stay asleep longer.
So I purchased a pack of the Fast Asleep gummies from a dispensary in Denver. I was instantly intrigued by the packaging. It reads, “feel sleepy in 5-15 minutes.” What’s not to love there?
The package of 10 edible gummies cost me $25. Each gummy contains a total of:
- 10mg CBD
- 2mg CBN
- 2mg CBG
- 2mg THC
- 1mg melatonin
Other ingredients include 30+ sleep-inducing terpenes, the chemical compounds that give cannabis its unique smell, taste, and effects. Some terpenes do a great job calming the mind and the body, reducing stress, inducing relaxation, and encouraging restful sleep.
About 30 minutes before bed, I popped my first Wana gummy, which tasted great. It’s like chewing on a berry covered in sugar. Plus, they’re gluten-free and sweetened naturally.
I must have been awake for seven minutes after eating the Fast Asleep gummy before I was fast asleep. The following day I woke up feeling well-rested with no hangover.
I was delighted with my experience trying Wana Optimals Fast Asleep edibles, and they’re now a part of my nightly routine. If you want to learn more about this product or find out where to purchase them for yourself, visit Wana’s website.
Get Your Medical Document & Purchase Medical Cannabis
It’s easy to get your medical document with the online Telehealth service HelloMD. Register, pay, and receive an online medical consultation with a licensed practitioner and start purchasing medical cannabis today