Cannabis For Sleep

Cannabis for Sleep: Fireside Chat Dosing Reference

Our August Fireside Chat focused on cannabis and how it can be a part of sleep hygiene.

Talking points included:

Cannabis has long been used as a sleep aid, but what is the science behind it?
Why do some strains or methods work better than others?
Can cannabis actually keep you awake?

These talking points and more are explored in this event with Dr. Caplan. Watch the replay to learn how cannabis may be able to help with sleep quality.

Goal effect: relaxing, sleepy, enhanced calm, reduced anxiety

Choices: non-euphoric or euphoric, sedating or calming

Methods: vapor > tincture or lotion; occasional use is as effective as daily use

Descriptors: “Indica” > 1:1 > CBD; high myrcene, high beta-caryophyllene, aged cannabis, high CBN, high THC

Strains: Girl Scout Cookies, Buddha strains, Purple strains, Northern Lights, Bubba Kush, Grape Ape, Harlequin, Master Kush, Cannatoni

Advice: to avoid discomfort, use a low, comfortable amount of THC. Best when used at the same time daily, and with good sleep hygiene.

Vapor

Take at time of sleep. Expect it to work promptly (within minutes) and typically lasting 1–3 hours.

Non-euphoric feelings : vape 3:1 CBD:THC. Take minimum inhaled amount until desired effect; have CBD before and/or after other full-spectrum cannabis to further avoid euphoria.

Mild euphoric feelings : vape 1:2 CBD:THC. Take minimum inhaled amount until desired effect.

Edible

Take 30–60 minutes prior to goal sleep time; chocolate or oil/fat-based products are better than honey or sugar-based options.

Non-euphoric feelings : select a low-dose “1:1” edible at 1:1 CBD:THC (or greater CBD at 2:1, 3:1, 6:1, etc.). Have CBD before and/or after other full-spectrum cannabis to further avoid euphoria.

Mild euphoric feelings : select a low-dose (1–2mg) “Indica” edible. Wait 120 minutes before considering an additional dose. For more experienced users, begin with larger low-dose options (4mg, 5mg).

Tincture

Take 20–60 minutes prior to goal sleep time; alcohol-based options are faster onset, but generally less comfortable than oil.

Non-euphoric feelings : select a low-dose “CBD” tincture at 4:1 CBD:THC (or greater CBD at 6:1, 12:1, etc.). Large doses of CBD are most effective to avoid euphoria (200–300mg). Pure CBD tincture (minimal THC) is a less effective, but less expensive, option.

Mild euphoric feelings : select a low-dose (5–10mg) edible at 1:1 CBD:THC (or greater THC at 3:1, 6:1, etc.).

Lotions

Apply liberally, 10–30 minutes prior to goal sleep time; may apply to head/neck/back/shoulders or large muscle groups.

Apply cannabis lotion to warm areas with muscle tone. Prepare skin with alcohol for better depth of penetration.

Note: a mix of cannabinoids is critical to ideal relief. CBD alone may work, but combinations work better.

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