Sleep problems can have a significant impact on everyday life, and some patients ask whether medicinal cannabis could help. Research into cannabis-based medicines and sleep is continuing, and the effects can vary depending on the individual, condition, product and dose.
Can Medicinal Cannabis Help With Sleep?
Medicinal cannabis products may contain CBD, THC or a combination of both.
THC can cause drowsiness in some people, while CBD has different effects and is not generally considered intoxicating. However, neither CBD nor THC should automatically be considered a treatment for insomnia.
For some patients, improved sleep may also occur indirectly when treatment helps manage another problem, such as pain.
What Does the Research Say?
Studies have investigated cannabis and cannabinoids for sleep, but the evidence remains mixed and limited.
Different products, doses and patient conditions make it difficult to determine which treatments may benefit particular sleep problems. More high-quality research is needed.
Possible Side Effects
Depending on the product and dose, possible effects can include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Changes in concentration
- Dry mouth
- Feeling tired the following day
THC-containing products may cause impairment, so patients should understand how their medicine affects them before driving or operating machinery.
Talk to Your Healthcare Practitioner
Persistent sleep problems can have many causes. A healthcare practitioner can review your symptoms, medicines and health history before considering whether medicinal cannabis may be appropriate.
Do not change prescribed medicines or increase medicinal cannabis doses without professional advice.
Important: This article provides general educational information and is not medical advice.
