What’s the Best Cannabis Strain for Sleep?
Cannabis has long been used as a remedy for sleep disorders—whether related to anxiety, racing thoughts, or pain—and there are a host of strains for sleep that have become popular among people who struggle to doze off.
If you're looking for a good night's sleep, look for balanced hybrids, indica strains, and indica-dominant marijuana strains with high CBD levels (relative to the percentage of THC) and sedating terpenes such as myrcene, pinene, and linalool. This list of the best marijuana strains for sleep will get you off to a great start.
Harlequin
Harlequin, a Sativa-dominant hybrid strain, is wonderfully calming and relaxing without the head buzz that you'd usually associate with sativas. With 10% CBD and only 7-15% THC, this strain offers a balanced profile that minimizes any potential paranoia. Harlequin has a mango and earthy musk flavor that's very pleasant on the inhale. It's popular with people who suffer from chronic pain and post-traumatic sleep disorder—both of which are Arizona qualifying conditions and common culprits when it comes to poor sleep.
Remedy
Remedy is another CBD-rich strain that's ideal for anyone who needs help to fall asleep but doesn't necessarily want to get high. An indica-dominant hybrid, Remedy boasts CBD percentages as high as 18% with 1% THC and is popular with sufferers of depression, anxiety, and pain. On the inhale, savor the delicious flavor of sweet floral pine with notes of citrus on the exhale. As expected, this and other CBD-dominant strains are pleasantly paranoia-free and won't give you the "munchies" like high THC strains.
God's Gift
The name really says it all! This indica-dominant hybrid—a cross between Granddaddy Purple and OG Kush—has proven (anecdotally) to be a godsend for people with chronic insomnia. The 90% indica profile coupled with 18-27% THC is powerfully relaxing and slows your mind while physical discomforts melt away. This strain's delicious grape, lemon, and citrus flavor is another reason it's so popular. Take a few hits and drift into a dreamy sleep.
Northern Lights
A pure indica strain, Northern Lights has been a go-to for getting a good night's sleep since it became popular in the 1980s. THC levels between 16% and 21% combined with strong euphoric effects wash over your body and mind like a flood of relaxation while lifting your mood and relieving pain. Expect sweet aromas, spicy flavors, and a pungent smell with notes of citrus.
9 Pound Hammer
Did you ever wish that someone would just hit you over the head with a hammer so that you'd finally drift off to sleep? 9 Pound Hammer is it—minus the splitting headache! An 80% indica hybrid, this high-THC strain has fairly predictable indica-style effects: It starts off with strong feelings of euphoria and a happy cerebral high before bringing you down into couch lock and sleep. Rich in myrcene, caryophyllene, and pinene, 9 Pound Hammer offers a sweet aroma of grapes with earth and tastes of lime and berries on the exhale.
Granddaddy Purple
With its extremely sweet grape flavor and strong pungent aftertaste, Granddaddy Purple is often referred to as the grandfather of all strains. At 70% indica with THC levels ranging between 20% and 27%, Granddaddy Purple will leave you feeling euphoric, even psychedelic, and totally relaxed. If you start seeing trippy visions, don't worry. You'll soon sink into a wonderful sleep.
Girl Scout Cookies
Girl Scout Cookies is one of the best strains for sleep, thanks to its powerful profile and long-lasting high. Affectionately referred to as GSC, this indica-dominant, high-THC hybrid boasts 28% THC along with 1% of CBD and 1% CBN. At first, you'll feel euphoric, happy, and uplifted, followed by strong sedation, couch-lock, and sleep. GSC both smells and tastes sweet and earthy and the high THC levels could have you reaching for a snack before you drift into dreamland.
Tips for Consuming These Cannabis Strains for Sleep
If you decide to try cannabis for sleep, keep these practical pointers in mind:
Smoke, vape, or ingest cannabis a couple of hours before bed. This allows time for the euphoria to come down and the strain's sleepy effects to kick in.
Go light on high-THC strains if using them for sleep. THC can help you get to sleep but can also decrease REM sleep (the kind of sleep associated with immune function and cognition).
Try strains with a higher CBD-to-THC ratio to improve sleep quality and temper the psychoactive effects of THC.
Try nighttime MMJ strains for muscle spasms if involuntary muscle movements make it hard for you to sleep.
If you qualify, book an MMJ telemedicine appointment to buy medical-grade cannabis at a lower cost.
Ensure that you follow good sleep hygiene practices and deal with any other issues—like looking at screens late at night—that make it difficult to sleep.
Try Different Cannabis Strains Until You Find the Right One
Here, we've listed some of the best cannabis strains for sleep. However, the right strain for you will depend on the cause of your sleeping troubles and the way your body responds.
If pain keeps you awake, go for soothing strains for insomnia like Harlequin and God's Gift.
For racing thoughts or mood issues, try Remedy.
If you need something strong, try 9 Pound Hammer or GSC.
Above all, look for quality cannabis from a reputable dispensary and start out with the minimum dose, gradually increasing until you find the right number of hits for you. Sweet dreams!
