By Luke Sumpter


Do you often feel dreamy after smoking a joint? Have you ever asked: why does weed make me feel sleepy? Well, top cannabis scientists are currently trying to figure out the answer to this question. Some users say they simply can’t sleep without weed, whereas others have no luck trying to go to sleep high. Below, we dive into the available science to get to the bottom of the herb’s effect on sleep. Let’s get into it!

The Importance of a Good Night’s Sleep

Sleep plays a fundamental role in human health. Placing your head against the pillow each night does far more than simply rest your muscles. Science has recently discovered the presence of the glymphatic system[1] in the brain—a macroscopic waste clearance system that kicks in while we sleep, which flushes cellular debris from the central nervous system. On top of this, it also acts as a brain-wide distribution network that nourishes our cells with glucose, fat, growth factors, and amino acids. Aside from helping us consolidate memories, improving our focus, lowering stress, and improving immune function, getting adequate sleep also rhythmically flushes the brain of toxins and bathes it in nutrients, helping to lower the risks of chronic neurological health problems.

Realising the true benefits of sleep makes contemporary sleep statistics all the more concerning. Around one-third[2] of adults sleep less than seven hours per night, and 10–15% experience chronic insomnia. Failing to achieve the recommended 7–9 hours of sleep per night not only leaves us feeling tired and stressed, but it can directly impact brain health over time.

People turn to all sorts of solutions when looking to improve their sleep, from lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise to pharmaceutical drugs. However, some people are placing their hope in cannabis as a means of getting better sleep. But does the herb help or hinder? Let's discover what the science says.

Sleep Cycle

Does Weed Help You Sleep?

Cannabis has certainly gained a reputation for helping people to relax. The right strain will leave you feeling stoned, cosy, and ready to hit the hay. Many cannabis users also anecdotally report that smoking a joint before bed drastically improves their slumber game. But does science support this position? Or is it all in their heads?

While the research on cannabis for sleep remains early and inconclusive, emerging evidence suggests that cannabis could play a role in unlocking better sleep. Certain compounds found in cannabis interact with the human endocannabinoid system, a body-wide network responsible for keeping many physiological systems in a state of balance. THC, the principal psychoactive ingredient found in cannabis, activates the CB1 receptor of the endocannabinoid system. Found in sleep-linked brain areas[3] such as the pons and basal forebrain, this receptor plays a role in sleep induction and the regulation of sleep stages.

But that’s only part of the picture when it comes to sleep and cannabis. There is more to understand about the chemical components in cannabis and how they might specifically impact sleep.

Cannabinoids: Are These Compounds the Key to Delightful Dozing?

Cannabinoids are a diverse class of chemical constituents found in cannabis flowers and other plant and fungal species. Weed plants produce over 100 of these molecules, with THC and CBD occurring as the most predominant in the majority of strains. Some of these compounds directly activate the endocannabinoid system, whereas others influence this signalling network through indirect mechanisms. Find out how they could impact sleep below.

What happens when you sleep high on THC: Sleep Onset & Sleep Apnea

THC underpins the cannabis high and binds to both the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system. A scientific review[4] published in Dovepress looked at the available evidence regarding THC and related compounds in the context of several sleep parameters and conditions. The authors document limited research that suggests THC led to a reduction of insomnia symptoms compared to placebo in a human trial consisting of nine participants. While the report shows that no studies found THC to improve sleep onset, one finding suggests that the compound might reduce wake times after sleep onset occurred.

Another documented study shows that dronabinol, a synthetic version of THC, led to a reduction of sleep apnea symptoms in human trials. But can cannabis help sleep apnea? Despite these findings, the authors concluded: “Currently, there is insufficient evidence to support the routine use of medicinal cannabis as an effective and safe treatment option for any sleep disorder. Nevertheless, emerging evidence is promising and warrants further investigation…”.

Sleep Apnea Cannabis

CBD & PTSD

While CBD doesn’t directly bind to the two primary endocannabinoid receptors in the same way THC does, the cannabinoid influences the system indirectly by increasing the levels of endocannabinoids—compounds produced by the body that serve as signalling molecules of the endocannabinoid system. Several researchers have focused their efforts on the effects of CBD in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a mental health condition known to disrupt healthy sleep.

Characterised by a consistent state of arousal and alertness following a traumatic event, PTSD is linked[5] to insomnia, nightmares and night terrors, and obstructive sleep apnea. A daily diary study[6] published in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders in 2022 tracked the self-reported effects of cannabis on the sleep of 77 PTSD patients over a two-week period. The researchers found that products higher in CBD were associated with fewer early awakenings, and cannabis products as a whole were associated with a lower chance of experiencing nightmares. The team concluded, “Cannabis and its constituent parts, THC and CBD, interact with the endocannabinoid system and sleep regulation in important ways. This may be the mechanism by which MC [medical cannabis] is related to improvements in both nighttime and daytime PTSD symptoms”.

Could Cannabis Terpenes Help Your Head Hit the Hay?

Cannabinoids are not the only cannabis-derived compounds of interest. Marijuana also produces over 150 aromatic terpenes that contribute to the flavours, aromas, and effects of each strain. These molecules are thought to synergise with cannabinoids in a phenomenon known as the entourage effect, and they’re likely to play an important role in finding out the answer to the question: does cannabis make you sleepy? Check out the research on some of the most dominant terpenes found in cannabis below.

Myrcene: A Relaxing Compound

Myrcene contributes a relaxing effect to many cannabis strains, alongside flavours of fruit and musk. But does this terpene play an important role when it comes to weed and sleep? A study[7] published in the journal Phytomedicine found the compound, along with other terpenes, to produce a relaxing effect and boost the effectiveness of sleep medication when administered to mice. The research concluded that citral, limonene, and myrcene exhibited soporific and motor relaxant effects.

Pinene: A Refreshing Forest Terpene

Pinene contributes flavours of pine to select cannabis strains and also makes for a clear-headed high. But does it come into play when you decide to sleep high? A study[8] published in Molecular Pharmacology administered the terpene to mice and observed their non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREMS) by monitoring the electrical activity of their brains. They found pinene to enhance the quantity of NREMS by working on GABA receptors in the brain.

Caryophyllene: A Physically Soothing Phytochemical

Caryophyllene, both a cannabinoid and a terpene, binds to the CB2 receptors and adds hints of spice and pepper to certain weed strains. Aside from its role in the flavour and aroma of cannabis, this terpene could contribute to the relationship between cannabis and sleep. A study[9] conducted at Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Brazil tested the anti-anxiety and sleep-inducing effects of caryophyllene in mice. They found the terpene to reduce anxious behaviour while also decreasing sleep onset time.

How Should You Take Cannabis for Sleep?

When it comes to using cannabis for sleep, there are a range of options at your disposal. From vaping and smoking to edibles, check out the most common methods of consumption below.

Smoking & Vaping
When attempting to use cannabis as a sleep aid, smoking and vaping provide a fast-acting and simple option. Inhalation offers an easy way to control dosing, and it results in a quick onset of effects. However, throat irritation and coughing could make it harder to fall asleep initially. You’re also probably wondering about the best strain for sleep. Well, look for options high in the terpenes mentioned above, and try to avoid varieties high in energising terpenes such as limonene.
Edibles
Edibles for sleep are more complex than smoking, as they take much longer to produce an effect and trigger a much more potent and longer-lasting high. While they won’t cause throat irritation, users will need to take edibles around 1–2 hours before hitting the hay. Beginner cannabis users are advised to skip this option, as the intensity of the high can disrupt sleep. Edibles can also cause users to sleep high and wake up high, so prepare for some possible drowsiness in the morning.
Sublingual
Sublingual application involves placing drops of oil or extracts under the tongue, bypassing both the lungs and digestive tract. This option results in a rapid onset of effects and causes no throat irritation, making it the best option for many users when it comes to cannabis and sleep.

The Drawbacks: How Smoking Weed Can Disrupt Sleep

While some users find cannabis helpful before bed, others experience negative side effects.

THC May Impact REM Sleep

Sleep occurs in cycles of deep sleep and REM sleep. Research[10] shows that THC might suppress important REM sleep following acute use. Additional evidence suggests that, while some users might build a tolerance to this effect in the long term, it could still disrupt sleep in others over time.

Withdrawal Symptoms and Sleep Disturbances

Using cannabis frequently, and then suddenly stopping, can cause withdrawal symptoms that disturb sleep. These symptoms include headaches, irritability, insomnia, chills, and stomach problems—all of which can keep you awake at night.

Variables & Unpredictable Effects

All cannabis strains, and even plants of the same strain, differ slightly in their chemical components. Some cultivars will make you feel relaxed and ready for bed, whereas others will make you energised and keep you awake. Take some time to find the strains that work for you, and exclude those that don’t.

Can Cannabis Cause Sleep Paralysis?

A strange and disturbing phenomenon, sleep paralysis[11] occurs when a person becomes conscious, but muscle atonia (a process that stops the body from moving during dreaming) continues. This results in a person waking up completely unable to move, often causing feelings of panic sometimes accompanied by visual hallucinations. The evidence remains very limited as to whether cannabis causes or could help sleep paralysis. However, some researchers hypothesise that the ability of THC to suppress REM sleep could make it a promising candidate[12] for combating sleep paralysis.

Is Weed Good For Sleep? We Need More Research

Does THC help with sleep? Or weed as a whole, for that matter? Right now, we simply don’t know. Despite strong anecdotal evidence, human trials remain few and far between. With the diversity of effects caused by different cannabis strains, many variables need ironing out. The conclusion from a 2022 review on cannabis and sleep disorders sums up the state of affairs best: “There is currently insufficient evidence to support the clinical use of any cannabinoids as a safe and effective routine treatment for any sleep disorder. However, encouraging outcomes from recent studies in relation to some disorders indicates that the pursuit of elucidating the potential role of cannabinoids for the treatment of sleep disorders is warranted”.

External Resources:
  1. The Glymphatic System: A Beginner’s Guide | Neurochemical Research https://link.springer.com
  2. 100+ Sleep Statistics https://www.sleepfoundation.org
  3. Cannabinoids, Endocannabinoids and Sleep - PMC https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. Medical cannabis in treating patients with sleep disorders | NSS https://www.dovepress.com
  5. PTSD and Sleep https://www.sleepfoundation.org
  6. Posttraumatic stress disorder, sleep and medical cannabis treatment: A daily diary study https://www.sciencedirect.com
  7. Central effects of citral, myrcene and limonene https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  8. α-Pinene, a Major Constituent of Pine Tree Oils https://www.researchgate.net
  9. The anxiolytic-like effect of an essential oil derived from Spiranthera odoratissima https://core.ac.uk
  10. Effects of Cannabinoids on Sleep and their Therapeutic Potential for Sleep Disorders - PMC https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  11. Sleep Paralysis - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  12. Medical cannabis in treating patients with sleep disorders | NSS https://www.dovepress.com
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: