Top 5 Cannabis Strains For People With Insomnia
Millions deal with insomnia daily. They find it hard to fall asleep at all, and struggle to stay asleep for more than an hour or so. Thankfully, these cannabis strains contain tasty terpenes that help relax the mind, calm the nervous system, and prime the body for some deep and restorative sleep. Grow these strains for your own nighttime stash!
Waking up after a full night’s sleep makes you feel refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead. We usually take it for granted, but, for some people, even getting a few hours of solid sleep is a major achievement.
Insomnia, a relatively common sleeping disorder, negatively impacts sleep onset, duration, and quality for millions of people. There are various treatments out there, each working to varying degrees. Alongside a long list of lifestyle changes, though, cannabis might help one cope with the condition.
Cannabis contains a vast cocktail of phytochemicals. Among these are over 100 cannabinoids, molecules largely unique to the herb. The cannabinoids THC and CBN—found in most strains— are known for their ability to chill out the mind and help smokers wind down in the evening.
But, as modern research has shown, it’s terpenes that underpin each cultivar’s unique effects.
They synergise with cannabinoids to tweak their effects, and even pack some impressive properties of their own. Some terpenes will make you feel alert, whereas others, as we’ll show you, are soothing and relaxing. Along with that, these aromatic molecules are responsible for the varying flavours and tastes of each strain.
Check out the strains below for terpene profiles that will help you nod off at nighttime.
1. Northern Light
As one of the most famous cannabis strains, Northern Light earned her reputation as a stoning cultivar that induces a hard-hitting body high. She stems from a legendary lineage of Afghani genetics, which are known for their robustness and resilience. Her sticky and tapered buds produce THC levels of 18%, and high levels of the terpene myrcene—a slightly sedating terpene that slows down the mind in the evening.
Northern Light produces an impressive yield, even in small spaces. Indoor plants grow to between 100-160cm and pump out up to 550g/m² after a flowering time of 7-8 weeks. Plants grown outdoors grow to a taller height of 180-220cm and offer a rewarding return of 575-625g/plant. Expect to harvest these buds during late September.
2. Royal Jack Auto
Royal Jack Auto descends from the legendary strain Jack Herer, named after the famed cannabis author and activist. Our breeders at Royal Queen Seeds merged this cultivar with an autoflowering strain to make her faster and easier to grow.
She produces a blend of that terpineol and nerolidol that helps the brain slip away into slumber, along with moderate amounts of THC. Both of these terps create pleasant scents of pine, woodiness, and flowers to relax the nervous system.
The strain churns out satisfying yields in a small window of time. Her small size and brevity make her ideal for growers looking to keep their botanical pass time low key. Indoor plants can be kept at only 40cm tall while producing 350-400g/m². Plants grown in garden beds or greenhouses grow to between 60-80cm, and feel at home shrouded by protective companion plants. Expect up to 120g/plant after a growing time of 9-10 weeks.
3. Legendary OG Punch
Have you ever detected a pleasant hint of earthiness while smoking a joint? The terpene myrcene underpins this delicious flavour, and Legendary OG Punch packs large amounts of the molecule. Myrcene teams up with a THC content of 19% to produce a stoning body high that soothes the muscles and shuts down whirling thoughts. Her buds also possess good quantities of terpineol that adds the cherry on top of this chilled-out experience.
As the progeny of Legend OG and Purple Punch, this strain possesses the best traits of each parent. She produces compact flowers covered in trichomes and forms abundant canopies in the blooming stage. Expect up to 400g/m² in the grow room and 550g/plant in the garden. Prepare to harvest these flowers after a short flowering time of eight weeks.
4. Sweet ZZ
Hops don’t just make tasty IPAs. People used to stuff them into pillows to guarantee a good night’s sleep. But why, you wonder? Because they contain relaxing terpenes like humulene, and so does Sweet ZZ! But this woody terpene doesn’t act in isolation. These flowers also contain caryophyllene, a terpene that targets the CB2 receptor to create a soothing effect. And let’s not forget hypnotic and euphoria-inducing linalool.
These terpenes also converge to create sweet and candy-like flavours. A THC content of 22% amplifies the relaxing effects and will have your head hitting the pillow with haste. Indoor plants grow to 140cm and respond well to LST and main-lining for increased yields. Outdoor plants peak at 200cm and offer a return of 550g/plant during late September. In short, you’ll be sure to have enough stash jars ready for your nighttime sesh!
5. Medical Mass
Medical Mass harnesses the power of CBD and myrcene to instantly instil a tranquil state of mind. High levels of both phytochemicals enter the alveoli and cruise straight through the blood-brain barrier—a state of zen ensues. Smoking a bong bowl or blunt packed with these flowers before bed can cast a sense of wellbeing across the mind. THC levels of only 10% also allow for a subtle high that won’t keep you awake pondering the universe.
Our expert breeders created this tension-melting cultivar by crossing Critical Mass and an undisclosed high-CBD variety. She displays an indica morphology with broad-fingered leaves, lateral growth, and medium height. Expect up to 550g/m² indoors and 550g/plant when cultivated outdoors.
