THC and CBD, compounds found in cannabis, can have sleep-promoting effects. However, daily users of cannabis typically report more sleep disruptions than less regular users due to tolerance and withdrawal, The Washington Post reports.
- Varying levels of tetrahydrocannabinol or THC in recreational cannabis make it challenging to study its sleep effects.
- Clinical studies with pharmaceutical-grade THC are more controlled and may not represent the products people use in the real world.
- Cannabis
products for sleep should be viewed as any other sleep medication, and
patients should avoid becoming dependent on them.
- Experts recommend starting with low doses of THC or CBD for sleep and gradually increasing them if necessary.
- THC causes psychoactive effects, while cannabidiol or CBD does not, but both affect mood and feelings of well-being.
- Evidence-based
treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy and prescription
medications should be preferred for sleep problems over cannabis.
