Evidence supporting the use of: Cannabis
For the health condition: Insomnia
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Cannabis has a long history of traditional use for sleep disturbances, but scientific research in the modern era has begun to investigate its efficacy and underlying mechanisms for insomnia. Several studies suggest that certain compounds in cannabis, particularly THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), may influence sleep patterns. THC is generally associated with sedative effects, potentially decreasing the time it takes to fall asleep, while CBD's effects are more variable and dose-dependent.
A 2017 review published in Current Psychiatry Reports found moderate evidence supporting the use of cannabinoids for improving sleep in individuals with certain conditions, such as chronic pain. Other studies have reported that cannabis use can subjectively improve sleep quality in the short term, though evidence for long-term effectiveness and safety is limited. Some research indicates that regular use may disrupt sleep architecture or result in tolerance, requiring higher doses over time. Additionally, abrupt discontinuation may cause rebound insomnia.
While there is growing clinical interest and some evidence supporting cannabis for insomnia, the overall quality of the data is moderate, with few large-scale, randomized controlled trials available. Current guidelines generally recommend caution, and cannabis is not considered a first-line treatment for insomnia. Potential risks, variability in product content, and regulatory issues further complicate its use. More rigorous research is needed to determine its long-term safety and efficacy for insomnia.
Other ingredients used for Insomnia
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)amino acids
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
benegut perilla (proprietary)
black cumin
Indian frankincense
rice
calcium
California poppy
cassia bark
chamomile
cherry
Chinese salvia root
cinnamon
Coptis chinensis
fennel
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
gooseberry
gotu kola
greek mountain tea
heartwood
hops
jujube
kava root
kudzu
l-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
lavender
maca
magnesium
magnolia
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
ophiopogon root
orange
passionflower
perilla
phytocannabinoids
pollen
polygala root
quail egg
reishi mushroom
rose oil
saffron
sage
scrophularia root
skullcap
valerian root
vitamin B6
zinc
catnip
tangerine
anise
blackboard tree
lingzhi
lingusticum wallichii
morus
silk tree
chrysanthemum
amber
ganoderma
lotus seed
anemarrhena asphodeloides
purslane
aster root
peach
wood betony
goji berry
soursop
Aralia
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Angelica
Apigenin
Anamu
Albizia
Agarwood
Anemone
Alpha lactalbumin
Agrimonia pilosa
Arani
Atractylone
Betony
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Blackthorn
Balsam
Bayleaf
Big Quaking Grass
Banyan
Brahmi
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Bupleurum
Centella triterpenes
Chinese Silkvine
Clary sage
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cactus
Cyathula
Citron
Carry Me Seed
Cannabinol
Cymbopogon Martini
Calea zacatechichi
Centella asiatica
Capitate Valerian
Corktree
Cowslip
Cannabidiol
Calamus
Cherimoya
Corydalis
Carthamus
Clerodendrum indicum
Dragonhead
David's Milkberry
Doxylamine succinate
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Elk antler
Elephant's Head
Embelia
Flueggea suffruticosa
Ficus religiosa
Ficus simplicissima
Fringed Pink
Frankincense
Gelsemium
Geraniol
Giant Blazingstar
Glycine
Gardenia jasminoides
jasmine
Lotus
Lily
Little ironweed
Mallow
Milk Protein
Mimosa
Orchid
Poppy
Rose
Spikenard
Sandalwood
Sumac
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
walnut
Other health conditions supported by Cannabis
Abdominal PainAcquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Addictions (general remedies for)
Addictions (tobacco smoking or chewing)
Alcoholism
Alzheimer's Disease
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Crohn's Disease
Depression
Dysmenorrhea
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Headache (cluster)
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Inflammation
Insomnia
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Lupus