Does Eating Marijuana Edibles Before Bed Help You Sleep?

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    Cannabis has become a go-to for its myriad healing benefits. Sleep is a particular area of interest since it is estimated that 20 to 30 percent of Canadians suffer from one or more insomnia symptoms.

    Until recently, much of what we knew about the effects of cannabis on sleeplessness came from people sharing their experiences. In other words, this information was shared through word of mouth.

    As medical and scientific communities probe more deeply into how cannabis might promote better sleep; what we do know is that the endocannabinoid system plays a role in the sleep-wake cycle.

    When it comes to sleeplessness, some choose to use and buy edibles online in Canada as a natural alternative to the potent sleep medications on the market.

    Ingestion of Cannabis: What to Know

    One key difference between inhalation (smoking, vaping) and ingestion (eating) of cannabis edibles is the onset of the effects.

    Benefits from eating cannabis products can take much longer as it has what is called a delayed onset. When a person is unaware of this, they may ingest more than needed, resulting in too much of a dosage.

    It’s best to start with a small amount and to make sure to buy edibles online in Canada that display dosage amounts on the label.

    No two people taking the same dose will enjoy precisely the same experience.

    Studies like this one show that the effects of an edible last longer than smoking cannabis as “the resulting “high” is longer-lasting, with a peak at two to four hours after ingestion.” The same study suggests that other differences in experience could be the result of:

    • Bodyweight
    • Metabolism
    • Eating habits

    Symptoms and root causes of the condition being treated are another critical consideration, as sleeplessness can be a symptom of another condition.

    Which Cannabinoids Work Best For Sleep?

    The cannabinoids most helpful for you can depend on the root cause of your sleeplessness. Insomnia has many causes, so it is necessary to look at the root of the issue to determine what will work best for you.

    “Preliminary research into cannabis and insomnia suggests that cannabidiol (CBD) may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of insomnia.” The same study suggests that THC may help people fall asleep faster though it could have side effects long term.

    Too much THC, which is psychoactive, can leave one feeling groggy and foggy the next morning. CBD may counteract this grogginess and increase rapid eye movement (REM sleep), which is an integral part of the sleep cycle, and it is when we dream.

    For those prone to anxiety from THC, a higher amount of CBD would be a better option since it has no psychoactive effects.

    When looking to buy online in Canada for edibles, you may find products that contain a combination of CBD and THC.

    Different cannabinoids offer different benefits, and CBD can even minimize the psychoactive effects of THC in edibles.

    Indica-dominant THC tends to have a higher concentration of CBD than Sativa-dominant strains, so many will choose an Indica as their edible of choice for sleep.

    How Do I Know That Edibles Are Right For Me?
    Edibles work well for some people and not for others. If you are getting a good rest and feeling more energized, that’s great! Increase your dose gradually, monitor your experience and make changes when necessary, asking for medical support whenever you have questions.

    Those needing to fall asleep quickly or those who cannot absorb THC through the stomach would not be good candidates for edibles.

    Every one of us is unique. If you aren’t feeling the benefits of edibles after carefully monitoring your dosage and using the framework of “start low, go slow,” another form of cannabis may be a better option.

    Do Marijuana Edibles Support A Deep Sleep?
    The answer to this question is both yes and no. Since there is such variance from body type to metabolism to different reasons for choosing to use edibles for a good night’s rest, the jury is still out on a definitive answer. The good news is that more studies are coming.

    Remember, they are not one size fits all. The best way to find out if edibles are your answer for a deeper sleep is to practice titration, learn what works for you, be safe, start low and go slow!