Marijuana OUTPERFORMS sleeping pills? (No way!)

CBD (cannabidiol) has changed the way I practice medicine.

Luckily, I’m also a licensed physician in the state of California. So, I have decades-long experience working with both CBD and its cousin, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)…

Which is more commonly known as marijuana, pot, or cannabis.

Now, while some of you reading this undoubtedly live somewhere without medical marijuana or legalized marijuana, I think it’s still important to understand its healing potential.

After all, studies highlight its effectiveness for everything from antibiotic resistance to COVID-19, and more.

And now, research shows it might just SQUASH the need for traditional sleep aids.

All-natural sleep aid

Researchers at Washington State University were determined to learn more about the cannabis-sleep connection.

After surveying 1,255 cannabis users, they learned that over 80 percent of respondents STOPPED using over-the-counter or pharmaceutical sleep aids to achieve quality sleep.

In fact, it seems cannabis is SO effective, that over 60 percent of users reported getting the recommended six to eight hours of shuteye when using cannabis.

By comparison, less than 20 percent reported the same while using sleep aids, like melatonin and benzodiazepines.

In this study, the cannabis users had a strong preference for inhaling THC. In other words, they were smoking joints or vaporizing the flower, two fast-acting methods with previous links to restful sleep.

Of course, as I’ve explained before, THC is the psychoactive component in cannabis—the one that gets you “high.”

I realize this approach isn’t for everyone—but here’s where CBD might be able to help. CBD is the other main component in cannabis that won’t get you high.

In fact, research shows it delivers a lot of the same benefits as medical marijuana, without any of the undesirable, mind-altering affects of THC.

And in this study, about 50 percent of users reported using cannabis strains containing CBD and the terpene myrcene—an aromatic plant compound that’s also found in things like hops and basil.

(I’d love to see a study on myrcene to see any potential health benefits of a concentrated extract!)

It all relates to the endocannabinoid system and its overarching effect on our health.

You can learn more by referring to the July 2020 issue of my monthly newsletter, Logical Health Alternatives (“Ready to try CBD?”). More specifically, look at the subhead labeled, every endocannabinoid system is different. (Subscribers can access this archival issue by logging in here. Otherwise, scroll down to learn about becoming one.)

Science-backed recommendations

Now, let’s talk about side effects.

Cannabis users reported feeling refreshed, focused, and better able to function the morning after using cannabis.

Plus, they seemed to experience fewer headaches and less bouts of nausea, compared to using traditional sleep aids.

Of course, some users also reported feeling sleepier, more anxious, and irritable. And there were some reports of dry mouth and red eyes.

That said, unlike long-acting sedatives or alcohol, cannabis was not associated with a “hangover” effect.

In the end, there’s enough science-supported research for me to recommend cannabis for better sleep.

You can get started by doing a little internet research on your state’s medical marijuana laws and procedures. Your primary care physician may be able to point you in the right direction, too.

The good news is, there are a lot of CBD products out there—and many of my patients use them with great success.

To help combat some of the ill-effects outlined by some users above, I like to recommend starting with CBD oil. It offers the best absorption and makes it easier to titrate to the specific dose YOU need for each individual concern.

Just look for a product from a brand you trust, made from full-spectrum hemp.

For additional ways to catch more ZZZs in 2024, and beyond, check out my Perfect Sleep Protocol. Just click here to learn more about this innovative, online learning tool!

Until next time,

Dr. Fred

Source:

“Cannabis users say drug improves sleep better than supplements like melatonin.” StudyFinds, 11/14/2023. (studyfinds.org/cannabis-user-sleep-aids/)