We all know the sensation— your eyes are wide open at 2am and there is no chance— no chance– you're ever falling back asleep. Whether you have a big meeting the next day or a day off, missing out on sleep is never fun.
More importantly, it can interfere with your ability to get through the day, affecting your cognition, performance, and energy levels. Fortunately, when you have a medical marijuana card in Virginia, you may be within easy reach of a natural solution for disordered sleep and insomnia.
How It Works: Improving Sleep with Medical Marijuana
It is estimated that some 70 million people in the States experience some form of disordered sleep on a regular basis. How can medical marijuana help improve sleep? While research is ongoing, many experts believe that cannabis may help sleep by impacting the endocannabinoid system.
This regulatory system when out of balance can affect everything from mood to sleep. Cannabinoids in medical marijuana, including CBD and THC, can impact receptors in the ECS, making them perform better and improving the overall balance in the system.
The Research on Medical Marijuana for Better Sleep
What does the science say? A review of literature focused on medical marijuana and sleep indicated that cannabis can be effective in treating sleep conditions, including insomnia and sleep apnea. A study published in Sleep showed that individuals with chronic insomnia who took two weeks of sublingual cannabis tinctures experienced improvements in sleep quality and a reduction in symptoms.
Doctors who have prescribed medical marijuana for other conditions, including anxiety and PTSD, also report that patients have experienced better and longer sleep when using cannabis.
A Better Alternative: Medical Marijuana vs. Prescription or Over the Counter Sleep Aids
One of the most appealing things about medical marijuana for many people is that it can serve as a healthier alternative to traditional sleep aids. Prescription and OTC sleeping pills can come with a number of side effects, including addiction and grogginess the next day. Patients who turn to medical marijuana as a natural alternative often report rested sleep without a decrease in performance the next day.
Which Strain— Getting Medical Marijuana for Sleep Right
That’s the good news. The great news is that medical marijuana is available in the Commonwealth and within reach. Which product is right for you?
There is much discussion out there as to which strain of medical marijuana might be the best answer for sleep issues. Patient stories and research indicate that indica has the strongest sedative properties and may be the best, overall answer for those suffering from insomnia or sleep problems. Sativa, however, has been shown to help those suffering from chronic sleep disturbances such as nightmares, and may be the best option in some cases.
Selecting the Best Medical Marijuana for Sleep
There are several techniques you can use to ensure you find the right cannabis product for your needs.
Finding a Medical Marijuana Certified Doctor
As a starting point, you will want to schedule an appointment with a certified doctor in Virginia who can recommend medical marijuana products for you and your condition. This professional can walk you through your options and help you narrow the field of choices.
Reviewing Products
Once you have your medical marijuana card, you can peruse the wide selection of products available on Virginia dispensary websites or in-person. These products are often categorized by benefits, i.e. “Get Some Sleep” or “Sleepy.” Look for products listed under these categories that will be relevant to your condition.
You can also take a look at patient reviews of products. The cannabis community is proactive in sharing their thoughts and feedback on medical marijuana products, and these reviews can give you some essential insights into how a product might work in treatment of your condition.
Considering Ritual
Many sleep experts recommend engaging in a nightly ritual as a way to relax the body and mind before sleep. When selecting a product, this is something that you can take into consideration, as well. Which product will integrate into your life in the best way possible.
Some individuals looking for sleep relief might prefer the ritual of smoking medical marijuana. Others might want the ease of use that comes with an edible or tincture. Whichever approach you decide on, make sure that you find a product that works well with your lifestyle and helps you prepare for sleep each night so that you can grab those Z’s!
Get Your VA Marijuana Card for Better Sleep Now!
Let's be honest— missing out on quality sleep is the worst! Good news and natural treatment is on the horizon, however, with medical marijuana. If you have been experiencing the exhaustion, confusion, and mood swings that come with disordered sleep, medical marijuana can help. Our compassionate and informed experts can help you make the right choices for your health.
Schedule an appointment with an online medical marijuana doctor today, to start gaining access to safe, legal cannabis products, including tinctures, flower, concentrates and more.
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
At Virginia Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness
safely and conveniently through increased access to MMJ. Our focus on
education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by
providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
Call us at (888) 633-5808, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
Check out Virginia Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information.