A New Survey Reveals: Cannabis is the Preferred Sleep Aid for Consumers
A recent study conducted by Washington State University (WSU) has found that cannabis is the preferred sleep aid for individuals with sleep issues. The survey, which was published in the journal Exploration of Medicine, compared the use of cannabis to prescription and over-the-counter sleep aids.
The study, conducted by psychology researchers at WSU, surveyed 1,216 people using the medical marijuana app Strainprint. The results showed that most respondents (64.9%) had been suffering from sleep issues for at least five years, and nearly 70% had been using cannabis to help with sleep for at least a year.
According to the survey, smoking joints or vaping products containing THC, CBD, and the terpene myrcene were the most popular methods of consuming cannabis for sleep. These methods were reported to have better outcomes the next morning and fewer side effects compared to conventional sleep aids or no sleep aids at all.
However, the study also found that some side effects were reported from marijuana use, including feeling sleepy, anxious, and irritable upon waking up. Despite this, the majority of respondents reported feeling more refreshed, focused, and better able to function the morning after using cannabis for sleep.
Carrie Cuttler, a WSU professor and co-author of the study, stated in a press release that “in general, the use of cannabis for sleep-related issues was perceived as more advantageous than over-the-counter medications or prescription sleep aids.” She also noted that unlike long-acting sedatives and alcohol, cannabis was not associated with a “hangover” effect.
The survey also revealed that most cannabis consumers (82%) do not currently use prescription or over-the-counter sleep medications, with more than half reporting that they have used them in the past. This suggests that many individuals have turned to cannabis as a better alternative for sleep aid.
Interestingly, the study found that while inhaled forms of cannabis (such as smoking and vaping) were the most popular among most consumers, those with sleep issues preferred these methods due to their short onset time. The authors were surprised that edibles and capsules were not more popular, as they have a longer-lasting effect and may be more beneficial for maintaining sleep.
In conclusion, the survey showed that cannabis is the preferred sleep aid for individuals with sleep issues, with many reporting better outcomes and fewer side effects compared to conventional sleep aids. This research sheds light on the potential benefits of cannabis for sleep and highlights the need for further studies in this area.
