How to Sleep Better: Tips for Treating Insomnia & Other Sleep Problems with Medical Marijuana

on October 10, 2020

This post should not be misinterpreted as medical advice, rather the general benefits users have had using medical cannabis. If you suffer from insomnia, please speak to your doctor.


Do you suffer from sleep issues like difficulty sleeping, low concentration, sleepiness throughout the day, or even insomnia? If you do, you’re in the company of many others.  In fact, according to a study by the University of Pennsylvania, 25% of Americans suffer from acute insomnia every year. 


With more than one out of every four of us having trouble sleeping, it’s no wonder that sleep is such a sought after effect of medical marijuana. After all, better sleep can lead to less stress, better mood, improved productivity, boosted immune system, and better everyday quality of life. 


Here’s how to sleep better with tips for treating your insomnia with cannabis.

Benefits of Medical Marijuana & Sleep

First, if you’ve never experienced or encountered the benefits medical marijuana can have on sleep, here’s a quick overview of how it can help:

  • Boost quality of sleep
  • Decrease feelings of anxiety or depression
  • Decrease headaches
  • Energizing benefits for daytime with certain strains
  • Improve concentration
  • Reestablish natural sleep cycle
  • Reduce nightmares

How Marijuana Strains Affect Your Sleep

One of the most important elements to consider when using cannabis for treating your insomnia or other sleep issues is to be mindful of which marijuana strain you’re using. 


Sativa cannabis strains are known for energizing and increasing productivity. Sativa strains are helpful for those patients who feel tired throughout the day, are unable to focus, and feel like they need to boost their productivity.


Conversely, indica cannabis strains are known for inducing a relaxing and sleepy feeling. This strain is ideal for users who have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. The higher levels of THC in indica strains are responsible for the sleep inducing effects, but also have the potential to increase anxiety when taken in high doses.

How to Take Medical Marijuana for Sleep

Not only is strain important, but so is how you choose to consume cannabis. For instance, smoking or vaping will mean that you feel the effects right away, but the feeling will also wear off faster. This can be beneficial for those who have trouble falling asleep (but not staying asleep) or are suffering from pain that results in difficulty sleeping.


Alternatively, consuming edibles will mean slower time to take effect, but also last for much longer. For that reason, edibles are ideal for those unable to stay asleep or who wake regularly throughout the night.

Consider How Your Body Reacts to Cannabis

As with all medical cannabis side effects, it’s important to be aware of how your specific body reacts with the treatment. You might need to use a strain higher or lower in THC or CBD, increase or decrease your dosage, or reconsider how you use marijuana, depending on your unique reaction.



Follow these helpful tips if you struggle with sleep issues or insomnia. Be sure to work with your local dispensary to ensure the best dosage and strain for your condition.


At Hive Medicinal, we’d love to help with your medical marijuana needs as your local Maine dispensary. Take a look at our current products or, better yet, stop by in person!

Hive Medicinal

Hive Medicinal is a medical marijuana dispensary with two locations in Maine. You can visit us at 65 River Road in Chelsea, Maine or 210 College Ave in Waterville, Maine.

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