Are you struggling to doze off? Do you have vivid dreams, tossing and turning, and waking up earlier than intended? The best cannabis for sleep is coming to the rescue.
Our favorite green plant can dissolve pain and tension, calm your body, and decelerate racing thoughts. Plus, it carries several sleepy compounds in its sweet-smelling chemical makeup. As such, a puff can act as an amazing aid at bedtime.
Can all strains do the trick? Of course not.
Many types of weed get you moving and grooving while thoughts of slumber melt right off. Some soothe the system, but their hallucinogenic properties leave your brain active and oh-so-awake.
We’re here to help you make the right choice.
Join us to learn about the relationship between marijuana and rest and discover the nine best weed strains for sleep.
Cannabis for sleep: Can marijuana help with insomnia?
Cannabis has historically and contemporarily been used to alleviate many medical conditions. Given how fast-paced the modern world is becoming, it’s no wonder the best strains for sleep are such a big topic of interest.
As with many medicinal applications of cannabis, current research is limited. What we know so far is promising, though. Existing evidence suggests that marijuana can help with insomnia. Its influence seems to be two-fold.
Pain, anxiety, and nausea are common troubles that prevent proper rest. Studies suggest that weed can alleviate them all, making you comfy so you can doze with ease.
But there’s more.
The best weed for sleep seems to restore the natural sleep cycle in the face of insomnia without underlying causes. Researchers report that people doze off easier, stay asleep longer, and wake up rejuvenated upon consuming the right types of cannabis.
On that note, let’s see what defines weed strains for sleep.
CBD vs. THC for sleep
CBD and THC are the best-known cannabis compounds. They affect the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates rest and many other processes. Both can assist sleep, but for different reasons.
If you have trouble dozing off, you’re free to choose weed from THC or CBD seeds. Either can ease aches and anxiety, aiding people with slumber struggles for secondary reasons. THC can also act as a sedative.
What about sleep maintenance?
A study showed that consuming buds from higher THC seeds results in a decreased amount of REM sleep, the phase where you experience dreams.
Fewer dreams mean you spend more time in the deep sleep stage, which is the most restorative. Plus, people with PTSD are less likely to have nightmares that could wake them up.
If you had to turn to one, you’d choose THC for sleep assistance. But why use compounds in isolation? The best cannabis for sleep contains CBD, THC, and nifty chemicals called terpenes.
Sedative and sleep terpenes
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in pot. Besides creating the flavor, they generate the ‘entourage effect,’ influencing how THC and CBD interact with the ECS. Increasing terpenes in weed through clever cultivation practices makes it stronger-smelling and more potent.
These chemicals can be relaxing, energizing, stress-busting, pain-relieving—you name it. So, when searching for the best marijuana for sleep, take a look at the dominant elements of its terpene profile.
In this case, you’re mostly after myrcene, caryophyllene, and pinene. This magic trio keeps you glued to the couch, free of anxiety, pain, and rushing thoughts. Terpinolene and linalool are also beneficial for fighting insomnia and jitteriness.
Indica or sativa for sleep?
Once we move on to examples, you’ll notice that we talk about weed from indica seeds for sleep. But this trend has little to do with the marijuana family.
The terms ‘indica’ and ‘sativa’ refer to the plant origins and morphology. Colloquially, the 420 community associates them with the effects caused by the terpenes they evolved to produce.
We won’t go on about terminology, but remember that the title of the best weed for sleep is a matter of chemical composition.
As a rule, pick strains from the indica family for sleep. Indica-dominant hybrids and landraces often feature an abundance of those sleepy terpenes we discussed. They also tend to have high THC levels, helping you cop some ZZZs.
Best marijuana strains for sleep
You now know the science, but you want the specifics. What strain of weed is good for sleep?
Here are nine cultivars to smoke for a night of profound rest.
Granddaddy Purple
THC: 22–24%
Dominant terpene: Myrcene
Granddaddy Purple is an indica-dominant Purple Urkle x Big Bud cross with an outstanding bag appeal. Its chunky buds develop violet streaks near harvest time; crystalline trichomes make the flowers shimmer and stick to your fingers.
This cultivar is an incredible resource of the best THC for sleep. Its smoke carries grape-earth scents paired with plenty of psychoactive chemicals. It banishes the blues, melts tension knots, and eventually locks you to your seat.
The high is wonderfully sleepy from the initial inhale, and this influence intensifies with each clock tick. Grandaddy Purple lets you chill out with your favorite show, have a wholesome meal, and turn in early for a healthy eight hours.
Northern Lights
THC: 12–14%
Dominant terpene: Linalool
Northern Light auto is a cross between two landraces of opposing origins. This award-winning herb brings the finest of both worlds, a sativa-style cerebral uplift fused with indica-driven tranquility. It’s also easily the best medical marijuana for sleep.
The smoke is classic ganja, tickling the palate with pine and spice. The moderate potency makes this herb’s impact all-encompassing but not overwhelming. The initial uplift ends in a heavy-hitting stone—you still feel the euphoria but from the depths of your cushions.
Although low on CBD, Northern Lights produce medical marijuana seeds of the highest quality. Its properties boost mind-and-body wellness, encouraging self-care and eliminating all forms of discomfort. Smoke Northern Lights and you’re out like a light after several hours.
Bubba Kush
THC: 15–20%
Dominant terpene: Pinene
Bubba Kush auto is an OG Kush descendant with 70% indica genetics and a 100% indica effect profile. Lauded for its borderline narcotic effects, this is the best cannabis for sleep if you’re hoping to hit the sack as soon as possible.
Contrary to what you might expect, this strain’s sticky buds smell like freshly ground coffee. The aroma is mouthwatering and decadent, setting the stage for absolute delight. A warm, buzzing sensation engulfs your entire being; pure bliss replaces negative thoughts.
Toke to veg out on the couch, have a tasty snack, and immerse yourself in a low-effort activity. Keep a blanket and a pillow nearby, as drowsiness melts into slumber before you know it. As for Bubba Kush growing, it is not a rocket science. You'll need ordinary organic fertilizers, good-quality soil, and a growing medium that fits.
Gorilla Glue #4
THC: 26–28%
Dominant terpene: Pinene
GG4 is a melting pot of strains with hybrid genes and an incredibly potent punch. It’s as versatile as weed gets, too. Smoke to smash your tasks, enjoy hobbies and social activities, unwind, and visit Neverland—all with one blunt.
The flavor is complex, featuring diesel, lemon, skunk, earth, and fruit notes. It’s invigorating at first, launching you into a euphoric, go-getter mode. After around two hours, its indica contents show up to ease you into the nearest seat.
Take this double-duty weed strain for sleep several hours before bedtime. Attend a gathering or finish your daily tasks with a smile before calling it a night. You’ll soon find yourself glued to your couch, eyes shutting down.
Girl Scout Cookies
THC: 16–21%
Dominant terpene: Terpinolene
Girl Scout Cookies is another hybrid for two-in-one elation and relaxation. Blending Durban Poison’s stimulating qualities with OG Kush-style sedation, it’s a get-stuff-done smoke that kisses you goodnight after your bout of intense activity.
The aromatic bouquet is what it says on the tin. Scents of pine and earth combine with fruit, nuts, and hints of caramel for a delicious sensory experience. The smoking experience is fierce at first, bringing out your most motivated, extroverted self.
Several hours in, Girl Scout Cookies turns into the best cannabis for sleep. Laziness replaces the last hints of energy. Once you get comfortable, there’s no escaping its influence till the morning hours.
Gelato
THC: 14–20%
Dominant terpene: Linalool
Gelato feminized seeds produce buds with balanced effects. This sweet flower uplifts your mind, erases concerned and negative thoughts, and engulfs the body in complete relaxation. Besides being the perfect afternoon toke, it’s a weed strain for sleep par excellence.
This dessert-tier flavor profile encourages serious munchies. Notes of berries, orange, and sugary sherbet awaken the appetite and elevate the mood with a single puff. Head-to-toe relaxation is near-immediate; sleepiness soon enters the picture.
This tasty plant’s high THC levels and soothing touch suit seasoned and stressed-out tokers. Let its influence inspire a long bath and evening yoga stretches while riding the feel-good wave to La La land.
Kosher Kush
THC: 18–21%
Dominant terpene: Pinene
Kosher Kush is a wonderful meeting of opposites, delivering an uplifting cerebral high and an unstoppable body stone. Its bouquet follows the same pattern, teasing the tongue with traditional marijuana flavors before enchanting it with a citrus explosion.
It takes seconds to feel this cultivar’s power. Immense pain relief accompanies the mood boost, wrapping you in heavy warmth. The post-consumption period has you stuck to a seat, smiling, munching on a snack, and having a lively discussion with anybody in your vicinity.
Kosher Kush is another example of double-trouble best cannabis for sleep. It awakens your social side and makes the creative juices flow. There’s ample time to engage in hobbies and bond with loved ones before slumber comes knocking.
Wedding Cake
THC: 17–20%
Dominant terpene: Caryophyllene
Wedding Cake auto is an indica-heavy cultivar with legendary parentage. Drawing from GSC, Durban Poison, and OG Kush, its inside-out soothing touch never misses the mark. The effects inspire ease, mindfulness, and pleasure.
The taste is floral and sugary, with creamy vanilla notes coating your tongue. It improves your mood even before the THC reaches your bloodstream. The high starts with mental clarity but quickly escalates to blissful laziness and an unbreakable couch lock.
This weed strain for sleep is perfect for nights at home. It leaves you with enough energy and motivation to cook a nice meal, soak in a bubble bath, and enjoy a book or movie. No twisting in bed sheets once you reach them, either.
Purple Kush
THC: 17–27%
Dominant terpene: Caryophyllene
Purple Kush is a 100% indica plant. It’s a favorite among growers for its sturdiness, abundance of buds, and plum streaks across its greenery. Stressed-out tokers reach for these flowers to beat physical and psychological ailments.
Grapes and berries bring a fruity splash on the tongue upon combustion, preparing you for a ride of childlike wonder and carelessness. The mental effects revolve around joy, and the body dissolves into laziness. There’s no desire to move after a puff of this powerful stuff.
Purple Kush is a champion in the best indica strains for sleep category. It fights stress and discomfort, supports wellness-boosting activities, and eases you into peaceful shuteye.
Smoke insomnia goodnight
In the end, the best weed for sleep is an individual affair. No two people respond identically to cannabinoids, but the evidence is on our side.
Countless anecdotal reports and considerable medical research support this application of the herb, though. It’s very likely to work for you as well.
So pick the most appealing cultivar from our list, light it up, and track your reactions. It might take some trial and error, but you’ll have your natural, non-addictive shuteye aid in no time.
Once you find your best strain for sleep, visit our store to buy cannabis strains seeds. Grow at home, set yourself up a bud stash, and never again let a restless night ruin your day.
Stay tuned to our blog for more guides on all things cannabis.
