Does Cannabis Help or Hurt Your Sleep? What Research Shows
What Researchers Found About Insomnia and Cannabis
The Study at a Glance
Published
Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience, 2020
Researchers
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (United States)
Study Type
Systematic ReviewKey Finding
THC may help you fall asleep faster initially, but long-term use can disrupt sleep quality. CBD shows promise for anxiety-related insomnia without the tolerance issues of THC.
Key Finding: THC may help you fall asleep faster initially, but long-term use can disrupt sleep quality. CBD shows promise for anxiety-related insomnia without the tolerance issues of THC.
What Researchers Studied About Insomnia and Cannabis
With so many people using cannabis for sleep, researchers wanted to answer a crucial question: What does the science actually say about how cannabis affects sleep?
This comprehensive review examined all available research on cannabinoids and sleep, looking at both the benefits and potential drawbacks.
How This Systematic Review Was Conducted
Researchers systematically reviewed scientific literature on:
• How THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids affect sleep stages • Short-term vs long-term effects on sleep • Studies in both healthy individuals and those with sleep disorders • The relationship between cannabinoid withdrawal and sleep disruption
Insomnia Treatment Results
The Main Results:
- 1THC decreases time to fall asleep (sleep latency) in short-term use
- 2THC may decrease REM sleep, reducing dream recall
- 3Long-term THC use can lead to tolerance, requiring more for the same effect
- 4Cannabis withdrawal causes significant sleep disruption
- 5CBD may improve sleep without tolerance development
- 6CBN may have sedative properties but needs more research
By the Numbers
| Statistic | What It Means |
|---|---|
| ~50% | of long-term cannabis users report using it for sleep |
| 2-3 | days for sleep disruption to peak during withdrawal |
| 45 | days for sleep to normalize after stopping cannabis |
of long-term cannabis users report using it for sleep
days for sleep disruption to peak during withdrawal
days for sleep to normalize after stopping cannabis
What This Means for Insomnia Patients
Cannabis and sleep have a complicated relationship:
Short-term use: THC may help you fall asleep faster, especially if pain or anxiety keeps you awake.
Long-term concerns: Regular THC use can build tolerance (needing more for the same effect) and cause significant sleep problems if you stop.
CBD may be different: Early research suggests CBD might improve sleep, particularly for anxiety-related insomnia, without the tolerance issues.
Practical advice: • If using cannabis for sleep, occasional use may be more sustainable than daily use • CBD-dominant products may be better for long-term sleep support • If you develop dependence, expect 2-6 weeks of sleep disruption when stopping
Quick Answers: Insomnia and Cannabis
Direct answers based on the findings of this study:
Research Summary: Answers are based on published peer-reviewed studies and represent research findings, not medical recommendations. Individual results may vary. Always consult a healthcare provider before making treatment decisions.
Does weed help you sleep?
Short-term yes, but long-term effects are mixed. A 2020 research review found THC helps you fall asleep faster initially, but daily use builds tolerance and quitting causes 2-6 weeks of sleep disruption (Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience).
Source: Kesner & Lovinger, Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience, 2020 (PMID: 32774241)
Should I use THC or CBD for sleep?
It depends on your goals. THC works faster but causes tolerance and withdrawal insomnia. CBD may be better for long-term use without these problems. About 50% of regular cannabis users take it for sleep, but many develop dependence.
Source: Kesner & Lovinger, Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience, 2020 (PMID: 32774241)
Will I have trouble sleeping if I stop smoking weed?
Yes, temporarily. Research shows daily users experience 2-6 weeks of sleep disruption after stopping, which is cannabis withdrawal. The sleep problems that prompted use may feel worse initially, but they resolve over time.
Source: Kesner & Lovinger, Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience, 2020 (PMID: 32774241)
This is educational content, not medical advice
The research summarized here is for informational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and what works in studies may not work the same way for everyone. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment plan or starting medical cannabis therapy.
Important Limitations
This study has some caveats to keep in mind when interpreting the results:
- Many studies used different cannabis preparations and doses
- Most studies were short-term or observational
- Sleep was often a secondary outcome, not the main focus
- Limited research on CBD specifically for sleep disorders
- Individual responses vary significantly
The Bottom Line on Cannabis for Insomnia
Cannabis can help with sleep in the short term, but long-term THC use may create more problems than it solves. CBD shows promise without the tolerance issues, but more research is needed. If you use cannabis for sleep, be aware of dependence potential and consider CBD-dominant products.
Do You Qualify for Medical Marijuana?
If you're living with Insomnia, you may qualify for a medical marijuana card. Our licensed physicians can evaluate you from home via telehealth.
Related Research & Resources
Related Research
Condition Research
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This condition qualifies for medical marijuana in:
Source
Kesner AJ, Lovinger DM. "Cannabinoids, Endocannabinoids and Sleep" Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience. 2020. DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00125
Important Information
Study Age: This study was published 6 years ago. Newer research may have updated or refined these findings.
Not Medical Advice: This research summary is for educational purposes only. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or changing any treatment.
Individual Variation: Research findings represent group averages. Your individual response to cannabis may differ based on genetics, other medications, underlying conditions, and many other factors.
Last reviewed: January 24, 2026
Important Notices
Research Summary Disclaimer
This content represents our interpretation of published scientific research for educational purposes. It should not be used to make treatment decisions without consulting a qualified healthcare provider. Individual results may vary from study findings.
FDA Notice
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Cannabis is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not approved cannabis for any medical condition except specific prescription medications.
Copyright & Fair Use
Research summaries are provided under fair use (17 U.S.C. § 107) for educational purposes. We provide brief summaries with attribution, not full reproductions. All studies remain the intellectual property of their respective authors and publishers.
Data Sources
Study information sourced from PubMed®, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by NLM, NIH, or the federal government.
For complete information, see our Terms of Use and Research Content Policy.
FAQs: Cannabis for Insomnia
Does cannabis help with sleep?
Yes, short-term, but with caveats. THC can decrease the time it takes to fall asleep, but long-term use may lead to tolerance and sleep disruption. CBD may help with anxiety-related sleep issues without these drawbacks.
Is CBD or THC better for sleep?
It depends on your needs. For occasional sleep issues, THC may work faster. For long-term use, CBD may be better because it doesn't appear to cause tolerance. The best choice depends on your specific situation.
Can you become dependent on cannabis for sleep?
Yes. Research shows about 50% of long-term cannabis users report using it for sleep, and stopping after regular use causes significant sleep disruption for 2-6 weeks.