What does cannabis research say about insomnia? We've analyzed 7 peer-reviewed studies to give you an honest, evidence-based overview.
Some clinical evidence supports potential benefits.
Study found evidence of effectiveness
Results varied by condition or dose
More research needed
* Outcomes are based on our curated selection of research reviews. Individual study quality varies.
About This Research Summary: The information below aggregates findings from multiple peer-reviewed studies on cannabis and insomnia. This is for educational purposes only.
Research summaries are our interpretations of published studies. Individual responses to cannabis vary significantly. These findings do not guarantee similar results for any individual.
Study data sourced from PubMed®. Not evaluated by the FDA. See our Research Content Policy.
Insomnia affects roughly one-third of adults, with 10% experiencing chronic insomnia that persists for months or years. It's characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early—along with daytime consequences like fatigue, mood changes, and impaired concentration. Insomnia often coexists with other conditions: chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and PTSD commonly disrupt sleep. Traditional treatments include sleep hygiene practices, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), and medications like benzodiazepines, Z-drugs (Ambien, Lunesta), and sedating antidepressants. Many patients find these only partially effective or experience concerning side effects. Cannabis has been used for sleep for thousands of years, and it's one of the most common reasons people use medical marijuana. However, the relationship between cannabis and sleep is more complex than simply "it helps you sleep"—and understanding this complexity is important for making informed decisions.
Cannabis affects sleep through multiple mechanisms. THC has sedating properties and can help people fall asleep faster—it reduces the time it takes to fall asleep (sleep latency). THC also appears to increase slow-wave sleep (deep sleep) in the short term, though this effect may diminish with regular use. CBD's effects on sleep are less direct. It may improve sleep by reducing anxiety, which is often an underlying cause of insomnia. CBD doesn't appear to be sedating at typical doses but may help regulate the sleep-wake cycle over time. CBN (cannabinol), a minor cannabinoid formed as THC ages, has a reputation for being particularly sedating, though human research is limited. Some sleep-specific products combine THC, CBD, and CBN. However, there's an important caveat: regular THC use can disrupt sleep architecture and suppress REM sleep. Stopping after regular use typically causes a rebound period of poor sleep lasting 2-6 weeks. This means cannabis may work better for occasional use than as a nightly sleep aid.
Note: This information summarizes research findings and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before using cannabis for any medical condition.
Based on our analysis of peer-reviewed studies on cannabis and insomnia:
Based on research, these cannabinoids show the most promise for insomnia:
Combination products may offer the best balance—THC for sedation and sleep initiation, CBD to potentially moderate side effects and next-day grogginess. A 2021 trial used THC+CBD+CBN with positive results.
THC is most directly sedating and effective for falling asleep. However, regular nightly use leads to tolerance and withdrawal-related sleep problems. Consider intermittent rather than nightly use.
CBD alone showed limited benefit for insomnia in a 2024 controlled trial. However, if anxiety is driving your insomnia, CBD may help by reducing anxiety. Not sedating at typical doses.
Individual responses vary. Work with a healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your situation.
For sleep, timing and method matter as much as dose. Take cannabis 30-60 minutes before desired sleep time for edibles/oils, or immediately before bed for inhaled products. THC doses in sleep research have ranged from 5-20mg. Start with 2.5-5mg and increase as needed. Higher doses may help you sleep but can cause next-morning grogginess. The 2021 positive trial used approximately 10mg THC with 2mg CBD and 1mg CBN. Consider using cannabis for sleep intermittently (2-4 nights per week) rather than nightly to prevent tolerance and dependence. If you do use nightly and need to stop, expect 2-6 weeks of disrupted sleep that will resolve. Address underlying causes of insomnia (anxiety, pain, poor sleep hygiene) rather than relying solely on cannabis. CBT-I remains the first-line treatment for chronic insomnia.
Dosing information is based on clinical research and is for educational purposes only. Optimal dosing varies by individual, product formulation, and administration method. Always start with the lowest effective dose and titrate slowly under medical supervision.
When considering cannabis for insomnia, be aware of these potential concerns:
Discuss these considerations with your healthcare provider before starting cannabis therapy.
A 2021 clinical trial found patients using a THC+CBD+CBN extract slept over an hour longer per night. THC helps people fall asleep faster, but regular use leads to tolerance and withdrawal insomnia lasting 2-6 weeks when stopped.
Source: Walsh et al., Sleep, 2021 (PMID: 34115851)
A 2024 controlled trial found 150mg CBD nightly did NOT significantly improve insomnia compared to placebo. CBD may help sleep indirectly by reducing anxiety, but THC appears more directly effective for sleep initiation.
Source: Suraev et al., Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 2024 (PMID: 38174873)
Cannabis withdrawal affects sleep significantly. Research shows stopping after regular use causes 2-6 weeks of disrupted sleep—difficulty falling asleep, vivid dreams, and poor sleep quality. This resolves with time.
Source: Kesner & Lovinger, Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience, 2020 (PMID: 32774241)
A 2021 trial found a combination of THC+CBD+CBN improved sleep duration and quality. THC is most sedating, while CBD may reduce side effects. Products marketed for "nighttime" or "sleep" often use this combination approach.
Source: Walsh et al., Sleep, 2021 (PMID: 34115851)
Common questions about cannabis for insomnia:
In this rigorous 2024 trial, 150mg of nightly CBD was no better than placebo for most sleep measures in people with insomnia. While CBD users reported better well-being and showed slightly improved objective sleep efficiency, the primary sleep outcomes were not significantly different from placebo.
These 2024 clinical practice guidelines, based on 70 studies, conclude that cannabis-based medicines show "moderate benefit" for chronic pain and also help related conditions like sleep problems and anxiety. The guidelines provide practical dosing and titration recommendations for clinicians.
In this controlled trial, a medicinal cannabinoid extract significantly improved chronic insomnia—patients slept over an hour longer and fell asleep 8 minutes faster. Insomnia severity scores improved by 5 points, and patients reported better sleep quality and feeling more rested upon waking.
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.
Despite some possible signals for efficacy, the heterogeneity and high risk of bias across included trials do not reliably inform evidence-based practice. High-quality RCTs are required before drawing conclusions about cannabinoid efficacy for insomnia.
79.2% of patients experienced decreased anxiety within the first month of CBD treatment, and 66.7% reported improved sleep—effects that remained stable over 3 months.
Cancer patients in Minnesota's medical cannabis program showed significant improvement across ALL 8 symptoms tracked—anxiety, appetite, depression, sleep, fatigue, nausea, pain, and vomiting—within 4 months. Only 10.5% reported adverse effects.
Our reviews are just a starting point. Browse thousands more studies on PubMed for insomnia.
Insomnia or sleep disorders qualify in many states, sometimes explicitly listed and sometimes covered under broader categories. Some states require insomnia to be associated with another qualifying condition. Check your state's specific requirements.
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.
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