DOES CANNABIS HELP YOU SLEEP?

Using cannabis as a sleep aid is nothing new. Modern life has introduced a variety of distractions to try and keep us awake at all times. Combined with medical issues like insomnia, many sufferers are crying out for a natural, herbal remedy to induce a restful sleep. Cannabis can definitely help in that department.

As a general rule of thumb, indica-dominant strains are the best choice when looking for a good night's rest. This is in part due to the sedative, relaxing effects commonly attributed to the indica subspecies. Furthermore, aged cannabis is likely to induce a more stoning, tired effect due to higher levels of CBN. As buds grow older, THC begins to break down into CBN, which is said to be five times more sedative than THC. No matter your reason, the following ten strains are a surefire way to the Land of Nod.

GIRL SCOUT COOKIES BY ZAMNESIA SEEDS

While innocent in name, Girl Scout Cookies is a strong start to our sleep-inducing strains. Bursting with THC content of 23%, one joint can easily overpower a novice smoker. For some, this may be a desirable trait as the indica-dominant nature takes over your body. As a bonus, sweet, earthy flavours will guide users along a restful path. Enjoyed an hour or so before bedtime, this strain should provide users with the perfect sleep aid.

CRITICAL KUSH BY ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS

Another heavy-hitter, 20% THC content makes this strain ideally suited for an end of the day smoke. Critical Kush does carry the risk of locking you to the couch, so users are best advised to enjoy her in bed—an action that minimises the effort needed to move to a peaceful place to sleep. Using her as a sleeping aid is pointless if you wake up with a stiff neck from the sofa. Those who like their weed dank will be pleased by Critical Kush; the OG Kush genetics provide a typical skunk taste.

BUBBA KUSH BY GREEN HOUSE SEEDS

A 2010 Cannabis Cup win hints at the quality of Bubba Kush. 1st Place at Treating Yourself Medical Cup, to be exact. Not only did judges recognise the physically relaxing attributes of this strain, but you will too. A more balanced strain than those mentioned previously, the body high is matched by a cerebral buzz. Best enjoyed early in the evening to help you mull over your day. Once the indica attributes kick in, you’ll be ready for a restful night.

STICKY BEAST AUTO BY ZAMNESIA SEEDS

The brainchild of Zamnesia Seeds, Sticky Beast Auto has been expertly crafted to give both smokers and growers highly desirable attributes. Given that she is an autoflowering hybrid, she contains indica, sativa, and ruderalis genetics. Don’t be mistaken; this does not muddy the waters in any way. Instead, a very balanced, mild high can be expected. Not as potent as previous strains at 18% THC, but the perfect aid for enjoying over the course of an afternoon. More of a slow burner rather than a heavy-hitter.

OG KUSH BY DINAFEM SEEDS

OG Kush is nothing short of an icon, predominantly in the LA area of California. If you don't live in the Golden State, then the legendary qualities of the OG are enough for any connoisseur to envy. Luckily, OG Kush is now available in Europe and other regions around the world. Given the Kush genetics, she is mostly indica, although the high will start with a mild cerebral effect, later developing into a cocoon of soothing relief. Sit back and relax as the calming feeling reaches every area of your body. As a cherry on the cake, OG Kush packs some powerful aromas. Enjoy berries and citrus with diesel undertones.

TWILIGHT BY DUTCH PASSION SEEDS

Ironic that this aptly titled strain is best enjoyed at those mystical hours. A 100% indica will give users all the information they need when questioning what to expect from her high. Afghan genetics drive the enveloping effect, making the user’s body feel heavy and relaxed. The perfect feeling after a long day at work. That release of tension as you take a hit of Twilight before hitting the mattress will be enough to coax you into dreamland.

WHITE CHOCO BY AMSTERDAM GENETICS

An alternative approach to all the indica-dominant strains, White Choco features an even split of genetics. That's not to say sativa strains aren’t suitable for contributing to a restful sleep. For those looking to take a power nap, a full body stone from a 100% indica may not be appropriate. That's where White Choco steps in. The energetic head buzz will slowly descend into that typical indica body high after a short while. Ideal if you still have a few tasks to finish off after a quick rest to help you get through the rest of the day.

THC BUNKER BUSTER BY ZAMNESIA SEEDS

Top of the line, heavy hitter; that's how many users describe the experience of smoking THC Bunker Buster. Her parentage should leave little room for doubt. Afghan, Northern Lights, and Skunk combine to give one of the most sought-after hash strains available. Locked in the couch is how you should expect to spend your time enjoying her. This strain is heavily advised to appreciate late into the evening, or just before bed. Once those indica qualities start to take over, your body won’t be going anywhere.

GRANDADDY BLACK BY ORIGINAL SENSIBLE SEEDS

With just a dash of sativa (5%), Grandaddy Black is almost as indica as you can get. Used as a sleep aid, or as an aid for a variety of medical ailments, her sweet, earthy aroma is a delight. THC levels sit at a respectable 20%, a middle ground between novice smoker and experienced hand. The most desirable part about this strain is that the 5% sativa helps to maintain a feeling of clarity, rather than being completely lost in a sea of relaxation. The high develops in such a way that it is perfect for that end of the night TV episode, before settling peacefully into a deep sleep.

AFGHANI 1 BY SENSI SEEDS

Afghani is a mainstay of the indica subspecies. Smokers know to expect big flavours, a bold and rich smoke, topped off with an all-over feeling of calm and relaxation. Feel the troubles of the day slip away. Often, stress can be the leading cause of our sleeplessness. Afghani combats all of these woes, allowing you to stay focussed on the task at hand, enjoying some time in a blissful slumber. Fans of a more complex aroma will not be disappointed. Spicy, incense aromas help all your senses reach that moment of serenity.