Getting good sleep can sometimes feel like chasing a unicorn through a foggy forest. And you never know, maybe your perfect sleep remedy is not in that bottle of melatonin or the ambient noise you play in the background as you try to catch some sleep every night. Maybe the solution to your gut-wrenching insomnia lies in a well-curated nug of top-shelf cannabis.
At Utopia Gardens, we know that when anxiety, stress, or insomnia decide to crash your party, a good night’s rest can feel like a luxury. And if you’ve been searching for a natural approach to ease into sleep, you can rely on certain cannabis strains that are popular for deep relaxation and better rest. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best cannabis strains for sleep to help you catch those elusive Zzzs.
The Science-y Backdrop of Cannabis and Sleep
Before torching up that bowl or measuring out a tincture, we first need to understand sleep architecture and how cannabis interfaces with it. Numerous studies have explored how cannabinoids like THC, CBD, and CBN affect sleep quality and stages, particularly slow-wave and REM sleep.
THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) – THC comes as a double-edged. If you take smaller doses, it promotes a quicker transition to sleep and increases slow-wave sleep. High doses, on the other hand, suppress Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep which can bring negative effects in the long run. However, REM suppression can still be therapeutic to people with intrusive dreams and PTSD.
CBD (cannabidiol) – CBD does the balancing act. Low doses are usually mildly stimulating while high doses are calming and anxiolytic. High doses also have the potential to promote sleep when paired with THC or CBN.
CBN (cannabinol) – CBN is the aged, oxidized cousin of THC which is mildly psychoactive but heavily sedating. And if you happen to find aged indica with high CBN content, that’s nature’s tranquilizer right there.
Terpenes
Cannabis strains go beyond just THC percentages and into terpene profiles. The terpene profile may be the most significant factor in determining how a strain affects your sleep. These aromatic compounds influence not only flavor and scent but also the therapeutic effects of cannabis (What are cannabis terpenes and what do they do? – Leafly):
Myrcene – Myrcene gives off an earthy and musky fragrance. It’s the dominant terpene associated with deep sedation or “couch lock”. Strains with high myrcene content are nearly always sleep-friendly.
Linalool – Linalool looks like lavender and is well-known for its anti-anxiety and sedative properties.
Terpinolene – Terpinolene is slightly floral, less common, and great for helping calm a racing mind.
Caryophyllene – Caryophyllene is spicy and peppery, and it binds to cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R). And it’s believed that this binding plays a significant role in why caryophyllene reduces anxiety and inflammation.
Humulene – Humulene is often found in hops and comes with a herbal, woody note. And it may enhance sedative effects when combined with other terpenes like myrcene.
If you really want to geek out on terpenes, you can request full lab reports from Utopia Gardens, your most trusted dispensary, to get precise terpene data. This way, you’ll not make guesses anymore based on a strain name alone.
Cannabis Strains That Let You Go to Bed Early
It’s now time for the heavy hitters. These are the strains that don’t play around when it comes to bedtime. And they’re what seasoned connoisseurs reach for when it’s light out o’clock. If you’re dealing with full-on insomnia, late-night anxiety spirals, or just simply want to drift off into a cloud of chill, these great options should come to mind.
Grandaddy Purple (GDP)
Type: Indica
Terpenes: Myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene
Ladies and gentle smokers, we present you the godfather of the sleepy strains. This legendary indica has deep purple buds and a sweet berry-grape aroma. It’s the kind of strain that turns your limbs into lead and glues you to the couch (in the best way, of course). And it hits fast with a cerebral euphoria that slowly dies down into all-round serenity. It’s perfect for late-night overthinkers and sore-bodied night owls.
Purple Kush
Type: Pure Indica
Terpenes: Myrcene and humulene
Simply put, purple Kush hits like a velvet hammer. It’s defined by its deep, earthy aroma and delivers a profoundly calming effect. This strain is your one-way ticket to dreamland with zero layovers, zero mental chatter, and zero tossing and turning. Just a smooth fade into oblivion. If you want a strain that handles chronic pain and nighttime anxiety, Purple Kush is your best bet. It also helps you knock out hard and fast.
Bubba Kush
Type: Indica
Terpenes: Myrcene, caryophyllene, and limonene
Bubba Kush wraps you up like that cozy oversized hoodie on a rainy day and shuts you out from the world. It’s the perfect fusion of quieting the mind and soothing the body. Bubba’s high creeps in smoothly and gently body-checks you into your mattress after around 20 minutes. And when you’re nursing stress or tension, Bubba will give you a serene drift into a full night’s sleep. It also pairs effortlessly with laid-back vibes and a cup of herbal comfort.
Skywalker OG
Type: Indica-dominant hybrid
Terpenes: Myrcene and limonene
Skywalker OG is what happens when you cross a Jedi-level indica (Mazar) with the force of an OG (Blueberry OG). It carries a one-two punch of body sedation and mental calm. The feeling it kicks in with is euphoric and almost playful. After about 30 minutes, you’ll feel yourself sinking into that sweet, blissful inertia. Skywalker OG is ideally the brasher cousin of Grandaddy Purple. It’s great for those nights when you want to knock yourself out fast and wake up feeling like you slept on clouds.
Do-Si-Dos
Type: Indica-dominant hybrid
Terpenes: Limonene, linalool, and caryophyllene
Do-Si-Dos is stylish and a little mysterious but gets the job done. And many people consider it to be the cool kid of the sleepy strains. It blends Girl Scout Cookies with Face Off OG for a limonene-linalool-caryophyllene trifecta. The initial high can feel dreamy and heady. But before you know it, you get into a full-body shutdown that doesn’t feel heavy. You just feel floaty and numb. Aside from its sweet funky taste, it’s great for nocturnal minds who want to catch a creative wave before peacefully clocking out.
Get Your Sleepy Puff at Utopia Gardens
Ultimately, the best strain for sleep for you as an individual requires a beyond-the-surface look of just THC percentages and Indica labels. Your perfect fit lies in finding a profile made of cannabinoids and terpenes that speak directly to your body and nervous system.
Utopia Gardens offers a curated selection of strains and cannabis products with lab-tested profiles that help you dial in your perfect sleep routine. Explore our extensive list of top-grade cannabis from our menu and let our friendly and well-informed budtenders help you find that perfect pick today. Don’t just smoke anything. Smoke intentionally.
Recent Comments