The best cannabis strains for sleep

Cannabis is gaining popularity as a sleep aid as more than 30% of Americans report experiencing regular sleep disruption or insufficient sleep. While it's increasingly clear that cannabis can help many folks get a good night's sleep, finding the right strain, dosage and method of consumption for your Endocannabinoid System can take some time. 

Since a boost of energy is the last thing you want before bed, here are a few things to keep in mind when looking for a sleep strain.

How to find your best strain for better sleep: 

• Know how your body reacts to THC: If THC makes you anxious during the daytime, it could keep you up at night, too. Look for strains high in CBD to help your mind and body wind down, especially if you are sensitive to THC's effects. 
• Look for strains rich in sleepy terpenes: Myrcene and linalool, which are known for their calming effects, should do the trick.
• Consider edibles for longer-lasting effects: Unlike the immediate relief from smoking or vaping cannabis flower and concentrates, eating or drinking cannabis infused edibles involves the body's complex digestive system. While individual results always vary from consumer to consumer, edibles can hit within 30 minutes or take up to 2 hours to take effect, and the effects can last up to 12 hours! The long-lasting reliability of edibles make them a go-to solution for sleep seekers, and some brands, like Mr. Moxey's, are creating edibles specifically for sleep support. 

The best strains for sleep

With so many options available these days, there's much more to finding a good strain for sleep beyond knowing whether it's a sativa or indica. Below we shine a soothing, ambient light on five cannabis strains reported effective for achieving a better night's sleep.

Afghani

Afghani, also referred to as Afghan #1, is possibly the purest cannabis indica known to humankind, and has been used to breed relaxing strains including Trainwreck and Flo. It is sought after for its deep body high and reliable relaxation, making it generally best suited for nighttime use. Afghani and Afghani OG's hallmark sedating effects can be so heavy that they can make the consumer feel “couch-locked." Many Afghani fans also report major munchies, so be sure to eat before you medicate and drift into deep sleep! 

Find Afghani near you

Banana Kush

Just like a fresh bunch of bananas can turn dark in what feels like the blink of an eye, you just might find a deep sleep sneaking up on you after hitting some Banana Kush. The “banana family" of cannabis cultivars is known for its heavy, body-sedating effects, and Banana Kush doesn't disappoint. It can also deliver an intense late-night appetite, so be sure to keep a healthy snack -- a banana! -- on hand before you peel back the covers on your bed and pack a bowl of delicious Banana Kush. 

Find Banana Kush near you

GSC

With its exhausting battle history over the beloved GSC strain's name, it's no surprise that what we now (legally) call GSC is a popular strain for people who want to relax. GSC has been widely bred to produce some indica-dominant hybrid strains such as Thin Mint Cookies, Miracle Alien Cookies or MAC, and Wedding Cake. And, thanks to its OG Kush lineage, GSC's tranquilizing effect makes it a perfect strain for bedtime edibles. Or, skip the milk and cookies and try vaping or dabbing your GSC to enjoy sweet dreams… with no crumbs in the sheets! 

Find GSC near you.

Grandaddy Purple (GDP)

Grandaddy Purple is true cannabis royalty, and one of the most popular and widely available indica strains for achieving sleep greatness. Also known as GDP, Grandaddy Purp is generally high in myrcene and has been widely bred to produce other sleepy classics, including Purple Punch and Cherry Pie. GDP is also as tasty as it is pretty, offering hints of berry and grape upon exhale. 

Find Grandaddy Purple near you. 

Northern Lights #1

This aptly named strain is known for being supremely relaxing -- perfect for a night camping under the stars and letting the magic of Mother Nature's laser show lull you to sleep. Northern Lights is one of the most revered strains on earth, winning more Cannabis Cup awards than any other. It has also been bred into legendary hybrids like White Widow and Jack Herer, but buyer beware: breeders have experimented greatly with Northern Lights, which resulted in several phenotypes hitting the market and producing some unexpected results. 

Find Northern Lights near you.

The best cannabis topicals for sleep:

Mary's Medicinals Indica Transdermal Patch

Discreet, long lasting, smoke and calorie free. “The discreet 2×2″ squares simply adhere to any veinous part of the skin for 8-12 hours of unsurpassed systemic relief. 

The best cannabis edibles for sleep:  

Choice Labs Cinnamon Mist

“Simpler dosing than typical tinctures, CHOICE MIST breath spray efficiently delivers that fast-acting experience and freshens your breath. Easy to use, home or travel." 

Redbud Roots Mendocino Underdog Pre-roll

Anything but an underdog, this California bred strain will put you under the covers. 

Mary's Medicinals 1:1 Remedy Tincture

“Mary's 100mg CBD:100mg THC tincture creates the “entourage effect" and utilizes a unique terpene blend that has the potential to reduce inflammation and improve digestion." 

Double Bear GDP Cartridge

This renowned indica gets its large namesake from its parent strains, Big Bud and Purple Urkle. True to it's name, this dense purple bud will have users comforted, relaxed, and well fed, just like at grandpappy's house. What are the common effects? Euphoria, stress relief, appetite stimulation, pain relief, sleep aid.

Pleasantrees Garlic Cookies Live Hash Rosin

GMO Cookies, aka Garlic Cookies, is an incredibly potent indica-dominant hybrid that's the product of Girl Scout Cookies (GSC) and ChemDawg – two of the most popular strains on earth. GMO Cookies elevates your mood – and launches your mind into outer space.

Explore all cannabis products for sleep