Sleep disorders are very common in the US. And when I say common, I’m referring to about 50-70 million adults. So, if you are tossing and turning all night and can’t get a hang on your sleep cycle, understand that you are not alone.
Over the years, science has developed several sleeping aids to provide a good night’s rest to people. But some work and some don’t. Lack of sleep can have a very negative impact on your overall well being. So desperation for a cure among patients is plausible. Are you one of these people? Are you fed up with trying new treatments because nothing seems to work out for your sleep? Well, then give yourself one more shot by getting an MMJ Card in Riverside. Why? Because you will be using medical cannabis to treat your disturbed sleep.
You read it right. Medical cannabis has evolved in recent years and acquired a reputable position in the health and medicine sector. Out of the many therapeutic applications of cannabis, sleep induction is one of the most common usages of this green herb. If you are ready to use cannabis as a sleeping aid, you must learn about the correct way to use it. So, here’s an introduction to the right way of using medical cannabis for sleep disorders.
How Does Cannabis Induce Sleep?
Cannabis contains several chemical components that are responsible for all its therapeutic properties. But the one that you need to know about for the sake of sleep is the cannabinoids THC and CBD. These are the two most well-known cannabis compounds. In fact, some sectors of the cannabis industry also use CBD on its own as a medicinal aspect in medicines, oils, creams and other products.
Now, THC and CBD react with your body and cause a number of effects that help sleep better. First, THC acts as a sedative. It is psychoactive which means that it affects your brain and can manipulate the various signals that go in and out of it. It’s also the reason why you feel high or intoxicated after consuming cannabis. CBD, on the other hand, is not intoxicating but does help relax the body and mind. With these two cannabinoids, you get the sedative and relaxing aspects of cannabis that help your sleep faster. In fact, some cases report that cannabis reduces REM sleep which means fewer dreams and nightmares and also deep sleep. So it proves to be a great option for sleep disorder in people suffering from PTSD or severe anxiety.
In addition to the cannabinoids, cannabis also contains terpenes like linalool and caryophyllene that are very effective in enhancing the seductive properties of cannabis.
Sounds interesting right? Now that you are aware of the workforce behind cannabis, let’s learn about how to begin using medical cannabis for sleep.
Prepare Yourself
Cannabis is new for everyone. Even with the legalization of medical cannabis in most US states, there is still a long way to go in terms of research and its medical uses. So if you decide to choose cannabis as a treatment option, embark on the journey only with full preparation. Here are a few important things you should begin with.
Get a Consultation
The first step to using cannabis as a sleeping aid is getting a consultation. It’s true that many people can use cannabis recreationally or without a consultation (only in a recreational state). But think about it, would you use a medication without a prescription or professional guidance? Not really.
So reach out to a clinic or a medical professional near you who will write you a recommendation. They will evaluate your medical condition and recommend the right dosage and safe ways to use cannabis for the best effects. If you are wary of stepping out of your home in the ongoing pandemic, don’t worry. You can get your MMJ Card in Riverside while staying safe indoors. Connect with a clinic you can trust and you will be connected to a medical professional via video call. You will receive your recommendation or card on your email. Talk about convenience.
Do Your Research
As we’ve already discussed, cannabis still lacks research and data. But there is enough to prove that it’s an effective sleeping aid. So, you must go through all the important information that we have to date.
Begin by understanding the basics of cannabis. For example, how does it work in the body? Learn about the endocannabinoid system and the various cannabinoids and other components of cannabis. Also, take a look at the effects cannabis consumption has on the body other than just being a sedative. In this way, you’ll be prepared about what to expect as a normal scenario and what needs immediate medical attention.
While researching cannabis, it’s always best to prepare a list of questions that you can ask the doctor during a consultation or any other medical professional. Make sure that the queries are relevant and related to your condition. It will help you understand better and draw the entire picture of what cannabis is like as a medication.
Acquaint Yourself With The Side Effects
If cannabis has its pros, there are some cons as well. Yes, cannabis has side effects that can show up in some patients. The most commonly reported ones are red eyes, cottonmouth and an increase in appetite. But since we are talking about using medical cannabis as a sleeping aid, here are a few side effects that you may experience.
- If you are using cannabis before bed, you may experience grogginess or slight confusion the next morning.
- With the increase in indulgence, the consumer may develop a dependence on cannabis for sleep.
- You may experience withdrawal symptoms after some time of using cannabis such as irritation, nausea, paranoia etc.
Learn About Microdosing
To be in a safe place with medical cannabis, you must stick to the practice of microdosing. It can be difficult to pinpoint the exact amount of cannabis that will suit a patient because the dosage varies from person to person. However, you can find out your right dose by starting small and then gradually increasing the amount to find the quantity that gives you the best effects.
So take your time to figure out the tips and tricks of microdosing successfully. You can even ask your doctor to give you some guidance on this matter.
Find Your Cannabis Strain
Since the crossbreeding of cannabis began, there exist more than a thousand different cannabis strains that are perfect for different needs. So, you cannot go into a dispensary and buy the first thing you see. If you buy the wrong strain, your sleep disorder may become worse.
When making your first purchase, talk to your budtender. Let them know about the effects you are looking for and your preferences. They will give you a list of strains that suit your condition. Try a few of them over the duration of your treatment. This way you will learn about the strain that gives you the best sleep.
Find The Delivery Method That Suits You
The next step is to choose a delivery method. You can use cannabis in dozens of different ways. But you must choose the go-to way that will help you take your dose and sleep better. Your choice will depend on your requirements. For example, the level of high you like, the onset time you need and convenience.
Most people prefer to smoke a joint or vape before going to bed. That’s because it’s easy and delivers instant effects. While others incline towards smokeless options like edibles or tinctures.
So, do you have some idea now about how to use cannabis for sleep? If yes, then visit your marijuana doctor, get a medical card and improve your quality of sleep and life today!