• Regular use of cannabis products has been linked to improved sleep in individuals suffering from insomnia, according to recent research.

  • Study participants also noted enhancements in their anxiety, depression, and pain management.

  • Despite the sustained effect of cannabis on insomnia over the course of an 18-month study, its impact appeared to diminish gradually.

  • Health professionals warn that developing tolerance to cannabis could diminish its effectiveness as a long-term remedy for sleep issues, alongside other potential health risks from prolonged use.

A recent study found that individuals with insomnia benefited from consistent use of cannabis products.

This study, which followed participants over 18 months, found a decrease in insomnia among those who used cannabis products daily. The results were published in PLOS Mental Health on August 27.

It is estimated that between 10% to 30% of the population may struggle with sleep difficulties, according to the study’s authors.

Chronic poor sleep can raise the risk of cardiovascular diseases and lead to psychiatric and cognitive issues.

While there are effective medical treatments for insomnia, they often come with side effects and the potential for dependency.

As such, THC, the primary psychoactive component in cannabis, has garnered interest from researchers as a possible alternative treatment for sleep issues.

Utilizing Cannabis for Better Sleep

The study included individuals diagnosed with primary insomnia who were registered with the UK Medical Cannabis Registry, totaling 124 participants aged 18 and older.

Each participant was prescribed a controlled daily dose of cannabis, which was provided by the study authors.

The cannabis was consumed either as oil, dried flower, or a mix of both, with no allowance for cannabis from other sources during the study.

Out of the participants, a total of 11 reported 112 adverse events, such as fatigue, dry mouth, and increased insomnia, though none were severe or life-threatening.

At the conclusion of the 18-month study, participants reported continued improved sleep from cannabis use, though the most significant benefits were noted in the initial month, decreasing gradually thereafter.

Participants also reported reductions in pain and improvements in anxiety and depression over the course of the study.

“Cannabis can help calm down excessive thoughts and assist some individuals in falling asleep more swiftly,” explained Eliana Bonaguro, LMHC, a therapist from New York City and Florida specializing in anxiety disorders, in a discussion with Healthline.

“For many dealing with anxiety and depression, it’s the racing thoughts that prevent sleep, and cannabis can offer quick relief,” she added.

Prior research on cannabis’s impact on sleep quality has shown mixed results.

“The American Academy of Sleep Medicine in 2024 stated that there is still not enough evidence to support the routine use of cannabinoids in treating insomnia or other sleep disorders,” stated Ruchir Patel, MD, of the Insomnia and Sleep Institute of Arizona.

He indicated that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) remains the preferred initial treatment for insomnia.

Declining Effectiveness of Cannabis Over Time

While the study extended over 18 months, questions remain about the long-term viability of cannabis as a sleep aid.

The researchers pointed out that a potential problem is the body’s development of tolerance to cannabis, possibly necessitating higher doses to achieve the same effects.

This tolerance likely contributes to the diminishing effectiveness of cannabis over time.

“There is evidence that continual medical use of cannabis leads to an increased consumption over time, heightening the risk of tolerance and dependency,” noted Patel.

Bonaguro observed that cannabis use tends to become a cycle: “It provides temporary relief from anxiety or depression, but with prolonged use, tolerance increases, dependency develops, and both mood and sleep can deteriorate,” she explained.

Assessing the Safety of Long-term Cannabis Use

In exploring the daily use of cannabis for treating insomnia, Patel highlighted several associated side effects.

Chronic use of cannabis is linked to a variety of negative health outcomes, including an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases.

Regular use also elevates the risk of developing cannabis dependence or disorder.

A 2021 review, however, suggests that in terms of safety and tolerability, cannabis may be preferable to other medications such as opioids, emphasizing the importance of balancing the benefits against the risk of dependency.

The review also states that the risk of negative side effects, like tolerance or dependence, may not overshadow the medicinal advantages of cannabis for managing chronic health issues, underscoring the need for a medication with a favorable safety profile.

Yet, regarding sleep, cannabis might disrupt some users. Research indicates that cannabis could impact slow-wave (N3) sleep and potentially disrupt REM and deep sleep phases.

“An interesting observation from clients who use cannabis regularly or intermittently is their inability to recall dreams,” Bonaguro mentioned. “This aligns with the well-documented effect of THC suppressing REM sleep, during which most dreaming takes place.”

Patel also noted that chronic cannabis use could lead to psychiatric issues in susceptible individuals.

Moreover, daily cannabis use might negatively interact with commonly prescribed medications for anxiety, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and antiepileptic drugs.

The authors of the study expressed their concerns, noting that the likelihood of developing a tolerance to cannabis might limit its utility as a long-term treatment for insomnia, despite its initial success during the study.

They contend that these initial successes warrant further research through randomized controlled trials on the use of cannabis to treat insomnia.