The use of cannabis in the world of medicinal has risen over the years. Due to its medical benefits, it has received a considerable amount of attention. Hence, many institutions have undertaken numerous studies and research.

Due to some groundbreaking discoveries, the use of cannabis to treat certain medical conditions has been made legal. However, please note that its use has only been legalized in certain states of America. Cannabis is known to contain two major components or cannabinoids.

These cannabinoids are specifically known as CBD (Cannabidiol) and THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). These two active components have been shown to give cannabis, its medical benefits. Hence, it can be used in the treatment of certain conditions such as Cancer, Epilepsy, Anxiety and even Lupus.

According to the American Cancer Society, marijuana can help alleviate pain and inflammation. They continue to state that it can also be used as an antioxidant. Additionally, the cannabinoids found in marijuana, have been found to slow down the growth of cancer cells.

Research has also revealed that medical marijuana can help treat insomnia. For the purposes of this article, we shall be focusing on the treatment of insomnia by using marijuana. However, before we take can discuss in more detail, it is imperative that we define what insomnia is.

Insomnia Defined

According to the National Sleep Foundation, insomnia is characterized by the difficulty in falling asleep. Moreover, the individual suffering from insomnia may find it hard to stay asleep for an extended period. Hence, it is generally a sleep disorder that manifests in your daily sleep patterns.

This may then cause you to feel tired during the day. Moreover, you may also experience mood changes and difficulty in concentrating throughout the day. Lack of sleep can also affect our memory and cognitive function as well.

This then begs the question, what causes insomnia? Insomnia can be caused by a variety of reasons and conditions.

Certain medications can affect our sleep cycle considerably. Additionally, physiological factors such as depression, stress and anxiety can lead to insomnia. Physical pain and illnesses can also cause insomnia and affect our sleep patterns considerably.

Types of Insomnia

Acute Insomnia: This type of insomnia often goes away after a period of time. It is often triggered by circumstances such as the loss of a loved one, stress and so forth. Studies show that people are more likely to experience this type of insomnia at least once in their lifetime.

Chronic Insomnia: This type of insomnia is known to last for a longer period. According to the National Sleep Foundation, chronic insomnia can last for three months or longer.

Certain types of medications and medical conditions and illnesses could lead to the development of chronic insomnia.

Also, having unhealthy sleep habits can lead to the development of this insomnia. Hence, it is imperative that you cultivate healthy sleep habits from a young age. Regardless, chronic insomnia can be treated by using certain medications.

A change of lifestyle is also recommended. Most patients are advised to change their diet, sleep earlier and workout more often. Please note, that chronic insomnia should be treated, as it can lead to serious health conditions. Research reveals that it can lead to the development of heart disease.

The Treatment of Insomnia

As previously mentioned, insomnia can impact one’s life negatively. From the physical effects of fatigue and underperformance, it can affect one’s social life. In other words, it can affect how an individual relates to other people.

To help treat severe cases of insomnia, people turn to the use of certain medications, However, certain medications and treatments lead to uncomfortable side effects. Such side effects include dependence, dizziness, confusion, anxiety and so forth. This is the major reason prescribed medication is often used for short-term treatment.

Hence, more and more individuals are turning towards alternative forms of treatment. These alternative forms of treatment include acupuncture and yoga. However, the use of marijuana has been shown to be very effective in treating insomnia.

For Acute or milder cases of insomnia, therapy is often used as treatment.

Insomnia and Medical Marijuana

According to the American Cancer Society, different types or strains of marijuana can result in different effects. Hence, choosing the right and proper strain to treat insomnia is imperative.

As stated by the Marijuana Doctors, the Sativa- dominant strain often has an uplifting effect. Hence, this particular strain cannot be used in the treatment of insomnia. However, they continue to state that the indica- dominant is effective in treating this sleep disorder. Skywalker, Ingrid, Ogre, Purple Urkle and Nothern Lights are also known to be effective strains.

Additionally, cannabis is known to contain active components known as cannabinoids. The two major cannabinoids, CBN (Cannabinol) and THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), are attributed to the effects of cannabis on insomnia. The indica- dominant is known to contain a good level of both CBN and THC.

Let us first start by discussing what CBN is, and why it contributes to the treatment of insomnia. According to Steep Hill Labs, CBN is a sedative, hence its effect on sleep patterns. THC has been shown to have an effect on certain receptors in the body. The main receptors that it influences is pain and mood and is said to help create a euphoric effect.

Hence, it is also known to induce feelings of relaxation to help promote sleep. However, THC should be taken in smaller doses to prevent feelings of anxiety.