Cannabis

What To Keep In Mind When Using Cannabis To Sleep

Published

1 year ago

August 10, 2023

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Cannabis and sleep are great partners. Like most sleep aids, it takes a while to crack the code, once you do it, you’ll be having the most sound nights of your life. Just ask any friend who regularly smokes weed or that person who fell asleep in the middle of a party because the weed they smoked was a bit too relaxing. But here is what to keep in mind when using cannabis to sleep.

Anecdotal evidence from people who have trouble sleeping shows how effective cannabis can be, helping users feel relaxed and allowing them to achieve hours of uninterrupted rest. Despite marijuana’s powerful sleep-inducing effects, it’s important to understand that the relationship between cannabis and sleep isn’t as clear-cut as so many believe it is. There are studies that have shown that prolonged marijuana use, or marijuana abuse, can interrupt people’s sleep habits and deteriorate them.

Here are 7 things you should keep in mind when using marijuana for sleep:

THC Vs. CBD

4 Things CBD Won't Help You Achieve In 2022 — Photo by Elsa Olofsson via Unsplash

The answer to this question depends on your approach to sleep. If you want immediate relief, THC is the way to go. It’s the compound that has long been linked with better sleep, knocking people out pretty quickly, especially if they don’t have too much of a tolerance for it. If you’re looking for a long-term solution, you should choose CBD. This element could help you battle anxiety and help you feel more relaxed, thus making it more likely for you to get sleep in the future.

Dosage

hemp CBD — Photo by Marti157900/Getty Images

Dosage, along with your level of experience with marijuana, matters when it comes to using the herb before bed. If you smoke too little, you might feel no effects. If you smoke too much, you might find yourself tossing and turning with weed-induced paranoia. If it’s your first time using marijuana for sleep, try your best to create a relaxing environment and avoid overstimulating yourself with too much screen time or alcohol. Pace yourself with your marijuana intake and be aware of your body and its cues; that way you’re better equipped to jump into bed once it feels right.

Method Of Consumption

Weed Edibles Have Sold Really Well During The Pandemic — Photo by Jonathan J. Castellon via Unsplash

The way in which you consume marijuana will affect how fast or intense your reaction will be. If you consume an edible, be sure to give your body a few hours to experience effects. If you’re vaping or smoking, there’s more control and less planning necessary.

Type Of Cannabis Matters

Pros And Cons Of Smoking CBD Joints — Photo by GRAS GRÜN via Unsplash

Whether you’re consuming a product that’s THC or CBD-based, or you’re consuming sativas or indicas, it’s important to know that all types of cannabis provide different effects. Indicas are the strains that tend to affect the body in relaxing and heavy ways, producing sleepy effects. Still, it doesn’t mean that a sativa strain or a hybrid won’t make you feel sleepy. Marijuana is a trial and error type of substance; try different options and keep track of what works for you and what doesn’t.

Marijuana Hangovers

5 Ways To Beat A Hangover That Actually Work — Photo by fizkes/Getty Images

If you’re not much of a nighttime marijuana consumer, the groggy feeling you might experience when you wake up can be puzzling. Although not as strong or common as regular hangovers, weed hangovers exist. Although not completely understood, these are more likely if you’ve been consuming low-quality marijuana. To cope with them, be sure to drink lots of water, eat healthy goods and monitor your cannabis intake throughout the day.

Changes In Sleep And Dreams

One of the most noticeable effects that cannabis has on sleep is the lack of dreams. This is due to cannabis limiting REM sleep, which is the stage of sleep where dreams are likely to occur. Scientific studies have found that REM sleep is important for learning and resting. There’s much we don’t understand when it comes to the relationship between cannabis and sleep. It’s important to monitor your marijuana usage and your sleep habits, especially if you feel like the sleep you’re having is not restful or good for you.

It’s All Up To You

Adults In Legal Marijuana States Don't Have 'Buyer's Remorse,' Poll Finds — Photo by monkeybusinessimages/Getty Images

Lastly, it’s super important to highlight that cannabis is a very personalized experience. What might work for me might not work for you. This is why we need more cannabis research and something that can help us understand the plant better, thus, helping us achieve its potential.

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boxing

How MMA And Boxing Are Using CBD

Published

3 hours ago

November 18, 2024

admin

MMA and Boxing are having a moment in the spotlight…but did you know CBD has role?

Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a relatively young sport increasing in popularity. In 2022, there were around 2.5+ million people in the United States who participated in MMA for fitness. MMA fighters have become more accessible to fans through social media, where they share glimpses of their daily lives. And boxing, which had seemed to lose an audience, is making a small comeback. They have some high profile fans who have brought additional attention to matches. The action in brutal on the body, but here is how MMA and boxing are using CBD…and everyone is cool with it.

CBD has gained popularity in the world of combat sports, particularly in boxing and (MMA). This natural compound, derived from the cannabis plant, has become a go-to option for many fighters seeking to enhance recovery, manage pain, and improve overall performance. And unlike medical marijuana, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) removed CBD from its list of prohibited substances in 2018. The decision has allowed athletes to use CBD without fear of violating anti-doping regulations. The caveat is fighters need to ensure the CBD products have non-detectable levels of THC to avoid potential issues with drug testing.

man in black and white striped long sleeve shirt

One of the primary reasons boxers and MMA fighters turn to CBD is its potential to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. The physical demands of these sports often result in injuries, soreness, and inflammation. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, potentially helping to manage pain without the risk of addiction associated with traditional opioid-based medications.

A significant concern in boxing and MMA is the risk of traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to repeated blows to the head. Interestingly, CBD has shown potential neuroprotective properties. While more research is needed, some studies suggest that CBD might help protect against and potentially improve outcomes in cases of TBI.

Quality sleep is crucial for athletes’ recovery and performance. CBD has shown promise in improving sleep quality and duration, which is essential for fighters who need to recover from intense physical activity. By promoting better sleep, CBD may help boxers and MMA fighters recover more efficiently between training sessions and fights.

Combat sports can be mentally taxing, with fighters often experiencing performance anxiety and stress. CBD has been reported to have anxiolytic properties, potentially helping athletes manage pre-fight jitters and overall stress levels. This can be particularly beneficial for maintaining focus and composure during high-pressure situations.

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anti-inflammatory

How Marijuana Can Help Your Golf Game

Published

3 days ago

November 15, 2024

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Fall is the perfect time to play golf…not to warm and a great exercise…and marijuana can help you up your game.

The weather is getting pleasant in the Southern part of the US. From Florida to South California, courses are packed with players, golf carts and clubs swinging in the air. But how can marijuana help your golf game? In 2023, more than 26.6 million people participated on the golf course. This is a record number of participants playing 531 rounds of the game. Last year, there was a record number of beginners playing golf. And the younger set is embracing with 6 million playing. Last year, there was a record number of beginners playing golf. But it seems they are indulging in midweek golf as many work for home.

RELATED: Beer Sales Flatten Thanks To Marijuana

One of the key ways marijuana can potentially benefit your golf game is by reducing stress and anxiety. Golf is a mentally demanding sport with some players struggle with nerves. It can be especially high-pressure with all eyes on your performance for every swing. Cannabis, particularly strains high in CBD, has been shown to have calming effects that can help golfers relax and maintain focus.

Dosage is key, you want to be focused and relaxed, not on a full on trip. In moderate doses, some golfers report marijuana can enhance focus and sensory perception on the course. This heightened awareness can lead to improved reading of greens, better judgment of distances, and a keener sense of wind conditions.

closeup photo of white golf ball

By alleviating pre-game jitters and on-course anxiety, players may find themselves better able to execute shots and maintain composure throughout their round. This increased mental clarity can lead to more consistent performance and potentially lower scores.

After a few holes, the muscle-relaxing effects of certain cannabis strains can help golfers maintain a fluid, tension-free swing. This relaxation can contribute to improved technique and potentially greater distance off the tee.

Golf’s repetitive motions can often lead to muscle soreness and joint pain, particularly for frequent players or those with pre-existing conditions. Marijuana’s anti-inflammatory properties may help alleviate these issues, allowing golfers to play with less discomfort

RELATED: Rainy Weather Cocktails

For the more competitive players, quality sleep is crucial for athletic performance, including golf. Some players use cannabis products to improve their sleep quality, potentially leading to better recovery between rounds and improved overall performance.

Used correctly with the right strain and dosage, your game could be on parr with seasoned players.

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AARP

How Cannabis Can Help With Dysmenorrhea

Published

1 week ago

November 9, 2024

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Millions suffer, but relief could be here thanks to science and a simple plant. Here is how cannabis can help with dysmenorrhea.

It is an uncomfortable topic to discuss, but the painful truth is a majority of women will suffer it at some point and finding relief is invaluable. Around 80% of women experience period pain at some stage in their lifetime. Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for pain or discomfort during menstruation. It is a common gynecologic problem, but the pain can range from dull cramps to indescribable agony. Here is how cannabis can help with dysmenorrhea.

Medicinal cannabis has emerged as a potential treatment option for dysmenorrhea, offering hope for the tens of millions of women who suffer from menstrual pain. Current medical management options primarily consisting of over-the-counter pain relievers and hormonal contraceptives. The effectiveness of these treatments vary greatly.

The endocannabinoid system plays a role in uterine function and pain perception. Cannabinoid receptors CB1R and CB2R, as well as TRPV receptors, have been identified in human myometrial tissue. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a primary component of cannabis, can act as a cannabinoid agonist, potentially triggering myometrial relaxation and easing menstrual pain.

The potential benefits of cannabis for dysmenorrhea includes pain relief, improved sleep quality, and reduced reliance on pharmaceutical pain relievers. While research specifically on cannabis for dysmenorrhea is growing, studies on chronic pain provide some insights:

A systematic review of 18 randomized controlled trials found that synthetic cannabis products with high THC-to-CBD ratios may offer moderate improvement in pain severity.
A meta-analysis of 32 trials showed that medical cannabis or cannabinoids resulted in small to very small improvements in pain relief, physical functioning, and sleep quality among chronic pain patients.

There is significant interest in using cannabis for gynecologic pain management:

A survey found that 61.2% of women who had never used cannabis and 90.0% of those who had were willing to try it for gynecologic pain.
After cannabis legalization in Canada, current cannabis use increased from 13.3% to 21.5% among women with self-reported moderate-to-severe pelvic pain.

With th American Medical Association, American College of Physicians and even AARP recognizing the medical benefits of cannabis, it is critical more research is funded. Millions of women may be in pain needlessly due to untreated dysmenorrhea.

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