I’m standing at the booth at FDIC. Someone walks by and cracks a joke I heard for the hundredth time that week: “I used to smoke the real stuff, if you know what I mean!”
I admit, even though it’s a misinformed way of comparing their old marijuana use to my hemp-based CBD products, I still find it funny. Part of the stigma and misinformation around marijuana is what it can’t do. Sometimes people attribute benefits to marijuana/THC that it doesn’t actually have, and I want to highlight that in this article.
Disclaimer: I’m not a physician, none of this is to be considered medical advice. Talk with your physician if you’re taking CBD and/or THC. None of these statements are approved by the FDA.
For those that need a rundown: most people know THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the component in cannabis plants that makes you feel high and causes you to fail a drug test. After THC, CBD (cannabidiol) is the second-most common compound in cannabis. It doesn’t produce intoxication and, when it’s pure, hasn’t shown to cause a failed drug test.
Beyond those basic differences are the most important differences between these two compounds: CBD and THC have different effects and, therefore, different reasons for use. Between these two compounds, CBD is the champion of anti-inflammation and improved sleep. THC is the better of the two compounds for pain relief, appetite stimulation, and nausea reduction.
Why is THC Bad for Sleep?
If there is one thing in this article I need to convey to the brothers and sisters out there, it’s that THC does nothing to improve your overall sleep. This statement always draws a look of confusion or disbelief. Or a loud “HA!” from the older generation that usually follows up with, “I don’t know what stuff YOU’RE smoking!” But, it’s true.
The research is clear: THC inhibits REM sleep. Just because you fall asleep fast does not mean you’re getting quality sleep. If you want a really great in-depth explanation of the science, I recommend Dr. Matt Walker’s podcast. Simply google “Matt Walker THC and sleep.”
To simplify what Dr. Walker so perfectly articulates: we all have what’s called a sleep architecture. This is the blueprint for the optimal night of sleep, and it includes all of your REM and non-REM stages. These are supposed to happen in a cycle and occur in a specific order. It takes an average of 7-9 hours to get through them all. If you change this architecture, you will feel pretty tired the next day (as we know all too well). THC interferes with your brain entering REM sleep, usually when it’s chronically used before bed.
Cannabis has Changed
To my elder brothers and sisters: your marijuana from back in the day was much higher (on average) in CBD content than it is today. The amount of CBD in marijuana 20 years ago was about three times higher than it is now. So, it’s quite possible that the experiences of those who used to smoke marijuana “back then” had a different feeling and sleep experience than those who use marijuana today.
The dispensaries and licensed growers of medical marijuana have several strains that are supposed to have specific contents of CBD: THC ratios to address specific needs or requests of their customers for this reason.
Everyone is Different
Some people are extremely sensitive to THC, and even the smallest amounts will disrupt sleep. In these cases, people taking full-spectrum CBD with very small amounts of THC in it will still have poor quality sleep and/or feel groggy the next day. The best thing you can do is try out small amounts and talk with your doctor.
Use THC with Caution
Regular THC use causes a withdrawal symptom – insomnia – after you stop using it. This causes a lot of people to say, “I slept better when using THC” when in reality, they were just going through a withdrawal period. Nighttime THC users more frequently report incidents of sleep paralysis, as well.
Be very cautious when taking THC, and even CBD, with medications. CBD can increase the potency of medication, THC can decrease the potency of medication. If you’re taking prescription medication, and you want to take either CBD or THC, speak with your doctor.
I’m not against THC use, and I’m certainly not saying to abandon it to help you fall asleep (if you’re permitted to use it). But, if you’re taking it for sleep, you should strongly consider using CBD with it, and even using a ratio with more CBD than THC (for example, 5:1 CBD to THC).
THC and CBD have their place. It’s everyone’s job to educate themselves on when and how to use each compound. Hearsay and urban legends have to stop being taken as medical advice. Research and your doctor’s opinion have to be the driving force behind when to use these two compounds, particularly when it comes to sleep and pain relief.
Jon Vought has had 15 years on the job in south Florida as a firefighter/paramedic. He currently holds the rank of captain. He’s also the founder of Rescue 1 CBD, providing firefighters with CBD that’s safe for the job.
Learn More:
“The Effects of Cannabinoids on Sleep” Kolla et al. – Mayo Clinic 2022
“Urinary Pharmacokinetic Profile of Cannabidiol (CBD), Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Their Metabolites following Oral and Vaporized CBD and Vaporized CBD-Dominant Cannabis Administration” Sholler er al. – Johns Hopkins 2021
“Changes in Cannabis Potency over the Last Two Decades (1995-2014) – Analysis of Current Data in the United States” ElSohly et al. – University of Mississippi 2016
