Introduction

Individuals report using cannabis for the promotion of sleep, and the effects of cannabis on sleep may vary by cannabis species. Little research has documented preferences for particular cannabis types or cannabinoid concentrations as a function of use for sleep disturbances.

Highlights

•Individuals using cannabis to manage nightmares preferred sativa to indica.

•Sativa users were less likely than indica users to endorse cannabis dependence.

•Insomnia and greater sleep latency are associated with using higher CBD cannabis.

•Weekly hypnotic medication use is associated with using cannabis with lower THC.

Methods

163 adults purchasing medical cannabis for a physical or mental health condition at a cannabis dispensary were recruited. They provided self-report of (a) whether cannabis use was intended to help with sleep problems (e.g. insomnia, nightmares), (b) sleep quality (PSQI), (c) cannabis use (including preferred type), and (d) symptoms of DSM-5 cannabis dependence.

Results

81 participants reported using...