Cannabis And Sleep: 10 Best Strains To Use At Night

Imagine this: you’ve had a long day at work, went out to chill with friends, and even got your chores done after going back home. It was a tiring day and all you want to do now is relax. Instead of opening a pint, you reach out for your cannabis stash. 

Which strain do you expect to be in your stash? A strain that will stimulate you or put you to sleep? Chances are, you’ll choose the latter, and that’s where these strains come in handy. Here are eight of the best cannabis strains you can use at night. 

However, choosing a night-time strain isn’t so easy. You need to understand the subtle effects of cannabinoids and terpenes particularly if you are looking to unwind or achieve a good night's rest.

Cannabis has hundreds of cannabinoids including THC and CBD. They play a major role in influencing the body's endocannabinoid system including mood, sleep patterns, etc. When it comes to sleep or rest, you should pay special attention to two cannabinoids, namely THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) for their possible impact on one's sleep pattern. Although THC is famous for its psychoactive effects, it also boasts sedative effects that make the user sleepy and calm. On the other hand, CBD also has some anxiolytic and relaxing properties, but it doesn’t induce any narcotic effects, making it simply perfect for those who fear THC. 

Besides the cannabinoids, don’t underestimate the importance of terpenes. These compounds that are responsible for the flavor and taste of cannabis can also contribute to the strain’s profile. For example, while some terpenes are meant to produce sedative effects, others could enhance your creativity. Essentially, they work with the cannabinoids to produce the effects cannabis is so famous for. 

In this article, we will explore the complex relationship between terpenes and cannabinoids and how they can influence your sleep patterns. By grasping this concept, you’ll be able to make a better decision, especially if you’re cannabis for medicinal use. 

Read on to know more. 

Understanding Indica vs. Sativa

Typically, you’ll see cannabis categorized into two types, namely Sativa and Indica. Both are unique and have different characteristics. However, we have so many hybrids nowadays that it can be difficult to identify them with just the effects. Hybrids offer the best of both worlds, so a strain could have some characteristics of an indica and some of a sativa.

Indica: In general, Indica strains are known for their relaxing and sedative effects. These plants are more bushy with wider leaves, and take less time to flower. They are reputed to lend a feeling of bodily relaxation, making them popular among people seeking relief from stress, insomnia, and pain relief. Indicas are popular for the “couch-lock” effect they produce. They can help relieve muscle tension, and warm you up with a comforting sense of relaxation. Since you tend to enjoy some good sleep when you’re relaxed, Indicas are better compared to Sativas. 

Sativa: In contrast, Sativa strains are famous for their uplifting and energizing effects. These plants tend to be taller in structure, have narrower leaves, and take longer to flower than Indicas. Users often use Sativas for daytime use since it might contribute to increased creativity and confidence. You will feel alert and creative — not something you want when you’re getting ready to hit the sack. 

Hybrid: As mentioned above, you get to enjoy the characteristics of both Sativas and Indicas if you go with hybrids. Most strains are hybrids nowadays, so finding them shouldn’t be a problem. 

Terpenes

Rather than going for Indicas or Sativas, it’s best to go for strains containing terpenes that can help you get some good sleep. Although terpenes do not produce a high on their own, they work together with cannabinoids to enhance the effects of a strain. So, you may have better luck looking for strains with the terpenes mentioned below. When purchasing seeds, look for these specific terpenes and the effects of the strain. If you’re purchasing buds from a dispensary, ask for the terpene profile to make a better decision. 

Various types of terpenes can promote relaxation; however, we will focus on just three types as they are present in most cannabis strains. 

Terpinolene

Compared to other terpenes, terpinolene isn’t all that popular; however, it has some phenomenal sedative effects. Many users prefer strains with terpinolene for this reason. This terpene works in such a way that it induces a calming effect on your mind and body, which is very important for you to fall asleep. Other than that, terpinolene also has some antioxidant properties that could help neutralize harmful radicals and help you feel more relaxed. 

Caryophyllene

With its warm and spicy notes, Caryophyllene not only tastes good when you use cannabis, but it also helps to reduce pain and stress. Found in herbs like oregano and spices like pepper, strains with caryophyllene give you a spicy kick that you might enjoy just before drifting off to sleep. Thanks to its combination of various amazing effects, strains with this terpene can reduce your physical discomfort and also help you relax.

Myrcene

Found in large amounts in many cannabis strains, myrcene has an earthy fragrance you just cannot miss. Most users prefer cannabis strains with myrcene simply because it offers relaxing and tranquilizing effects. That couch-lock you love? It’s usually because the strain has myrcene. Whether you choose Indicas or hybrids, a good portion of cannabis strains have myrcene, so you shouldn’t have an issue procuring buds with myrcene. So, when you’re looking for strains go for indica-dominant ones with hefty amounts of myrcene. Apart from the ones mentioned in this article, you can go for Northern Lights, Granddaddy Purple, and Kush varieties that are famous for their sedative and soothing effects.

Cannabinoids and Their Role in Sleep

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): THC is notorious for its psychoactive properties, but many people forget that it can offer some amazing medicinal effects. For example, it has some sedative characteristics that are simply perfect to help you fall asleep faster. This is because it interacts with various receptors present in the brain that are responsible for regulating the sleep cycle. However, remember that dosage is important when using THC. If you take small doses, you can fall asleep easily, but take higher doses and you’ll have the opposite effect and feel more stimulated. 

CBD (Cannabidiol): CBD is yet another cannabinoid but it differs from THC as it doesn’t produce any psychoactive effects. Although it doesn’t offer any sedative effects, it can help you relax and promote a sense of calm by reducing stress associated with anxiety. If you’re looking to unwind after a long day, CBD could help, especially if you don’t want to indulge in some THC. Examples of some strains include Harlequin, ACDC, and Charlotte's Web which are famous for helping you relax without the narcotic effects of THC.

Now that you know the primary difference between the two cannabinoids and about terpenes as well, you should consider a few factors before using cannabis:

Individual tolerance, sensitivity, and your personal preferences will help you determine the best strain for night use. You should also consider factors such as metabolism, body weight, and overall health to understand how you may react to cannabis, If you have no experience with cannabis at all, it’s best to consult your doctor and find out how cannabis can help. 

This is because you never know how one can react to cannabis. You might smoke a strain for the first time and enjoy the experience. Or, you could have a bad trip. If you consume a high-THC strain for example, the side effects will be temporary but it can scare you to such an extent that you may never be willing to try it again. Rather than go through such a harrowing experience, you can first try CBD, but you will still have to talk to your physician. 

On the other hand, if you have some experience trying cannabis, go for hybrid strains rather than Indicas or Sativas as they offer a combination of effects. Also, remember that external factors like stress levels, your environment, and the presence of other cannabinoids and terpenes in a particular strain can further influence its overall effects. This is why you have to start with small doses and then increase it, depending on how you react to it. 

Last but not least, consider how you want to consume marijuana. Apart from smoking, you can also vape or ingest edibles. While smoking brings in the effects faster and so does vaping, edibles take a long time to produce effects. 

For example, you can feel the effects within about 5 minutes of smoking or vaping high-quality cannabis. On the other hand, it may take more than 30 minutes to feel the effects of an edible kick in. Sometimes, it could take even 2 hours. Also, the effects of smoking fade away quickly but it takes longer for edibles. Think about the way you want to consume cannabis because you may not feel the effects of edibles before going to sleep unless you take it at least 1-2 hours before heading to sleep. 

1. Hindu Kush

The first strain you can consider specifically for nighttime is a classic landrace strain that is quite popular among users who use cannabis for the night. The strain originates in the mountains between Pakistan and Afghanistan, offering a THC content of up to 20%. It’s potent. 

The large, sticky flowers give off a musky aroma with hints of earth and spice, and the flavor profile is similarly complex. And when you smoke it, you’ll feel a slow building high that starts with physical relaxation and progresses into a mental one — perfect for unwinding after a tough day’s work. 

Given the type of high it produces on the body, we wouldn’t recommend it for daytime use unless you have nothing planned for the day, though. The strain is also terrific for aiding with pain, nausea, and stress, and it can even help with insomnia. 

If you want to grow Hindu Kush, you can do so quite easily, and the process is also quite rewarding. 

2. Cherry Pie

Cherry Pie is a delight whether you want to reduce some pain or get some good sleep. As a popular sleep-inducing strain, Cherry Pie could be one of your first choices if you’re looking for weed strains that help you overcome insomnia.

Not only does it have a delectable aroma, but it also tastes great and reminds you of a cherry pie that’s sour yet sweet. It produces great effects, but no surprises there, considering its lineage which is a combination of F1 Durb and Grandaddy Purple. Users report that Cherry PIe makes you feel euphoric, but the most important quality is that you can fall into a fitful sleep if you consume it just before sleeping. 

It’s pretty easy to grow Cherry Pie, just in case you’re planning to grow some. The strain prefers full sunlight and you can get good yields if you use the right type of grow lights when growing indoors. Your garden will be filled with an array of colors ranging from green to orange, thanks to the buds and pistils covered with trichs. If you grow it right and play around with the temperatures, Cherry Pie may also produce purple colors. Suffice it to say that this beautiful strain is not just good for insomnia but a delight to your eyes as well. 

Those who have used Cherry Pie report that it induces a burst of giggly euphoria. You’ll just feel happy. This uplifting mood could tempt you to try it during the day, and you can do that too, but it’s best to try this strain at night when you just want to sit back and relax. 

Cherry Pie's terpenes also contribute to its sleep-inducing properties. The most abundant terpene, myrcene, is popular for its ability to produce relaxing effects, as you already know. It also boasts of caryophyllene and pinene that enhance the strain's stress-relieving potential further. 

3. Granddaddy Purple

Granddaddy Purple is yet another legendary cannabis strain, but unlike Hindu Kush, this one was bred in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2003, and it is known as the quintessential purple cannabis strain on this side of the ocean. 

This strain is a mix between Big Bud and Purple Urkle, which is why it gets striking purple hues and bright orange hairs. Even the buds are lush with frosty trichomes which are not only a sight to behold but also to experience. 

The strain embodies the classic Indica effects that induce creativity which gradually turns into a body buzz. It’s relaxing, but not too sedative — exactly what you need to call a night and enjoy your time with your loved ones or indulging in personal projects. 

But it’s still a potent strain with THC levels of up to 23%. So, smoke this strain with caution. Fortunately, its THC content gives it various benefits — it can help with anxiety, pain, depression, and insomnia. 

The plant flowers within 2 to 3 months, and if you are growing it outdoors, expect it to mature by early October. It produces excellent yields but you may need to add some sturdy support to manage the hefty buds it grows. 

4. God's Gift 

Just the name should give you a quick review of how this strain could affect you. With around 16% THC, God’s Gift doesn’t claim to knock your brains out; however, it does promise to offer an intense body high that fills you with peace and relaxation. God’s Gift became very popular for its effects. Some say that it makes them super happy, but we think that it’s more of a strain that coaxes you to sleep. 

Created by breeding legendary strains like Granddaddy Purple and OG Kush, God’s Gift can be a great addition to your stash if you’re looking for something that just lets you melt after a stressful day. Seriously, it lulls you into a state of calm and you have no choice other than to drift away to peaceful sleep. For this reason, do not try this strain during the day, especially if you have lots of work to do!

Apart from its tranquilizing characteristics, God's Gift is a champion in the department of flavors as well. From citrus to grape with hints of hash, you can taste a fusion of the best flavors. And, the aroma! It just makes you fall in love!

If you plan to grow this strain at home, make sure you train her well to squeeze out every little bit the plant offers. She needs about 8-9 weeks in the flowering stage to produce big buds full of frosty trichomes. 

5. Girl Scout Cookies

Just about everyone who has tried cannabis has heard about GSC. As an all-time favorite hybrid strain for many users, including us, GSC has the potential to just knock your socks off. Not for those who can’t tolerate high THC, you should use it only if you can handle it. 

As a cross between Durban Poison and OG Kush, it has some amazing characteristics. How good is it? It has won several awards including a Cannabis Cup. 

The strain is potent with a THC content of up to 29%, but the high isn’t what you should smoke this strain for. It’s the flavors — a rich blend of spicy and sweet flavors along with a dessert-lie aroma profile. Heck, even the buds are green and purple! 

When you smoke it, expect an intense euphoric high and some tingles in your body; it will also couch-lock you and give you the munchies. It can help with pain, inflammation, and stress. 

All these make Girl Scout Cookies an excellent choice for nighttime cannabis users — it’s the strain you smoke at the end of the day, perhaps before dinner, and call it a night within an hour or so. You probably won’t stay up too late with this one, so it’s excellent for insomnia, too. 

Sure, you can use it during the evening as it’s a nice strain to have a good conversation, but it also has some sedative qualities. Talking about its therapeutic properties, GSC has turned even non-believers of cannabis into users as it is simply incredible. 

You can also use it if you have some stress. These days, almost everyone struggles with stress, so it could be nice to have something that takes the edge off just a bit. GSC’s ability to soothe you can encourage you just a little bit to fall into a restful, undisturbed sleep. 

To enhance its effects, you can convert the buds into edibles and try them. However, making edibles is not everyone’s cup of tea. Not that it's difficult, but it can get a little expensive to purchase buds and convert them into edibles. So, if you’re a grower, you have the advantage of doing whatever you want with your favorite strains. You could also try your hand at concentrates, provided you’ve done it before. 

To grow Girl Scout Cookies, just provide the right environment by adjusting the temperature and humidity in your grow tent and she will shine! You can also train her with techniques like ScrOG to increase the yields. Truly, you must try this sensational strain at least once in your life. 

6. Harlequin

The two strains listed above are THC dominant but this one is different; Harlequin is a THC/CBD hybrid, containing up to 10% THC and up to 15% CBD, giving it a THC to CBD ratio of 5:2. This is thanks to its roots — a combination of Columbian Gold, Thai, Swiss Sativas, and a Nepali Indica — prepared by Mr Green. 

This strain is a must-have for every cannabis lover out there — it has won various Cannabis Cup awards, too. The buds may be compact but produce a musky scent with tropical undertones.

The high isn’t quite strong but it will lift your mood and also offer benefits like pain relief and anti-inflammation without locking you to your couch. Unfortunately, Harlequin is a clone-only strain, so you should cuttings. And when you do, be meticulous about the buds as they are prone to developing mold due to the dense colas. 

7. Northern Lights

Turns out, nighttime cannabis users are in for a treat since almost every strain on this list is a legend in its own right, including Northern Lights. This strain is critically acclaimed for its exceptional qualities, and while we don’t know where it comes from, the most plausible theory suggests this one is a cross between Thai and Afghani landrace strains. 

The THC content is usually up to 27% but if you are lucky, you may even find a plant with 33% THC content. As you can guess, it is potent but it produces a very relaxing high. It’s called a two-hit and quit strain since two hits are enough to relax you and put you in lazy mode. 

But before you enter the lazy mode, you’ll be greeted with a gorgeous mix of sweet pine, citrus, and skunky undertones. The strain is ideal for nighttime use since it has sedative and relaxing properties and it can even help with anxiety, chronic pain, and stress. 

To grow this strain, you can expect it to flower in 6 to 8 weeks and most Northern Lights are capable of producing a yield of 125 grams per square meter. Remember, it’s quality over quantity with this one. 

8. ACDC

ACDC turns AC/DC’s Highway to Hell into Highway to Sleep. But like AC/DC is to metal, ACDC is to THC strains — it’s not as heavy but gets the job done. This is a hybrid strain that contains up to 6% THC and 20% CBD, so the high is pretty balanced. Thanks to its unique balanced high, this strain has won several Cannabis Cup awards. 

You can even smoke it just to enjoy the flavors — the strain features earthy and sweet notes with hints of skunky aroma. Sometimes, you’ll even be greeted with some fruity notes.

You can find ACDC in a variety of cannabis products since it is an excellent therapeutic or medicinal cannabis strain for nighttime users. It can offer relief from various conditions like epilepsy, stress, and pain. 

However, don’t expect a terrific high with this one. It will give you a buzz that’s good enough to unwind but if you plan to fly as high as a kite before you fall asleep, this strain is not it. 

9. Bubba Kush

Bubba Kush is a popular cannabis strain that originates from OG Kush but has a mysterious phenotype from Northern Lights, known as Bubba, which is why it is called Bubba Kush. With a THC content of up to 22%, the strain is known for its sedative high. 

The plant grows small to medium-sized buds that are dense and dark green in color with an occasional touch of purple. And the aromas are unique — coffee and cocoa with a hint of pepper. 

When you smoke it, Bubba Kush produces a slightly disorienting head sensation that translates to deep body melt in some minutes. You can maintain focus and functionality, too, despite it being sedative. 

The strain is also quite useful for helping with anxiety, chronic pain, depression, and insomnia. Unlike most strains on this list, Bubba Kush is also very easy to grow for beginner users. It adapts well to indoor and outdoor environments and flowers in 8 to 9 weeks. And with terrific genetics, it’s quite robust, too. 

10. Death Star

Death Star may be the least popular strain on this list but it deserves your attention nonetheless. You may still know the strain, though. This one was born in Ohio in the 2000s and gained traction after being featured in High Times. 

This is a hybrid strain that blends the genetics of Sour Diesel and Sensi Star, and it is known for its creeping onset that turns into a strong high — it’s got up to 26% THC content. 

The buds are dense and sticky, featuring vibrant green leaves with orange hairs. They produce a pungent earthy aroma with skunky notes, and when you break them apart, you’ll be greeted with an unmistakable aroma of diesel with a citrus kick. 

This strain offers diverse effects, so it can be used not only to relax after a day but also to help with depression and stress. And it is quite a reliable sleeping aid. For some users, the strain can also help with nausea and pain. 

Summary: Cannabis And Sleep: 10 Best Strains To Use At Night

Cannabis is a fun little plant that produces an array of effects for everyone. So, if you are looking for something to help you relax, sleep on time, or simply wind down so you can focus on your solitary bliss — pick these strains.

Most of the strains listed above are sleepy strains, but all promise to relax you. Some may even make you hungry and a few may make you a bit creative before you sleep. But rest assured, pun intended, they are about as good as a strain you can find for nighttime use.