Sleep problems are alarmingly prevalent, with around a third of Americans reporting that they don’t get enough sleep.

While it’s easy to hit snooze on this statistic, you shouldn’t sleep on prioritizing a good night’s rest. Especially if you live in Louisiana because our sleep problems are worse. 

A recent survey found that 38% of adults in our state have trouble getting enough sleep, making us one of the most sleep-deprived states in the country. 

Fortunately, Louisiana residents now have access to a natural and effective sleep aid: cannabis.

Is Cannabis Legal?

To understand the legality of cannabis you must first understand the difference between marijuana and hemp. Both are cannabis, and they contain the same cannabinoids. Where they differ is in regard to the quantity they contain of one specific cannabinoid: Delta-9 THC.

If a cannabis plant has less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC, it’s hemp; if it has more, it’s marijuana. This distinction is important for legal reasons since marijuana is only legal in states that have recreationally or medically legalized it, while hemp is federally legal.

Hemp products that contain only hemp-derived cannabinoids and less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC are also federally legal. These products may contain CBD and other cannabinoids, or even an effective dose of Delta-9 THC, that still abides by the 0.3% federal limit.

Does Cannabis Improve Sleep?

We’ve all seen caricatures of stoners dozing off in movies and TV shows, and users know that getting couched is a common effect of indulging too heavily. Some cannabis products can make you feel sleepy. For people looking for a natural sleep aid, this is a coveted benefit. 

Seventy percent of young adults who use cannabis and 80% of medical users of cannabis report that it helps them sleep. 

Consistent with this testimony, researchers continue to confirm that CBD and THC products are valuable sleep aids. One recent study published in the Journal of Sleep Research found that cannabis can be effective in helping people with insomnia sleep better.

Cannabis in Louisiana

You don’t need a medical card to enjoy the benefits of cannabis for sleep. Adults in Louisiana can purchase legal and effective CBD and THC products.

In fact, Louisiana is one of the best states to purchase hemp products because it has additional regulations and restrictions to ensure the quality of products. Crescent Canna, a New Orleans–based cannabis company, offers high-potency CBD products, including their convenient and delicious CBD gummies. All of their products are third-party lab-tested, contain hemp-derived cannabinoids, and are federally legal.

You can purchase Crescent Canna products online, or from hundreds of retailers in the state. More than 300 stores in the New Orleans area carry Crescent Canna hemp products. 

CBD for Sleep

Because of its soothing, relaxing effects, cannabidiol (CBD), the most abundant cannabinoid in the hemp plant, is often relied on for its wellness benefits. One of its most popular benefits is its ability to help people sleep. 

Evidence suggests that CBD may work to limit secretion of cortisol. This is helpful because cortisol can reduce melatonin levels, making it harder to get to sleep. Research also asserts that CBD may help you sleep by relieving issues that can keep you tossing and turning.

Providing long-lasting relief, CBD Sleep Gummies include a mix of natural sleep-supporting compounds, including melatonin and theanine, that work together to help you sleep better. 

THC for Sleep

Producing the psychoactive effects of cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most popular cannabinoid in cannabis. Along with intoxicating effects, it also has wellness benefits.

An uplifted mindset can make a world of difference when it comes to improving your sleep. THC can put you in a more relaxed, positive mood, so instead of staying up worrying, you can doze off easily. 

Research suggests THC may be effective in inducing sleep. Also like CBD, THC may help alleviate problems that keep you awake.

Because of their long duration of effects and ease of use, THC gummies are a great tool for improving your sleep. 

CBD vs. THC for Sleep

Both THC and CBD help you sleep. Unlike THC, though, CBD is not intoxicating.

Another big difference is that CBD is federally legal in any quantity, whereas THC is federally legal only in hemp products that contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. Companies can offer highly effective cannabis gummies that meet these requirements.

Complementing each other as they do, CBD and THC work best in combination, when their effects are maximized as a result of the entourage effect.

How to Use Cannabis for Sleep

Cannabis gummies typically take around 30 minutes to 2 hours to start working. Because of this, if you’re taking cannabis gummies for sleep, it’s a good idea to consume them at least 30 minutes before going to bed. 

While they may take some time to go into effect, cannabis gummies provide long-lasting sleep-boosting effects throughout the night. Their effects last between 6-8 hours, the perfect amount of time to help you sleep through the night.

The first time you try cannabis gummies, start with a low dosage. You especially want to do so when trying THC products, so you don’t feel overwhelmed by the psychoactive effects. Based on your initial experience, you can then adjust your dosage to get the best results possible.

Louisianans can now take control of their sleep by using effective, high-quality CBD and THC gummies. A good night’s rest is only a gummy away! 

You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase or consume THC products. Consult with a doctor before taking any cannabis products if you have a medical condition or are taking any medication.