Is cannabis a better sleep aid than prescription medications? This is what a recent survey conducted by incredibles, which is a cannabis edibles company owned by Green Thumb Industries Inc, hopes to figure out as the debate rages on regarding the health benefits of cannabis compared to traditional prescription medications for sleep aids. This survey has the potential to help scientists, legislators, and the public better understand the health benefits of cannabis for sleeping compared to prescription medications, the latter of which often have side effects associated with their use.
For the survey, incredibles surveyed more than 4,000 adults 21 years of age or older and asked them four questions related to sleep distractions, sleep aids, wishing to sleep better, and why the participants choose cannabis-infused edibles. In the end, the survey found that 79 percent of adults 21 years of age or older experience sleep distractions at night while 71 percent wished they could sleep better, with distractions including financial or family concerns. Regarding their sleep aids, 16 percent stated they use cannabis to help sleep at night while 21 percent stated they use cannabis-infused edibles to help sleep. This is compared to 12 percent who use prescription medications to sleep while 11 percent use alcohol to help sleep.
“Sleeping well is essential for feeling your best. More Americans are choosing cannabis for relaxation, sleep and overall well-being,” said Ben Kovler, who is the Green Thumb Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
This survey comes as several past studies discussed the benefits of cannabis as sleep aids, specifically individuals who suffer from fibromyalgia, along with the number of older adults who use cannabis has doubled between 2021 and 2024.
How will cannabis serve as a sleep aid in the coming years and decades? Only time will tell, and this is why we science!
As always, keep doing science & keep looking up!
Sources: Marijuana Moment, GlobeNewswire, Marijuana Moment (1), Marijuana Moment (2)
