What is the cannabinoid that makes you sleepy?

October 12, 2025 •

5 min read

According to a 2021 study on medicinal cannabis users, many perceive a significant improvement in insomnia symptoms with cannabinoid use. This has led to the widespread question: what is the cannabinoid that makes you sleepy?

Quick Summary

Cannabinol (CBN) is a minor cannabinoid often marketed for its sedative properties. This article explores how CBN, THC, and CBD influence sleep, considering the nuanced effects and current research.

Key Points

Cannabinol (CBN) is not the sole 'sleepy' cannabinoid: While often marketed for sleep, CBN's sedative effects are generally milder and less understood than commonly believed, with much of its reputation based on anecdotes about aged cannabis.
THC is a more direct sedative: The psychoactive compound THC can decrease the time it takes to fall asleep, particularly at lower doses, by interacting directly with CB1 receptors in the brain.
CBD supports sleep indirectly: Non-intoxicating CBD can aid sleep by promoting relaxation and calming anxiety or pain, which are common barriers to restful sleep.
The Entourage Effect is crucial: The combination of cannabinoids like CBN, THC, and CBD with sedative terpenes (e.g., myrcene) can produce a synergistic effect that influences the overall sleepiness of a product.
Dose matters for all cannabinoids: The effects of cannabinoids on sleep are highly dose-dependent, and the ideal amount can vary significantly between individuals. Higher doses of THC or CBD can sometimes produce different or even counterproductive effects.
Long-term use can disrupt sleep: While short-term use may help, long-term or heavy use of THC can alter sleep architecture, particularly suppressing REM sleep, and lead to sleep disturbances upon withdrawal.
Consult a healthcare professional: Due to lack of FDA regulation, potential drug interactions, and limited long-term research, it is vital to consult a doctor before using any cannabinoid product for sleep.

Introduction to Cannabinoids and Sleep

Sleep is a complex biological process, and the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a crucial role in regulating it. The ECS is a network of receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes that helps maintain homeostasis, regulating functions like mood, pain, and sleep-wake cycles. Various cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, known as phytocannabinoids, can interact with this system and produce different effects on sleep.

While many people associate cannabis with sedation, the specific effects depend on the cannabinoid profile, dosage, and individual biology. The primary cannabinoids of interest for sleep are Cannabinol (CBN), Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and Cannabidiol (CBD). However, the popular narrative surrounding CBN as the definitive 'sleepy' cannabinoid is largely based on folklore, with science revealing a more complex picture involving THC and other compounds.

Cannabinol (CBN): The 'Sleepy' Cannabinoid?

Cannabinol (CBN) is a minor cannabinoid that is not produced directly by the cannabis plant in large quantities. Instead, it is a byproduct of THC degradation. As cannabis ages and is exposed to air, light, and heat, THC slowly converts into CBN. This process led to the folklore that aged cannabis is more sedating, and the reputation of CBN as a potent sleep aid was born.

Despite this long-held belief and its marketing as a sleep product, robust scientific evidence for CBN's sedative properties is still limited, especially in isolated human clinical trials. Some preliminary human studies have shown that 20mg of CBN may help reduce nighttime awakenings and overall sleep disturbance, but it did not significantly improve sleep onset latency or quality. Preclinical animal studies have shown that CBN can increase total sleep time, though with a delayed effect compared to conventional sleep aids like zolpidem. Compared to THC, CBN is only mildly psychoactive.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): The Primary Sedative

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most well-known psychoactive cannabinoid and is responsible for the 'high' associated with cannabis. THC binds primarily to CB1 receptors in the brain, influencing mood, memory, and sleep-wake cycles. At low to moderate doses, THC can have a sedative effect, helping individuals fall asleep faster and increasing deep (slow-wave) sleep.

However, THC's effects on sleep are dose-dependent and can be complex. Chronic or high-dose THC use can suppress REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, the stage crucial for dreaming and cognitive processing. Long-term use can also lead to the development of tolerance, and abrupt withdrawal can cause rebound insomnia and vivid dreams.

Cannabidiol (CBD): The Indirect Sleep Aid

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid known for its potential therapeutic benefits, including anxiety relief, anti-inflammatory effects, and pain management. Unlike THC, CBD is not a direct sedative, and its impact on sleep is more nuanced.

CBD's sleep-promoting effects are believed to be primarily indirect. By reducing anxiety, stress, and chronic pain—common causes of sleep disturbance—CBD can create a more conducive environment for rest. The dose is a critical factor, as lower doses of CBD may promote wakefulness, while higher doses are more likely to have a calming effect. Since CBD is non-psychoactive and generally well-tolerated, it is a popular option for those seeking a more natural sleep aid without the intoxicating effects of THC.

The Entourage Effect and Terpenes

Beyond the primary cannabinoids, the overall chemical composition of a cannabis product contributes to its effects on sleep through what is known as the "entourage effect". This theory suggests that cannabinoids, along with other compounds like terpenes, work synergistically to enhance or modify each other's effects. Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in plants that influence scent and can have therapeutic properties of their own.

Certain terpenes are known for their sedative qualities, which can amplify the sleep-inducing effects of cannabinoids. These include:

Myrcene: Found in mangoes, hops, and many indica strains, myrcene is known for its relaxing, sedative properties.
Linalool: Abundant in lavender and associated with calming, anti-anxiety effects.
Caryophyllene: Found in black pepper and cloves, it has anti-inflammatory properties that can indirectly aid sleep by reducing pain.

Comparing Cannabinoids for Sleep

Here is a comparison of the primary cannabinoids related to sleep:


Feature	Cannabinol (CBN)	Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)	Cannabidiol (CBD)
Primary Source	Oxidized THC (aged cannabis)	Fresh cannabis	Hemp or cannabis
Psychoactivity	Mildly psychoactive (mild sedative)	Strongly psychoactive (produces a 'high')	Non-psychoactive
Primary Mechanism	Binds to CB1 receptors, but with low potency	Binds strongly to CB1 receptors	Indirectly interacts with the ECS and other receptors
Effect on Sleep Onset	Minimal effect in studies	Can decrease sleep latency (time to fall asleep)	Can indirectly help, especially if anxiety or pain is a factor
Effect on Sleep Maintenance	May help reduce nighttime awakenings	High doses can suppress REM sleep, leading to disruption	May improve sleep quality by addressing underlying causes
Key Benefit for Sleep	May offer sedative effects, potentially more for sleep maintenance	Can be effective for falling asleep, especially at lower doses	Promotes relaxation and calms the nervous system

Conclusion: The Nuanced Picture of Cannabinoids for Sleep

No single cannabinoid holds the exclusive title of the one that makes you sleepy. While CBN is often branded for its sedative properties, preclinical evidence is limited and its effects appear to be weaker than THC's. THC is a more direct and potent sedative, but its psychoactivity and potential for sleep disruption, particularly with long-term, high-dose use, are significant drawbacks. CBD, in contrast, offers a non-intoxicating approach by promoting relaxation and addressing root causes of poor sleep like anxiety and pain. Ultimately, the most effective cannabinoid for sleep depends on the individual's specific needs, biology, and the overall chemical profile of the product, including its terpene content.

Important Warning

Cannabinoid products are not regulated by the FDA (outside of a single prescription drug), and the dosing and purity can vary widely. Before using any cannabinoid product for sleep, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional, especially if you take other medications, as there can be potential drug interactions. Long-term effects and safety are still under investigation. For a general overview of the latest research on cannabinoids and sleep disorders, consider visiting the National Institutes of Health website. [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8116407/]

Frequently Asked Questions

THC is generally a more direct and potent sedative, especially at lower doses, helping people fall asleep faster. CBN is often marketed for sleep, but scientific evidence is limited, and its effects seem to be more related to sleep maintenance and are much milder than THC's.

CBN is considered mildly psychoactive, and its safety profile is not as well-researched as more common cannabinoids like CBD. Since most CBN products are not FDA-regulated, purity and dosage are not guaranteed. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before use.

CBD is not a sedative like THC but can indirectly improve sleep quality by addressing underlying issues like anxiety or pain. It can promote relaxation and a sense of calm, which makes it easier to fall asleep. In contrast, THC has direct sedative effects, and CBN is more associated with sleep maintenance.

Yes, particularly with THC. Regular, long-term use can lead to tolerance, meaning higher doses may be needed to achieve the same sleep-inducing effects. This can disrupt sleep cycles, and withdrawal can cause rebound insomnia.

The entourage effect is a theory that different cannabis compounds, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, work together to produce a synergistic effect. For sleep, this means the combination of certain cannabinoids and sedating terpenes like myrcene may be more effective than any single compound alone.

The indica vs. sativa classification is an oversimplification. While indica is traditionally associated with relaxation, the true effects on sleep depend more on the specific cannabinoid and terpene profile of the strain, as well as the individual's body chemistry.

Potential side effects vary by cannabinoid. THC can cause grogginess, suppressed REM sleep, and potential withdrawal issues. CBD is generally well-tolerated but can interact with other medications and may cause liver injury at high, unregulated doses. The effects of CBN are still being studied, but it may cause drowsiness.