Maximum Yield Cannabis USA March/April 2019 | Page 51

M
ost adults need seven to eight hours of
sleep a night, but those with insomnia
can find it hard to get that much rest. Insomnia
is a common sleep disorder that can make it
difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or cause
someone to wake up early and not be able to
get back to sleep. Insomnia can deplete energy
levels, affect mood, health, work performance,
and quality of life.
Cannabis has been used for thousands of
years for its psychoactive and medicinal
qualities. Endocannabinoids activate
cannabinoid receptors, which are involved in
regulating things like appetite, pain, memory,
and mood, along with other physiological
processes. Past studies indicate that those with
mood or anxiety disorders have lower levels
of endocannabinoids. THC can activate the
cannabinoid receptors, and the drug may be
able to relieve symptoms of these disorders.
Insomnia sufferers know the struggle of
attempting to fall asleep after smoking a high-
energy strain, the kind of hyperactive mental
buzz that has you climbing the walls at 2 a.m.
It is important to know which strains to avoid
when you are using cannabis and you suffer
from insomnia, or generally have a hard time
getting to or staying asleep.
AVOID HIGH-ENERGY STRAINS
Those that suffer from insomnia should avoid
high-energy strains late in the day (you should
also avoid caffeine and sugary snacks). Too
much focus and energy can make falling asleep
become more complicated than necessary, so
avoid the following strains:
Green Crack
The name Green Crack perpetuates a negative
image of cannabis; some have been calling it
Green Cush (with a “C”) or Cush instead. The
plant was bred by inbreeding Skunk #1 and
got its name from Snoop Dogg. The taste is
illustrated as tropical mango-like sweetness.
This strain is excellent for daytime use in
patients suffering from fatigue, loss of appetite,
stress, and depression. This sativa is heaven-
sent for those who need motivation. However,
Green Crack could be too much for paranoia-
prone people and those with insomnia should
avoid smoking this strain, especially before bed.
Durban Poison
Thankfully, this strain is not poisonous, just
powerfully uplifting. This is the natural five-
hour energy many people look for come midday.
Durban Poison is sweet and spicy — sure to
motivate even the laziest cannabis connoisseur.
The primary medicinal qualities of Durban
Poison are energy, creativity, migraine relief,
and anti-nausea properties. This is ideal for
people suffering from stress and fatigue; the
strain is associated with a general energy boost,
mental productivity and increased sociability.
Durban Poison has proved effective in treatment
for depression, anxiety, ADD and ADHD, bipolar
disorder, and even those who suffer from Post-
Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This cannabis
strain has medicinal benefits for many people,
however, those with insomnia may find falling
asleep after consuming this strain difficult.
Ghost Train Haze
Ghost Train Haze is a sativa-dominant hybrid
that could easily be classified as some very
potent cannabis, with very pleasurable effects
for artistic people. This strain has energy-boost-
ing euphoric sensations — great for a morning
smoke. Ghost Train Haze will have users feeling
lively and creative. This plant has high THC
content and is best suitable for frequent canna-
bis users, while those with low tolerance should
approach this strain with caution. The hybrid
may make users feel anxious, especially if they
are not accustomed to some strong sativa or are
prone to anxiety. If consumed in large quantities,
possible overthinking and paranoia may be
experienced. Overthinking can be stressful and
those with insomnia don’t need more reasons to
toss and turn at night.
Insomnia can be detrimental to one’s health
in the long run, with many other side effects for
those who don’t get a good night’s sleep. There
are pharmaceutical treatments for sleep issues,
but they come with plenty of side effects and
some can be addictive. Those with insomnia
looking for a natural solution should look for
strains that give an awesome night’s sleep.
“
THOSE THAT
SUFFER FROM
INSOMNIA
SHOULD AVOID
high-
energy
strains late
day ”
in
the
Maximum Yield
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