Does sativa make you sleepy? Understanding THC & Tolerance
According to the Sleep Foundation’s recent survey, around 64% women and 77% of men aged between 21 and 64 have used weed to sleep. Though indica strains have a reputation for drifting you into peaceful sleep, sativa strains are known for giving you energy.
However, anecdotal evidence suggests that the sativa strain may make you feel drowsy after consumption. So, does sativa make you sleepy?
Can we consider it an alternative to our evening glass of wine? In this article, we’ll discuss whether sativa can cause sleepiness and how cannabinoids and terpenes influence its effect profile.
What is Sativa and its effects:
Sativa plants are tall and slender with narrow leaves. They thrive in warmer climates and take longer to mature compared to Indica plants. Sativa strains are often known for uplifting and energizing effects.
People who consume sativa strains often report feeling more creative, focused, and euphoric. Some users find sativa strains helpful for managing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Some of the common effects of sativa include:
Boosts energy and alertness
Enhances focus and creativity
Elevates mood and promotes positivity
Increase sociability
But not every sativa strain offers these stimulating effects. Some sativa strains have less THC content than others, resulting in more sedative effects, which brings us back to the real question: ‘Does sativa make you sleepy?’
If you’ve ever wondered about the real differences between sativa, indica, and hybrid strains, this article breaks it down clearly and helps you choose what suits your vibe best.
Does Sativa Make You Sleepy?
Indica strains are often viewed as a sleep aid, and sativa strains are known for boosting energy and sparking creativity. However, many scientists believe that users should not generalize effects to a specific strain.
Because there are many factors that influence their effects beyond sativa and indica labels, and not the same type of cannabis produces the same effects due to differences in chemical composition.
If consuming sativa strains leave you yawning and puts you to bed, it might be due to various factors:
THC Content:
Sativas tend to have higher THC levels than indicas, but this isn't always the case. Some sativa strains have a more balanced THC to CBD ratio, or have lower levels of THC, resulting in feelings of sleepiness.
Terpene Profile:
Terpenes are aromatic compounds that live on the trichomes and influence a strain’s effects. For instance, myrcene and linalool are associated with sedative and calming effects. Moreover, they may also improve sleep quality. Sativa strains that contain either of these terpenes induce sedation and leave you ready for bed.
Dosage:
If you are wondering why sativa can sometimes make me sleepy, this might be due to the amount of cannabis you consume or taking on a higher THC concentration than you’re used to.
For instance, consuming 20mg of heavy-sativa strain like Ghost Train Haze might have energizing effects, but consuming 100mg of this strain might make you feel sedated, especially if your body hasn’t built up a tolerance to the intense psychoactive effects.
Consumption Method:
The method of cannabis consumption can also influence how a strain makes you feel. Because it affects how quickly THC enters and is absorbed into your system. Inhaling cannabis can have a quicker onset and more intense effects compared to eating it in the form of edibles.
What can you expect when you take sativa edibles? Check out our guide to the benefits of sativa edibles, plus our top picks!
Sativa vs indica for sleep:
Indica is known to make you feel more relaxed and calmer, helping to ease the body and mind. This is because many indicas contain terpenes that have sedative effects, like myrcene. In general, Indica is preferred over sativa for a peaceful night’s sleep and to treat insomnia symptoms because sativa strains are known to make you feel energetic, optimistic, and active.
Many users report that they feel relaxed, find relief from chronic pain, and sleep better after consuming indica strains. But since the overall experience depends on the terpene profile and cannabinoid content of the particular strains and how you perceive the effects, some sativa strains may feel calming, while some indica strains may keep you wired.
So, the question is not sativa or indica for sleep, but rather which cannabinoids and terpenes may help improve sleep quality and alleviate insomnia symptoms.
Similarly, if you're wondering, ‘Does sativa make you tired?’, the answer lies in the balance of THC and CBD. Sativa strains containing higher levels of THC may create a cerebral buzz, cause stress in some users, which might lead to fatigue.
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