From the Guidelines
Both THC and CBD can impact melatonin production and metabolism, with THC potentially disrupting normal melatonin production with chronic use and CBD appearing to have a more positive effect on sleep quality. The endocannabinoid system interacts with the pineal gland, which produces melatonin, creating this relationship 1. THC may initially increase melatonin levels but with chronic use can disrupt normal melatonin production, potentially interfering with sleep quality. CBD, on the other hand, appears to have a more positive effect, potentially enhancing melatonin signaling and supporting the body's natural sleep-wake cycle.
Key Considerations
- The effects of THC and CBD on melatonin production and metabolism vary between individuals based on factors like dosage, frequency of use, individual physiology, and whether someone has developed tolerance to cannabis 1.
- For those using cannabis products and experiencing sleep issues, timing matters - using products containing THC close to bedtime may initially help with falling asleep but could disrupt overall sleep architecture, while CBD might offer sleep benefits without significant disruption 1.
- People using cannabis products who have sleep concerns should consider the timing of use and potentially separate THC consumption from bedtime by several hours.
Clinical Implications
- Clinicians should be aware of the potential effects of THC and CBD on melatonin production and metabolism when treating patients with sleep disorders or other conditions that may be impacted by cannabis use 1.
- Educational resources should be made available to physicians so they can provide accurate information about the health effects of cannabis and care for patients with cannabis use disorder 1.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of THC and CBD on melatonin production and metabolism, as well as the potential therapeutic applications of cannabis for sleep disorders and other conditions 1.
From the Research
Effects of THC and CBD on Melatonin Production or Metabolism
- The current evidence suggests that THC and CBD may have an impact on melatonin production or metabolism, although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood 2, 3.
- A study found that medicinal cannabis oil containing 10 mg/ml THC and 15 mg/ml CBD improved midnight melatonin levels by 30% compared to a 20% decline in the placebo group 2.
- Another study suggested that CBD may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of insomnia, while THC may decrease sleep latency but could impair sleep quality long-term 3.
- However, the evidence is limited, and more research is needed to confirm the effects of THC and CBD on melatonin production or metabolism 4, 5, 3.
Interaction with Sleep Disorders
- THC and CBD have been shown to interact with the endocannabinoid and other neurochemical systems to influence anxiety, mood, autonomic function, and circadian sleep/wake cycle 4.
- Cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of various sleep disorders, such as insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, and REM sleep behavior disorder 5, 3.
- However, the evidence is mostly based on preclinical and clinical studies with small sample sizes, and more research is needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of THC and CBD for the treatment of sleep disorders 4, 5.
Safety and Efficacy
- The safety and efficacy of THC and CBD for the treatment of sleep disorders are unclear, and more research is needed to confirm their therapeutic potential 4, 5.
- A study found that chronic use of a low dose of CBD was safe and could improve sleep quality, although the effects did not exceed that of 5 mg melatonin 6.
- Another study found that medicinal cannabis oil containing THC and CBD was well tolerated and effective in improving sleep in adults with insomnia 2.