Terpenes Better Than Sleepytime Tea

We’re just going to be blunt about it – we’re having trouble sleeping right now. Maybe it’s the neverending uncertainty of this global pandemic. Maybe it’s the fact that the gym is closed and we’re missing our daily routines. Or maybe the culprit is the days-long Netflix bingeing (yes, we are still watching, Netflix. You don’t even need to ask. It just makes us feel bad). Are you feeling this way too? Don’t worry. You’re not alone. Cannabis can be used as a natural sleep aid. If you aren’t familiar with terpenes, they are aromatic compounds found in many plants – and sometimes insects – that have distinctive scents and flavors. They can also provide positive medicinal effects.  Did you know that some terpenes can be beneficial for sleeplessness and insomnia? Take a look at three terpenes that can help wean people off of their nightly Zzzquil or replace your cup of Sleepytime tea. 

Caryophyllene is found in many herbs (no pun intended!) and spices, like black pepper, basil, and oregano. It gives off a peppery, woodsy, and spicy aroma. In addition to being a sleep aid, it’s also great for stress relief, which, if you ask us, we could all use right now. If you’re looking for strains with this terpene, it can be found in the Bubba Kush, Death Star, Girl Scout Cookies, Permafrost, and White Widow. Still curious about caryophyllene? Find out more information on its unique molecular structure and how it interacts with our endocannabinoid system in an informative Leafly article found here.

If scented pillow sprays and essential oil blends have shown us anything, it is that lavender is effective in managing anxiety and helping us fall asleep. Linalool, which is found in lavender, birch bark, and around 200 types of plants, gives lavender its calming quality. It has a floral, citrusy, and spicy scent. It’s also been shown to effectively manage epilepsy. If you’re looking for strains with this terpene, you can find it in Amnesia Haze, Blueberry, Master Kush, Pink Kush, and Skywalker OG. Linalool has many potential benefits, which you can read about here.  

The most calming and common terpene found in cannabis is myrcene. Did you know that myrcene is what gives hops its earthy aroma? You can also find it in thyme, mango,  and lemongrass.  It gives off a musky, citrusy, and herbal aroma. Myrcene has a long history of use in folk medicine, being used as a sleep aid. If you’re looking for strains with this terpene, it can be found in Death Star, Northern Lights, White Rhino, Blue Dream, and Cannatonic. Read more about myrcene’s history here.

Remember – an indica-dominant strain will make you feel more relaxed. Myrcene and linalool are two of the terpenes commonly found in indica strains. There’s a reason why people call it “in-da-couch.” We hope this helps you know what to look for in your products so that you can catch some zzzs, without having to count sheep or reach for a pill bottle. Sweet dreams, everyone!