More and more Americans are turning to cannabis for better sleep than to traditional sleeping pills

A recent survey conducted by The Harris Poll for Green Thumb Industries reveals that the Cannabis is now a more popular sleep aid among American adults than prescription medications or alcohol.

About 16% of Americans aged 21 and older report using the Cannabis to improve their sleep, compared with 12% who opt for prescription sleeping pills and 11% who turn to alcohol. Although the use of Cannabis Since sleep aids are more popular than dietary supplements (26%) and over-the-counter sleeping pills (19%), their growing popularity signals a shift in consumer behavior.

The Numbers Behind the Trend

The online survey, which included responses from more than 2,000 American adults, revealed that nearly 8 out of 10 people have trouble sleeping and that 58% of them use some kind of substance to help them rest. Among those surveyed, 16% reported having used Cannabis, while 10% used CBD or CBD combined with melatonin. The survey highlights demographic differences in usage:

• Gender : Men are slightly more likely than women to consume Cannabis (18% vs. 15%) or CBD-based products (11% vs. 8%) to help them sleep.
• Age Groups : Women aged 21 to 34 are the most frequent users of Cannabis for sleep, while men aged 35 to 44 lead their demographic group.
• Income Levels : Low-income households (less than 50,000 $) are more likely to consume Cannabis (23%), while higher-income groups prefer dietary supplements and over-the-counter products.
• Parents and Non-Parents : Parents, especially those with children under 18, are more likely to use Cannabis (21%) than non-parents (14%).
• Geographical Differences : Usage is higher in the Western United States (20%) and the Northeast (19%) than in the South (13%) and the Midwest (14%).

Why do Americans choose cannabis?

Relaxation and improved sleep quality are among the main reasons Americans turn to edibles. Among the respondents who consume edibles, 21% reported using them specifically to sleep, while 25% cited relaxation as their main goal. Other reasons for using Cannabis are stress relief (17%), pain management (15%), and recreational enjoyment (11%).

«Getting a good night's sleep is essential to feeling your best,» said Ben Kovler, founder and CEO of Green Thumb, highlighting the role of the Cannabis to overall well-being.

Scientific Evidence on Cannabis and Sleep

Numerous studies confirm the survey's findings, showing that cannabis and cannabinoid-based products can improve sleep quality. Here is an example:

• A study A study funded by the federal government in 2023 found that people with anxiety reported better sleep on days when they consumed Cannabis, compared to alcohol or abstinence.
• From research Surveys conducted in 2019 revealed that adult consumers often turned to the Cannabis for the same reasons as medical patients, including sleep and pain relief.
• A other study revealed that older Americans have nearly doubled their consumption of Cannabis over the past three years, citing better sleep as one of the main benefits.

In addition, improvements in sleep were observed in patients with medical conditions such as fibromyalgia and anxiety.