Patients report better sleep, fewer side effects compared to OTC and prescription medications
A new large-scale survey suggests that medical cannabis may offer a more effective—and gentler—alternative to traditional sleeping pills. According to the data, most users say they sleep better using cannabis than they do with either over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids or prescription medications.
The study, conducted by the Sleep Foundation and the cannabis research firm Cannabis Public Policy Consulting, gathered responses from over 1,200 medical cannabis users across the U.S.. Among the key findings: 80% said cannabis helped them sleep better than conventional medications, and many also reported fewer side effects.
“This is one of the most comprehensive snapshots we’ve ever had of how patients use cannabis for sleep,” said Dr. Brenden St. Germain, who led the analysis. “What’s striking is how many are replacing or reducing traditional medications.”
What the numbers say
- 71% of participants had used cannabis specifically for sleep-related issues
- Among those, 81% reported it as more effective than OTC drugs, and 69% preferred it over prescription sleep medications
- Many respondents also reported feeling more rested and less groggy the next morning
Interestingly, the survey found that cannabis wasn’t just a fallback option—it was often the first-line choice, especially for people struggling with insomnia or anxiety-related sleep problems.
Cannabis vs. Traditional Sleep Aids
Prescription sleep medications like zolpidem (Ambien) and over-the-counter options like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) have long been criticized for their side effects, including dependency, next-day drowsiness, and memory issues. In contrast, many patients say cannabis offers a cleaner, more natural alternative—with fewer lingering effects.
Still, researchers caution that not all cannabis products are equal. The type of strain, dosage, and method of consumption can all influence outcomes. And while survey-based data is valuable, more clinical studies are needed to back these claims scientifically.
The shift away from pills
This growing interest in cannabis as a sleep aid reflects a broader trend in public health: patients increasingly want natural or plant-based options, especially when it comes to managing chronic issues like poor sleep.
“We’re seeing a real shift in how people approach wellness,” says St. Germain. “Cannabis is becoming part of that mainstream conversation—not just as a recreational substance, but as a legitimate therapeutic tool.”
A major survey reveals that medical cannabis outperforms conventional sleep medications, with users reporting better rest and fewer side effects. While more clinical research is needed, the data supports a trend toward plant-based alternatives for sleep and anxiety relief.
Beyond sleep, medical cannabis continues to show promise in other areas of health and wellness. Recent studies have highlighted its potential in managing chronic pain conditions, offering a compelling alternative to opioids and NSAIDs [read more]. Researchers are also exploring the therapeutic benefits of CBD in treating vaginal infections, particularly for patients seeking non-antibiotic options [full article here]. In dentistry, early findings suggest CBD-infused denturesmay help reduce oral infections in elderly patients [discover the study]. Together, these findings underline the growing scientific interest in cannabis-based therapies as safe, plant-derived solutions for a range of medical conditions.