Cannabis-Based Medical Products Improve Sleep for Insomnia Patients

A recent study published in PLOS Mental Health reveals that individuals suffering from insomnia experience notable improvements in sleep quality after using cannabis-based medical products over an extended period. Conducted by researchers from Imperial College London, the study tracked 124 insomnia patients who incorporated medical cannabis into their treatment regimes, observing outcomes over up to 18 months.

The findings show that these patients reported sustained enhancements in their sleep quality throughout the treatment duration. In addition to better sleep, significant reductions were observed in symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as reported decreases in pain levels. While roughly 9% of participants experienced mild side effects such as fatigue, dry mouth, or insomnia, none of these were life-threatening, indicating a relatively safe profile for long-term use.

The researchers highlight the potential of cannabis-based medical products as an alternative for patients who do not respond well to conventional therapies. Dr. Simon Erridge, a co-author of the study and Research Director at Curaleaf Clinic, emphasized that the observed long-term benefits support further investigation through randomized controlled trials to definitively establish safety and efficacy.

He also noted the importance of personalized treatment plans and ongoing monitoring, especially considering signs of possible tolerance development over time. These insights contribute to the growing body of evidence suggesting that medical cannabis could be a valuable option for managing insomnia and related symptoms.

This study offers valuable real-world insights into the long-term effects of cannabis-based therapies, shedding light on their potential role in sleep disorder treatment. However, further research is necessary to confirm these findings and establish standardized guidelines for clinical use.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-insomnia-patients-cannabis-based-medical.html