Category: Cannabis Info

CBD Alone Won’t Fix Your Sleep. Here’s How to Improve Your Sleep Hygiene

Cannabinoids alone probably aren’t enough to get you a good night’s sleep.

According to a WebMD survey, the most common reasons for people struggling to get to sleep include:

• emotional distress (24%)
• feeling too hot (16%)
• physical pain (16%)
• being disturbed by someone else (16%)
• noise, light or temperature (13%)
• bad dreams (10%)

While some of these could be aided by CBD, a surprising amount are related to what’s called “sleep hygiene.”

Sleep hygiene is essentially “best practices” for sleep, from the obvious ones like not drinking a huge cup of coffee before bed to the less obvious, such as using mindfulness meditation to handle late-night over-thinking.

We’ve spoken to sleep experts and looked beyond the basics to give you this guide to improving your sleep hygiene.

Create an Optimal Sleep Environment

A cool, dark and quiet environment is essential for a good night’s sleep.

Darkness and quiet are straightforward enough – if light comes through to your room, use an eye mask or heavy curtains, and if it’s too loud, use earplugs, a white noise machine or even something like a fan.

A cool bedroom is also generally preferable, with most experts recommending around 65 °F (18 °C) as the optimal temperature.

Only Use Your Bed for the Three S-es

You should only use your bed for sleep, sex, and sickness to strengthen the link between your bed and sleep.

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia is one of the most empirically-backed methods for treating insomnia, and stimulus control is a crucial component of it. This was first applied to insomnia by Richard Bootzin in 1972, and the basic instructions have persisted into modern versions:

• Lie down to go to sleep only when you’re sleepy.
• Don’t do anything apart from sleep in bed, with sexual activity as the only exception in Bootzin’s formulation (but sickness is a sensible addition).
• If you’re not able to go to sleep, get up and go into another room. Stay awake for as long as you need and then return to bed when you’re sleepy.
• Repeat the last step as necessary.

Keep a Consistent Sleep Schedule

Keeping a consistent bedtime and wake-up times helps you get into the “rhythm” of a consistent sleep schedule.

You should schedule between 7 and 9 hours for sleep, and ideally you should also keep it consistent throughout the weekend. You’re training your body, and consistency is vital to success.

If you do want to shift your sleep schedule, it’s best to do it gradually, moving your bedtime and wake-up time by an hour or two at most in a single day.

The Most Important Factors for Sleep Hygiene, According to Research

Sleep hygiene advice isn’t directly tested as often as you might think, but finding out which factors are most closely linked to sleep quality is crucial if you have issues getting to sleep or staying asleep.

However, some research has looked directly at these issues, with one study from 2009 comparing good sleepers with bad sleepers, and one from 2020 comparing participants based on their scores on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. 

From these studies, the factors that make a statistically significant difference are: 

• Avoiding exciting or emotionally upsetting activities near bedtime
• Trying not to worry about or plan for important things either at bedtime or in bed (journalling can be helpful to counteract this)
• Keeping a comfortable temperature
• Keeping mealtimes regular
• Not drinking alcohol before bed – no “nightcaps” 
• Not looking at your phone/tablet in bed
• Getting sunlight exposure when you wake up
• Avoiding eating within 2 hours of bedtime
• Keep your bedroom quiet (or use white noise machines/a fan/earplugs)
• Avoid daytime napping
• Avoid complex tasks that require a lot of concentration near bedtime
• Eating vegetables every day
• Avoid caffeine at night (although this may not be detrimental unless it happens every day)

According to the research, the strongest associations are in the upper part of the list, with everything below sunlight exposure in the morning having less statistical significance. However, the more of these you can do, the better your chances of a good night’s sleep! 

Gamify Your Learning

Sleep hygiene advice has been around since the late 1970s, and while there has been some development in that time, the most common tips are fairly well-known.

However, there’s a big difference between having heard that you shouldn’t, for example, drink alcohol just before going to bed, and actually taking the lesson onboard. 

One unique approach to learning the basics of sleep hygiene is to gamify your learning.

A 2024 study tested an app called Restful Journey (on Google Play and App Store) developed by the University of Central Florida, which serves to both educate on important sleep hygiene practices and to track your progress when it comes to implementing them.

The study found that using the app for a month improved sleep duration, sleep quality, the time it takes to get to sleep and more, with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores improving across the group. 

It was only a small, preliminary study but if you’ve been struggling to put sleep hygiene tips into practice, and “gamification” appeals to you, it’s definitely worth trying out the app. 

The 60 Minute Sleep Routine

While there are many other well-known sleep hygiene practices, most of them concern the hour or so before you go to bed, and a regular routine is a much more intuitive way to pair them with CBD. So here’s our approach:

Take Some Full Spectrum CBD (5 Minutes)

About an hour before you want to go to sleep, take a dose of full spectrum CBD. Full spectrum is important because THC is likely better for putting you to sleep than CBD alone.

Do Some Yoga or Tai Chi (15 Minutes)

We spoke to Dr. Eric Zhou from the Harvard Medical School Division of Sleep Medicine, and author of a paper investigating integrative medicine approaches to insomnia.

Dr. Zhou’s paper notes that “mind-body movement” (such as yoga or tai chi) is one of the more well-supported approaches, but he stressed to us by email that there haven’t been enough randomized clinical trials to recommend a clear plan. Most research doesn’t even try to follow one.

But he continued, “With that said, the majority of these mind-body movements are benign from a sleep perspective. Meaning they are mostly unlikely to harm your sleep. If an individual finds that mind-body movements (of any kind) help to calm them, then I suspect it would be of some benefit for their sleep.”

In other words, even if we don’t know the optimal way to do this, it will not negatively impact your sleep and will likely help you wind down for a night’s rest.

Pick some simple yoga poses or a tai chi form and spend 15 minutes calmly going through them.

Dim the Lights

Light exposure is central to your body’s circadian rhythm, so it’s time to dim them.

Research confirms that even exposure to room light has a dramatic impact on your body clock, shortening its perceived “night” time and suppressing production of melatonin, a crucial hormone for sleep.

It’s worth noting that the opposite of this is true for the morning – then, sunlight exposure reinforces your circadian rhythm!

Eloise Theisen, AGPCNP-BC, nurse practitioner and CEO of Radicle Health, recommended, “Getting early morning sunlight can improve circadian rhythms. It is important to not block the sunlight from your eyes.”

Drink Warm Milk, Horlicks or Välling, With a Book or Soft Music (20 Minutes)

Take a quiet 20 minutes with a book or soft music and a sleep-promoting drink.

While the most obvious option from an American perspective would just be a glass of warm milk, there are other great options too, including Horlicks (British, but available in the US) and välling (Swedish, not easy to find but easy to make).

Karl Andersson, owner of Nordic Perspective, explained to us, “A classic trick to get your kids to sleep better in Sweden—I say kids but adults are definitely using it too from time to time—is to drink ‘Välling,’ a warm porridge-drink containing milk and oats, right before bedtime.”

Adding that, “Warm milk, by itself, has been shown in studies to produce more melatonin (which will kickstart your biological sleep cycle) and raise your body temperature slightly (which is enough to make you a bit sleepy). Adding some oats in the mix also makes sure whoever drinks it will stay full, and hopefully asleep, for longer. On top of these two main ingredients, välling has also been enriched with minerals (mainly iron) and vitamins.”

Karl explained, “A standard way to make välling is a couple of deciliters [i.e. 200 ml or about 4/5 of a cup] each of warm water and milk mixed with a couple of tablespoons of oat flour and some butter, until the consistency is ‘lagom’ (just right!). Add some cardamom as a finishing touch (“pricken över i:et” – the dot over the i).”

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Prayer, Journaling or Meditation (15 Minutes)

Taking 15 minutes before you sleep for mindfulness meditation is an evidence-based method for improving your sleep problems.

Dr. Zhou commented to us that, “Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is a specific program which is well-studied. Data suggests that this can be quite helpful for sleep.”

You can find many guides to mindfulness-based stress reduction, but simply choosing a few mindfulness-based exercises to run through each night can be a massive help, and further cements the “winding down” aspect of preparing for sleep. It’s calming, but doesn’t depend on blue-light emitting screens, physical activity or noise. 

Eloise Theisen added that, “Meditation can reduce stress and improve mood,” and this is a good alternative to mindfulness exercises even though there is a lot of overlap. 

There is also evidence suggesting that prayer (whether on behalf of yourself or others) is effective in managing stress, even in demanding professions such as nursing. Given that stress is closely linked to insomnia in many cases, it’s likely that the stress relieving nature of prayer will translate into sleep benefits. 

If meditation, mindfulness or prayer is not your thing, there is also some evidence that journaling has benefits to a multitude of mental health conditions. In particular, one study suggests that writing a “to do list” reduced the time it took participants to fall asleep compared to writing about tasks you’ve completed throughout the day. 

Prepare for Bed (5 Minutes)

Brush your teeth (in low light, if possible!) and get into bed, either putting earplugs in or using a fan or white noise machine to avoid distracting sounds.

In Bed But Not Sleeping? Don’t Worry; Just Be Awake for a While

We spoke to Dr. Chris Winter, a sleep specialist and neurologist, and author of The Rested Child and The Sleep Solution, who recommended what might be described as a shift in perspective instead of taking treatments for insomnia.

Dr. Winter described insomnia as “a feeling of anxiety when sleep doesn’t happen when you want it to happen,” and offered a very useful analogy:

“It’s a feeling of control loss. I think there are fantastic parallels to appetite. Have you ever arrived at a meal time and simply not been hungry to eat? Of course. Did you call your doctor for an appetite stimulant? Most likely not. We accept that hunger, as a primary biological driver, is not perfect. We often do not grant the same grace to sleep.”

Staying in bed tossing and turning will just make things worse. It’s better to get up and do something calming in low light, remembering that sleep will come when you’re ready – just like hunger does, eventually. There’s no need to clock-watch, but a good rule of thumb is to get up if you don’t get to sleep within 15 minutes.

Make Time for Sleep, But Don’t Stress If It Doesn’t Come

The key recommendations for sleep hygiene boil down to making time for sleep, including a gentle wind-down in the evening and avoiding things that keep you awake, and to accepting your body’s natural rhythm.

Try as you might, you can’t force sleep, and trying just exacerbates the problem.

While things like full spectrum CBD can help you get to sleep, if it doesn’t work, letting anxiety or stress build up because you’re not asleep yet will only worsen the insomnia. Make time for it, stay consistent, and sleep will come when it comes.

The post CBD Alone Won’t Fix Your Sleep. Here’s How to Improve Your Sleep Hygiene appeared first on CBD Oracle.

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We Asked Stoners to Tell Us About the Munchies: Here’s What We Learned

“The munchies” are one of the most well-known (and widely joked about) effects of cannabis, with users craving salty, sweet, or carb-heavy foods in the midst of a high. But beyond the predictable jokes in stoner comedies and the snack collections you dutifully gather when your buddies come around for a session, how much do we really know about the munchies? 

Who gets them the most? What kinds of food do people actually reach for? How much do they spend? And are there patterns in how users try to manage — or embrace — their cravings?

To dig deeper into this classic phenomenon, CBD Oracle surveyed 1,000 cannabis users across the U.S., uncovering everything from the timing of cravings to the most popular snacks — and the truly bizarre food combinations people swear by while high.

What we found paints a very different picture than the typical “stoner and fast food” stereotype, revealing a culture of cannabis consumers who are often trying to be more mindful about what they eat when they get high (but not always being successful).

Key Insights

• Stoners are more health-conscious than you think: Almost two-thirds of respondents (63%) said they always or sometimes try to choose healthy munchies, and around a quarter (24%) crave fresh fruit, salads, and smoothies over salty or sweet snacks.
• The munchies cost consumers $10 per session: The average consumer spends about $10 per session on munchie food, and around 14% of people spend over $20 a time.
• Post-munchie guilt is real: Over four in ten users (43.4%) feel guilty after getting the munchies, and over half (53.2%) say it makes it harder to meet their weight and nutrition goals. 
• Daily users get the munchies more often: 75% of daily cannabis users say they always or often get the munchies when they consume, compared to just 31% of people who use less than once a month. The more you smoke, the more you munch.
• People love eating weird foods while high: Sweet-savory boundaries are obliterated as high people combine pickles with frosting, ice cream, and peanut butter, and dip French fries into ice cream.

Munchies Are the Norm, Not the Exception

If you feel like you can’t get high without a bag of chips by your side, you’re not alone — it happens to almost everyone!

According to CBD Oracle’s survey, based on 1,000 U.S. cannabis users: 

• Six out of seven tokers get the munchies at least occasionally (86.3%, based on the survey)
• One in five get them every time they consume (20.6%)
• An additional one in three (35.5%) get them “often.”
• Just one in seven “rarely” or “never” get them (13.7%)

Key Takeaway: Over half of cannabis users get the munchies frequently, and six out of seven get them at least sometimes. 

This means that even if you don’t get the munchies, you’ll probably be consuming with someone who does, so make sure you stock up. 

Digging deeper into the data revealed a minor gender imbalance — women are slightly less “munchy” when they get high:

• 88.5% of men get the munchies at least occasionally
• Compared to 84.2% of women.
• Notably, women were more likely to say they “never” get the munchies (5.8% vs. 2.3%)

The Munchies Hit Hardest at Night

The munchies mostly come at night… mostly. So get your snacks ready by sundown.

According to CBD Oracle’s survey, around 3 in 4 cannabis users say the munchies hit between 5 pm and 2 am, with most people’s cravings peaking after 9 pm. 

The full breakdown makes the pattern crystal clear: 

• Just over two out of five cannabis users (41.5%) hit “peak munchie” in the late night (between 9 pm and 2 am)
• A third (33%) are evening snackers (5 pm to 9 pm)
• One in nine (11.2%) munch in the afternoon (12 pm to 5 pm)
• Just 3.2% hit the chips hardest overnight (2 am to 6 am)
• And one in a hundred (1%) wake, bake, and munch in the morning (6 am to 12 pm).
• The remaining 10.1% say that their munchies vary too much to put a time on it.

Takeaway: The “midnight munchies” is a real phenomenon, but evening snackers are almost just as common — it depends on when you start smoking. 

Netflix and Snack? Most Munchies Happen While Alone, Zoned Out and Streaming

Cannabis users hit the snacks hardest when most people do: when they’re alone, chilling on the couch and streaming.

According to the survey, nine in ten cannabis users say they’re likely to snack when alone and the same number said they get the munchies when there’s a movie or show on. 

The survey found that streaming beats boredom for inspiring the munchies: 

• 90.3% said they’re “somewhat” or “very likely” to get the munchies while streaming shows or movies, making this the biggest trigger for snacking.
• Over half (57.8%) said they’re “very likely” to snack while streaming, with less than half (43.5%) saying the same when they’re bored. 

It also showed that people snack more alone than with friends: 

• 89.9% are “somewhat” or “very likely” to snack when flying solo. 
• Over half (53%) are “very likely” to dig into the chips alone, compared to a third (33.9%) when they’re hanging out with friends. 

TL;DR: Cannabis users snack the most when there’s something on TV and when there’s nobody there to split the snacks with (or be judged by). 

Americans Spend About $10 Per Munchie Session

Cannabis users spend about enough for a couple of party-sized bags of chips in an average munchie session, but some spend over $40 per time. 

According to CBD Oracle’s survey: 

• A third of cannabis users (33.6%) spend between $11 and $20 on munchies per session. 
• Slightly fewer (29.3%) limit their spending to $6 to $10. 
• One in ten (10.3%) push it further, spending between $20 and $40 per session. 

At the extremes: 

• 3.5% typically spend over $40 per session. 
• Almost a quarter (23.3%) keep it cheap, spending $5 or less on the munchies. 

Key Insight: The figures peak at around $10 per session, putting the average munchie bill at about $70 a week for someone who uses cannabis every day. 

Smoked Flower Triggers the Strongest Munchies 

Smoking a joint beats out eating a gummy or hitting a vape for producing the munchies, according to the survey. 

The results show: 

• Over a third (38.4%) of users said that smoked cannabis flower gives them the strongest munchies. 
• 28.1% said edibles make the munchies hit the hardest, the second most popular answer. 
• Almost a quarter (23.6%) said that it didn’t make a difference how they consume. 
• Just 8.6% said they get the munchies the most after taking delta-8 THC or other alternative THCs. 

When you break down the results to focus on the people who always get the munchies, the differences get more pronounced: 

• Over half (52.7%) point to smoked flower as the biggest driver of munchies. 
• Four in ten (39.7%) get stronger munchies from edibles. 
• Over a quarter (27%) say vapes give stronger munchies. 
• The number saying delta-8 THC (and other alt THCs) gives the strongest munchies doubles (up to 17.5%).
• Fewer respondents (17%) say there’s no difference by product type. 

Bottom line: Smoked cannabis flower has the strongest association with munchies, and the link is even stronger in people prone to the munchies. 

Half of Cannabis Users Plan Their Highs Around Food 

Stoners know they’re going to get the munchies when they indulge, and about half of them plan their consumption around it. 

The survey showed that: 

• 47.1% said they “regularly” or “occasionally” plan their cannabis use around food, either pairing weed with meals or pre-prepping snacks. 
• Only 27.8% said they “never” plan their use around food. 

The cannabis users who occasionally or regularly plan their meals differ from others in some important ways: 

• 44.2% use cannabis daily (vs. 23.5% of less frequent planners).
• Over three quarters (76.6%) often or always get the munchies (vs. 38%)
• 72.4% say they try to choose healthier snacks (vs. 54.5%)

Takeaway: Food forms a core part of the “ritual” of cannabis for about half of users, who are twice as likely to get the munchies when they smoke.

Salty Beats Sweet When the Munchies Hit

Cannabis users tend to choose salty over sweet when the munchies set in — but that doesn’t mean they’d turn down some chocolate! 

According to CBD Oracle’s survey: 

• Two-thirds (66.2%) crave salty foods like chips, fries or popcorn.
• 56.6% get a sweet tooth when they toke; opting for candy, chocolate or baked goods.
• Just under half (48.1%) hit savory foods like pizzas, burgers and tacos.
• 46.5% focus on texture, choosing crunchy foods like pretzels, chips and cereal. 
• Slightly fewer (46%) choose the convenience of fast food. 
• Almost a third (31.7%) prefer something cold and creamy (e.g. ice cream or milkshake).
• Just over a quarter (25.2%) want something home-cooked. 
• Another quarter (25.1%) choose fresh food (fruits, salads and smoothies).

While most of these patterns held across the whole U.S., there were a few differences it’s worth noting: 

• In the Northeast, crunchy and fast foods are more popular than savory, and people prefer fruits, salads, and fresh foods to home-cooked meals while they’re high.
• In the Midwest, fast food is more popular than crunchy food, and again people prefer fresh food to home-cooking. 
• Crunchy also ranks behind fast food for stoners in the South. 

And finally, one extremely relatable person in the “Other” section wrote in “All food,” which speaks to all of us at one point or another.

Takeaway: Cannabis users are more likely to dip into a bag of chips than gorge on cookies and chocolate, but, when it comes down to it, would probably accept both.

Around a Quarter of Stoners Crave Fruit, Salads, and Smoothies

A surprising number of cannabis users out there leave the chips on the shelves and opt for a smoothie or a salad when the munchies hit. 

According to the survey, about a quarter (24.1%) of cannabis users choose fresh fruit, salads and smoothies as their go-to munchie snacks. 

While still a minority, the fact that about one in four people, high out of their minds, would choose a banana over a brownie or burger flies in the face of the junk-food-loving “stoner” stereotype. 

Since the survey let people choose multiple food types, it’s likely that many of these people would also crave salty, sweet and other more “typical” stoner fare, but healthy food is still on the menu more than you might think. 

Takeaway: Some stoners are more health conscious than you think, and some munchie missions end at the salad bar rather than McDonalds. 

The Weirdest Things People Eat While High (Pickles… So Many Pickles)

After reviewing 1,000 open-text responses on what people eat while high, one thing is abundantly clear:

People will eat anything when they’re high — but especially pickles.

Pickles were by far the most frequently mentioned weird food, and they showed up in some truly unhinged pairings:

Popular Pickle Combos:

• Pickles with cream cheese, peanut butter, or ice cream
• Fried pickles, chocolate-covered pickles, and pickle cereal
• A whole jar of pickles, eaten solo — mentioned by at least five people
• Other appearances: frosting, cheese, yogurt, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, pizza, and pickle juice cocktails (yes, plural)

Two respondents even made pickle sandwiches on brown bread, and one chased it with a mix of orange juice and pickle juice — like a twisted wine pairing.

Ice Cream Crimes:

Pickles may lead the weird food parade, but ice cream wasn’t far behind — showing up with:

• Tomatoes, peanut butter, cheese, and BBQ sauce
• Sardines, eggs, and even fried chicken
• And yes, at least three people dipped french fries into it (still weird, but maybe genius?)

Munchie Madness, Unfiltered:

Beyond the usual suspects, here are some of the most unforgettable combos:

• A Big Mac dipped in Baja Blast
• Popcorn with mayo
• Tuna salad and strawberry jam sandwich
• Raw pasta, oatmeal, and potatoes (thankfully not together)
• Spaghetti with chocolate sauce and candy

And then there’s this gem, shared without shame:

I once ate a candy bar (Reggie bar) that was over 30 years old when I was high, and my friend’s dad was pissed when he found out as it was a collectible and Reggie Jackson was his favorite player.

The takeaway: When you’re high enough, everything starts to look edible — especially pickles.

Most Cannabis Users Try to Snack Healthier — Even If They Don’t Always Succeed

Despite the stereotypes in movies like Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle, most people try to choose healthier snacks over the drive-thru when they’re high. 

The survey revealed that: 

• Almost two-thirds (63%) of respondents said they “always” or “sometimes” try to choose healthier snacks when they get the munchies. 
• Although more said “sometimes” (51.7%), people have a clear intent to eat healthier munchies. 

At the other end of the spectrum: 

• Just 13.7% said they “never” try to choose healthier options. 
• Almost one in four (23.3%) only “rarely” opt for healthier snacks. 

Takeaway: Stoner comedies miss the mark when it comes to accuracy — most cannabis users are trying to make their munchies healthier. 

But Over Half Say They Buy More Junk Food or Takeout Because of Cannabis

Despite their good intentions, people still buy more junk food when they’re high. 

According to CBD Oracle’s survey: 

• Almost a quarter (24.6%) say they buy more junk and snack foods because of cannabis.
• Three in ten (30.5%) make more shopping trips and food delivery orders. 
• So overall, more than half (55.1%) say cannabis increases their food spending. 

However, around four in ten (39.5%) say that cannabis has no effect on their purchasing. These people differ from the others in two crucial ways: 

• Only 35.6% of them “always” or “often” get the munchies (compared to 72.7% of those who buy more). 
• Just 30% of them use cannabis daily (vs. 36.8% of those who buy more)

Takeaway: People prone to the munchies are more likely to make late-night food orders, but about a third of users are less likely to feel the cravings and find it easier to control their spending.

Over Half Say the Munchies Make It Harder to Stick to Nutrition Goals

Getting the munchies often eats away at the progress people make with their weight and nutrition, according to the survey. 

When you put aside the people who said they were “not sure” and those who don’t have weight or nutrition goals, the survey showed:

• Over half (53.2%) said that getting the munchies makes their nutrition goals harder to meet. 
• More than one in three (34.6%) said that it was a minor obstacle, while 18.6% said it made it “much harder.”
• 46.8% said it didn’t affect their weight or nutrition goals. 

What it means: Even though most cannabis users try to eat healthier, most people struggle to maintain their weight and nutrition goals when the munchies hit. 

Four in Ten Cannabis Users Feel Guilty About Their Food Choices After Getting High

After a munchie-induced binge on pizza, cookies and (apparently) pickles, more than four out of ten (43.4%) of cannabis users feel guilty about their food choices, at least sometimes. 

According to the survey: 

• 8.4% feel guilty every time they get the munchies.
• Around a third (35%) sometimes feel guilty. 
• 24.3% rarely feel guilty.
• Almost a third (32.2%) never feel guilty. 

The people who rarely or never feel guilty have some key differences that reduce their level of guilt: 

• They’re over five times more likely to never get the munchies at all.
• They’re almost three times less likely to say getting the munchies affects their weight goals.
• They’re over eight times more likely to have no weight or nutrition goals at all. 

Takeaway: Guilt comes from both behavior and expectations: some users avoid it by having no nutritional expectations and some avoid it because they just don’t get the munchies that often.

The More You Smoke; The More You Munch

There’s a clear relationship between how often people use cannabis and how often they get the munchies:

Based on this, it seems as though more frequent exposure to THC increases the munchie response. This is likely because when people use cannabis regularly, their blood has elevated THC even after a period of abstinence (even in non-daily users), and blood THC is correlated with the level of ghrelin, the “hunger hormone.”

Takeaway: The more often you consume, the more likely you are to feel the munchie effect — both physiologically and behaviorally.

Daily Users Face More Consequences — and Try Harder to Manage Them

Daily cannabis users get the munchies the most, but they also do more to try to stay in control of their cravings. 

Compared to occasional users (a few times a month or less), daily users are:

• Over twice as likely to plan their high around food (62.7% vs. 28.1%).
• Slightly more likely to spend over $10 per session (48.7% vs. 39.9%).
• Over a third more likely to try to choose healthy munchies (70.6% vs. 52.2%).
• More likely to buy more food because of the munchies (60.8% vs. 42.5%).

These statistics are closely linked to the previous section, daily users get more cravings, and the survey shows that people who always get the munchies are: 

• More than twice as likely to feel guilty after (56.1% vs. 25.1%).
• More likely to try to eat healthier munchie food (64.9% vs. 57.9%).

What it means: Daily cannabis users get the munchies more and snack more, but crucially, they think more about how to manage it. For them, munchies aren’t just an occasional craving, they’re a habit they have to plan for and work around. 

Conclusion: The Munchies Are Part of Cannabis, So Learn to Manage Them

The munchies aren’t going anywhere. If you use cannabis regularly, cravings are part of the experience — but they don’t have to derail your health goals.

The takeaway from this survey is clear: most users want to snack better, and daily users are already trying to build better habits around their munchies.

Take a leaf out of the book of the daily smokers: enjoy your munchies but plan your food ahead of time and try to choose sensible and healthy snacks over junk food and takeout, at least some of the time. 

You don’t have to cut the foods you love. But if you’re getting high a lot, you should make sure it doesn’t take its toll on your health in the long term.

The post We Asked Stoners to Tell Us About the Munchies: Here’s What We Learned appeared first on CBD Oracle.

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California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) joked in another Trump-style social media post that he will be legalizing marijuana nationwide under the new role of “leader of the free world” he’s proclaiming in light of the federal government shutdown—saying that people will be “high on patriotism.”

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed a bill to integrate intoxicating hemp products into the state’s existing marijuana market—saying that “for too long, nefarious hemp manufacturers have been exploiting loopholes to make their intoxicating products easily available to our most vulnerable communities.”

The Florida Second District Court of Appeal ruled that police cannot search a person’s vehicle based only on the smell of cannabis—determining that the legalization of medical marijuana and hemp have “fundamentally changed” the plant’s “definition and regulation.”

An Oregon marijuana business filed a federal lawsuit seeking to overturn the state’s ban on cannabis exports and imports to and from other states—arguing that prohibiting interstate commerce violates the U.S. Constitution’s Dormant Commerce Clause.

The New York Assembly Health Committee held a hearing on psilocybin—taking testimony about the therapeutic potential of the psychedelic from medical professionals, researchers, patients and advocates.

A new survey shows that 86 percent of patients say medical cannabis improved their chronic pain moderately or significantly—and that using marijuana helped to completely eliminate the use of prescription drugs for one in three patients.

Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall (R) is threatening to walk away from budget negotiations and effectively shut down the state government if the Senate doesn’t agree to a marijuana tax increase.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation launched raids against retailers engaging in “brazen” sales of cannabis and THC products in six cities across the state.

/ FEDERAL

The White House sent Congress a notification that President Donald Trump has determined that drug cartels are “nonstate armed groups” whose actions “constitute an armed attack against the United States,” and the country is thus engaged in a formal “armed conflict” with them.

The Drug Enforcement Administration is placing the cannabinoid type 1 receptor agonist MDMB-4en-PINACA in Schedule I, saying its pharmacological action is “similar to other schedule I cannabinoids, such as Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), which all have high abuse potential.”

/ STATES

A Kansas Court of Appeals panel will hear a case about whether the smell of cannabis provides reasonable suspicion for police searches on October 14.

A Minnesota regulatory spokesperson addressed concerns about medical cannabis businesses’ heads start on recreational marijuana sales.

New Jersey regulators acted on marijuana business licensing and violation issues.

Oregon regulators are accepting applications to serve on a psilocybin services rules advisory committee.

The New Hampshire Therapeutic Cannabis Medical Oversight Board will meet on Wednesday.

—
Marijuana Moment is tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments.

Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.
—

/ LOCAL

The Killeen, Texas City Council is considering authorizing more funding to defend the city’s voter-approved marijuana decriminalization law from lawsuit filed by Bell County.

The La Crosse County, Wisconsin Board chair discussed a proposal to reduce the fine for marijuana possession to $1.

/ INTERNATIONAL

Moroccan officials signed medical cannabis agreements with specialized medical associations.

/ SCIENCE & HEALTH

A study found that “low-frequency cannabis use among older adults, including those along the dementia continuum, is generally well tolerated from a cognitive perspective.”

A review concluded that “cannabinoids produced a modest but statistically significant reduction in pruritus, suggesting clinical relevance for symptom management.”

/ ADVOCACY, OPINION & ANALYSIS

A Citizens for a Safe and Healthy Texas official authored an op-ed arguing that “if Republicans want to honor Charlie Kirk, they will stand up for a generation of young Americans being preyed on by the marijuana industry.”

/ BUSINESS

Curaleaf Holdings, Inc.’s executive vice chairman established an automatic securities disposition plan.

Herbarium owners are being sued for allegedly wrongfully terminating an employee who complained about unpaid overtime, stolen tips and other issues.

Vertanical announced positive results from Phase 3 clinical studies of its standardized full-spectrum cannabis extract.

Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. closed its initial investment into IQHQ, Inc.

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The post Newsom talks national cannabis legalization in Trump-mocking post (Newsletter: October 3, 2025) appeared first on Marijuana Moment.

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Michigan Lawmakers Approve Marijuana Tax Increase Projected To Raise $420 Million In Annual Revenue

“There was a willingness to consider multiple ways to get enough revenue… This just happened to be the one that could get the votes.”

By Ben Solis, Michigan Advance

After much hand wringing and consternation from lawmakers who feared detrimental effects to Michigan’s cannabis industry, the Michigan Senate voted early Friday morning by a thin margin to pass a 24 percent wholesale tax on marijuana products sold in the state.

The measure is estimated to raise $420 million in new revenue to fund road repairs and construction in the new fiscal year, a key component of the budget deal reached by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D), House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) and Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids).

If the vote had failed, the entire deal would more than likely fall apart, sending the respective chambers and the governor’s office back to the negotiating table. Such a development would have also sent the state into a full government shutdown. House leadership said Thursday that it would not entertain another continuation budget after the one passed Wednesday expired after October 8.

Although many members of the cannabis industry rallied at the Capitol and lobbied lawmakers against passing the legislation, the implications of the entire deal falling through weighed heavily on the Legislature’s mind.

The House and Senate on late Thursday and early Friday morning passed their respective conference budgets to fund the whole of government, K-12 schools and higher education, but all of that hinged on passage of the marijuana tax.

The bill passed by a slim 19-17 vote, which had nearly as much bipartisan dissent as it did support.

Brinks and the following senators voted in favor of the bill: Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), Rosemary Bayer (D-West Bloomfield), Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton), Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Township), Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), John Cherry (D-Flint), Kevin Daley (R-Lum), Erika Geiss (D-Taylor), Veronica Klinefelt (D-Eastpointe), Dan Lauwers (R-Brockway), Ed McBroom (R-Vulcan), Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo), Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak), Jeremy Moss (D-Bloomfield Township), Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia), Sam Singh (D-East Lansing), Roger Victory (R-Georgetown Township) and Paul Wojno (D-Warren).

Sen. Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) voted no against the bill. He was one of the legislation’s strongest opponents.

Irwin was joined by Sens. Thomas Albert (R-Lowell), Joseph Bellino (R-Monroe), Jon Bumstead (R-North Muskegon), John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs), Roger Hauck (R-Mount Pleasant), Kevin Hertel (D-Saint Clair Shores), Michele Hoitenga (R-Manton), Mark Huizenga (R-Walker), Ruth Johnson (R-Groveland Township), Jonathan Lindsey (R-Coldwater), Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt (R-Porter Township), Jim Runestad (R-White Lake), Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit), Sue Shink (D-Northfield Township), Lana Theis (R-Brighton) and Michael Webber (R-Rochester Hills).

A large portion of the day was spent debating the measure in caucus meetings and whipping votes to ensure the tax did not go up in smoke.

Brinks and Hall were repeatedly seen in the Capitol meeting on the chamber floors and entering offices to discuss the status behind closed doors. Whitmer also called groups of lawmakers into her Capitol office at multiple points throughout the afternoon and evening on Thursday.

One of those lawmakers was Chang, who on Tuesday put forward an amendment to the marijuana tax that would have brought the rate down to 20 percent, with the caveat of a tie-bar to the senator’s proposed nicotine products and e-cigarettes tax. Chang surmised that the amendment would not be taken up in an interview with Michigan Advance.

When she left Whitmer’s office on Thursday evening, she was asked if she and the governor had discussed her proposal. Chang said that they had.

As to whether the proposal was likely a new vehicle for what appeared to be a flailing 24 percent rate, Chang would not comment on how the Senate planned to vote. She also said then that she was undecided on the 24 percent tax.

The conversation in the House veered wildly as the day and night wore on. At first, Hall was confident that the measure, which originated in the House, would pass because Brinks proposed it when they began negotiations for new revenue. The House speaker also cautioned that not following through on passage would scuttle their loose deal with Whitmer on revenue for roads.

That would have also meant a new phase in the budget crisis—a real government shutdown, given Hall’s unwillingness to pass another continuation budget.

With several senators expressing opposition to the tax, it became possible that the deal could careen off a cliff of Brinks’s own making, and key members of the House started shifting their tone from hopeful anticipation to stark warnings about the deal falling apart.

In the end, the Senate whipped up just enough bipartisan votes to get the tax across the finish line.

For Irwin’s part, he issued a floor speech echoing some of his comments made earlier when the tax was proposed.

Lindsey also said he would vote no in a floor speech. He indicated that it bothered him that some members of the upper chamber were gleefully willing to vote yes, specifically due to the potential impacts: a shrinking of the industry because of a higher tax burden and potential closures of dispensaries across Michigan.

McBroom was one of those yes votes on the GOP side. In his own floor speech, he said that the industry failed to meet its promise to fill state coffers with new tax revenue to a significant degree, and that maybe a right-sizing of the industry was in order. McBroom said he wished the tax rate was even higher than what was proposed.

To some of the industry leaders who vehemently opposed the tax, McBroom said the law that legalized marijuana and set up a regulatory and tax scheme always referenced avenues for collecting other taxes related to marijuana sales.

Brinks had a fight on her hands to get the necessary votes, but she was victorious at 4 a.m. on Wednesday morning when she spoke to members of the Capitol press corps.

“It was tough to fit it in with the rest of the demands of the budget and still be responsible, but we managed to do it,” Brinks said. “I think there was a willingness to consider multiple ways to get enough revenue… This just happened to be the one that could get the votes. I do know that politics is really the art of what’s possible, and in this case, that’s the road it led us down, no pun intended.”

This story was first published by Michigan Advance.

The post Michigan Lawmakers Approve Marijuana Tax Increase Projected To Raise $420 Million In Annual Revenue appeared first on Marijuana Moment.

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Best CBD Oils for Sleep in 2025

​​CBD Oracle analyzed 91 CBD oils marketed for sleep—and after third-party lab testing, expert input, and hands-on consumer testing, only four made our final list:

• Best Overall: Cornbread Hemp Whole Flower CBD Oil
• Most Potent: R&R Multifunctional CBD Tincture
• Best Herbal Blend: Aspen Green Rest CBD Oil
• Best THC-Free: Medterra Broad Spectrum CBD Oil

These top picks stood out for their quality, safety, and ability to actually help with sleep. Below, you’ll find more about the CBD oils we recommend, plus how we tested and what to look for if you’re shopping on your own.

Best Overall

Cornbread Hemp Whole Flower USDA Organic CBD Oil

4.5 CBD Oracle Rating ⓘ

• CBD type: Full-spectrum
• Potency: 50mg CBD, 2mg THC per serving
• CBD:THC ratio: 25:1
• Terpenes: Beta-caryophyllene, humulene, linalool
• Price: $74.99 ($0.05/mg)

Shop Now

4.5 CBD Oracle Rating ⓘ

Why We Recommend It

Made from organic, U.S.-grown hemp flowers, this oil is rich in cannabinoids and naturally flavorful thanks to its terpene content.

Cornbread sources its hemp from Kentucky’s Bluegrass Basin—an area with 250 years of hemp farming history and similar latitude to the Hindu Kush Mountains.

Founders Eric and Jim are Kentucky natives who use only the cannabinoid-rich flowers, not stems or leaves.

Cornbread’s Whole Flower oil is a great pick for sleep thanks to its full-spectrum formula with up to 2 mg THC per serving, calming terpenes like linalool and beta-caryophyllene, and an effective dose of CBD.

It’s also USDA Organic certified and produced in a GMP-certified, allergen-free facility—free of the top eight allergens.

See the complete breakdown of how we scored this product.

Expert Review

Eloise Theisen, ​​MSN, NP—a board-certified adult geriatric nurse practitioner with over 20 years of experience and a cannabis therapy specialist who’s treated more than 7,500 patients—ranked this her second-favorite oil in our testing:

“Personally, I slept the best with this tincture. The only reason I didn’t rate it as my absolute favorite was the taste. Since there are no additives in this tincture, it’s just straight hemp, which gives it a strong earthy smell and taste that can be a bit hard to swallow (pun intended!). With this tincture, I noticed that I didn’t wake up as much during the night, and I didn’t feel groggy in the morning, even when I took a full 1ml dose. It gave me a nice drowsy effect with onset that I found quite pleasant. The COA showed a 25:1 CBD to THC ratio and a good terpene profile, with humulene, beta-caryophyllene, and linalool as the top three. I suspect that this one worked best for sleep and anxiety because of the terpene profile which has been shown to also aid in anxiety.”

CBD Oracle Lab Test

CBD Oracle’s independent lab test confirmed Cornbread’s COA is largely accurate:

• The Good: CBD, CBDV, CBN, and delta-9 THC were close to advertised values. The product lives up to its full-spectrum claims.
• The Bad: CBC was over 60% lower, and CBG over 60% higher than the company’s COA—but both made up just ~0.1% of the oil. Since Cornbread Hemp doesn’t advertise specific levels of these minor cannabinoids, there’s no major issue here.

Cornbread Hemp’s COA, issued by accredited Cannabusiness Laboratories, is legitimate and verified. No red flags.

View the COA from CBD Oracle’s independent lab test here.

Pros and Cons

• Best for getting to sleep and staying asleep
• USDA organic hemp (and allergy-friendly)
• True full spectrum – has enough THC to help sleep
• Contains calming terpenes like linalool
• Lab-tested for potency and contaminants, with transparent results
• Sourced from Kentucky's Bluegrass Basin
• Made only from hemp flower — no stems, stalk, leaves, and seeds

• A little expensive per mg ($0.05/mg)
• No flavored options
• Strong earthy taste
• Not ideal for daytime use due to THC content

Most Potent

R&R Multifunctional CBD Tincture

4.6 CBD Oracle Rating ⓘ

• CBD type: Full-spectrum
• Potency: 166mg CBD, 1.5mg THC per serving
• CBD:THC ratio: 111:1
• Terpenes: Menthol, bisabolol, guaiol
• Price: $130 ($0.02/mg)

Shop Now

4.6 CBD Oracle Rating ⓘ

Why We Recommend It

Founded by a veteran who personally found relief through CBD, R&R is known for its commitment to quality.

Their Multifunctional Tinctures live up to the name—made with organically grown hemp and extracted using supercritical CO₂ for a clean, potent result rich in cannabinoids and terpenes.

Each ml delivers 167 mg of CBD, 1.5 mg of delta-9 THC, and a range of other cannabinoids (CBC, CBL, CBDV, CBN, CBG, CBDa, and CBT).

Key terpenes like d-limonene, beta-caryophyllene, alpha-bisabolol, and alpha-humulene enhance the sleep and stress-relief effects. Plus, it’s available in both Fresh Mint and natural terpene flavors.

See the complete breakdown of how we scored this product.

Expert Review

Eloise Theisen, MSN, NP—who has guided over 7,500 patients in cannabis care—ranked R&R as her top overall pick:

“I found that I fell asleep more quickly, experienced deeper sleep, and was able to fall back asleep more easily if I woke up in the middle of the night. I still woke up during the night, but didn’t need to lay awake for hours hoping to fall back asleep. I started with a 0.5ml dose, which helped me sleep well. Then I increased it to a full 1ml dose. While I still slept quite well, I did feel a bit slower and groggier the next morning at the 1ml dose. There did not seem to be much benefit at the higher dose; only side effects. The flavor was pretty neutral. It had a mild minty taste and a mild hemp smell. I prefer this for my tinctures as hemp can have a strong taste and odor which can make it hard to keep in the mouth for 15-30 seconds. The certificate of analysis (COA) showed a 49:1 CBD to THC ratio with a good amount of terpenes, the top three being menthol, bisabolol, and guaiol. Overall, this combination worked well for me and provided me with some solid sleep.”

Eloise noted a minor drawback with the dropper:

“One minor annoyance was that I found it difficult to get a full 1ml amount into the dropper when I squeezed it. Most of the time, I ended up with somewhere between 0.75ml and 1ml.”

Eloise also tested the R&R broad-spectrum (THC-free) oil, ranking it as one of the best options for people who need help with sleep but want to avoid THC:

“I tried the 1ml dose of this tincture for several nights, but I didn’t notice much of a difference in my sleep quality. It did help me fall asleep a little quicker, but I still woke up during the night and had trouble falling back asleep. I suspect that the lack of THC in this tincture is why I did not sleep as well as I did with the full spectrum tinctures.”

CBD Oracle Lab Test

CBD Oracle’s independent lab results mostly matched the SC Labs COA provided by R&R, with one technical disagreement.

• The Good: CBD was within 10% of label claims on both COAs, and other cannabinoids like CBC, CBG, CBN, and CBDa were consistent across tests—well within acceptable margins.
• The Bad: The lab we used (InfiniteCAL) reported ~0.07% delta-9 THC, while SC Labs reported 0.14%. The discrepancy stems from a testing challenge: HU-331 (a CBD oxidation byproduct) can “co-elute” with THC, making it difficult to separate the signals. InfiniteCAL disputed SC Labs’ higher number, but acknowledged overlap.

R&R shared their input extract COAs, which support SC Labs’ numbers. After discussion, both labs agreed the peak likely reflects a mix of THC and HU-331. Importantly, HU-331 is not a safety concern—it may even offer therapeutic value—and the total quantity involved is very small.

View the COA from CBD Oracle’s independent lab test here.

Pros and Cons

• Ranked second-best for getting to sleep and staying asleep by our tester, and top overall
• A THC-free version is also available
• Excellent price per mg (2.6 cents/mg CBD)
• Potent oil – 167 mg CBD per ml
• Two sleep-boosting terpenes

• Some uncertainty regarding THC content
• Morning grogginess with 1 ml dose
• Mild flavor – some mint, some hemp taste
• Not flower-only derived

Best Herbal Blend

Aspen Green Rest Organic Full Spectrum CBD Oil

4.5 CBD Oracle Rating ⓘ

• CBD type: Full-spectrum
• Potency: 133mg CBD, 2.5mg THC per serving
• CBD:THC ratio: 53:1
• Terpenes: Beta-caryophyllene, bisabolol, and humulene
• Herbal blend: Skullcap, lemon balm, chamomile, valerian root, rosemary
• Price: $149.99 ($0.03/mg)

Shop Now

4.5 CBD Oracle Rating ⓘ

Why We Recommend It

Aspen Green’s Rest formula is made with USDA Organic hemp grown in Colorado—one of the best regions for hemp cultivation.

The company works with Dr. Adam Perlman, former Director of Integrative Health and Wellbeing at the Mayo Clinic, to create this physician-formulated sleep tincture. Aspen Green is a family-operated business with a clear passion for what they do.

This full-spectrum oil is CO2-extracted from single-strain hemp flower, rich in cannabinoids like CBD, delta-9 THC, CBC, CBN, CBDV, and CBG.

It also includes sleep-friendly terpenes such as alpha-bisabolol, alpha-humulene, beta-caryophyllene, and d-limonene.

The synergy between CBD, THC, CBN, and d-limonene makes this a powerful choice for improving sleep quality.

See the complete breakdown of how we scored this product.

Expert Review

Eloise Theisen, MSN, NP—a cannabis therapy expert who’s treated over 7,500 patients—ranked this her third favorite:

“I experimented with several different doses of this tincture, trying to find the sweet spot where I could get a good night’s sleep without feeling groggy the next day. At 0.25ml, I didn’t notice any difference in my sleep quality, and I didn’t experience any negative effects either. The 0.5ml dose helped me fall asleep a bit faster, and I did sleep a little better, but it didn’t prevent me from waking up in the middle of the night, and it didn’t help me fall back asleep when I did. For me, the 1ml dose was too strong. I slept great, but I felt really groggy and dull the next morning.”

Eloise also noted a few practical details:

“I also found the dropper a bit difficult to use; it was hard to get the oil up to the 1ml mark. The taste was okay. It is hard to completely eliminate the hemp taste and I appreciate that the taste was mostly unremarkable. The bottle label mentions a berry flavor, but I didn’t really notice a strong berry taste, and the hemp smell or flavor wasn’t very strong either.”

Finally, she made a comment about the product’s terpene profile:

“The COA showed a 53:1 CBD to THC ratio with terpenes high in beta-caryophyllene, bisabolol, and humulene. The terpene profile is good for sleep and anxiety and I think for some people, this tincture could be great for sleep. It was a bit like Goldilocks for me, I could not get the dose just right.”

CBD Oracle Lab Test

CBD Oracle’s third-party lab results closely matched the COA provided by Aspen Green:

• The Good: CBD, THC, CBC, CBN, CBG, and CBDa levels were all consistent between both COAs. CBD and delta-9 THC were within 5% of the advertised amounts.
• The Bad: CBDV was 30% higher in our test (1.2 mg/g vs. 0.9 mg/g), but this only translates to a 0.3 mg difference—insignificant in the real-world dosage.

Aspen Green’s COA was issued by an accredited lab (SC Labs), independently verified by QR code, and is easy to access online. No concerns here.

View the COA from CBD Oracle’s independent lab test here.

Pros and Cons

• High potency – 133 mg/ml or 4,000 mg per bottle
• Half a dropper (0.5 ml) helped with falling asleep without morning grogginess
• Full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes
• Two sleep-boosting terpenes – d-limonene and beta-caryophyllene

• Contains skullcap, valerian root extract and chamomile extract – these could help but health professionals recommend sticking to one thing at a time
• Some morning grogginess with 1 ml dose
• Good price per mg ($0.03/mg CBD) but the whole bottle is expensive
• The berry flavor doesn’t come through strongly (but does mask the hemp)

Best THC-Free

Medterra Enhanced Relief Broad Spectrum CBD Oil

4.3 CBD Oracle Rating ⓘ

• CBD type: Broad-spectrum (THC-free)
• Potency: 33mg CBD, 0mg THC per serving
• Terpenes: Limonene, pinene, terpinene, myrcene
• Price: $64.99 ($0.06/mg)

Shop Now

4.3 CBD Oracle Rating ⓘ

Why We Recommend It

If you’re looking for a sleep-supporting CBD oil without THC, Medterra’s Enhanced Relief tincture is one of the best THC-free options on the market.

Each serving delivers 33 mg of CBD along with minor cannabinoids like CBC, CBDV, CBG, and CBN, plus sleep-friendly terpenes such as limonene, beta-myrcene, and terpinolene.

It’s about as close as you can get to a full-spectrum sleep effect—without the THC.

The hemp is U.S.-grown and certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority. While not USDA Organic, the oil is made from organic, non-GMO, vegan ingredients and produced in an FDA-registered, GMP-certified facility. Medterra oversees the full process from seed to sale.

See the complete breakdown of how we scored this product.

Expert Review

Eloise Theisen, MSN, NP—our experienced cannabis nurse practitioner—ranked this oil the lowest among those she tested, citing some benefits but drawbacks in flavor:

“I found that this tincture also helped me fall asleep relatively quickly, but it didn’t help me stay asleep as well as the full spectrum CBD tinctures. Again, it is likely that the THC plays a significant role in staying asleep. Personally, I found the citrus taste unpleasant, and it didn’t do a great job of masking the hemp taste or smell. The residual aftertaste was hard to get rid of and I felt like I had swallowed a cleaning product. Definitely not a good taste to me.”

After reviewing the lab results for this product, she noted:

“The COA showed high terpene levels for limonene, pinene, terpinene, and myrcene. The terpene profile is good for sleep and anxiety and may be helpful for those who cannot or do not want to consume THC.”

Eloise also shared a general observation about full vs. broad spectrum:

“Personally, I noticed that the full spectrum tinctures were far superior when it came to helping me fall asleep, stay asleep, and get back to sleep more quickly if I happened to wake up during the night. On the downside, I did experience some grogginess the next day when I used the higher doses. I suspect that the small amounts of THC in the full spectrum products improved the quality of my sleep. I also suspect that it was the higher amounts of THC that made me feel groggy the next day.”

CBD Oracle Lab Test

Since both Medterra and CBD Oracle used InfiniteCAL for lab testing, the results align closely:

• The Good: CBC, CBD, CBDV, and CBN levels were within 5% of each other across both COAs. Even CBC, with a 14% variation, only differed by 0.2 mg/g—a minor amount.
• The Bad: CBG was not detected in our test but was present at 1.5 mg/g in Medterra’s. This likely reflects natural variation between batches rather than a quality concern.

The COA from Medterra is from an accredited lab, features a scannable QR code, and confirms the product’s cannabinoid content with no red flags.

View the COA from CBD Oracle’s independent lab test here.

Pros and Cons

• Three sleep-boosting terpenes
• Helped with falling asleep during testing
• Organic, non-GMO and vegan friendly
• Lab confirmed THC-free

• Advertises 2,000 mg option, but this is just two bottles of 1,000 mg
• Most expensive per mg ($0.06/mg CBD)
• Weaker than other options (33 mg CBD/ml)
• The citrus flavor is unpleasant and doesn’t mask the hemp taste well

Other CBD Oils We Considered

We started with 91 full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD oils for this roundup, but most didn’t make the final cut.

To quickly filter out lower-quality options, we used a few key criteria:

• No lab report: Without it, we can’t confirm the product contains what it claims.
• Unaccredited lab: Only results from ISO-accredited labs are considered reliable.
• No working QR code: If the COA can’t be independently verified, it’s not trustworthy.
• Outdated COA: Reports over 12 months old likely don’t reflect the current batch.
• Missing safety tests: Potency isn’t enough—we also require contaminant testing.
• Detected contaminants: Any failure in safety testing is an automatic disqualifier.
• Not truly full/broad spectrum: We required proof of at least four cannabinoids and detectable terpenes. If terpenes weren’t tested, we couldn’t confirm the spectrum.

The most common disqualifier? Missing terpene tests. Many otherwise strong products didn’t test for terpenes, making it impossible to verify if they were genuinely full or broad spectrum. Notable brands like 3Chi and Neurogan fell into this category—likely high-quality products, but without the necessary data, they couldn’t be included.

Other brands passed our quality checks but didn’t score high enough on our evaluation framework (below 90%):

• Medterra*
• Ned
• CBD Pure
• Feals
• Vena
• Five
• Pure Kana
• Sunmed

*Medterra nearly made the gold standard with high scores on both their full-spectrum (89.8%) and broad-spectrum (86.7%) tinctures, which is why they’re included in the list.

One final standout was Carmen’s Medicinals—their full-spectrum oil scored 91.3% based on publicly available data. However, they didn’t respond to our requests for sourcing details or product samples, so we couldn’t include them in the final list.

You can view the full scoring breakdown, disqualifications, and evaluation process in our Google Sheet.

Methodology: How We Evaluated and Reviewed

We didn’t just pick these oils off a shelf. Our review process combined expert insight, market research, independent lab testing, and real-world user experience:

• Expert Insights: We interviewed leading cannabis doctors and scientists to understand what actually makes a CBD oil effective for sleep—and what to avoid. Their input shaped our product selection and evaluation criteria.
• Market Analysis: We analyzed the first 20 pages of Google results for sleep-focused CBD oils and compiled a list of 91 products. Each was scored using our expert-backed hemp product evaluation framework, which includes 55 metrics covering safety, quality, and effectiveness.
• Independent Lab Testing: We sent the top-scoring products to InfiniteCAL for third-party testing. This allowed us to verify the accuracy of brand-reported COAs and catch any discrepancies—adding an extra layer of trust and transparency.
• First-Hand User Testing: Finally, the highest-rated oils were tested by board-certified cannabis nurse Eloise Theisen, MSN, NP, for four nights each. Other members of the CBD Oracle team also tested products for at least two nights. This step ensured that products with great lab results also deliver in real-life use.

Our Tester’s Experience With CBD Oils for Sleep

Overall, I found the CBD tinctures to be helpful for my sleep and anxiety, though some definitely worked better for me than others. Even though the purpose was to try the tinctures for sleep, which has been erratic with my menopause, I noticed I was less anxious. Not only did I appreciate sleeping better, I also enjoyed feeling calmer and less anxious.

Personally, I noticed that the full spectrum tinctures [with THC] were far superior when it came to helping me fall asleep, stay asleep, and get back to sleep more quickly if I happened to wake up during the night. On the downside, I did experience some grogginess the next day when I used the higher doses. I suspect that the small amounts of THC in the full spectrum products improved the quality of my sleep. I also suspect that it was the higher amounts of THC that made me feel groggy the next day.

Over a period of four nights, I experimented with all of the tinctures at various doses to see how they affected me. Given that I’ve been struggling with sleep issues due to menopause for the past few years, I was really happy to find some improvement in my sleep, and I was honestly surprised at how well some of the tinctures worked! I can definitely see myself adding CBD to my nightly routine now.  

How We Rated the Best CBD Oil for Sleep

At the heart of our rankings is a 55-point hemp product evaluation framework, developed with input from 22 experts across cannabinoid research, medicine, law, analytical chemistry, and two government organizations. It provides a clear, objective way to evaluate how well a product meets current industry and consumer standards.

The framework evaluates seven key areas:

• Plant Origin & Cultivation: Top marks go to single-origin, single-strain hemp grown in ideal U.S. climates (like CO, CA, OR, WA), under natural sunlight, and using organic methods.
• Extraction Method: We prioritize CO₂-extracted oils made from hemp flower, rich in cannabinoids and terpenes (for full/broad spectrum) or highly purified (for isolates), with no converted cannabinoids.
• Third-Party Testing: Oils must have recent, batch-specific full-panel tests from accredited labs, showing accurate potency and no contamination. COAs should be public and easy to verify.
• Quality Control: Products earn extra points for certifications (e.g., USDA Organic, GMP) and documentation tracing hemp from seed to sale.
• Ingredients: We favored clean formulations—no synthetic cannabinoids, unregulated supplements, or risky additives like MCT oil or vitamin E acetate.
• Packaging & Labeling: Labels must include dosing info, ingredients, batch details, expiration dates, and ideally be child-resistant.
• Marketing, Transparency & Reputation: We awarded points for ethical marketing, transparent leadership, accessible reviews (both good and bad), and responsive customer service.

We initially analyzed 91 CBD oils marketed for sleep, using expert input and core framework criteria to filter out products that didn’t qualify. Disqualifiers included:

• No recent or verifiable COA
• Failed contaminant tests
• Fewer than four cannabinoids
• Missing terpene analysis

This left 14 qualifying products, which were scored across all 55 metrics. Each criterion is weighted based on its importance and impact on:

• Safety (50%)
• Efficacy (30%)
• Trust (20%)

For example, a high-priority safety criterion carries a maximum of 3 points (6 base × 50% weight).

While most data could be verified through brand websites, we also contacted companies directly to confirm anything unclear—such as sourcing details or missing documentation.

Want to dive deeper into the data? You can explore our full scoring process and product breakdown in our Google Sheet.

Expert Advice: How to Choose the Best CBD Oil for Sleep

Can CBD Effectively Help You Sleep?

The research on CBD and sleep is still evolving—and it’s a bit of a mixed bag.

We spoke with Dr. Jen Walsh, director of the Centre for Sleep Science at the University of Western Australia, who led a recent clinical trial on a combination of THC, CBD, and CBN for sleep issues. While her study showed promising results, she made it clear that it doesn’t isolate the effects of each compound:

However, from a recent review of the literature (we’ve just submitted it for publication) it appears that CBD alone is ineffective for improving sleep in those with a primary complaint of poor sleep or insomnia.

In other words, CBD on its own may not be effective if your main issue is insomnia without an underlying cause like anxiety. But when anxiety is contributing to sleep problems, CBD may help by reducing stress and calming the mind—making it easier to fall asleep.

Full-spectrum products, which contain both CBD and THC, tend to be more effective for primary sleep issues because the scientific evidence for THC’s sedative effects is stronger. As for CBN, while it’s often marketed as a sleep aid, there’s limited research supporting its use—most findings come from combination treatments like Dr. Walsh’s study.

Pros and Cons of Taking CBD for Sleep

Pros:

• Reduces stress and anxiety: If your insomnia is tied to anxiety or stress, CBD can be a great option—especially when paired with a small amount of THC to further support relaxation and sleep onset.
• Minimal side effects: Compared to prescription sleep aids, CBD generally has fewer and milder side effects. The most commonly reported are digestive issues (like diarrhea) and changes in appetite or weight.
• Full-spectrum works better for sleep: Products that combine CBD with THC and calming terpenes (like linalool or myrcene) are more likely to deliver meaningful sleep improvements.​​

Cons:

• ​​CBD alone may require high doses: When taken without THC, CBD often needs to be consumed in larger amounts to have an effect—and even then, results vary widely between individuals.
• Full-spectrum isn’t for everyone: If you’re sensitive to THC or subject to workplace drug testing, full-spectrum oils might not be suitable.
• Cost can be high without THC: THC-free (broad spectrum or isolate) products often require higher doses to be effective for sleep, which can drive up the cost over time.

How to Use CBD for Sleep

Dosage

Eloise Theisen, AGPCNP-BC and CEO of Radicle Health, recommends starting low and adjusting gradually:

“In most cases, a 25 mg CBD dose is a safe place to start. If that dose is not effective after a few nights, increasing by 5–10 mg increments every few nights is recommended until the optimal dose is reached. In some cases, doses as high as 300 mg have been necessary to help with sleep.”

When to Take It

Take your CBD dose 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime to allow it time to kick in.

How to Take It

According to Theisen, alcohol- or glycerin-based tinctures taken under the tongue are absorbed fastest, but most CBD tinctures are oil-based and act more like edibles:

“If someone is having a hard time staying asleep, a capsule or gummy may be more effective at keeping them asleep.”

How Long It Takes to Work

Most CBD tinctures take 30 to 60 minutes to have an effect—sometimes longer depending on your metabolism and the formulation. Don’t expect immediate results.

How Often to Use It

For sleep, daily use before bed is ideal—unless you’re using CBD for other reasons during the day.

Can You Mix It With Other Supplements or Meds?

It’s best to avoid combining CBD with other supplements unless medically necessary. As international cannabis physician Dr. Abraham Benavides explained to us:

When you venture into the world of combining cannabinoids with nutraceuticals—it becomes more difficult for us to keep track of what is actually working for you, and you tend to lose control over the dosing. If you keep the products separate, you can try one thing at a time to see if it works for you and at what doses.

How to Choose a CBD Oil for Sleep

When it comes to choosing the most effective CBD oil for sleep, full-spectrum is almost always the best option.

As Dr. Abraham Benavides, international cannabis consultant and physician, explained to us:

Cumulative data suggest that full-spectrum profiles are superior to broad-spectrum and isolate formulations. The more true-to-the-plant the extract is, the more whole-plant components it contains that synergize with each other […] I most commonly recommend 1:1 THC:CBD FECO (full-spectrum extract cannabis oil) for sleep.

With that in mind, here are the key things to look for:

Full-spectrum is ideal; broad-spectrum if necessary: Full-spectrum oils contain THC, which significantly boosts their sleep-support potential. If THC isn’t an option (due to sensitivity or drug testing), broad-spectrum oils with sleep-promoting terpenes are your next best bet.

Look for sleep-friendly terpenes: Terpenes like linalool, myrcene, and terpinolene have natural sedative properties. Myrcene is the most common, but any of these on a product’s COA is a good sign for sleep support.

Aim for a 1:1 CBD:THC ratio: A 1:1 balance of CBD and THC is often most effective for sleep. While this ratio is more common in dispensary-grade cannabis products than in hemp-based CBD oils, higher THC levels generally improve effectiveness for sleep when available.

Always check the COA (Certificate of Analysis): Don’t rely on marketing claims. Make sure the product is tested by an accredited lab, and that the COA confirms cannabinoid content, terpenes, and the absence of contaminants. If you can’t see it on the COA, assume it’s not there.

Check reviews and independent rankings: Resources like this guide can help you identify trusted, lab-tested products that actually work—before you spend your money.

What to Avoid When Buying CBD for Sleep

Not all CBD sleep products are created equal. Based on expert advice, here are the top things to avoid:

CBD Isolate Products: CBD on its own is unlikely to be effective for insomnia. At minimum, you want sleep-supportive terpenes—and ideally, a small amount of THC. Isolate products lack both.

CBD Mixed with Supplements or Nutraceuticals: As Dr. Abraham Benavides noted earlier, combining cannabinoids with other supplements (like melatonin or magnesium) makes it harder to identify what’s actually working and complicates proper dosing.

CBN-Focused Products: While CBN is often marketed as a natural sleep aid, there’s little scientific backing for this claim. Cannabis researcher Dr. Ethan Russo, founder and CEO of CReDO Science, told us:

“Despite popular misconception and its inclusion in almost every company’s sleep formulation, there is no substantiation for the efficacy of CBN in sleep. This was thoroughly debunked by Corroon.”

If CBN is the main selling point, the product is likely relying more on hype than on proven results.

Safety and Side Effects

Who shouldn’t use CBD products? CBD is generally safe for most adults, but there are some important exceptions. You should avoid CBD if:

• You’re pregnant or breastfeeding
• You are regularly drug tested, especially if using full-spectrum products (even small amounts of THC can trigger a failed test)
• You have liver issues
• You take medications that may interact with CBD, including: Warfarin (blood thinner), Amiodarone (heart rhythm medication), Levothyroxine (thyroid medication), and Seizure medications like clobazam, lamotrigine, or valproate

Always consult a healthcare provider before adding CBD to your routine if you fall into any of these categories.

Common Side Effects:

CBD’s side effects are generally mild and manageable. According to clinical reviews and user surveys, the most commonly reported side effects include:

• Tiredness (a benefit if you’re using it for sleep)
• Diarrhea
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Impaired concentration

There has been one reported case of liver damage in studies of Epidiolex (a prescription CBD medication), but it’s rare and the review authors noted it wasn’t clearly linked to CBD. Still, it’s a good reason to exercise caution—especially if you have liver concerns or take medications processed by the liver.

Meet Our Experts

For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights on CBD, cannabinoids, and sleep:

• Eloise Theisen, AGPCNP-BC, board-certified adult geriatric nurse practitioner and cannabis therapy specialist who has treated over 7,500 patients. She is the former president of the American Cannabis Nurses Association and CEO of Radicle Health.
• Dr. Jen Walsh, director of the Centre for Sleep Science at the University of Western Australia, who led a clinical trial studying the effects of THC, CBD, and CBN on sleep quality.
• Dr. Abraham Benavides, international cannabis consultant and physician, with expertise in cannabinoid science and its interaction with nutraceuticals and medications.
• Dr. Ethan Russo, neurologist and founder/CEO of CReDO Science, widely regarded as one of the foremost researchers in cannabis medicine and author of several foundational studies on cannabinoids and terpenes.
• Dr. Eric Zhou — Sleep medicine specialist at Harvard Medical School and Boston Children’s Hospital, with a focus on behavioral sleep strategies and evidence-based interventions.
• Karl Andersson — Founder of Nordic Perspective and wellness researcher with a focus on product testing, consumer education, and transparency in the hemp and CBD space.
• Dr. Chris Winter — Neurologist, sleep specialist, and author of The Sleep Solution and The Rested Child. Known for translating sleep science into practical tools for better rest.
• Dr. Bonni Goldstein — Physician and medical director of Canna-Centers Wellness & Education. A leading clinician in cannabis-based medicine and author of Cannabis Is Medicine.
• Sherri Mack, BSN-RN — Chief Nursing Officer at Holistic Caring with extensive experience educating patients and healthcare professionals on cannabinoid therapies.

Why Trust CBD Oracle’s Reviews

At CBD Oracle, we take product testing seriously. Our editorial team combines first-hand testing, expert interviews, and independent lab analysis to ensure our recommendations are based on data—not hype.

For this guide, we:

• Evaluated 91 CBD oils marketed for sleep
• Built a 55-point scoring framework with input from 22 experts in cannabis, medicine, law, and chemistry
• Sent top products for third-party lab testing with InfiniteCAL to verify cannabinoid content and check for contaminants
• Interviewed 9 leading experts, including cannabis physicians, sleep scientists, and nurses
• Conducted first-hand testing with Eloise Theisen, AGPCNP-BC, and the CBD Oracle team over multiple nights

We don’t accept payment for placement, and we follow strict editorial standards to maintain transparency and consumer trust. You can read more about our scoring framework and testing process in the methodology here.

The post Best CBD Oils for Sleep in 2025 appeared first on CBD Oracle.

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Kentucky Cultivator Harvests State’s First Medical Marijuana Crop As Governor Predicts Farmers Will ‘Grow A Whole Lot More’

A Kentucky medical marijuana cultivation facility has harvested its first yield of cannabis, and patients could gain access to it by next month, a top regulator says. Meanwhile, the governor says licensed businesses are about to “grow a whole lot more” as the program gets underway.

Cannon Armstrong, executive director of the Office of Medical Cannabis (OMC), said one of the state’s cultivators “produced their first harvest, and it’s up to the cultivator and the licensee on where they move and when they move on that.”

“I suspect that if we’re going to try and say timeframes—that it’ll definitely be before the end of the year, we’re hopeful that it may be November,” he told WAVE 3.

That pushes back the timeline slightly after Armstrong previously estimated a few weeks ago that sales could begin this month—but Gov. Andy Beshear (D) said this is just the start of a robust medical cannabis market in the commonwealth.

“Since taking office, my administration has been committed to providing access to health care and safe communities for all Kentuckians,” the governor said. “One of our priorities is ensuring that Kentuckians that are suffering from serious medical issues like cancer, PTSD or multiple sclerosis can have safe access to medical cannabis as soon as possible to get the relief they need.”

He also announced that, although licensed operators are actively growing cannabis plants to bring to market, “we’re about to grow a whole lot more,” adding that as of Thursday, OMC approved “another cultivator to begin cultivation activities here in Kentucky, and this one is a big one.”

Beshear was talking about Natural State GreenGrass CannaCo, a tier III cultivation facility, which is “one of the two largest cultivation facilities in Kentucky.”

“They’ll eventually expand all 25,000 square feet of cultivation space,” he said. “This operator and so many more will help us ensure for years to come that Kentuckians suffering from serious medical conditions can get the relief they deserve.”

Last month, Beshear said he thought medical marijuana would be available to Kentucky patients by the end of 2025.

“The medical marijuana program is moving forward,” he said at a press briefing at the time.

“I think most of our dispensaries now have their home address [and] are set about where they’re going to be, but [for] some of the inspections that have to happen in dispensaries, they have to have product that’s there,” he said. “So I do believe they’ll be operating before the end of the year.”

Those comments came roughly a month after the governor announced that the state’s first medical cannabis dispensary has officially been approved for operations, calling it “another step forward as we work to ensure Kentuckians with serious medical conditions have access to the medicine they need and deserve.

He previously touted an earlier “milestone” in the state’s forthcoming medical marijuana program, with a licensed cultivator producing “the first medical cannabis inventory in Kentucky history.”

Beshear’s office has said that other cannabis licensees, including processors and testing labs, are expected to become operational soon.

In July, Beshear sent a letter to President Donald Trump, urging him to reject congressional spending bill provisions that would prevent the Justice Department from rescheduling marijuana.

In the letter to the president, he emphasized that a pending proposal to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) is something “you supported in your presidential campaign.”

“That process should be allowed to play out. Americans deserve leadership that won’t move the goalposts on them in the middle of the game,” Beshear said, noting that he was among the tens of thousands who submitted public comments in favor of the reform after it was initiated under the Biden administration, “demonstrating broad public interest in rescheduling.”

“I joined that effort because this is about helping people. Rescheduling would provide suffering patients the relief they need,” the governor said. “It would ensure communities are safer—because legal medical products reduce the illicit market. It would provide new, meaningful research on health benefits.”

Beshear also mentioned a letter to DEA he signed onto last year urging rescheduling, “because the jury is no longer out on marijuana. It has medical benefits.”

Back on the state level, the governor recently said he acknowledges that “it’s taken longer than we would have liked” to stand up the industry since he signed medical marijuana legalization into law in 2023.

In recognition of that delayed implementation, he recently signed an executive order to waive renewal fees for patients who get their cards this year so that they don’t get charged again before retailers open. And another order he signed providing protections for qualified patients who obtain medical marijuana outside of Kentucky “will stay in place.”

Beshear separately announced in May that the state has launched a new online directory that lets people see where medical cannabis dispensaries will be opening near them.

He emphasized that the state has been working to deliver access to patients “at the earliest possible date,” and that involved expediting the licensing process. The governor in January also ceremonially awarded the commonwealth’s first medical marijuana cards.

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Meanwhile, the governor sent a letter to Kentucky’s congressional delegation in January, “urging them to take decisive action to protect the constitutional rights of our law abiding medical cannabis patients” by repealing the federal ban on gun possession by people who use marijuana.

That came after bipartisan Kentucky senators filed legislation that similarly called on the state’s federal representatives to take corrective action, which Beshear said he supports but would like to see even more sweeping change on the federal level.

The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) warned Kentucky residents late last year that, if they choose to participate in the state’s medical marijuana program, they will be prohibited from buying or possessing firearms under federal law.

As far as the implementation of the state’s medical cannabis law goes, Beshear said in his State of the Commonwealth address in January that patients will have access to cannabis sometime “this year.” He also later shared tips for patients to find a doctor and get registered to participate in the cannabis program.

Health practitioners have been able to start assessing patients for recommendations since the beginning of December.

While there currently aren’t any up-and-running dispensaries available to patients, Beshear has further affirmed that an executive order he signed in 2023 will stay in effect in the interim, protecting patients who possess medical cannabis purchased at out-of-state licensed retailers.

During last year’s November election, Kentucky also saw more than 100 cities and counties approve local ordinances to allow medical cannabis businesses in their jurisdictions. The governor said the election results demonstrate that “the jury is no longer out” on the issue that is clearly supported by voters across partisan and geographical lines.

Photo courtesy of California State Fair.

The post Kentucky Cultivator Harvests State’s First Medical Marijuana Crop As Governor Predicts Farmers Will ‘Grow A Whole Lot More’ appeared first on Marijuana Moment.

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Kansas Law Enforcement Launches Raids Against ‘Brazen’ Cannabis Sales In Storefronts

“The places that we’ve identified today are nothing but weed dealers in strip malls.”

By Sherman Smith, Kansas Reflector

Kansas Bureau of Investigation director Tony Mattivi and Attorney General Kris Kobach (R) announced a crackdown Wednesday on “brazen” sales of marijuana and THC products as law enforcement raided 10 shops in six cities across the state.

The two spoke to reporters at a news conference in Topeka while the raids were underway, and they said additional stores would be targeted later Wednesday and again on Thursday.

Mattivi said the KBI was targeting illegal retail drug sales because teenagers were suffering dire health consequences from consuming products with high concentrations of THC.

“I was at one of these locations earlier today,” Mattivi said. “The violations of the Kansas Controlled Substances Act are brazen. These places are selling pre-rolled marijuana cigarettes. They’re selling marijuana bud. They’re selling marijuana flower in canisters and cigarette by cigarette.

“The places that we’ve identified today are nothing but weed dealers in strip malls, and we cannot continue to not enforce our controlled substance laws when we have these substances causing bad effects on Kansas kids.”

Mattivi said a Kansas child would face less resistance

The post Kansas Law Enforcement Launches Raids Against ‘Brazen’ Cannabis Sales In Storefronts appeared first on GrowCola.com.

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The Weird Science Behind Why You Crave Pickles When You’re High

Key Takeaways:

• THC triggers the munchies by boosting the hunger hormone ghrelin, sharpening your sense of smell, and rewiring how your brain processes food.
• Pickles are a munchie power move: salty, crunchy, tangy – and they hydrate and fight dry mouth too.
• Don’t feel guilty about your cravings. Dietitians say it’s all about planning ahead and making smarter snack swaps.

CBD Oracle’s munchies survey revealed all kinds of fun facts, like how daily THC use makes you more likely to get the munchies every time, or how most people try to choose healthier snacks when high.

But one thing flashed like a neon sign: when we asked people to name the weirdest thing they’ve eaten while high, the most common genre by far involved pickles combined with something sweet.

Out of 1,000 responses, 69 people mentioned eating pickles with ice cream, peanut butter, or even just going full feral on an entire jar. We couldn’t help but wonder: why do so many people crave pickles when they’re high?

Why Do We Get the Munchies, Anyway? A Look at the Science

Most people know that cannabis can cause the munchies, but why it has this effect is more complex than you might expect.

In fact, scientists have discovered several ways in which THC can cause the feelings of hunger – or at least, the desire for food – that many stoners know well.

Ultimately, all of these effects come down to the body’s cannabinoid system, the endocannabinoid system. In particular, THC activates CB1 receptors, which are G-protein coupled receptors involved in many of the key effects of cannabis, including the phenomenon of the munchies.

THC increases the hunger hormone: Ghrelin is sometimes called the “hunger hormone” and is released when your stomach is empty, acting on your hypothalamus to create hunger. Research shows that THC significantly increases the level of ghrelin in your blood, which creates at least part of the hunger that defines the munchies.

THC makes you more sensitive to smell: One study on mice suggests that THC enhances sensitivity to smell. This means that food smells even better than it ordinarily would, and could explain part of the increased food consumption that comes when you partake.

THC hijacks POMC neurons to stimulate appetite: Another study in mice suggested that cannabinoids bind to cannabinoid receptors on the mitochondria within the POMC neurons, stimulating the release of beta-endorphin. These neurons are typically associated with satiety, signaling to your body that you’re full, but the authors found that THC gets the neurons to signal hunger instead. An author of the study described it, “It’s like pressing a car’s brakes and accelerating instead.”

The cannabinoid system is central to “liking” food (vs. “wanting”): While we’ll discuss this in more detail later, the cannabinoid system is closely involved in the neurological process of “liking” food, especially the THC-activated CB1 receptors. In short, consuming cannabis likely makes food more enjoyable, even if the effects on hunger are not especially prominent for you.

While there is much more to this picture, these four examples make it clear that the munchies happen for many different reasons. In fact, the multi-faceted effects of THC on the systems that control our appetite just goes to show why the munchies can be so hard to resist.

The Pickle Obsession: What’s Going on Here?

In CBD Oracle’s survey, 69 people mentioned pickles when asked to name the weirdest thing they’ve eaten while high. At first glance, that might not seem like a lot, but with 1,000 people free to answer however they wanted, that’s about 1 in 14 bringing up pickles specifically.

Sure, peanut butter (78 mentions) and ice cream (94 mentions) were a bit more popular. But pickles were right behind, and they’re a lot less stereotypical when it comes to stoner snacks.

Clearly, something’s going on. But what?

The Snack Trifecta: Salt, Crunch, and Acid

One clue comes straight from the survey: when we asked what types of food people crave most when high, salty snacks topped the list, with 66% of respondents choosing them. Crunchy foods weren’t far behind, with 47% saying they crave that texture too.

Pickles check both boxes, salty and crunchy, with an extra bonus: their acidic sourness, another crave-worthy flavor we’ll touch on in a moment.

Takeaway: Pickles hit a “snack trifecta” that’s especially satisfying when you’re high.

You May Just Be Giving Your Body What It Needs

We asked Janice Newell Bissex, holistic cannabis practitioner and registered dietitian, about this seemingly unusual level of craving for pickles when you’re high. She explained to us:

We often crave what our body needs. In this case, in addition to the satisfying crunch and saltiness, pickles are about 95% water. Cannabis (in any form, but perhaps more with smoking) often causes dry mouth. Pickles would be a natural choice since the sourness stimulates the salivary glands to boost saliva production.

In other words, part of the pickle appeal could simply be about hydration. You’re getting salty, crunchy satisfaction and moisture to relieve a dry mouth—plus the sourness further boosts saliva production, doubling down on the effect.

Takeaway: Craving pickles might be your body’s way of asking for water, mixed in with a basic craving for something salty and satisfying.

Weird Foods and the Increase in Food “Liking” (and “Wanting” Too)

But wait, we can hear you objecting, that may explain why people like pickles, but it doesn’t explain why people would eat them with ice cream! It’s the type of combination you’d opt for if you were trying to come up with “gross” foods for people to eat as a prank or challenge, so why do people seem to like it when they’re high?

This is a tough question, but we’ve already touched on the pieces of the most likely answer. First off, among the many weird pickle combinations people told us about, one person simply wrote that they ate, “pickles out of a jar. I hate pickles.”

Why would this person do this? It comes down to what we said earlier about THC increasing the “liking” of food.

The difference between “liking” and “wanting” food is something scientists looking at the neurology of food are keen to establish. “Wanting” in this context relates to dopamine-linked expectation of reward from consuming the food – you know that a big plate of fries has salt and carbs that will satisfy your bodily needs, so the smell of freshly-cooked fries brings on a “wanting” craving.

“Liking” is closely-linked to “wanting” but not the same thing. Liking in this context is often described as “hedonic enjoyment” – as in, when you get that plate of fries, do you actually enjoy eating it? While the other impacts of THC (for example, boosting ghrelin) are also important, the fact that CB1 receptors are key players in “liking” is the most important piece of this puzzle.

The respondent who ate pickles despite not usually enjoying them is experiencing this effect: the THC stimulating the CB1 receptors boosts the “liking” of the food even if in his or her natural state, it would not be enjoyable.

This goes further too: even if you usually like pickles, you probably wouldn’t usually cover them in chocolate. But again, when THC is boosting your “liking” of food, this normal response is drowned out and you actually enjoy it.

How to Snack Smarter When You’re High

Another surprising result from the survey is that around two-thirds of respondents said they try to choose healthier munchies when they get high, at least sometimes.

Perhaps less surprising is that over half of respondents said the munchies made it harder to meet their weight and nutrition goals, and 55% said they spend more on food because of the munchies.

As a result, 43% said they feel guilty after getting the munchies.

We mentioned this to Emily Kyle, a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) and holistic cannabis practitioner (HCP). She explained to us:

As a registered dietitian nutritionist, I see this as a challenge that goes far beyond just cannabis users—it’s something so many of us deal with. We all start the day with the best intentions, promising ourselves we’ll make healthy choices. But when hunger strikes and we’re not prepared, convenience usually takes over. And let’s be real, convenience isn’t always the healthiest option.

Adding that, “The truth is, success doesn’t come from willpower in the moment—it comes from preparation. Those who consistently make healthier snack choices are typically the ones who take the time to plan ahead. It’s really about setting yourself up for success.”

Tackling the Guilt – Prepare Ahead of Time, And Enjoy Your Food

Most people can relate to the feeling of guilt after indulging in snack foods – especially those of us who get the munchies regularly – but Janice Bissex made a very important point:

I am of the mindset that no one should feel guilty about what they eat. The important thing is to enjoy whatever you choose to consume. Yes, I’m a dietitian so I prefer that people eat more vegetables, whole grains, fruits, nuts, and beans, but food is about pleasure. Moderation is the key. A variety of healthy and not-so-healthy foods can fit into a nutritious diet.

Emily Kyle suggests a two-step process to finding a good snack swap:

“Start by asking yourself, ‘What am I always craving? Is it something sweet, salty, crunchy, or savory?’ The idea is to work with what you already love. For example, if you’re a sweets lover, forcing yourself to eat a plain cheese stick probably won’t hit the spot. You’ll likely end up eating it and reaching for those cookies afterward. Instead, try swapping your treat for something that’s sweet and satisfying, like a homemade trail mix with dried fruit, nuts, and maybe a few dark chocolate chips. You’re more likely to actually enjoy it, feel satisfied, and stick to the switch.”

Emily also stresses the importance of forward planning, “Next comes preparation. Whatever snack swap you choose, think about how you can make it fit seamlessly into your routine. For instance, while it’s not realistic to make fresh trail mix every single day, it is practical to set aside a little time on, say, Sunday to make a big batch and portion it out into individual containers for the week. That way, each morning, you can just grab one and toss it into your bag. This small upfront effort will make it so much easier to stick with the habit—you’re setting yourself up for success by keeping things convenient and effortless.”

Janice Bissex reminded us of why staying hydrated is crucial for both general well-being and to help you feel more full:

“It’s also important to be well hydrated before and while consuming cannabis. Seltzer or juice spritzers or flavored waters and fruit (think watermelon, cantaloupe, orange, kiwi, apple) can help keep you hydrated and fill you up, so maybe you won’t eat quite as much.”

The Best Stoner Snack Swaps

Moderation and preparation are the main things to keep in mind, but we also asked dietitian nutritionists Emily Kyle and Janice Bissex for some practical “snack swaps” that you can easily start using.

All of these are great because they hit the same spot as more typical, unhealthy munchie food while reducing the calories and boosting the nutritional value.  

This is why Emily Kyle sang the praises of popcorn as a munchie snack, “If you’re into salty, savory flavors, swapping popcorn for potato chips is a super easy and satisfying change that makes a big difference. Think about it—an ounce of potato chips (around 15 chips) packs about 150 calories, 10 grams of fat, and barely any fiber. Meanwhile, air-popped popcorn is a game changer—just 30 calories per cup, practically no fat, and even offers some fiber to help keep you full.”

And for those of us with a sweet tooth, she says, “If you have a sweet tooth like me, Greek yogurt is a total go-to. You can grab a single-serve cup in your favorite flavor for convenience, or jazz up plain Greek yogurt with some fresh fruit and a sprinkle of granola to make it feel like a treat. It’s creamy, high-protein, and so satisfying—it’s the kind of snack that feels indulgent but keeps you fueled at the same time.”

Janice also had some concrete suggestions for snacks to replace your usual munchies with:

• A frozen whole grain waffle with a drizzle of peanut butter or maple or chocolate syrup 
• Popcorn with Parmesan cheese
• Nachos with black beans and cheese
• Chips and salsa or guacamole 
• Veggies and hummus
• Fruit smoothie
• Berries with a dollop of whipped cream
• Yogurt with granola and berries
• Banana with peanut butter 
• Pumpkin or banana chocolate chip mini muffins
• Homemade granola bar
• Avocado toast
• Raspberries with a chocolate chip in the middle (my favorite!)
• Homemade oatmeal raisin cookies
• Fruit salad with yogurt

There are many choices beyond these suggestions that would also work well. You can – and should – get creative with it and use these as a jumping-off point.

However, the beauty of these suggestions is that you can generally either prepare them beforehand (for example, oatmeal raisin cookies, granola bars, mini muffins and fruit salad) or easily put them together while high (such as popcorn, Greek yoghurt, avocado toast, nachos, veggies and hummus, fruit smoothie and berries with whipped cream).

Bottom Line: Work With Your Munchies, Not Against Them

Whether it’s an unexpected craving for pickles or the usual salty or sweet fix, the key is to work with your munchies, not fight them. If pickles are calling your name, go for it – your body might just be craving hydration. Make sure you have some water by your side, too, because taking down a whole jar still isn’t ideal.

For everything else, follow the advice from Janice and Emily: don’t feel guilty, recognize what you’re craving, and plan a smarter snack swap. And if you still reach for the cookies? Keep it in moderation, but enjoy it.

Bottom line: the munchies aren’t your enemy. They’re a natural side effect of cannabis that can actually enhance the experience. With a little prep, you can satisfy your cravings and still hit your nutrition goals.

The post The Weird Science Behind Why You Crave Pickles When You’re High appeared first on CBD Oracle.

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Scientists Discover New Cannabis Compound With ‘Remarkable Antioxidant And Skin Anti-Inflammatory’ Benefits

A new cannabis compound that appears to have “remarkable antioxidant and skin anti-inflammatory” properties has been discovered by scientists.

The isolated cannabinoid, classified as cannabizetol (CBGD), shows promise for the expanding base of knowledge regarding the therapeutic and medicinal potential of the marijuana plant.

Cannabizetol is formed when two cannabinoid molecules bind together with a methylene bridge, the researchers explained in a new paper. Aside from its promising medical findings, cannabizetol is also one of the rare compounds in a class known as dimeric cannabinoids, one of only four dimeric molecules currently identified in cannabis.

“We demonstrate that cannabizetol exhibits remarkable antioxidant and skin anti-inflammatory activity, significantly higher than that observed for the known dimeric cannabinoid cannabitwinol,” the study says.

“These results highlight cannabizetol as a promising bioactive metabolite with potential dermatological applications.”

The Italian and Swiss authors, writing in the September 2025 issue of the peer-reviewed Journal of Natural Products, said their results “suggest that among the many still unknown cannabinoids there are also methylene-bridged dimers of other cannabinoids, including dimers composed of two different cannabinoids, with potential biological activities of great interest.”

“The synthesis of analytical standards could be useful in facilitating the identification of these compounds in cannabis extracts,” they wrote—adding that “natural dimeric compounds are of considerable importance, as they enable further exploration of chemical space, potentially leading to novel biological activities beyond those of their respective monomers.”

The researchers used a number of inflammatory genes to test against CBGD. After a six-hour treatment, “the anti-inflammatory activity of the molecules was evaluated on 84 inflammatory genes using an RT-PCR array (RT² Profiler PCR Array Human Inflammatory Cytokines and Receptors, QIAGEN S.r.l., Hilden, Germany), as previously described” they wrote.

The chemists examined NF-κB, a molecular pathway that seems to serve as a master switch for inflammation, given the prolific nature of its impact across a wide range of cells that lead to the condition. Cannabinzetol appeared to show significant potential to inhibiting inflammation.

“Several cannabinoids have demonstrated biological activities, making Cannabis sativa particularly attractive as a source of potential medicinal active principles,” they noted.

This study comes as the sophistication of testing equipment in the past decades has significantly increased, allowing scientists to study an ever growing array of cannabinoids. The number of known cannabinoids is over 100, though many require further study to characterize them.

“The significant biological activity of these dimeric cannabinoids prompted us to optimize the synthetic approach by exploiting the flow chemistry technology,” the authors wrote.

Growing on past research, this study is groundbreaking. The primary intoxicating compound in the marijuana plant, well known to the public, is THC, isolated and discovered by an Israeli scientist in 1964. It wasn’t until the 1990s that the endocannabinoid system was identified in rats and humans. Building on that knowledge, chemists isolated other compounds with potential therapeutic effect, including cannabigerol and cannabinol. This comes as a cascading flow of new research on cannabinoids are classified.

Scientists reported in May 2025 that they identified 33 “significant markers” in the cannabis genome that “significantly influence cannabinoid production”—a finding they say promises to drive the development of new plant varieties with specific cannabinoid profiles.

Additionally, researchers announced in April 2025 that they successfully identified a new cannabinoid—cannabielsoxa—produced by the marijuana plant as well as a number of other compounds “reported for the first time from the flowers of C. sativa.” The team of government and university researchers out of South Korea also evaluated 11 compounds in cannabis for antitumor effects in neuroblastoma cells, finding that seven “revealed strong inhibitory activity.”

The post Scientists Discover New Cannabis Compound With ‘Remarkable Antioxidant And Skin Anti-Inflammatory’ Benefits appeared first on Marijuana Moment.

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New York Lawmakers Hold Hearing Psilocybin’s Medical Benefits Amid Broader Debate Over Psychedelics Reform

Lawmakers in New York are revisiting the possibility of reforming the state’s laws related to psychedelics, convening a hearing to take testimony about the potential health benefits psilocybin.

On Tuesday, the Assembly Health Committee spent hours discussing the the medical value of the main ingredient in so-called “magic mushrooms,” with numerous experts and advocates speaking about the issue as legislators weighed the science and possible regulations of the novel therapy.

The chairwoman of the panel, Assemblymember Amy Paulin (D), introduced a bill to legalize psilocybin for adults last year, provided they obtain a permit after undergoing a health screening and educational course.

“The committee is very interested in hearing the testimony to see what we can do about perhaps making [psychedelics] legal and appropriate for medical providers to dispense a product that they, frankly, have been acknowledging is effective for their patients, but have been unable in New York to legally prescribe it,” she said.

The GOP ranking member of the committee, Assemblymember Josh Jensen (R), said in opening remarks that “certainly with the fast pace of the session in Albany, any chance we have to gather subject matter experts and talk about some of the more nuanced aspects of policy

The post New York Lawmakers Hold Hearing Psilocybin’s Medical Benefits Amid Broader Debate Over Psychedelics Reform appeared first on GrowCola.com.

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