Cannabis as a Sleep Aid: A Growing Trend Among Americans

A new survey conducted by The Harris Poll, on behalf of cannabis company Green Thumb Industries, reveals a significant shift in how Americans are addressing sleep issues. According to the poll, 16% of U.S. adults aged 21 and older use cannabis as a sleep aid—surpassing the use of prescription sleep medications (12%) and alcohol (11%). While supplements (26%) and over-the-counter sleep aids (19%) remain more popular, cannabis is carving out a growing role in sleep management.

Sleep Struggles and Substance Use

The survey highlights that nearly 79% of adults report experiencing sleep disturbances, with 58% turning to some form of substance for relief. Participants were allowed to select multiple responses, with 16% identifying cannabis use, 10% reporting CBD use (either alone or with melatonin), and others opting for conventional sleep aids.

This survey, conducted online in June 2024, sampled 2,019 adults and has a margin of error of ±2.5 percentage points.

Who Uses Cannabis for Sleep?

Cannabis use for sleep varies across demographics. Men are slightly more likely than women to use it (18% vs. 15%). Younger women (21-34) are the highest demographic of female users, whereas men aged 35-44 report the highest usage rates among males.

Income also plays a role. Individuals with household incomes below $50,000 show the highest rate of cannabis use for sleep (23%), while those in higher income brackets prefer supplements and over-the-counter sleep aids.

Parents, particularly those with children under 18, are also more likely to use cannabis for sleep, with 20% of parents reporting use compared to 14% of non-parents.

Regionally, cannabis as a sleep aid is most popular in the West (20%) and Northeast (19%), compared to the Midwest (14%) and South (13%).

Cannabis-Infused Edibles: A Popular Sleep Solution

The survey also found that 41% of adults consume cannabis-infused edibles, with relaxation (25%) and sleep (21%) being the top reasons for use. Other motivations include managing stress (17%), pain relief (15%), recreation (11%), and enhancing creativity (2%).

Green Thumb Industries, which commissioned the study, has developed a line of edible sleep aids under the “incredibles” brand, featuring cannabinoids like THC, CBD, CBN, and CBG. “Sleeping well is essential for feeling your best,” said Ben Kovler, Green Thumb’s founder and CEO. “More Americans are choosing cannabis for relaxation, sleep, and overall well-being.”

Scientific Support for Cannabis and Sleep

The trend toward cannabis as a sleep aid aligns with prior research. Studies have shown that medical marijuana patients, individuals with fibromyalgia, and older adults report improved sleep quality after using cannabis.

A 2023 federally funded study found that people with anxiety experienced better sleep on days they used cannabis compared to days they used alcohol or no substances at all. Another study from the retirement organization AARP found that marijuana use among older Americans has nearly doubled in the last three years, with sleep being a key reason.

Additionally, research from 2019 indicated that in states where cannabis is legal, there was a decline in purchases of over-the-counter sleep medications.