The Best Terpenes for Sleep
We all know that terpenes contribute to marijuana’s entourage effect, but did you know that you could use terpenes for sleep? For centuries, people have used cannabis for better sleep without knowing the role of terpenes in this effect.
New research is shining a light on the importance of terpenes in the sleep-inducing effects of marijuana. Now, more people are using cannabis to sleep better, and we don’t need to tell you how vital a restful night is.
Below, we’ll introduce you to some of the best terpenes for sleep and the cannabis strains that have them, so you can finally enjoy a peaceful night.
What Are Terpenes?
Before learning about the most effective terpenes for sleep, let’s discuss what they are.
Terpenes are aromatic compounds that exist in different plants, like cannabis. They are responsible for the characteristic scent and taste of plants. Think of the earthy scent of pine trees or the relaxing aroma of lavender.
They also play a role in a plant’s survival by repelling predatory animals and attracting helpful pollinators.
Trichome structures on the female cannabis flower produce hundreds of terpenes, giving each strain its unique aroma. However, new studies show that terpenes do more than that and are even beneficial for our bodily functions, including sleep.
How Can Terpenes Help You Sleep?
The usefulness of terpenes for sleep is due to their ability to ease the nervous system. They act as a natural sedative by relaxing your mind and body. Some terpenes reduce your stress, while others soothe pain and inflammation.
Along with other cannabinoids and flavonoids in different cannabis products, terpenes induce a sense of calm and help you fall into a deep sleep.
However, you can’t use all terpenes for this purpose. While some types of terpenes are relaxing, others are uplifting! So which ones should you use? Let’s find out.
The Best Terpenes for Sleep
Each terpene has a unique chemical structure that leads to different effects. Here are some of the most effective terpenes for sleep.
1. Myrcene
One of the best terpenes for sleep, also the most abundant terpene in cannabis, is myrcene.
You can use this terpene for sleep due to its soothing properties. Studies show that myrcene can increase sleeping time and help you relax. So if you’re tense before bed, you can use this terpene to unwind and enjoy its couch-lock effects.
Myrcene is also responsible for the fruity aroma of mangoes, thyme, cardamom, lemongrass, and hops. Some of the cannabis strains high in myrcene include:
- Tangie
- Remedy
- OG Kush
- Harlequin
- Grape Ape
- Jack Herer
- Blue Dream
- Purple Kush
- Granddaddy Purple
2. Linalool
Another one of the great terpenes for sleep is linalool. This terpene reduces symptoms of stress while strengthening the immune system and alleviating muscle pain.
Lavender owes some of its relaxing effects to this aromatic terpene. Studies show that linalool can be effective in treating depression. Through these effects, linalool can support a long and restful sleep.
You can find the floral aroma of this terpene in plants such as lavender, basil, and mint. Linalool is also abundant in cannabis strains such as:
- Fire OG
- OG Shark
- Pink Kush
- Trainwreck
- Purple Kush
- Master Kush
- Amnesia Haze
- LA Confidential
- Scooby Snacks
3. Beta-Caryophyllene
Beta-caryophyllene is a sleep-inducing compound and one of the best terpenes for stress and anxiety. It’s the only known terpene that binds directly to CB2 receptors throughout the body.
Through attachment to these receptors, it eases pain and inflammation while calming racing thoughts and reducing stress.
You can smell the spicy aroma of this peppery terpene in cloves, cinnamon, and black pepper. Beta-caryophyllene is also abundant in marijuana strains such as:
- Gelato
- OG Kush
- Death Star
- Candyland
- Sour Diesel
- Master Kush
- Gorilla Glue #4
- Super Silver Haze
- Girl Scout Cookies
4. Nerolidol
Nerolidol is the fourth terpene on our list for relaxation. If you’re looking for sleep-inducing terpenes that can also soothe your aching joints and muscles, nerolidol is for you.
According to studies, nerolidol is one of the main sleep-inducing components of valerian essential oil that can be used to treat insomnia.
You can find the earthy aroma of this terpene in ginger, lavender, tea tree, and jasmine. Nerolidol is also abundant in weed strains like:
- Jack Herer
- Blue Dream
- Chemdawg
- Bubba Kush
- Skywalker OG
- Island Sweet Skunk
5. Phytol
Next on our list of the best terpenes for sleep is phytol. Phytol is one of the most effective terpenes for sleep that helps you enter dreamland by activating your brain’s GABA system and slowing down your thoughts.
Studies show that phytol can help you doze off faster and stay asleep longer.
You can detect the characteristic fragrance of this terpene in jasmine, ginger, and raspberry. Phytol is also present in cannabis strains such as:
- OG Kush
- Jack Herer
- OG Cheese
- Sour Diesel
- Banana Kush
- Strawberry Diesel
6. Pinene
Another sleep-supporting terpene is pinene. This noteworthy terpene for sleep is also one of the best terpenes for pain and a helpful compound for those suffering from migraines.
Reviews show that pinene’s analgesic properties can promote relaxation by reducing pain and inflammation throughout the body. This terpene can also counter stress and calm the mind for a restful night.
You can find the woodsy aroma of pinene in pine trees, rosemary, parsley, basil, and cumin. This terpene is also present in strains such as:
- AC/DC
- Harlequin
- God’s Gift
- Grape Ape
- Cannatonic
- Big Smooth
- Blue Dream
- Bubba Kush
7. Terpinolene
The last compound on our list of the best terpenes for sleep is terpinolene. This relaxing terpene for sleep exists in small amounts in cannabis cultivars, but it gives users a sedative effect.
Terpinolene is excellent for hyperactive minds and interacts directly with your central nervous system to promote drowsiness. It also increases sleeping time to give you the most relaxing experience.
The pleasant fragrance of this terpene is evident in lilacs, citrus fruits, nutmeg, apples, and pine. You can also find it in cannabis strains such as:
- Sensi Star
- Jack Herer
- Clementine
- Ace of Spades
- Durban Poison
- Sunshine Haze
- Golden Pineapple
- Super Lemon Haze
10 Marijuana Strains With Sleep-Inducing Terpenes
To effectively use these terpenes for sleep, you must understand different marijuana strains and choose those with the highest concentrations of these terpenes. Here are 10 cannabis strains with high levels of the best terpenes for sleep.
1. Blue Dream
Blue Dream is the sativa-dominant cross between Blueberry indica and Super Silver Haze with 18% THC and high levels of myrcene, pinene, and nerolidol. It’s also one of the best marijuana strains for back pain, with citrus and berry notes.
2. Bubba Kush
Bubba Kush is an indica-dominant strain with 25% THC and some of the most effective terpenes for sleep, including nerolidol and pinene. You can enjoy the tranquilizing effects of this strain with its chocolate scents to fall into a deep sleep.
3. Cannatonic
Cannatonic is the balanced hybrid of NYC Diesel and Reina Madre with 7% THC, 14% CBD, and some of the best terpenes for sleep, including pinene, myrcene, and beta-caryophyllene. This CBD-rich strain puts you to sleep with zesty scents of lemon.
4. Girl Scout Cookies
Girl Scout Cookies is one of the strongest marijuana strains with 27% THC and high levels of effective terpenes for sleep, including beta-caryophyllene, pinene, myrcene, and linalool. This indica-dominant cross between OG Kush and Durban Poison gives you pleasant cookie aromas.
5. Granddaddy Purple
Granddaddy Purple is a favorite indica of those with insomnia. It packs 27% THC and high levels of myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, and pinene. You can expect delicious grape and berry flavors from this sleep-inducing cultivar.
6. Grape Ape
Grape Ape is the indica-dominant lovechild of Mendocino Purps, Skunk, and Afghani strains. It has 21% THC and some of the best terpenes for sleep, including myrcene and pinene. It’s the perfect evening strain for those who love the taste of grapes.
7. Harlequin
Harlequin is a potent sleep inducer and one of the best marijuana strains for chronic pain. This sativa-dominant hybrid packs 7% THC and effective terpenes for sleep, including myrcene and pinene. If you love tropical flavors, go with Harlequin!
8. Jack Herer
Jack Herer is a sativa-dominant hybrid and one of the best marijuana strains for neuropathy. It gives you 24% THC, sedating terpenes such as myrcene, nerolidol, phytol, and terpinolene. You can enjoy its earthy, citrusy aromas in the evening.
9. Master Kush
Master Kush is the indica-dominant cross between Hindu Kush and Skunk with up to 18% THC and some of the best terpenes for sleep, including beta-caryophyllene and linalool. This strain gives you earthy scents with notes of lemon for a relaxing night.
10. Super Lemon Haze
Super Lemon Haze is another sativa-dominant strain with great terpenes for sleep. This cross between Lemon Skunk and Super Silver Haze has 25% THC with high levels of beta-caryophyllene, terpinolene, myrcene, and dominant citrus aromas.
Try the Best Terpenes for Sleep With Ozark MMJ Cards
Are you ready to enjoy a restful sleep? Try these terpenes tonight and see how they can help you drift off into dreamland in no time!
Do you need help getting a medical marijuana card and buying cannabis legally? Ozark MMJ Cards can help! We offer medical marijuana certification and renewal services in Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.
With our affordable telehealth visits and personalized customer service, you can obtain or renew your MMJ card and try these effective terpenes for sleep. Apply risk-free. We’ll provide a full refund if our doctors don’t certify you for medical marijuana.
Contact us now to learn more about our services, and visit our blog for more fun reads like this one!