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Despite its growing popularity as a sleep aid, medical cannabis may not actually help people with insomnia. A major Cochrane review of nine clinical trials found little to no meaningful improvement in sleep quality, total sleep time, or daytime functioning — and a higher risk of side effects like dizziness and dry mouth. Researchers say the evidence is too weak to draw firm conclusions either way.
Medical cannabis is increasingly being used as a sleep remedy, but a sweeping new Cochrane review urges caution. Researchers analyzed nine randomized controlled trials involving 537 adults aged 18–76 with insomnia and found that medical cannabis produced little to no clinically meaningful improvement in sleep quality, total sleep time, or daytime functioning compared to placebo. There was a hint of quality-of-life benefit, but the evidence was too uncertain to be conclusive.
The review also flagged a safety concern: participants using medical cannabis were significantly more likely to experience mild adverse events — such as dizziness and dry mouth — than those on placebo. The studies tested a range of products (tablets, sprays, oils) with varying THC and CBD levels, making cross-study comparisons difficult. The longest follow-up was just 12 weeks, leaving long-term effects largely unknown.
By the Numbers
Why it matters: Millions of people struggle with insomnia, and many are turning to medical cannabis without solid evidence it works. This review is a reminder that popularity doesn't equal proof — and that clinicians and patients should weigh individual circumstances carefully while awaiting more rigorous trials.
