Medicinal Cannabis Matters: Friday Round-Up – 5th September 2025

Welcome to this week’s round-up of the latest news in medicinal cannabis. Today we’re focusing on something that affects millions of people: sleep. New research is showing growing support for cannabis-based medicines as a safe and helpful option for people living with insomnia.

Can cannabis-based medicines help with sleep?

New research suggests that cannabis-based treatments could be especially helpful for people who struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep.

A major review of studies, published in Sleep Medicine Reviews, found that products containing THC—the main active ingredient in cannabis that causes a calming or sleepy effect—either on its own or combined with CBD, showed noticeable improvements in sleep. People using these types of medicines reported better sleep quality overall. However, CBD on its own didn’t appear to help sleep in the same way.

Read the study on ScienceDirect

In a separate UK-based study, 124 patients were followed for 18 months while using cannabis-based medicines for insomnia. Many of them reported better sleep, reduced anxiety, lower levels of pain, and improvements in mood. Just under 1 in 10 experienced some mild side effects—such as feeling tired during the day or a dry mouth—but no serious problems were reported.

Read the full article on Cannabis Health News

A closer look at a specific cannabis oil for sleep

Another recent study looked at a particular type of cannabis oil called Entoura-10:15, which contains a mix of THC and CBD. Participants took the oil every night for two weeks. The results were impressive:

• Around 60% of people no longer met the criteria for clinical insomnia by the end of the trial;
• Sleep quality improved, and people reported waking up feeling more rested;
• Melatonin levels (a hormone that helps regulate sleep) also increased;
• People reported feeling more alert and better able to function during the day.

This study used a comparison approach where some participants were given the cannabis oil, while others received a non-active version (a placebo). Neither group knew which one they were taking, which helps make the results more reliable.

Read the full abstract on ScienceDirect

Real-life patient data supports long-term benefits

New findings from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry—which collects data from patients prescribed cannabis-based medicines—also point to positive results for those with insomnia.

Among 61 people who were followed for up to six months, many reported better sleep, along with reduced anxiety and an improved sense of wellbeing. A small number experienced mild side effects, but none were serious.

View the study on ScienceDirect

These results match what we’re seeing in both research trials and day-to-day care: for people who haven’t found relief with traditional sleep treatments, medicinal cannabis may offer a safe and effective alternative.

What does all of this mean?

If you’re one of the many people who struggle with sleep, there’s growing evidence that cannabis-based medicines—especially those containing THC or a mix of THC and CBD—could help. They appear to improve sleep quality and also support better mental health and day-to-day wellbeing for some individuals.

It’s important to remember that not all cannabis products are the same. The type, dose and balance of THC and CBD all matter. Treatments should always be carefully tailored to each person and prescribed by a qualified doctor, like the expereinced team we have here at Medicann.

Thanks for reading this week’s round-up. If you're considering medicinal cannabis for insomnia, or supporting someone who is, we’re here to help. Whether you're just exploring your options or want to speak with a clinician, feel free to reach out—we’re always happy to answer questions or guide you through the next steps.

Get started today by checking your eligibility.