Insomnia is just awful. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve found it more and more difficult to fall asleep. I got where I dreaded heading to bed at night. I’d spend hours trying to get comfortable and relax. I’d feel chilly or suddenly become overheated and start sweating. I couldn’t shut down my mind. I tried avoiding screen time before bed. I ate special foods and drank specific beverages that were supposed to help. I sometimes would get up and clean my house, workout, read or work at three or four in the morning. Getting up in the morning was a struggle, and I’d feel exhausted and sluggish all day. My problems with insomnia led to a slight depression. I refused to take over-the-counter or prescription sleeping pills. There are too many scary side-effects. When the first recreational dispensary opened doors in my local area, I was super excited. I was anxious to give marijuana a try for treating insomnia. I was hoping to find a natural medicine to help me fall asleep easier and stay asleep longer. The body’s endocannabinoid system helps to maintain homeostasis and controls everything from pain and inflammation to mood and sleep. Cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant interact with the receptors of the endocannabinoid system to provide medicinal benefits. CBD and THC have shown promise in reducing anxiety, helping with relaxation and increasing chances of a full night’s rest. I mainly shop indicas, which are associated with sedative effects, and use a combination of vapes, tinctures and edibles. The quick onset of effects of smoking and sublingual application are great for getting me to sleep. While the effects of edibles take a while to set in, the effects are long-lasting.