New Study Highlights Sleep Quality Improvement from Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids

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A recently published study in Health Science Reports, investigated the role hemp-derived cannabinoids could play in improving sleep quality (1-3). The cannabinoids included in the research were tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabidiol (CBD). Researchers involved in the study were affiliated with the University of North Florida (Jacksonville, FL) and Jacksonville University (Jacksonville, FL) (1).

Study organizers utilized a cannabinoid supplement placed in an oral soft gel which “contained 3 mg Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol, 6 mg cannabinol, 10 mg cannabidiol, and 90 mg of a proprietary food-grade terpene blend,” (2) and a placebo option which were given out to 20 participants experiencing symptoms of insomnia. Participants that were provided with the cannabinoid supplement saw “significant improvements [from] baseline for sleep latency, sleep duration, and global sleep quality.” Participants also experienced “significant improvements in ‘mental health,’ [and] ‘feeling healthy and full of energy'” after consuming it for ten days (1,2).

Researchers utilized several questionnaires in the beginning to form a baseline of the sleep quality conditions they were investigating. Data was pooled using the “Insomnia Severity Index, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Bergen Insomnia Scale, Profile of Mood States (POMS), Perceived Stress Scale, Pain and Sleep Questionnaire. Trait Anxiety Inventory, Flinders Daytime Fatigue, and Health-related Quality of Life Scale,” (1).

“The purpose [of this trial] was to examine the effectiveness of a hemp‐based supplement with CBD, CBN, THC, and a standardized terpene blend on sleep quality/quantity, anxiety, perceived stress, mood, pain, and HRQoL (health-related quality of life) in adults with subthreshold insomnia symptoms using a randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled crossover pilot trial. We found the CS (cannabinoid supplement) was well‐tolerated and resulted in significant improvements in several sleep quality and health outcomes compared to both baseline and placebo,” the study’s authors mentioned (2). “Improvements in daytime fatigue, pain affected sleep, mood, and anxiety were also associated with CS, though these were nonsignificant condition differences. In conclusion, [hemp-derived cannabinoid] supplementation may be a simple, effective, and well‐tolerated alternative to improve sleep quality and related health outcomes in adults with subthreshold insomnia symptoms.”

Results from the study showed that sleep quality was significant improved in the cannabis supplement group (1,2). According to POMS, symptoms of fatigue, tension, depression, anger, vigor, and anxiety did not see as much improvement in the cannabis supplement group when compared to the placebo-controlled group (2). The study did not withness any adverse events in participants (2).

Researchers concluded that the cannabinoid supplement shows potential in helping improve sleep quality, as well as health-related quality of life (2). Lastly researchers commented that (2) “Larger controlled trials are encouraged to examine the longer-term effects of this supplement in a variety of populations and environments.”

References

1. Hausenblas, H.; Hooper, S.; Lynch T., Effectiveness of a Cannabinoids Supplement on Sleep and Mood in Adults With Subthreshold Insomnia: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Crossover Pilot Trial. Health Sci Rep. 2025; 8(2):e70481. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.70481. PMID: 39980821; PMCID: PMC11839740.
2. Norml. Hemp-derived cannabinoids improve sleep quality https://norml.org/news/2025/03/06/clinical-trial-hemp-derived-cannabinoids-improve-sleep-quality/ (accessed Mar 11, 2025).
3. Hausenblas, H.; Hooper, S.; Lynch, T., Effectiveness of a Cannabinoids Supplement on Sleep and Mood in Adults With Subthreshold Insomnia: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Crossover Pilot Trial. Health Sci Rep. 2025; 8(2):e70481. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.70481. PMID: 39980821; PMCID: PMC11839740.