Currently, about one in three people worldwide have difficulty sleeping, and 10% of adults meet diagnostic criteria for insomnia. Faced with this scenario, medical cannabis emerges as a promising alternative. Recent studies, such as a meta-analysis from Sleep Medicine Reviews and research from Imperial College London, already pointed to improved sleep quality and reduced anxiety with the use of cannabinoids.

To corroborate the scientific evidence, the Germano Sinval Faria School Health Center (CSEGSF/Fiocruz) and the Support Association for Research and Medicinal Cannabis Patients (APEPI) joined forces to evaluate the use of cannabis oil in the treatment of refractory insomnia and anxiety.

The study, led by doctors Luiz Montes do Amaral, Raphael Steenhagen, and Ernesto Faria, selected patients who were already using benzodiazepines without effective results. The project adopted a holistic approach, combining treatment with integrative practices such as aromatherapy, meditation, and therapeutic listening.

"In the biweekly meetings, from the beginning, we talked about the oil, the issue of stigma and prejudice, and the difference between medicine and what is a drug, to demystify a bit," said Dr. Luiz Montes do Amaral, in a publication by APEPI.

100% of patients slept better

The data collected at the end of the project were extremely positive. According to the participants' reports, the results were:

- 87.5% reported a reduction in time to fall asleep;

- 100% noted an increase in total sleep time;

62.5% showed overall improvement in quality of life indices.

THC and CBD-rich Oil

The oil chosen for treatment was Schanti, produced by APEPI. It is rich in cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a combination selected by the medical team due to the properties of each component.

"We understand that THC has good results for sleep induction, and CBD has better results for anxiety. So, we understood that Schanti would be the best option," highlighted Dr. Luiz.

The prescription was supervised by the team, with individual dose adjustments at each meeting. To measure effectiveness, the 20 participants answered scientific questionnaires about quality of life and sleep (Pittsburgh Methodology) before and after treatment.

With information from APEPI