See how marijuana can affect your dreams

When it comes to determining the effects of Cannabis on dreaming, the answer is not clear. "There are several sleep studies showing that marijuana can decrease or suppress REM sleep," commented Dr. Tishler. "The bigger question is whether this is good or bad. The answer is, as always, 'it depends.'"

Scientists are beginning to test the effects of specific cannabinoids on dreaming.

THC, one of the main psychoactive components of Cannabis, has been shown to suppress REM sleep, although it is important to note that these findings have not been consistently replicated.

"Cannabis consumption, specifically THC consumption, reduces REM sleep, eliminating most people's ability to dream due to insufficient time in this phase," said Kebra Smith-Bolden, nurse and CEO of CannaHealth.

A 2019 study found that Cannabis consumers showed less overall REM sleep than non-consumers and more "bizarreness" when recalling dreams.

CBD affects dreaming

The meteoric rise of CBD as a sleep aid may make you wonder what effects it has on dreaming. Although these effects are not yet well understood, a 2017 review on sleep, Cannabis, and cannabinoids suggests that a certain dosage seems to affect dreaming.

The review reported that high doses of CBD increased the onset of REM sleep on the day of administration, while medium doses of CBD decreased the onset of REM sleep the day after administration.

Interestingly, CBD consumers reported that the cannabinoid significantly affects their dreams, with some experiencing more vivid and lucid dreams, more positive dreams (including sexual dreams), and a greatly enhanced recall of their nighttime adventures.

Furthermore, there is evidence that CBD could be a promising treatment for REM sleep behavior disorder, which causes diagnosed individuals to have more "scary" dreams.

These dream disorders are most commonly experienced by individuals with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). "For patients who have nightmares, such as those with PTSD, a certain amount of REM suppression may be beneficial," explained Tishler.

Other cannabinoids and minor terpenes may also work behind the scenes, impacting our dreams, but there is currently no research to reveal their role.

What is REM rebound?

Regular Cannabis users may experience wild dreams if they take a break or abstain from using marijuana for a while. "Rebound is characterized by the return of vivid and unusual dreams when your mind becomes familiar with the REM stage of sleep," says Smith-Bolden.

Although REM rebound provides the mind a way to recover lost dream sleep, according to Tishler, it can be disturbing.

Those in REM rebound often experience more nightmares, denser REM sleep, a quicker onset of REM sleep, and extended REM sleep cycles to repay accumulated debt. "Heavy Cannabis use is not recommended, for this and many other reasons," Tishler added.

If marijuana is your sleep aid, it is vital to avoid the cycle between excessive REM sleep suppression and REM rebound.

"For most people, REM suppression is probably not good," states Tishler, who advises finding a balance between overall sleep and REM sleep, in particular.

"It turns out that this relationship is very dose-dependent. Small doses of marijuana lead to quality sleep without apparent REM suppression, or little, while higher doses are more clearly problematic," explains Tishler.

For those with persistent insomnia or more than three bad nights of sleep per week, he recommends consulting a doctor and then seeking guidance from a Cannabis specialist with their approval.

"The treatment approach varies depending on the type of insomnia you are facing," said Tishler. "Do not rely on advice from your friend or the dispensary. They may suggest dramatically excessive approaches that can backfire. Low doses are more effective."

Similarly, Bolden-Smith emphasizes that newcomers using Cannabis as a sleep aid should start with microdosing. "Gradually increase until your sleep goals are achieved," she advises. This way, you can enjoy the sleepy powers of the flower while protecting your REM sleep.

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