Therapeutic potential of cannabis-based products in chronic insomnia

Chronic insomnia is currently a public health problem, affecting around 15% of the population. Clinical options for treating insomnia are often unsatisfactory. In addition to reducing productivity and quality of life, insomnia can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular problems, hypertension and cognitive worsening.

The phytocannabinoids present in cannabis, such as THC and Cannabinol, have great potential to help treat chronic insomnia. The terpenes present in cannabis can also help treat insomnia.

A 2021 Australian study by Dr. Jennifer Walsh's group demonstrated the efficacy and safety of medicinal cannabis products in the treatment of chronic insomnia¹.

In the study, a medicine based on cannabidiol, cannabinol, THC and terpenes was administered to participants for two weeks, in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled format with whashout.

The study demonstrated an improvement in insomnia scores, thus reducing the latency time to sleep, increasing the time and perception of sleep quality. In the study there were no serious adverse events and the cannabis-based medication did not alter the structure of REM sleep.

Thinking about the potential benefits in the treatment of insomnia, 3iPharma developed a cannabis-based product intended for the treatment of insomnia, “Night”, composed of 33.3 mg/ml of cannabinol, 33.3 mg/ml of cannabidiol, THC < 0 .3%, melatonin 1.6 mg/ml and terpenes. The cannabinoid composition is similar to the Australian study, but the THC doses are much lower (0.3%), which increases the safety of the product in terms of side effects. The medication can be purchased by the patient via medical prescription and authorization from ANVISA (RDC 660).

1. Walsh JH, Maddison KJ, Rankin T, Murray K, McArdle N, Ree MJ, Hillman DR, Eastwood PR. Treating insomnia symptoms with medicinal cannabis: a randomized, crossover trial of the efficacy of a cannabinoid medicine compared with placebo. Sleep. 2021 Nov 12;44(11):zsab149. doi: 10.1093/sleep/zsab149. PMID: 34115851; PMCID: PMC8598183.