A new study comparing cannabinoids and melatonin found that both the cannabis plant derivatives and sleep-aid supplement were useful by themselves with some distinct differences and that they could even be utilized simultaneously for greater benefits.
On Tuesday, Radicle Science showcased its data from a recent clinical trial entitled: the Radicle Sleep Discovery Study — in partnership with Open Book Extracts (OBX).
Radicle claims that its study examining the potential of cannabinoids for helping people sleep was the largest in history and the most substantial trial on products with cannabinol (CBN) as well.
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Radicle Science examined products from OBX and found that its cannabinoids provided similar sleep benefits to melatonin.
For the study, 1,800 participants were enrolled in the trial throughout the U.S. and were instructed to take either melatonin or cannabinoids only for one month while reporting regularly on their state of health and well-being and any side effects.
Subjects taking each variety of sleep medicine found that both were generally beneficial with no significant statistical differences, but Radicle Science did discover some key takeaways from the trial that had implications for future treatments.
One discovery made was that those who took cannabinoid products or even a combination of melatonin and cannabinoids such as CBD, CBN or cannabichromene (CBC) reported significantly less “grogginess” than those who took melatonin alone.
Results from the study suggested that a combination of cannabinoids and melatonin may offer improved sleep duration that melatonin alone couldn’t provide.
Radicle Science also says that these findings indicate that cannabinoid products deserve further attention and research as beneficial alternatives or additions to melatonin that may have the potential to reduce one of the worst common side effects associated with taking the more conventional sleep aid.
“This is fascinating data that is the first-of-its-kind,” said Dave Neundorfer, CEO of OBX.
“What’s especially interesting is that cannabinoid formulations for sleep can also help people who also experience pain or anxiety. Instead of having to take several products to address their ailments, they may be able to take just one.”
OBX is a cannabinoid product specialist and cGMP certified manufacturer headquartered in Roxboro, North Carolina.
“With sleep issues impacting 50 to 70 million Americans, scientifically-validated research is needed more than ever on how to help improve rest,” said Dr. Jeff Chen, CEO and co-founder of Radicle Science.
“Sleep is among one of the most popular therapeutic usages for cannabinoids, and we’re excited to have begun this groundbreaking work in researching formulations and dosages to discover those with greatest effect.”
The two companies will soon be conducting another study on the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) to investigate its potential benefits for focus, energy and appetite.
