A groundbreaking study from Minnesota is shedding new light on a natural—and controversial—tool for tackling sleep apnea: medical cannabis.
Sleep apnea affects millions, often going undiagnosed. It’s more than loud snoring—it’s a serious condition where breathing repeatedly stops during sleep, leading to chronic fatigue, cardiovascular issues, and poor quality of life. But now, researchers at the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management say cannabis could offer relief for many sufferers.
Grace Christensen, a research analyst at the agency, says their team conducted the largest survey to date on cannabis and obstructive sleep apnea. Their findings? Nearly 60% of patients using medical cannabis saw a 30% improvement in disturbed sleep within four months of starting treatment, many sustaining those results over time.
Why cannabis? Early research, including studies in rats and limited human trials with synthetic THC, suggests cannabinoids may reduce apneas by supporting airway stability. That’s why Minnesota added sleep apnea as a qualifying condition for medical cannabis back in 2018.
But don’t rush to the nearest dispensary just yet. The treatment is administered under strict medical supervision. Patients first consult with a physician and are guided by pharmacists trained in medical cannabis to tailor doses and delivery methods for their symptoms.
Notably, only 16% of participants reported side effects, mostly mild ones, such as dry mouth and drowsiness. However, as Christensen humorously noted, what constitutes a side effect for one patient might be a benefit for another.
While cannabis won’t replace a CPAP machine just yet, it could become a supportive therapy for those struggling with compliance or seeking relief. And with more state-led research underway, including on chronic pain, Minnesota is quickly becoming a leader in cannabis science.
For now, the message is clear: sleep apnea relief might just come in the form of a prescription—and a plant.
