Three compounds drive cannabis sleep effects: THC (sedating at moderate-high dose), CBN (cannabinol, formed as THC ages, more sedating than THC), myrcene + linalool (terpenes — myrcene above 0.5% reliably produces body relaxation; linalool tilts toward calm + sleep).
Edibles: take 60-90 minutes before bed (onset window). Inhaled (vape, pre-roll): 15-30 minutes before bed. Tincture sublingual: 30-60 minutes before bed. CBN-rich edibles + tinctures specifically for sleep are widely available at NY dispensaries.
Long-term high-THC use may suppress REM sleep, which can affect dream recall and possibly sleep quality over time. Mitigation strategies: rotate with CBD-balanced ratios, take 1-2 nights per week without cannabis, lean toward CBN-formulated sleep products that produce sedation with less REM disruption.