Novel Formulation of THC and CBN in a Repeat-Action Tablet Improves Objective and Subjective Measurements of Sleep

American Journal of Endocannabinoid Medicine
2021
William E. Gannon, Wendy Bronfein, Dia S. Jackson, Kimberly Holshouser, Tecoya Farrakhan, Bruce E. Artman, Marcus Schestepol, Donald J. Treacy, Edward M. Rudnic

ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE
BACKGROUND: The use of cannabis to improve sleep quality and treat sleep-related disorders has received increased attention due to the expanded legalization of cannabis for medical use in 36 states and Washington DC. Data on the effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), in combination with cannabinol (CBN), on sleep is preliminary; however, preclinical research indicates that CBN may prolong sleep and be particularly effective when combined with other cannabinoids. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a repeat-action tablet containing 10 mg THC and 5 mg CBN on sleep quality, sleep duration, and awakenings in participants (medical cannabis users). The effect of the combination tablet was evaluated using objectively measured and self-reported data.
METHODS
A sleep-tracking device (SleepScore Max)was used to measure objective sleep. Self-report questionnaires were administered to measure perceived sleep quality. The validated, at-home sleep-tracking system uses a patented technology to unobtrusively and objectively track an individual’s gross and micro-movements.
RESULTS
Objective data demonstrated that the 35 participants who completed the study slept an average of 6 hours and 29 minutes per night before starting on the repeat-action tablets. During the combination tablet-use period, participants slept an average of 20 minutes longer (ie, 6 hours and 49 minutes; P<0.001; 5% improvement). There was a 22% increase in reported feelings of restfulness upon awakening (P<0.0001), with an average rating of 53.32 (on a 100-point sleep quality scale) before product use to 65.21 during product use. Additionally, there was an 18% increase in reported overall sleep quality (P<0.0001), with an average rating of 57.36 (on a 100-point sleep quality scale) before product use to 67.90 during product use.
CONCLUSIONS
This validation study found that a repeat-action tablet formulation of THC and CBN was associated with improved sleep quality in a sample of 35 participants who were medical cannabis users. Findings were obtained using both a validated sleep-tracking system to measure objective sleep and self-reported data obtained from questionnaires.

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