Clinical Trial: Cannabis-Based Herbal Formula Matches Lorazepam for Chronic Insomnia Relief

OG article by Anthony Martinelli

February 27 2026

A Phase II randomized, double-blind, active-controlled non-inferiority trial compared a traditional Thai cannabis-based herbal formula (Anti-Pom-Leung Fever medicine) to lorazepam for chronic insomnia in 100 participants over four weeks. Researchers from Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University and Mahidol University measured sleep quality with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), alongside quality of life and stress metrics; 82 completed (41 per group). Both treatments significantly improved sleep, with the herbal group achieving a mean PSQI of 3.44 versus 4.78 for lorazepam (difference -1.34, meeting non-inferiority). Comparable gains occurred in quality of life and stress reduction. Safety was similar, with no significant adverse effects or laboratory concerns in either arm. The cannabis-based formula proved well-tolerated and effective as a short-term alternative to benzodiazepines like lorazepam. This supports exploring traditional herbal cannabis preparations for insomnia management, potentially offering fewer risks of dependence or side effects associated with conventional sedatives. Larger trials are recommended to confirm long-term efficacy and safety.