Study: Medical Marijuana Linked to Sustained Improvements in Sleep Quality Over One Year

OG article by Anthony Martinelli

December 26, 2025

An observational study followed 137 new medical marijuana patients in Pennsylvania over one year, assessing sleep quality via the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Participants completed surveys at baseline and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months.

Global sleep scores improved significantly from baseline to the first follow-up, with gains sustained throughout the year without further progression. Subscales reflected consistent benefits in latency, duration, and other domains.

Analyses controlled for administration methods (oral vs. others) and qualifying conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, or PTSD, finding no significant differences in outcomes.

The study demonstrates medical marijuana's association with rapid and lasting sleep enhancements in real-world users. Subjective improvements stabilized early, suggesting durable effects.

Limitations involve self-reported data without objective verification, such as polysomnography or actigraphy. Researchers recommend randomized controlled trials to confirm causality, explore mechanisms, and evaluate long-term safety.

Overall, results bolster evidence for medical cannabis in managing sleep disturbances, particularly for patients unresponsive to conventional treatments.