Sedative (effect)

In the subjective-effect sense, a "sedative" cannabis experience denotes drowsiness, motor slowing, reduced arousal, and propensity to sleep. Higher THC doses reliably increase sedation ratings on the Addiction Research Center Inventory (ARCI) and reduce psychomotor vigilance (Hunault et al. 2009 Psychopharmacology). CB1 activation in hypothalamic and brainstem arousal nuclei, plus adenosine modulation, contribute to the effect. Chemovars with dominant myrcene or linalool are anecdotally more sedating; preclinical data support sedative/muscle-relaxant activity for both (Russo 2011). CBD at high oral doses (≥300 mg) can itself produce sedation, though at lower doses it is often reported as slightly alerting (Iffland & Grotenhermen 2017 Cannabis Cannabinoid Res). Sedation is distinct from the clinical use of cannabis for insomnia, which is covered in Part 9. Citations: Hunault CC et al. Psychopharmacology. 2009;204:85-94; Russo EB. Br J Pharmacol. 2011;163:1344-1364; Iffland K, Grotenhermen F. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2017;2(1):139-154.