Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that affects roughly one out of three Americans. Individuals with insomnia struggle with falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting quality sleep at night.
Over time, insomnia can negatively impact your health. It can lead to issues such as daytime sleepiness, slowed reaction times, trouble concentrating, mood disruptions, and difficulty remembering things. It also increases your risk of developing anxiety, depression, and health issues like heart disease and diabetes.
There are many treatments for insomnia, ranging from lifestyle changes to medications. Common lifestyle adjustment recommendations include:
- Establishing — and sticking to — a sleep schedule
- Managing stress
- Exercising more
- Limiting caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine
- Making your bedroom sleep-friendly
Depending on your unique situation, your doctor may also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or prescription sleep aids. Some people also use melatonin, an over-the-counter supplement meant to help promote better sleep.
Interest in cannabis as an alternative treatment for insomnia has also increased, and while research is still limited, it’s showing promise. Some states have even added insomnia to their list of qualifying conditions. But can you get a medical card for insomnia in Nevada? Here’s what you need to know.
Qualifying Conditions for a Medical Card in Nevada
You may qualify for a medical cannabis card in Nevada if you have:
- An anxiety disorder
- An autism spectrum disorder
- An autoimmune disorder
- Anorexia nervosa
- Cachexia
- Cancer
- Chronic or severe pain
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- A medical condition related to HIV
- Muscle spasms (including spasms caused by multiple sclerosis)
- Nausea
- A neuropathic condition
- Opioid dependence
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Seizures (including seizures caused by epilepsy)
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So Can You Get a Medical Marijuana Card for Insomnia in Nevada in 2024?
Unfortunately, you cannot currently get a medical marijuana card for insomnia in Nevada. However, you can still get a medical cannabis card if you have another qualifying condition that affects your sleep. For example, if you have chronic pain that makes it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep, you may qualify for a medical card.
Similarly, you can obtain a card if you experience anxiety, PTSD, or muscle spasms, which are conditions that, as a side effect, can affect your sleep.
The Effects of Cannabis on Insomnia
Insomnia may not be a qualifying condition in Nevada, but research shows that cannabis can provide some benefits.
Sedative Effects
Various compounds in the cannabis plant, known as cannabinoids, may promote sleep by making it easier to fall asleep. Studies show that THC, one of the most well-known cannabinoids, has sedating effects in small doses. CBD, in larger amounts, may also induce sedation, making you feel sleepy.
Improved Sleep Quality
Cannabis can increase the amount of time you spend in the non-rapid eye movement (non-REM) stage of the sleep cycle. Non-REM sleep is essential for physical recovery and memory consolidation. Getting enough non-REM sleep allows you to wake up feeling rested and refreshed.
At the same time, cannabis can also reduce the duration of the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of the sleep cycle. Spending less time in REM sleep means less time dreaming or experiencing nightmares. As a result, you may wake up less often during the night.
Prolonged Sleep
Between falling asleep faster and fewer nighttime arousals, cannabis can help increase your total sleep time.
Impact on Anxiety and PTSD
Low doses of THC may help people manage their anxiety symptoms. With less anxiety, you may find it easier to sleep. Additionally, less time in REM sleep could be beneficial for individuals with PTSD.
Relief from Chronic Pain
Chronic pain can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. The analgesic effects of cannabis could help ease your discomfort, thereby helping alleviate insomnia.
Schedule an Appointment With a Medical Marijuana Doctor in Nevada Today!
You may not be able to get a medical card for insomnia in Nevada, but you can still get a card if you have another qualifying condition that affects your sleep. Want to find out if you qualify for medical cannabis? The physicians at Green Health Docs are here to help.
At Green Health Docs, you can schedule a consultation online, by phone, or even by text. With same-day appointments available, you can speak with a physician in as little as 15 minutes after booking. After a brief evaluation, your doctor will let you know if you qualify. If you do, you’ll receive your Attending Healthcare Provider Statement and be able to apply online for a medical marijuana card.
It all starts with an appointment. Schedule your consultation with Green Health Docs today!
This article has been reviewed by Dr. Anand Dugar, an anesthesiologist, pain medicine physician and the founder of Green Health Docs. Graduating from medical school in 2004 and residency in 2008, Dr. Dugar has been a licensed physician for almost 20 years and has been leading the push for medical cannabis nationwide.