Nearly three-quarters of medical cannabis patients report that cannabis outperforms conventional prescription sleep medications, according to a major European survey.
The study, conducted by Frankfurt-based Bloomwell Group between December 2024 and March 2025, surveyed 1,086 people who have been using cannabis to aid sleep since 2023. It found that over 90% of respondents said cannabis works better than over-the-counter sleep medicines.
The survey, described as the largest of its kind in Europe to date, revealed that 70% of respondents experienced fewer side effects with cannabis compared to conventional sleep medications. The same percentage reported higher quality sleep and greater ease falling asleep when using cannabis.
“This survey goes a long way in both legitimising the severity of sleep disorders and the toll these conditions take on people’s lives, as well as providing real-world patient evidence that medical cannabis is a highly effective treatment,” said Dr Julian Wichmann, Managing Director of Bloomwell Group, in a statement to Forbes.
The survey also revealed that 95% of respondents felt sleep disturbances placed a considerable strain on their life and health. Cannabis helped improve quality of life for 86% of participants, with 80% reporting a reduction in symptoms.
Of those surveyed, 82% had previously used sleeping tablets, but 42% had now stopped taking other sleep aid medications such as valerian or melatonin after switching to cannabis.
“At first, I was skeptical. But at some point, I decided to give [medical cannabis] a try. I had nothing to lose but the chance to regain my life,” said Björn D, a patient from Hanover, Germany, who took part in the survey.
“After just a few uses, I started noticing changes. I was finally able to sleep through the night—deeply and restfully… In the morning, I woke up refreshed, without the feeling of fighting against my own body all day. That feeling of relief, of finally getting a piece of my quality of life back, was indescribable.”
Dr Wichmann challenged critics who question cannabis treatments or dismiss sleep disorders as “mild” conditions. “People with sleep disorders suffer greatly, often having tried numerous over-the-counter and prescription sleep aids over the years.”
“Medical cannabis has proven to be far more effective in many cases, with fewer side effects,” he added. “Rather than discrediting patients who choose medical cannabis as a treatment option, we should celebrate the fact that they finally have a real alternative with minimal or no side effects.”
While the survey adds to growing evidence suggesting cannabis may be effective for sleep disorders, researchers note that further studies are needed before firm conclusions can be drawn, particularly given that all respondents were already cannabis users.
