Denver Dispensary Uses DNA Testing to Personalize Cannabis for Better Sleep

A Denver dispensary is helping individuals with sleep issues, like one writer who has struggled with insomnia for years. After trying various over-the-counter and prescription medications without success, the writer explored cannabis as a potential solution, prompted by friends in Colorado. Despite previous attempts with gummies yielding no results, a new program at Police & Thieves dispensary piqued her interest, offering a scientific approach to finding the right cannabis strain.

The CannaCurious program, priced at $228, starts with a DNA test to evaluate how quickly a person’s body metabolizes THC, the psychoactive component in cannabis, and CBD, a non-psychoactive compound known for treating conditions like anxiety and insomnia. After completing the DNA test, the writer filled out an online survey to outline her goals, specifically seeking better sleep. Stassja Gomez, the store lead, then explained the results, revealing that the writer is a rapid metabolizer of CBD and a typical metabolizer of THC. This indicated that she might not have been using a sufficient dosage of either compound.

Based on the findings, Gomez recommended experimenting with cannabis strains that have a ratio of at least 2:1 CBD to THC. She also suggested looking for products containing cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabinol (CBN), the latter of which she humorously referred to as “CBNightNight” for its sedative properties. After a thorough consultation, the writer left the dispensary with four products, two included in the program and two purchased for further experimentation.

The results were promising. The writer found success with half of a Wana Optimal Stay Asleep Dream Berry gummy, which contains 20 milligrams of CBD, 10 milligrams of THC, and five milligrams each of CBN and CBG. This combination provided a mild head high and a sense of drowsiness that helped her fall asleep quickly and stay asleep for six hours—a significant improvement for someone who often struggles with insomnia. Another product, TasteBudz’s Cannabinoid Suite Blackberry Chamomile gummies, also proved effective, offering a delightful heaviness without feeling overly intoxicated. While the other products, including Mary’s Medicinals’ Remedy Tincture and Batch’s Become Mellow vape, were less effective, the overall experience showcased the potential of personalized cannabis solutions for sleep issues.