Need I say more?!
I wanted to take a moment to share some thoughts and offer a quick side-by-side comparison. My main point here is that cannabinoids—specifically for insomnia—can be a much healthier alternative to other commonly used options. And I’m not just talking about alcohol.
When we consider over-the-counter medications like Tylenol PM, Benadryl, or similar sleep aids, they often have sedative effects that can cause significant harm to our overall health and wellness. This includes alcohol, of course, but it’s not the only culprit.
Sure, when we were younger, our bodies could handle these foreign substances (xenobiotics) much better. But as we age, our resilience decreases, and those substances take a heavier toll.
The reality is, chronic use of OTC pain meds or alcohol can lead to serious liver damage. The liver is central to so many of our body’s vital functions, and when it's compromised, other organ systems suffer as well. You've probably heard me talk about the liver a thousand times—and trust me, it's for good reason. I hope that by now, you're starting to understand just how crucial it is to your health.
When the liver is impaired, it can disrupt a range of processes, from detoxification and hormone regulation (think thyroid, testosterone) to protein synthesis, cholesterol control, and even blood sugar management (1). This can have a cascading effect throughout your body. We need to support our liver every day to keep it functioning optimally, and using alternatives like cannabinoids in place of alcohol is one simple example.
A side note: If you’ve ever had liver issues, or suspect something’s affecting it, that’s where I’d look first. For those seeking to support liver health, I recommend herbs like dandelion, milk thistle, burdock root, licorice root, fenugreek seed, ginger root, and yellow dock. These can all be helpful in supporting liver detox and overall function.
As always, herbs—including cannabis—are most effective when used under professional guidance. While they can be incredibly beneficial, they also come with potential side effects. For instance, THC can increase appetite, or even cause paranoia if you take more than your body can handle. This is why starting with lower doses and having proper guidance is key.
Thanks for reading through my little rant!
Bee Well,
Brandon Farless
*This information is for educational purposes only. I am simply sharing information pertaining to this study. No medical advice or claims are being made on my behalf.
References
1. Kalra A, Yetiskul E, Wehrle CJ, et al. Physiology, Liver. [Updated 2023 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
