J is for Jet Lag: Can Cannabis Help You Reset After Travel?
How CBD and THC Might Support Sleep, Calm, and Circadian Rhythm Recovery After Long Flights
Jet lag isn’t just about feeling tired—it’s a full-body disruption. Your sleep, digestion, energy, and even your mood can go off track after crossing time zones. And for those of us over 50, that reset often takes longer.
In this edition of our A–Z of Cannabis series, we’re exploring how cannabis—particularly CBD, THC, and CBN—may support your body’s natural recovery process and help ease the adjustment after travel.
What Really Causes Jet Lag?
Jet lag strikes when your internal clock—your circadian rhythm—isn’t in sync with your new environment. The more time zones you cross, especially when flying east, the more likely you are to feel off balance.
Common symptoms include:
Difficulty falling or staying asleep
Fatigue and brain fog during the day
Irritability or mood swings
Digestive discomfort
Jet lag can affect more than your sleep—it can derail your trip altogether. But with a smart plan and the right support, recovery is possible.
Dr. Huberman’s Protocol for Resetting After Travel
Neuroscientist Andrew Huberman has laid out a well-researched strategy for recovering from jet lag. Here’s a summary of his approach:
Morning Light Exposure
Get natural sunlight in the morning at your destination to help reset your internal clock. This is especially important when traveling east.
Timed Meals and Movement
Shift your meals and physical activity to match the local time. This helps your brain and body adapt more quickly.
Stay Awake Until Local Bedtime
Resist the urge to nap. Staying up until bedtime in your new location helps realign your sleep-wake cycle.
Track Your Temperature Minimum
Your core body temperature hits its lowest point a few hours before waking. Adjusting your exposure to light and movement around this point can accelerate adaptation.
Where Cannabis Fits In
Cannabis can’t fix jet lag—but it may help manage the symptoms that make it harder to recover. Here’s a breakdown of how different cannabinoids may help:
CBD (Cannabidiol)
CBD is widely used to support relaxation without intoxication. If you’re an anxious flyer or struggle to wind down after a trip, CBD may offer relief.
Potential benefits:
Helps reduce travel-related anxiety
Promotes relaxation during long flights
May assist with falling asleep at local bedtime
CBD is especially useful during the flight or upon arrival, helping you stay calm and centered without the groggy side effects.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
THC may help initiate sleep and ease physical tension—but it requires thoughtful dosing.
Potential benefits:
Supports sleep onset during time zone adjustment
Relieves body tension from long periods of sitting or inactivity
Things to watch for:
High doses can cause grogginess or next-day fatigue
THC may reduce REM sleep, so consider pairing it with CBD or using low doses only
CBN (Cannabinol)
CBN is often marketed as a natural sleep aid. While human research is still limited, many travelers report that low-dose CBN blends help them wind down after travel.
Traveling Smart with Cannabis
Legal Reminders:
Never bring THC products on international flights, even from legal states
For domestic travel, hemp-derived CBD (with less than 0.3% THC) is federally legal, but state laws vary—always check before flying
If using THC, dose before heading to the airport, not at the gate
Product Tips:
Choose travel-friendly options like capsules, mints, or gummies
Avoid melatonin blends if you’re unsure how it may interact with cannabis
Look for products with clearly labeled dosages
Combine Cannabis with Huberman’s Tools
Cannabis is best used as a supportive tool—not a standalone solution. You’ll get the most out of it when combined with proven techniques like light exposure, movement, and proper meal timing.
Think of cannabis as a way to smooth the rough edges, not override your natural rhythms.
Final Thoughts
Jet lag is a real physiological challenge, not just a travel inconvenience. While cannabis won’t reset your internal clock on its own, it may help you relax, sleep, and feel more comfortable during the adjustment. Start with low doses, plan ahead, and always pair it with healthy sleep strategies.
Curious about how cannabis supports wellness from A to Z?
Explore the full A–Z series here and discover how each letter unpacks a new tool, tip, or topic to help you sleep better, feel calmer, and live with less pain:
B is for Breast Cancer - How Women Are Using Cannabis for Relief, Recovery, and Resilience
G is for Glaucoma - What Cannabis Can (and Can’t) Do for Your Eyes
H is for Headache: Can Cannabis Really Soothe the Throbbing Pain?
I is for Insomnia: Can Cannabis Help You Sleep—Or Make Things Worse Over Time?
Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or changing any treatments, including cannabis use.
What timing for this article, I've been in South Korea for about a month! Flying back to the US tomorrow and will only have three days to readjust my schedule before going back to work. Wish I had at least CBD before the flight, but it is even illegal here. I have a THC - CBD- CBN tincture at home to try and see if it will help me adjust to the 14 hour time difference. Not used to traveling across time zones, last time was in 1995...