“Oh yea, I had enough sleep last night…” Said no one ever! With our busy lives and busier minds, sleepless nights became just a part of the routine!
We turned back to a popular sleep remedy that was used for thousands of years; the Cannabis Sativa plant. But now, with modern science, we have the choice between numerous THC compounds, each carrying some of the plant’s main benefits but with different effects!
So, who wins the battle of Delta-8 Vs. Delta-9 for sleep? Let’s see…
Main Keypoints
- Both Delta-8 and Delta-9 are natural compounds found in cannabis plants with varying psychoactive effects.
- Delta-8 has about half of the psychoactive effects of Delta-9 THC.
- Studies show that Delta-8 THC has many potential medical benefits.
- Studies and anecdotal evidence show that Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC can provide better sleep quality.
- Users report that Delta-8 helped them achieve healthy sleep cycles.
- Most customers prefer Delta-8 THC as a natural sleep aid because of its gentle high compared to Delta-9.
- The two cannabinoids are legal on a federal level, as long as they come from hemp, and the final product has less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC on a total dry weight basis.
Delta-8 or Delta-9 For Sleep? Which Is Better?
It’s hard playing favorites with these two highly potent cannabinoids, especially for sleep. They both share a lot of similarities when it comes to helping you doze off, but their effects could make you decide on a favorite!
On paper, Delta-9 THC has more potent effects on our body’s endocannabinoid system, which makes it the better sleep option, and with that power comes a price of an overwhelming high.
But in reality, Delta-8 has the perfect balance of potency and moderation, which makes it a better option for most people who don’t enjoy the intense high that comes with Delta-9 THC.
So, let us tell you all about the effects of these two similar cannabinoids for sleep, and you be the judge.
What is Delta-8 good for?
The rising star of the THC family has more health benefits than you initially thought! Research shows that Delta-8 has the ability to:
- Relieve chronic pain
- Alleviate anxiety
- Increase serotonin and dopamine production
- Promote relaxation
- Control vomiting
- Improve sleep
- Stimulate appetite
Delta-8 benefits for sleep
Delta-8 can help you sleep in so many different ways. Research suggests that Delta-8 can influence the body’s internal clock, convincing the body it’s time to sleep.
Researchers discovered that Delta-8 has sedative properties similar to those of Delta-9, which can help with better sleep.
A study on THC and sleep apnea observed a 32% decrease in apnea episodes after administering a THC pill to patients for three weeks just before bedtime.
Does Delta 8 help with insomnia?
Insomnia is a condition where you can’t go to sleep or sleep, and when you do fall asleep, it doesn’t last long enough for you to maintain a sleep cycle balance.
“A busy mind and a heavy heart will keep you awake at night,” that’s what Grandma used to say, but guess what! Experts do agree! Researchers believe that anxiety and stress are the primary perpetrators behind insomnia.
According to studies, Delta-8 works on both psychological and physical aspects at once to help treat insomnia.
Delta-8’s sedative and anti-anxiety properties can help alleviate anxiety and stress, while it can also mimic the body’s natural sleep hormone convincing your body to go to sleep.
Delta-8 Effects On Sleep
This happy cannabinoid works on both your body and psyche to help you achieve the most desired sleep.
Delta-8 comes with a body-relaxing euphoria, making your body feels weightless and stress-free, so much so that it’ll have you floating into dreamland in no time.
The Delta-8 high doesn’t cloud your mind too much. Instead, it soothes your mental stress and increases the happy hormones in the brain, so you’d have fewer negative thoughts and surrender more easily into sleep.
Delta 8 dose for sleep?
Dosing is quite a big topic, where many factors that could affect your dosage and experience! Your THC tolerance level, frequency of use, body weight, etc…
We recommend a general dosage of 5-15 mg for beginners and low tolerance users, 25-30 for frequent users and mid tolerance, and 50-100 for experienced users ( a full gummy of our 100 mg knockout gummies).
What Are The Best Delta-8 Products For Better Sleep
Some of the best Delta-8 products for sleep are those made with pure Delta-8 distillate and all-natural ingredients, without any potentially harmful chemicals.
Beyond that, there are many Delta-8 products for you to choose from!
- Vegan Delta 8 Gummies – 3 potencies from 10 mg to 50 mg per gummy.
- Organic Knockout Gummies – 100mg Per gummy! Experienced users only!
- Delta-8 Cookies – 15 mg per cookie
- Delta 8 oil Tincture – 2000mg per 30 ml bottle
- Delta 8 Soft Gels – 30mg per serving
- Delta 8 Hemp Cigarettes – 1000mg per Pack
- Delta 8 THC Disposable Vapes – 1000mg per pen
What is Delta-9 good for?
The well-known cannabinoid has many scientifically proven benefits, such as:
- Chronic pain relief.
- Alleviate anxiety
- Alter perception and increase creativity
- Control vomiting, nausea, and appetite loss.
- Act as a neuroprotectant.
- Suppress muscle spasms and seizures resulting from epilepsy.
Delta-9 benefits for sleep
Delta-9 has strong psychotropic effects, which means it strongly influences our nervous system and the endocannabinoid system, the two most linked to sleep-wake cycles.
Studies show that Delta-9’s strong influence can prompt you to fall asleep faster and increase the duration you spend in deep sleep.
Similar to Delta-8, Delta-9 THC can also alleviate chronic pain and anxiety, allowing you to fall asleep.
Comparing Delta 8 and Delta 9 for Sleep Aid
Delta-9 is the OG THC; it has the most affinity to our cannabinoid receptors, leading to its effects being on overdrive. That’s why some users swear by it, and some users are terrified of it.
As Delta-9 strongly activates our cannabinoid receptors, it can lead to overwhelming effects, especially on those with high THC sensitivity. However, Delta-8 has about half of that psychoactivity, leading its effects to be much gentler and more manageable.
Delta-9 can lead to paranoia and increased anxiety if you can’t handle it because it induces an intense cerebral high. In contrast, Delta-8 has more of a body high that keeps you clear-headed but with heightened senses.
Most users with low THC tolerance report that Delta-9 overloads their systems to the point where they have to sleep, while Delta-8 coaxes their system to sleep instead.
Heavy THC users with high tolerance would feel that Delta-8 has a milder high with milder effects, and they would rather get a strong buzz before they doze off with Delta-9 THC.
While other users would feel that Delta-9 is “too much” and would prefer the high-potency Delta-8 (which has an extremely strong high) instead.
Bottom line: it’s up to you to decide which one is better for you in terms of sleep.
The Molecular Structure Delta 8 VS Delta 9
The two siblings are slightly different in molecular and chemical structure. A slight shift in the placement of the double bond on the carbon chain atom is what sets them apart.
Delta-8 has the double bond on the 8th carbon chain atom, while Delta-9 has it on the ninth. This small shift makes a world of difference when it comes to effects.
Risks & side effects:
The two THC powerhouses might come with a few setbacks; here are some of the most common side effects of each:
Common Delta-8 THC side effects:
- Red eyes
- Dry mouth
- Nausea (in large doses)
Common Delta-9 THC side effects:
- Feelings of anxiety and paranoia
- Brain fog and delayed cognitive response
- Impaired motor skills (in high doses)
- Increased appetite
It’s better to be safe than sorry! Always consult a medical professional before taking THC products, especially if you’re on medication or have a health condition.
Can I fail a drug test if I get tested at work?
Unfortunately yes. A drug test screens for THC compounds, so both Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC will show on your drug test.
If you’re expecting a drug test, we recommend that you stop using THC compounds for 90 days before your test.
Is it legal in my State?
So, we can ecstatically say that our hemp-derived Delta-8 and Delta-9 products are federally legal!
The federal government embraced hemp plants back in 2018 when it passed the Farm Bill. Making all compounds sourced from hemp, containing 0.3% Delta-9 THC of total dry weight, legal on a federal level.
But some states aren’t as giddy on the THC topic, so always check your local laws or search our blogs to see if it’s legal in your state.
Final Thoughts – Delta-8 vs. Delta-9 for sleep
Delta-8 and Delta-9 are two powerhouses when it comes to catching some Zs; their sedative and sleep-inducing qualities are unmatched. However, with the differences in their effects lies the answer of which one is better.
If you’re into the strong cerebral high that gets you stoned before you get your sleep, then Delta-9 gummies are your favorite candies from now on.
But if you rather have a more calming experience and more of a drifting-to-sleep kind of sensation without the brain fog, then we have plenty high quality of Delta-8 THC products to help you do just that.
Legal Disclaimer:
By reading this information presented, you agree to release the author of any liability that comes from using this data. This post does not constitute legal advice. Claims about cannabinoids have not yet been approved by the food and drug administration FDA. Read the full legal disclaimer here.
References:
- Analgesic effects of Delta-8
- Delta-8 reduces pain and inflammation
- Effects of Delta-8 on sleep
- 2018 Farm Bill
FAQs on Delta-8 Vs. Delta-9 For Sleep
Yes! Studies show that Delta-9 can heavily interact with our endocannabinoid system, prompting it to fall asleep easier and faster.
Delta-8 is one of the best cannabinoids to help you fall asleep. Its relaxing properties can help you drift to sleep and to stay asleep.
Each person feels cannabinoids differently, but most users report that Delta-8 is more relaxing and sedating and helps them fall asleep.
Delta-8 has sedative qualities, which are better suited for the PM. If you’re using Delta-8 for sleep, keep in mind that different products take different times to kick in.
If you’re taking edibles, use them about 2 hours before bed.
Depending on your tolerance and experience, we recommend a general dosage of 5-15 mg for beginners and low tolerance users, 25-30 for frequent users and mid tolerance, and 50-100 for experienced users.
Studies show that Delta-8 THC can help with pain relief as it can block pain signals from reaching the brain. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce pain.