For people having trouble sleeping, Delta 8 THC might not be the first remedy that comes to mind. Such people might opt to subscribe to sleeping pills, or valerian and melatonin if they prefer natural alternatives.
But did you know that Delta 8 THC, a derivative from the cannabis family of compounds like CBD and THC, has gained popularity with consumers and featured in the news as an effective sleep aid?
This rarely recommended sleep remedy only came to light with the rise of CBD, and has helped many people to reduce pain and inflammation, and improve sleep.
But should you use Delta 8 THC as a sleep and pain relief aid and is it effective?
Here, we look at the many merits and demerits of Delta 8 as a sleep and pain remedy and discuss everything from its effects on the human body, its side effects, and legality.
How Does Delta-8 THC Interact With the Endocannabinoid System to Induce Sleep in the Body?
The marijuana derivative Delta 8 THC interacts with the endocannabinoid system like other cannabinoids by binding to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain.
D8 has a chemical bond that appears on the eighth carbon atom of its carbon chain, which binds to the CB1 receptor, activating its sedative properties.
The CB1 receptor, one of the main cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system regulates and helps balance sleep, pain, anxiety, energy metabolism, and appetite in people.
When Delta 8 THC forms bonds with this receptor, it activates it, leading to an induction of sleep.
What Does the Research Say About the Benefits of Delta 8 THC On Sleep?
Scientists have not yet explored the full effects of marijuana-derived Delta 8 THC on sleep in humans, but there are several studies on how D8 affects sleep and brain activity in animals.
A 1973 study researched the effects of Delta 8 on sleep in cats. It found that intravenous Delta 8 THC, in part, left the cats feeling sedated, and regulated their sleep cycle without any of the paranoia seen when they ingest marijuana.
The conclusion was that D8 is one of many cannabinoids from hemp with useful sedative properties for folks with sleep disorders.
Side Effects of Using Delta-8 THC for Sleep
A 1995 Hebrew University study on the effects of Delta 8 THC on children with cancer showed a noticeable reduction in nausea and vomiting in the participants.
Additionally, a 2018 systematic review found that Delta 8 increased the heart rate in humans and decreased it in animals. Yet another study showed that Delta 8 caused an increase in blood pressure in humans followed by a drop and a slower heart rate.
Like CBD, Delta 8 THC did not have significant side effects in hemp users who used the compound to help them sleep.
Using Delta-8 THC Products for Sleeping Disorders
Because of its euphoric and sedative effects, taking Delta 8 THC cannabidiol products before bed can leave you feeling relaxed, inducing sleep.
You can ingest Delta 8 product as:
CBD-rich hemp flower with Delta 8 THC oil
Delta 8 pre-rolls
Edibles e.g. cookies and gel capsules
Oils
Tinctures
Vape Cart
To ensure effective use and delivery, try to follow the following one or all of the following best practices:
Pick the Right Dosage
Delta 8 THC products come in various milligram strengths, so choose a strength that reflects the potency you’re after.
Time Your Dosage
Ensure that the effects of any Delta 8 products you take, peak around bedtime. For instance, if you vape a Delta 8 THC cart, expect the onset of the psychoactive effects within 6 minutes, with a peak occurring within 45 minutes and 2. 5 hours of ingestion
Choose the Right Ingestion Method
A vape cart may help you sleep quicker as it onsets quicker. Other Delta 8 products like gummies may take several hours to get you high and induce rest. This choice could be ideal for all insomniacs who wake up in the middle of the night.
Take Delta 8 With Other Cannabis Derivatives
THC and CBD work synergistically when taken together; so do Delta 8 and CBN, one of many cannabinoids from the hemp plant that have relaxing qualities. This phenomenon is known as “the entourage effect.”
Consider taking a CBD Delta 8 type formulation that blends this cannabinoid with many other naturally-occurring hemp plant derivatives.
Where Can You Purchase Delta-8 THC and Other CBD Products for Sleep?
Various reputable online retailers like Delta Effex, 3Chi, and BuyDelta8Online sell Delta 8 products that could help with insomnia.
When deciding which brand to buy from, you should consider certain “non-negotiables” to ensure that you are getting genuine products.
Only purchase products from a brand that:
Use organic, USDA-approved hemp sourced from approved U.S. farmers.
Use premium cannabis plants with high CBD and terpene content
Have third-party THC delta 8 lab reports and independent third-party product testing results
Have naturally-occurring hemp-derived Delta 8 THC content, CBD, or Delta 9 THC using only natural isomerization processes
Do not use bleach in their hemp processing; all hemp distillates should be rose-colored and not clear
Sourced from a reputable company with a working site, accurate product advertisement, contact information, batch number/lot product information, and positive reviews from consumers.
FAQs
What Are the Benefits Of Hemp-Derived Delta 8 THC?
Delta-8 has been proven to prevent nausea and vomiting, effectively reduce pain and anxiety symptoms, induce sleep, and stimulate the appetite.
It is also gaining prominence, like CBD and Delta 9, for its cancer-fighting properties, as research shows it can help stem the growth of a tumor.
What Is the Difference Between CBD Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC?
Delta 8 and Delta 9 are both cannabinoids, derivatives of the cannabis plant.
The biggest difference between Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC is in their atomic composition, which in turn induces varying effects when ingested.
Delta 8 THC has a particular chemical bond that appears on the eighth carbon atom instead of the ninth as in Delta 9 THC, changing how it binds to the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain.
This difference in the chemical bonding process makes Delta 8 have a lower psychotropic potency than Delta 9, giving users a milder, smoother high without the accompanying anxiety and paranoia typical with Delta 9.
How Long Does Hemp-Derived Delta 8 Stay In the System?
Unlike CBD, THC byproducts are detectable from a few days to a few weeks, in urine, hair, and skin, depending on the potency of the cannabis derivative ingested, metabolism of the user, and the frequency of use.
Is Delta 8 THC Federally Legal?
In the United States, only naturally-occurring hemp-derived Delta 8 is legal, including Delta 8 made using an isomerization process that converts CBD into Delta 8 or Delta 9 that has been degraded to create Delta 8 THC.
According to the 2018 Farm Bill, all synthetically-derived tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are Schedule I controlled substances, therefore any synthetically derived Delta 8 THC is illegal.
Bottom Line
Anecdotal evidence shows that Delta 8 does help with sleep. Research has shown that when it binds to the CB1 receptor, a primary cannabinoid receptor located throughout the peripheral and central nervous system, it induces sleep.
However, it is vital that you first consult your doctor before taking Delta 8 for sleeping disorders, especially if you are taking many other prescribed insomnia medications. Your doctor will answer any questions you have, help you choose the correct dosage, and adjust any current prescriptions.
As with all other THC and CBD products, and everything not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, do not make the error of buying hemp products from disreputable online retailers.
Hemp consumers should choose companies that manufacture only naturally-occurring, hemp-derived Delta 8 THC, carry out independent third-party testing, have clean CGMP, API, and ISO manufacturing conditions, and have adequate customer services and contact information on their site.
This way, you’ll be sure that you’re buying a Delta 8 product with acceptable levels of Delta 9 THC compound that will help you with sleep without all the nasty side effects.
