Delta-8 has spared no time in gaining a reputation for itself and, in doing so, has managed to grab a sturdy foothold in the consumer market. We have previously covered some potential benefits delta-8 can offer, but one recurring question has dominated the FAQs pages often enough to warrant a deeper look. “Can I use Delta-8 to sleep better?” and “Does Delta-8 help you sleep?” are common themes for people looking to find a new way of combating their night-time struggles.
Well, there is no better time than the present to dig in and find out what exactly Delta-8 offers those having difficulty finding rest.
For those new to Delta-8, we will review what Delta-8 is and why people add it to their routines.
What is Delta-8?
Before going over what Delta-8 does, it’s important to understand what Delta-8 is. First, Delta-8 comes from the Cannabis family and comes from hemp instead of traditional marijunna.
A few people may be confused since Delta-8 is known officially as Delta-8 THC, and THC usually has a reputation for being linked to marijuana.
But Delta-8 is a different chemical chain than delta-9. The difference may seem minor, but the impact is significant. Where Delta-9 THC has a double bond on a 9th carbon atom, Delta-8 has a double bond on its 8th carbon atom.
This single difference, unseeable to the human eye, alters the impact of the THC chain to an extraordinary degree.
All forms of THC are utilized in the same place but can have various effects on the body. So let’s look at how delta-8 is absorbed and what system is responsible for that.
Is Delta-8 THC Legal?
One of the most important factors when considering Delta-8 is its legality. The 2018 Farm Bill opened many doors regarding hemp crops and things derived from them. Delta-8 THC is one of the many cannabis compounds firmly seated in the limelight following this historic change.
For a while, delta-8 was fully legal across the US as it is derived from low Delta-9 THC hemp and helped along artificially to become something usable.
However, some states haven’t felt delta-8 was in the clear. Likewise, a few have already moved to limit or ban the ability to buy delta-8 THC.
If you are in the market for Delta-8 products, please double-check with your local laws to make sure you are clear.
Delta 8 THC is illegal in 14 states as of 2022:
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Montana
- New York
- Nevada
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Utah
- Washington
If you are not a resident of any of these locations, you will probably have little difficulty finding Delta-8 to add to your regiment.
How does Delta-8 Interact with the Body?
Delta-8 THC, no matter which form you use, interacts with the body’s natural endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid system is the human body’s biological system responsible for helping maintain balance and regulate critical bodily functions. The system comprises cannabinoid receptors, enzymes, and signal relays sending information across the body.
Some of these functions include:
- Blood Pressure
- Appetite
- Pain
- Memory and Learning
- Immune System Response
- And Many More
Delta-8 makes its way through the bloodstream to the brain, where it binds with these receptors. Even though Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC interact with the same receptors, their effects are not the same.
The effects on the body have been described as a milder experience than delta-9 THC. The feelings include euphoria and relaxation. The combination has led many consumers to add delta-8 to their evening routine to help them feel more relaxed and unwind after a long day.
Does Delta-8 Get You High?
Knowing the full range of effects when it comes to delta-8 is essential when considering what you are using it for. For those who want to use Delta-8 as a sleep aid, it should be noted that Delta-8 is fully capable of getting its user high.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, however. Delta-9 tHC is the defacto king when it comes to getting high and is the perfect example of how Delta-8 differs from what you might expect.
While most people associate getting high with powerful, full-body sensations, delta-8 is a much mild and toned-down experience. The difference usually revolves around people claiming that a Delta-8 high is less intense, more relaxing, and devoid of the typical feelings of paranoia and fear that can come with too much.
Dosage amounts are an essential factor that should be kept in mind if you are trying to avoid too intense of an experience, even if the experience itself is much more muted than traditional Delta-9 THC.
Can I Use Delta-8 as a Sleep Aid?
Knowing that delta-8 has a reputation for helping people relax, it’s easy to ask if delta-8 can work as a sleep aid. The question itself is the logical next step; it’s essential to understand the full scope of what delta-8 offers and how it could help.
Delta-8 itself does not cause intense drowsiness. Many people begin their day with delta-8, just like how many use it at the end of the day. What’s important is how it helps and when it helps.
Delta-8 THC itself does not cause drowsiness or sleep induction. Instead, Delta-8 often helps relieve stress from the body as it relaxes muscles and helps the mind unwind. As you experience appropriate dosages of delta-8 and you feel the effects, tiredness already present in the body may become more apparent.
Delta-8 can be used in a nightly regimen for those who are familiar with it and its effects. Even so, its important to understand that if delta-8 is helping with sleep, its more than likely due to helping with the underlying issues instead of just pushing you to bed by force.
How to Best Use Delta-8 for Sleep
Now that we have covered a fair bit of information surrounding delta-8, its time to get into the practical application side. Be sure to check out our last blog, Does Delta-8 Help with Sleep?.
Delta-8 is a cannabinoid compound that holds multiple forms of potential and many factors come into play when determining how to use it. Things like strength, time of use, and method of consumption can all impact the outcome.
If you are are wanting to add delta-8 into your evening routine, let’s go over some important points to keep in mind to maximize your chances of having more restful sleep.
Experience an Entourage Effect with Other Hemp Compounds
Delta-8 might be the star of this show, but it isn’t often the only actor. Hemp-derived cannabinoid compounds often work together to provide much smoother and stronger reactions.
Other compounds found alongside Delta-8 THC include CBD, CBN, and CBC. The entourage effect itself is best summed up as the synergistic effect of full-spectrum cannabinoids working together to enhance the overall impact Delta-8 has.
The combination has the potential to help achieve the relaxation and rejuvenation that someone could be looking for without the concentrated effect of a pure Delta-8 high.
Select an Appropriate Strength
Even for people familiar with THC and delta-8, it’s crucial to understand what your goal is and what is an appropriate approach. Just like how some strains of cannabis have medical applications, overuse doesn’t translate to better results.
Not all products have an equal impact. What may be right for one person may be too much for another. Some people may not even have any effect at a dose that puts someone else well past their comfort zone.
For those new to delta-8, if you decide to try it for the first time, start low and slow. A recommended dose for those new to delta-8 usually ranges between 10 to 12 mg. Even though the amount may feel low, it’s better to do less and need more, than to need less and take too much.
Those with more experience and higher tolerance levels may use doses closer to 50mg. Not that it will be necessary to use that much, but the range is still within reason if you want to utilize Delta-8 in your sleepy time regimen.
Take Your Time
Remember, there is no need to rush into the first product you see. A vast sea of different products and formulations exist on the market, many are designed to help specific circumstances.
Even products designed for the same purpose may be on the market for different types of consumers. Things such as dosage, entourage effect intentions, and even flavor can all affect what is right for you.
Use Delta-8 at the Right Time (of Day)
Earlier in the article, we lightly touched on how different people use Delta-8 THC for various purposes. Not only does dosage and product type affect your experience, but even things like the time of day can significantly alter what Delta-8 can do.
Delta-8 interacts with the natural endocannabinoid system within our bodies. Much like food, water, and other things, when we use them affects what they do.
Some people use Delta-8 THC in the middle of the day and find that they have less brain fog and stronger task clarity. The boost can help them become more productive like a mid-day coffee might help others.
Some people even use Delta-8 first thing in the morning and find themselves able to feel more energy and alert than on days that they don’t have delta-8 as a part of their morning process.
People wanting to see if delta-8 can help their nighttime troubles will need to remember what time they plan to go to bed to maximize those sleep time benefits.
Delta-8 THC can take up to 2 hours to kick in when used in an edible form such as gummies, which means taking them at about the time you intend to wind down for the night; that way, they can come into full strength when it’s time for bed.
Find Your Favorite Delta-8 Product
Lastly, everyone is different. It may take some times to find the best delta-8 product for you. Your preferences vary, and some products may effect you differently than others.
We recommend trying out which interest you the most first. There are plenty to choose from! Just in our line of delta-8 products, we offer gummies, flower, oils, chocolate bars, softgels, vape products, and even beverages.
Where to Get Delta-8 Products for Sleep?
Fortunately, we offer some of the highest-quality delta-8 products on the market. Through our innovative methods, we go above and beyond the typical standards of the cannabis industry.
That difference allows us to provide the most potent, powerful products possible. Try saying that five times fast.
You can get delta-8 products for sleep on our line of hemp-derived delta-8 products. Our top recommendation, though, is our Descend Oil. Perfectly designed for a good evening’s rest, it’s the combination of delta-8 and CBN that does the trick.
Some of our flower strains also provide a perfect push to bedtime. Others prefer something simple and quick, so they take our delta-8 softgel capsules. Or, for a sweet snack each evening, you might go for our CBD+delta 8 gummies.
No matter what, when you take delta-8 in the evening, it can potentially provide a powerful effect for the rest of the night.
