Sleep is the most common reason people use CBD (cannabidiol), but many customers who come to us looking for better sleep often want something stronger: that’s where delta 8 and delta 9 THC come in.
But which of these THC variants is the best for sleep? Both delta 8 and delta 9 THC are psychoactive and will get you high, but they offer very different effects.
Delta 8 THC creates a mild head high that’s energizing and uplifting. Delta 9 THC creates a more potent euphoric experience that tends to be deeply relaxing. While delta 8 THC is great for daytime therapeutic use, delta 9 THC tends to be better for sleep support and nighttime use.
In this article, we’re going to discuss the effects and benefits of delta 8 vs. delta 9 for sleep so you can decide which cannabinoid is right for your situation.
What is Delta 8?
Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 8) is a cannabinoid that naturally occurs in the hemp plant. However, it’s only found in very small amounts, so it has to be made from CBD to be turned into products.
Delta 8 creates psychoactive effects and will cause a head high. However, it’s just half as potent as delta 9 THC (regular” THC).
Delta 8 is popular among hemp users who want the head experience but don’t want something as strong as delta 9.
What is Delta 9?
Like delta 8, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 9) is a naturally occurring cannabinoid in hemp. But unlike delta 8, it’s naturally abundant – it’s responsible for the effects famously associated with cannabis. Delta 9 is the cannabinoid most people have in mind when they say “THC.”
Recreational cannabis use, which is illegal in many US states, is what made delta 9 popular. However, delta 9 is legal when derived from hemp and has many therapeutic benefits.
Hemp is simply cannabis that contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight (likewise, hemp products are products with a THC concentration below 0.3%). Illegal cannabis contains over 0.3% THC, and is referred to as marijuana.
This is a legal distinction; hemp is not a different “breed” of the cannabis plant. Hemp-derived delta 9 is chemically identical to marijuana-derived delta 9.
Effects of Delta 8 vs. Delta 9
When it comes to choosing between delta 8 and delta 9 for sleep, the most important thing to consider is how these cannabinoids make you feel – not just how sedative they are, but what type of experience they give.
Delta 8 is euphoric and uplifting. Some people find it to be slightly energizing, which, if you’re using it for sleep, isn’t ideal. However, others find it has sedative effects. Delta 8 will get you high, and it’s roughly half as strong as delta 9.
Delta 9 is also euphoric and relaxing, but it’s typically more sedative than delta 8. It’s also twice as potent.
Another key difference between these cannabinoids is in how they distribute their effects: delta 8 tends to spread its relaxing effects across the mind and body, whereas delta 9’s effects are noticeably stronger in the head.
Benefits of Delta 8 for Sleep
There isn’t a lot of research on delta 8 THC. However, there is a bit of research, as well as plenty of anecdotal evidence, on the potential benefits of delta 8 for sleep.
Research shows delta 8 has effects that are beneficial for sleep
Scientists surveyed 500 delta 8 users to find out the commonly experienced effects and benefits of these products.
Survey participants reported experiencing relaxation (71%), euphoria (68%), and pain relief (55%) after using delta 8 [1].
While not specific to sleep, this research indicates that delta 8, for most people, creates effects (relaxation and euphoria) that may also be beneficial for sleep.
This survey also shows that delta 8 may have some benefits for pain and anxiety. Given that these are common contributors to sleep problems, it’s clear that delta 8 has therapeutic potential as a sleep aid.
However, it will need to be researched further before we can draw any surefire conclusions about how well it works for this purpose.
No more weak, ineffective, and potentially dangerous products. It's time for high-strength, American-made delta-8 THC products that have been 3rd-party lab tested.
Benefits of Delta 9 for Sleep
Compared to delta 8, delta 9 has been studied quite a bit as a sleep aid.
Some studies show that delta 9 promotes sleep and has therapeutic potential for issues that impact sleep, while other studies indicate that it has little impact on sleep. Here’s an overview of the research.
Research shows delta 9 may promote restful sleep
One study found that delta 9 creates sedative effects in moderate doses, suggesting it may be beneficial for sleep [2].
Other studies have found delta 9 to have similar sleep-promoting properties [3].
Research on the use of delta 9 for dysregulated sleep cycles in elderly people found that delta 9 may help stabilize the circadian rhythm [4].
This suggests that delta 9’s sleep-supporting benefits may go beyond just creating certain effects, a strong indication of its therapeutic potential.
Research shows delta 9 may help with Restless Leg Syndrome
Research has found that delta 9 may help with restless leg syndrome (RLS), a disorder that often creates or worsens sleep problems [5].
By promoting physical comfort at night and addressing RLS, delta 9 may support better sleep.
Research suggests delta 9 may help with pain
Several studies suggest delta 9 has analgesic (pain-reducing) and anti-inflammatory properties.
One study of 124 people found that delta 9 allowed patients with neuropathic pain to reduce their doses of opioids [6].
Another study of 15 patients found that delta 9 was more effective than a placebo at addressing chronic neuropathic pain [7].
While more research is needed on delta 9 for pain, these studies indicate that it has clear therapeutic potential. By extension, this is another indication that delta 9 can promote better sleep.
Research shows that delta 9 may help with stress and anxiety
Research on delta 9 for anxiety shows that it may either be beneficial or detrimental, depending on how much you take.
In a 2022 study, researchers observed anxiolytic, or anxiety-reducing, effects at smaller THC doses, whereas larger doses of THC may be anxiogenic, or anxiety-causing [8].
This reflects anecdotal evidence: many people use THC for everyday relaxation, but they find that it creates adverse mental experiences when taken in larger doses.
By promoting a calm mind at night, delta 9 may make it easier for you to fall asleep.
Research shows that in some cases, delta 9 may do nothing or worsen sleep
Although many studies suggest delta 9 is beneficial for sleep, others find that it does little for sleep.
A research review that examined several studies on cannabis for sleep found that cannabis, in general, created better sleep (21% of studies), worsened sleep (48%), rendered mixed results (14%), or had no impact at all (17%) [9].
Anecdotal evidence (people who have used or use delta 9 for sleep) is mixed, too – some people report that delta 9 helps them sleep, while others don’t see much benefit from using it.
This shows that delta 9 may have tremendous sleep benefits for some people, while for others it does little. This reinforces the need for more clinical research on delta 9. It’s also a good reminder that cannabinoids affect everyone differently, so experimentation is often necessary.
No weak, ineffective, or potentially dangerous products here. Only high-strength, American-made delta 9 products that have been 3rd-party lab tested.
How Delta 8 & Delta 9 Work In Your Body
Delta 8 and delta 9 THC work by interacting with your endocannabinoid system (ECS), a receptor system in your body responsible for regulating your vital functions, including mood, sleep, inflammatory response, and more.
By regulating your vital functions, your ECS keeps your body balanced. The ECS normally functions fine on its own; healthy ECS function is associated with normal states of health.
But during times of mental or physical unbalance, introducing cannabinoids into your system from the outside may support your ECS and help it do its job better.
To understand how delta 8 and delta 9 work with your ECS, it’s important to know the two main types of cannabinoid receptors:
- CB1 receptors — Located in the central nervous system and throughout the body. These receptors are responsible for regulating the effects cannabinoids have on your mind.
- CB2 receptors – Located all throughout the body, except for in the nervous system. These receptors are responsible for regulating the effects cannabinoids have on your body.
Delta 8 and delta 9 both interact with both types of receptors, but to different degrees. This allows both cannabinoids to render physical, as well as mental, relaxation.
However, delta 8 binds more strongly to CB2 receptors than delta 9 does, which is why its physical effects are stronger than those of delta 9. Delta 8 also binds more weakly to the CB1 receptors than delta 9, which explains why it’s less psychoactive than delta 9.
In addition to generally understanding what each receptor does, scientists have found that the activation of the CB1 receptor “leads to an induction of sleep [10].”
Given that delta 9 binds more strongly to CB1 than delta 8 does, this would suggest that delta 9 is more effective for sleep than delta 8. However, some people still prefer delta 8 because they want something less powerful.
Which is Better for Sleep, Delta 8 or Delta 9?
There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing between delta 8 and delta 9 for sleep. Here’s what we recommend thinking about:
Desired strength & character of effects
If you want a milder head high and something a bit more uplifting, delta 8 is the better choice. It can help you get into a restful, calm mood without being overpowering.
If you’re looking for a stronger, more sedative head experience, delta 9 is the way to go. Given the research on CB1 receptors, it seems delta 9’s sleep-inducing properties are more powerful than delta 8’s.
Desired spread of effects
Delta 8 tends to spread its effects across the mind and body – you’ll get a “head high” and a “body high.” This makes it a good choice if you’re struggling to sleep due to physical discomfort.
Delta 9, on the other hand, is much more focused in the head – better if you’re looking for something to calm you down and help you drift off.
Your tolerance
If you’re new to cannabinoids that get you high, such as delta 8 or delta 9, you’ll likely have a lower tolerance for them. In this case, you’ll want to opt for delta 8, which isn’t as strong as “classic THC.”
Conversely, if you’re a more experienced user, you might want the more powerful delta 9.
Conclusion: Which Delta 8 is Better for Sleep?
Given that we don’t have a lot of clinical research on delta 8 and delta 9 for sleep, and we certainly don’t have research comparing how effective they are for this purpose, it’s hard to say for sure which cannabinoid is better for sleep.
But even if we have more research, the best choice for you ultimately comes down to your unique situation. Which set of effects would be the most beneficial?
If you can answer this question, you’ll know whether delta 8 or delta 9 is the better choice for helping you get a good night’s sleep.
Delta 8 vs. Delta 9 for Sleep: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions our customers frequently ask us about choosing between delta 8 and delta 9 for sleep.
What’s better for sleep delta 8 or 9?
Delta 8 and delta 9 both have therapeutic potential for sleep. Neither is “better” – it comes down to whether you want a milder, more uplifting experience (delta 8), or a stronger, more sedative experience (delta 9).
Does delta 9 help with sleep?
Yes. Delta 9 may promote restful sleep by creating sedative effects and addressing physical discomfort.
Does delta 9 get you higher than delta 8?
Yes. Delta 9 is roughly twice as potent as delta 8.
Will Delta 8 put me to sleep?
No. While delta 8 has therapeutic potential for addressing some of the things that make sleeping difficult, such as pain and anxiety, it tends to create an energizing, uplifting head high that isn’t particularly conducive to getting good rest.
Sources
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[2] Nicholson AN, Turner C, Stone BM, Robson PJ. Effect of Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol on nocturnal sleep and early-morning behavior in young adults. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2004 Jun;24(3):305-13. doi: 10.1097/01.jcp.0000125688.05091.8f. PMID: 15118485.
[3] Kesner AJ, Lovinger DM. Cannabinoids, Endocannabinoids and Sleep. Front Mol Neurosci. 2020 Jul 22;13:125. doi: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00125. PMID: 32774241; PMCID: PMC7388834.
[4] Hodges EL, Ashpole NM. Aging circadian rhythms and cannabinoids. Neurobiol Aging. 2019 Jul;79:110-118. doi: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2019.03.008. Epub 2019 Mar 25. PMID: 31035036; PMCID: PMC6591053.
[5] Ghorayeb I. Cannabis for Restless Legs Syndrome. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2021;1297:173-181. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-61663-2_13. PMID: 33537945.
[6] Weber, Janet et al. “Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta 9-THC) Treatment in Chronic Central Neuropathic Pain and Fibromyalgia Patients: Results of a Multicenter Survey.” Anesthesiology research and practice vol. 2009 (2009): 827290. doi:10.1155/2009/827290
[7] Weber, Janet et al. “Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta 9-THC) Treatment in Chronic Central Neuropathic Pain and Fibromyalgia Patients: Results of a Multicenter Survey.” Anesthesiology research and practice vol. 2009 (2009): 827290. doi:10.1155/2009/827290
[8] Lichenstein, Sarah D. “THC, CBD, and Anxiety: A review of recent findings on the anxiolytic and anxiogenic effects of cannabis’ primary cannabinoids.” Current addiction reports vol. 9,4 (2022): 473-485. doi:10.1007/s40429-022-00450-7
[9] Amaral C, Carvalho C, Scaranelo A, Chapman K, Chatkin J, Ferreira I. Cannabis and sleep disorders: not ready for prime time? A qualitative scoping review. J Clin Sleep Med. 2023 May 1;19(5):975-990. doi: 10.5664/jcsm.10428. PMID: 36692176; PMCID: PMC10152356.
[10] Murillo-Rodríguez E. The role of the CB1 receptor in the regulation of sleep. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2008 Aug 1;32(6):1420-7. doi: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2008.04.008. Epub 2008 Apr 18. PMID: 18514375.
