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December 1st, 2023
Delta 8 THC is one of the most widely used derivatives of the hemp plant, beloved for its psychoactive effects that are totally one-of-a-kind, along with its plethora of valuable properties that can help us with all kinds of daily complaints. A natural compound found in hemp, delta 8 is used for all kinds of reasons – including sleep.
So many of us struggle with getting in those nightly 8 hours, so the idea of a hemp product that can naturally put our minds and bodies into a state of relaxation sounds like a dream – no pun intended. If you’re looking for the most sleep-inducing delta 8 product that exists on the market, we’ve got you covered at GreenLife Remedies. We are gonna cover what delta 8 gummies can offer, why the cannabinoid does seem to have such a strong correlation to sleep, and how to find the perfect gummies for bedtime.
Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, better known as delta 8 THC (or “D8”), is a naturally occurring chemical compound that’s present in cannabis – both marijuana and hemp. The delta 8 that we carry at GreenLife comes from hemp, as marijuana derivatives remain federally illegal.
Delta 8 makes up about 0.1% of the hemp plant’s chemical composition, which is super trace. Compare that to the 10-25% CBD in hemp, and you’ll see just how minor this cannabinoid is. Delta 8 is actually a natural byproduct of delta 9 THC, the far more well-known THC that is trace in hemp, but still dominates the marijuana plant.
As the hemp plant matures, some of its delta 9 THC begins to oxidize due to age. Some of this oxidized form of delta 9 becomes delta 8 THC, as the process changes the chemical structure of the compound, thus changing how it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This also explains why delta 8 is considered a milder form of delta 9.
Delta 8 THC is about 30% less intoxicating than delta 9 THC, but it does produce a definite high. Keep in mind that although it’s milder, those with a low THC tolerance overall can still get pretty high off of it, especially in high doses (25mg or higher, give or take). The high is said to be more clear-minded than delta 9, and less likely to cause the paranoia and anxiety that people may experience with delta 9 THC.
Meanwhile, delta 8 THC’s ‘high’ is known for being particularly relaxing – something that has a lot to do with the cannabinoid’s association with sleep. It’s ‘high’ may also be euphoric, and thus, offer soothing effects to the body.
Delta 8 THC, like delta 9 THC and CBD, is a cannabinoid. Cannabinoids are compounds that are unique to cannabis. They are the only compounds in nature that directly work with the endocannabinoid system – the system in the body of all mammals that is in charge of our homeostasis. The endocannabinoid system has a series of cannabinoid receptors found in systems of the body, mainly in the nervous system, that each regulate a physiological process, such as sleep, mood, pain tolerance, inflammation, etc.
When we consume delta 8 THC, the cannabinoid attaches to specific cannabinoid receptors – mainly CB1 receptors, found in the central nervous system. This binding process allows physiological processes to regulate, to bring us into a state of equilibrium, in which bodily processes are performing at their full potential.
Now, let’s look more specifically at the role that delta 8 can play in sleep. Basically, researchers have been analyzing delta 8 THC for years – in fact, this cannabinoid was discovered decades ago – and have concluded that it serves the purpose of being an anxiolytic. This means that delta 8 works specifically with cannabinoid receptors that regulate nervous system functions related to stress and anxiety. This explains why so many people find delta 8 to be calming compared to other cannabinoids.
Delta 8 THC’s tranquil effects relate to both the mind and body. Those who take it report feeling a lowered stress response, and a general feeling of calmness in the mind. Meanwhile, the cannabinoid also relaxes the body, helping alleviate tension while creating a feeling of physical drowsiness that’s perfect for curling up under the covers and falling asleep.
Delta 8 THC’s legality is a bit complicated. It’s legal under federal law, because of the Farm Bill that passed in 2018, which determined that all hemp products could be sold legally as long as they contain no more than 0.3% delta 9 THC by dry weight. Keep in mind that delta 8 is not delta 9, and so there are zero restrictions when it comes to how much delta 8 can be in any one formula. Besides that, federal law does not prohibit any specific product types.
This means that delta 8 is legal federally, but at the same time, not every state across the country agrees. As of now, 19 states have banned delta 8 THC, along with other intoxicating compounds, meaning that if you live in one of the states below, you cannot purchase delta 8 sleep gummies or any other delta-8 products:
Note: State laws can change at any time. In other words, delta 8 THC may be banned in other states in the future, so please stay on top of your state’s laws to always make sure you’re buying and using a product that’s legal where you live.
Now, the reason you’re still here and reading this blog, is you want to actually know what delta 8 gummies are. Well, we’re not gonna keep you waiting. Let’s take a look at delta 8 gummies, which are a very popular product type for this cannabinoid.
Delta 8 gummies are fruity gummy candies that are infused with delta 8 distillate. They come in all kinds of flavors and milligram strengths, with both vegan and nonvegan options widely available.
Gummies in general offer a distinctive delivery method, which is ingestion. Ingesting the delta 8 cannabinoid enables a whole different kind of experience than what you’d get from, say, vaping it. The process of traveling through the digestive system and being released into the bloodstream through the liver affects the onset time, duration of effects, and how the ‘high’ feels overall. It can take up to 2 hours before you start feeling delta 8 kick in, mainly depending on how much food is in your stomach when you take it. But, once the effects do begin, the high can last for up to 8 hours, with a stronger body high than what you’d get from other delivery methods, and an even stronger emphasis on the calming properties of delta 8.
Because delta 8 gummies all contain an equal amount of milligrams, dosing is super easy. Each piece is a serving size, so you can just pop a gummy into your mouth and wait for its soothing properties to take hold. There’s no need to measure out each dose. Delta 8 gummies are also great for travel, since so many places ban vaping/smoking, and because you don’t need to bring accessories, like a vape pen, or a pipe for smoking flower.
When it comes to sleep, delta 8 gummies are a great choice. That’s because the effects last for long enough to be felt throughout the night. And, the uniquely calming nature of edibles just enhances the already mellowing properties that are unique to this cannabinoid.
Making delta 8 gummies is a bit more complicated than most of us realize. First off, making the delta 8 distillate that goes into the gummies is a complex process. We said that there’s only about 0.1% delta 8 in hemp, and that’s such a low amount that making an extract of pure delta 8 THC would require loads and loads of flower. So instead, companies turn to isomerization – rearranging the molecular structure of CBD distillate to convert it into delta 8. All cannabinoids are isomers of one another, because they all begin as CBG (cannabigerol), the single cannabinoid found in young cannabis prior to splitting off into the 100+ cannabinoids we know of.
At this stage, companies can create their own gummy recipe, and add delta 8 THC distillate to the formula. Keep in mind that each brand has their own recipe, and that means that every gummy contains a distinctive combination of ingredients.
Naturally, people want to be sure that their delta 8 gummies aren’t going to give them any worrying side effects. First off, hemp derivatives, including delta 8, are nontoxic to the human body. In other words, there’s no real risk of serious harm from taking them, and the body can actually tolerate pretty high doses. But, at the same time, side effects do exist with just about any substance. Fortunately, delta 8’s side effects are generally mild, and last for only a few hours at most. They include:
As you can see, none of these side effects are severe. If you do experience them, simply wait them out, as they will pass. It is rare for side effects to last beyond the high itself.
Currently, you understand what delta 8 gummies can do for sleep, but the next step is knowing the best practices when it comes to taking them, as this is to ensure you get the best night’s sleep possible.
Of course, when you take your gummies is going to play a big role in how much they work for sleep. After all, taking a dose in the morning isn’t going to help you out at bedtime. We recommend taking a gummy an hour before bedtime, on an empty stomach if possible. We said it can take 1-2 hours before the gummies take full effect, so be patient, and don’t take a second dose 30 minutes in because you aren’t feeling anything yet.
How much you take is going to matter a lot, so be mindful of the milligram strength of the gummy. A higher dose may be ideal for those struggling with sleep – anything above 25mg – but keep in mind that some people are sensitive to THC in that higher doses make them feel anxious or paranoid. In general, it’s best for beginners to start with a lower dose, like 10-15mg, and work their way up as needed and tolerated. After about a week of nightly use, you can decide if a higher dose is going to benefit you.
It’s best to take delta 8 nightly as opposed to sporadically. That’s because cannabinoids work cumulatively, meaning that the more regularly we take them, the more they can build up and be used thoroughly by the endocannabinoid system. Basically, a nightly routine is likely to give you more long-term success when it comes to sleep.
There’s no reason why you can’t add other hemp products into your nightly routine, including other delta 8 products. For instance, delta 8 vapes have a much faster onset time of about 5-15 minutes, and so, can wear off just as the gummy is starting to make its way into the bloodstream. This can be great for those looking for a more “on-demand” method when trying to fall asleep.
Believe it or not, there is something else that you need to consider – not all delta 8 gummies are equally capable of producing results, even if, at first glance, they look good on the label. So, there are several variables you really need to pay attention to, prior to buying delta 8 gummies that require a bit more digging.
You always want to read third-party lab reports before buying any hemp product. These lab reports are provided by a state-licensed laboratory, and act as a detailed document that goes over the safety of the product (heavy metals, microbes, etc.), the purity of the product, its potency, its legal compliance, and which compounds are present in the product (terpenes, cannabinoids, etc.). This document should be accessible through a company’s website, and if a company won’t provide it, that’s a major red flag.
Companies should disclose how they source their hemp. Ideally, the delta 8 should come from hemp that’s grown organically, and in the United States, to ensure that it’s free of pesticides, and gown according to strict industry standards here in the US.
The higher the delta 8 distillate purity level, the better. Impurities can range from solvents that linger after the extraction process, to chlorophyll that comes from the plant itself. Delta 8 distillate should be above 90% in terms of purity, and companies should make that information available.
Essentially, expired delta 8 gummies aren’t going to do anything. Delta 8 THC degrades over time, and delta 8 distillate has a shelf life of about 2 years. Improper storage means the delta 8 THC degrades at a quicker rate. Look for a company with a fast turnover rate, to ensure you’re not getting old gummies.
Delta 8 gummies come in a wide variety of formulas, strengths, and so on. But, some are far more suited for sleep than others. Slumber Delta 8 / CBN Gummies are the perfect choice, since they combine 5mg CBN with 10mg delta 8 THC. CBN is another calming cannabinoid recommended for sleep, without any intoxicating properties. CBN and delta 8 work together synergistically to boost the properties of one another, in order to enhance each other’s sleep-inducing properties on a whole new level.
These watermelon-flavored gummies are perfectly tasty, and they come in a pack of 10, offering a 10-night supply. They’re made with clean ingredients and are derived from organic hemp. Third-party lab reports show that the hemp extracts are pure, and free of any harmful environmental toxins or microbes.
GreenLife offers a variety of spectacular delta 8 gummies, all made by trusted names in the industry, and each complete with third-party lab reports. In addition to the delta 8 sleep gummies we carry, we offer a wide range of products intended for sleep, highlighting all kinds of cannabinoids and innovative formulations. Basically, if you’re looking for a natural remedy for sleep, we’ve got plenty of products to try at our online dispensary. Check out our selection today!
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