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 is milder and tends to be more energizing and uplifting. Delta 9 is more potent and tends to be more relaxing, which means it’s often better for sleep. However, delta 8 still has some benefits during the nighttime.
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’s typically made from CBD to be used in 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 people who want the euphoric and psychoactive experience but find delta 9 is too strong.
What is Delta 9?
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 9) is a naturally occurring cannabinoid in hemp.
Unlike delta 8, it’s naturally abundant in the plant – it’s the cannabinoid responsible for many of the effects associated with cannabis. When people say “THC,” they’re usually talking about delta 9.
While recreational cannabis – which is illegal in many states – is what made delta 9 popular, this cannabinoid is legal when derived from hemp.
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.
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 energizing, which, if you’re using it for sleep, isn’t ideal. Delta 9, on the other hand, is twice as strong as delta 8 and tends to be more relaxing and sedative, making it the better choice for sleep.
However, while delta 9’s effects are more conducive to getting good rest, there is some nuance here. Delta 8 tends to spread its effects more evenly across the body and mind, which means it may be better for sleep if you deal with nighttime discomfort.
Combining delta 8 with a cannabinoid like CBD or CBN can help reduce its energizing effects, allowing you to receive its benefits without experiencing sleep disruptions.
Benefits of Delta 8 for Sleep
While delta 8 hasn’t been studied heavily, 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 beneficial effects for sleep
In a 2022 study, 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.
Research shows delta 8 may suppress sleep
While some research and anecdotal evidence suggest delta 8 may help with sleep, a 2025 study suggested otherwise.
In a survey of 1,247 people, scientists found that people who had used delta 8 were more likely to report difficulty falling asleep [2].
This suggests that delta 8 may either help or hurt sleep. Anecdotally, many people report that delta 8 is beneficial for sleep in small doses, but keeps them up when taken in larger amounts.
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. 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 [3].
Other studies have found delta 9 to have similar sleep-promoting properties [4].
Research on the use of delta 9 for dysregulated sleep cycles in elderly people found that delta 9 may help stabilize the circadian rhythm [5].
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 [6].
By promoting physical comfort at night and addressing RLS, delta 9 may support better sleep.
Research suggests delta 9 may help with pain
One study of 124 people found that delta 9 allowed patients with neuropathic pain to reduce their doses of opioids [7].
Another study of 15 patients found that delta 9 was more effective than a placebo at addressing chronic neuropathic pain [8].
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
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 [9].
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
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%) [10].
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. 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. 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.
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 [11].”
Given that delta 9 binds more strongly to CB1 than delta 8 does, this reinforces that delta 9 is generally better for sleep than delta 8.
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?
Ultimately, the best “delta” for sleep will come down to your personal preferences. Research suggests delta 9 is generally better for sleep, but many people prefer delta 8 because they don’t want a full-strength high and they’re mixing it with other cannabinoids anyway.
Additionally, more research on both delta 8 and delta 9 for sleep is needed. As more studies are done and released, we’ll know more about the relative benefits of each cannabinoid.
Delta 8 vs. Delta 9 for Sleep: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions our customers frequently ask us about delta 8 vs. delta 9 for sleep:
Is delta 8 or delta 9 more relaxing?
Delta 9 is generally more relaxing, especially in moderate doses. It offers a deeper sense of calm, while delta 8 is lighter and more functional.
Does delta 8 or 9 make you more tired?
Delta 9 is more likely to make you feel sleepy, particularly at higher doses. Delta 8 is gentler and usually doesn’t leave you feeling drowsy unless paired with cannabinoids like CBN.
Which delta puts you to sleep?
Delta 9 is stronger when it comes to sleep support. Its effects hit harder and faster, making it the better option for sleeping.
Which helps you sleep better, delta 8 or delta 9?
If you’re looking for something potent, delta 9 usually delivers better sleep. Delta 8 is a smoother ride – great for relaxing into rest without feeling heavy or groggy.
Sources
[1] Kruger JS, Kruger DJ. Delta-8-THC: Delta-9-THC’s nicer younger sibling? J Cannabis Res. 2022 Jan 4;4(1):4. doi: 10.1186/s42238-021-00115-8. PMID: 34980292; PMCID: PMC8725316.
[2] Amrit Baral, Bria-Necole Diggs, Ranya Marrakchi El Fellah, Kylee Krivijanski, Michelle Thompson, Girardin Jean-Louis, Denise Vidot, 1247 Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Use and Its Association with Sleep Difficulties:Insights from Herbal Heart Study, Sleep, Volume 48, Issue Supplement_1, May 2025, Pages A537–A538, https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/zsaf090.1247
[3] 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.
[4] 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.
[5] 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.
[6] 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.
[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] 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
[9] 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
[10] 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.
[11] 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.
