Humans have taken marijuana as a sleep aid for hundreds if not thousands of years – and there’s a ton of anecdotal evidence that it’s effective! Sadly, most Americans still cannot access THC products, but delta-8 options like gummies are proving an excellent alternative.
Delta-8 is the slightly less potent but legal version of THC, and delta-8 products have gone mainstream over the past couple of years. But are delta-8 gummies effective, and if so, which ones work best? I’ve got all the answers and more in this post!
Let’s start things off with a look at the top five delta-8 gummies for sleep:
1. Nimo Nutrition – Delta-8 THC Gummies (Sleep)
Nimo Nutrition manufactures a variety of high-end edibles, but it’s the Sleep Gummies we’re interested in here. Each tub contains 20 wild berry-flavored gummies, 10mg delta-8 extract per edible, melatonin, L-theanine, chamomile, lemon balm, and more.
Taking delta-8 gummies to the next level, Nimo has concocted a calming cocktail with several sleep-inducing extracts to complement the mildly intoxicating delta-8. It’s a delightful combination that puts Nimo a cut above most competitors.
Unfortunately, while gluten-free, these delta-8 gummies are not suitable for vegans. Third-party tested with less than 0.3% THC.
2. Chill Plus – Delta-8 THC Gummies (Squares Original)
What do you get when you mix equal amounts of delta-8 and CBD? Chill Plus Delta Force Squares, of course! The 1:1 ratio of psychoactive delta-8 and sedating CBD works wonders, giving you that restorative sleep you have been missing.
Each gummy contains 10mg CBD and delta-8, with 50 gummies per tub. That’s an impressive 1000mg of legal hemp extract in total. The manufacturers use CBD and delta-8 isolate in these square gummies, which have a classic flavor without a trace of earthiness.
Diamond CBD recommends taking two all-natural, organic gummies at a time, which equates to 25 servings per container. Third-party tested with no detectable THC.
3. ELYXR – Delta-8 THC Gummies
Relax and unwind with delta-8 gummies from ELYXR. These soft chews contain 25mg delta-8 – 20 servings in a tub – and are physically calming. Even better, there’s no hemp aftertaste, so they taste just like any gummies you could buy at a candy store.
Ideally, take an ELYXR gummy around an hour before bedtime to give the effects time to kick in before your head hits the pillow. If 25mg is too much, split the serving into two!
Third-party tested by Harvard Industries, ELYXR delta-8 gummies are free from contaminants and contain no detectable THC or CBD.
Flavors: Cherry, Orange, Watermelon, Blue Razz, Mango, Variety Pack (3 Flavors), Party Pack (4 Flavors)
4. Canna Kings – Delta-8 THC Sour Rope Bites
One long sour rope with a mighty 250mg delta-8? Count me in! This super-strength edible from Canna Kings contains 98% pure delta-8 distillate derived from US-grown hemp. The delta-8 is spread evenly throughout the rope, so you can dose up with confidence!
The Sour Rope lives up to its billing – I admit it’s very moreish! If anything, you’ll have to stop yourself from going overboard in case you get too high. It is that good.
Canna Kings prioritizes potency and purity, hence the high-strength distillate. Crucially, this delta-8 edible product is also solvent- and pesticide-free. Third-party tested with less than 0.3% THC.
5. CBD Genesis – Delta-8 THC Gummies
Make sleepless nights a thing of the past with Delta-8 THC Gummies. Sweet, soothing, and oh-so-delicious, these infused candies pack a punch with 25mg delta-8 per serving – enough to generate a deep sense of relaxation and euphoria.
With this product, you can free your mind from anxieties and stresses after a taxing day and feel confident of an uninterrupted night’s sleep. Delta-8 gummies produce sustained effects, keeping you in a rejuvenating deep sleep until you wake.
These gummies are vegan-friendly and made with tapioca syrup and pectin instead of animal gelatin. Third-party tested and federally compliant.
Sizes: 25-count (500mg), 50-count (1250mg), 100-count (2500mg)
What are Delta-8 Gummies?
Delta-8 gummies are hemp-derived edibles containing high concentrations of the delta-8-THC cannabinoid. A naturally occurring cannabinoid present in cannabis, delta-8 has a similar profile of effects to THC but is only 50 to 75% as potent.
Delta-8 is an isomer of the more famous delta-9-THC (THC), which is the main psychoactive component in marijuana. Both delta-8 and THC are partial agonists of the CB1 receptor in the endocannabinoid system (ECS), although the former has a lower binding affinity.
CB1 receptors are found in the central nervous system. The link-up between delta-8 or THC and these receptors is responsible for the mind-altering, psychoactive effects of cannabis. Interestingly, since delta-8 is weaker than THC, it may not cause as many side effects.
Given THC is notorious for causing anxiety and paranoia, the lighter delta-8 is an attractive substitute. If you’ve previously had a bad experience with marijuana, delta-8 products could suit you better.
Can Delta-8 Gummies Help You Sleep?
Thousands upon thousands of happy delta-8 users say yes! But we all know anecdotes are no replacement for cold, hard scientific evidence. Annoyingly, we don’t have any studies on whether delta-8 can help sleep – the substance is too new.
However, since delta-8 and THC are nearly identical, it’s fair to suggest that all of THC’s effects are replicated in delta-8 – although we must remember that delta-8 isn’t as strong. So, what does the science say about THC and sleep?
In 2013, the American Journal on Addictions published a study showing that oral THC consumption has “somnolent effects.” That’s science speak for THC causing sleepiness and drowsiness. The study is particularly relevant, given this post is about edibles.
A more extensive review of the evidence, featured in Sleep Medicine Reviews in 2014, concluded that cannabis has mixed effects on sleep. Scientists examined nearly 40 human studies examining the effects of cannabinoids on sleep.
While helpful, this research wasn’t specific to THC, which may explain the mixed findings. Notably, though, the studies didn’t deny the sleep-promoting potential of THC.
From the limited scientific research, our knowledge of historical marijuana use, and modern-day anecdotes, we can deduce that delta-8 likely can help you sleep. Hopefully, we’ll get some high-quality human trials soon to confirm it.
Types of Delta-8 Gummies
There’s no single type of delta-8 gummy – different brands use different delta-8 extracts and cannabinoid combos. Some delta-8 products may promote sleep more effectively than others. Here are three types of delta-8 gummies that I see regularly.
Pure delta-8 gummies: These gummies contain delta-8 isolate extract but no other cannabinoids. Delta-8 isolate gummies are very common and popular with users chasing a recreational, euphoric high.
Delta-8 gummies with CBD: Some brands combine delta-8 with CBD – this is mainly done to reduce the psychoactive effects and make the delta-8 high milder. However, the sedative properties of CBD mean this type of gummy could be more beneficial for sleep.
Delta-8 gummies with CBN: These are gummies for the delta-8 connoisseurs and cost more than the standard varieties. However, cannabinol (CBN) is thought to be even more physically relaxing than CBD and, therefore, may be perfect for sleep.
Are Delta-8 Gummies Legal?
Yes and no. At the federal level, delta-8 gummies are legal, but more than a dozen states have made delta-8 products illegal in recent times. Let’s start with the federal law.
Hemp-derived delta-8 was legalized in 2018, albeit not intentionally. The 2018 Farm Bill de-scheduled all cannabinoids, barring THC. Delta-8 gummies must have less than 0.3% THC to be classified as hemp products.
After the federal government legalized hemp, nearly all states passed the same bill in their own state legislature. But since then, not everywhere has taken kindly to the emergence of the delta-8 industry.
Legal hemp wasn’t supposed to mean legal psychoactive substances, although I sure am grateful for the loophole! Technically, most delta-8 gummies are not strictly natural but created in a laboratory from CBD isolate. Hemp only produces trace amounts of delta-8.
However, a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) spokesperson recently shot down claims that delta-8 products are illegal.
Clearing up any doubt, he confirmed that THC is the only controlled substance in hemp, a message the delta-8 industry has taken as a green light.
Unfortunately, the states that have banned delta-8 probably won’t change course anytime soon. Delta-8 is banned in – and vendors will refuse to ship to – the following states:
Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Kentucky, Idaho, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and Washington.
What to Look For When Buying Delta-8 Gummies for Sleep
Shopping for sleep-promoting delta-8 gummies is no different from shopping for other hemp-based products. You must first ensure a product is genuine before checking that the potency of the gummies and the ingredients used to meet your requirements.
Third-Party Lab Reports
All delta-8 gummy manufacturers should be able to produce a third-party lab report on demand. Many publish reports on product pages – I enjoy such transparency.
We need this unusual assurance with delta-8 gummies because the market is not FDA-regulated. With no government body checking product legality and quality, the duty falls to honest companies and independent laboratories.
The best brands have nothing to hide and are keen to prove their authenticity. Beware of companies that claim to be third-party tested but don’t have a certificate of analysis to prove it. Scammers rely on customers not checking.
Delta-8 Potency and Cannabinoid Percentages
As delta-8 is psychoactive, you must pay close attention to how strong your gummies are. A 25mg gummy could overwhelm you if taking delta-8 for the first time, while a 10mg gummy may be ineffective if you take delta-8 daily.
Other cannabinoids can alter the effects of delta-8 gummies. Edibles with CBD won’t get you as high because of the cannabinoid’s anti-intoxicating effects. Check what type of hemp extract and cannabinoids are in a product before purchasing.
Other Ingredients
Some companies add non-hemp ingredients to their delta-8 sleep gummies. We see this with Nimo Nutrition’s gummies containing melatonin and L-theanine.
Generally, these extra ingredients are good and make a product more therapeutic. But they can increase the risk of side effects. For example, doctors advise against taking melatonin alongside certain medications. Melatonin is also associated with headaches.
How to Store Your Delta-8 Gummies
Store delta-8 gummies in a cool, dark, and dry place – preferably in the refrigerator! Keeping your gummies chilled stops them from melting. Sure, melting doesn’t adversely affect potency, but getting accurate and consistent doses with melted gummies is a nightmare!
If you have children, a cool, lockable cupboard may be best. Some delta-8 gummies have attractive packaging that’s easily confusable with regular candies.
How Long do Delta-8 Gummies Last?
Delta-8 gummies last for many hours, which is why they are so good for sleep! Expect orally consumed delta-8 to last six to eight hours, perhaps even longer if you take a really high dose.
You can hasten the onset of effects by eating delta-8 gummies on an empty stomach. Otherwise, I suggest taking your dose around 45 to 60 minutes before you plan on going to sleep.
Purchasing Delta-8 Gummies Online vs. Shops Near Me
I would always shop online for delta-8 products. Popping to your local headshop or gas station may seem easier, but it’s fraught with risk, and your options are usually limited.
All reputable online retailers have third-party lab reports available for products in their stores – that’s why they are reputable! Hemp experts recognize the dangers of stocking untested delta-8, something those with less understanding of the industry often don’t.
Moreover, unless they specialize in hemp, brick-and-mortar shops rarely stock more than a few delta-8 products. Online stores always have a lot more variety
