Cannabis edibles are at their peak right now. With the legalization of marijuana and more awareness of its benefits, more and more people are interested in trying out different cannabis products. And the choices available now are abundant — cookies, chocolate bars, and even weed-infused beverages. You name it, a variety with cannabis has probably been made.
As of recently, a new THC product has joined the cannabis game. With the success of CBD gummies, cannabis brands realized the potential gummies have in the cannabis industry. For that reason, they introduced another way to consume cannabinoids. With this new product, you won’t get as high as with regular weed. What’s more, you don’t have to worry about its legality, as it’s become legal on a federal level in 2018.
The new cannabis snack that’s taken the market by the storm is delta-8-THC gummies. That sounds exciting, but what is delta-8-THC?
Delta-8-THC: The Introduction
Delta-8-THC is a cannabis compound that is similar to what’s commonly known as just THC. However, delta-8-THC has a milder effect on the user. The high it causes is more easy-going and less anxious, which is what many users prefer.
But as with any new product, it’s difficult to find a brand you trust. With the lack of research and regulations on the federal level, you can’t be sure the product you’re buying is safe. That is, of course, unless the manufacturer has a relevant certificate of analysis from a third-party laboratory.
But not many of them want to go through the hassle of testing the product, as it takes more money and effort. So how can you know which delta-8-THC gummies are safe to buy?
If you want to get all the info on the best Delta-8 brands on the market right now, you can start with Observer’s guide on the top three brands offering delta-8-THC in 2021. We have found three companies that test their products properly, ensuring that the gummies you get are of the best quality.
Best Delta-8-THC Gummies Available in 2021
1. Area 52 Delta-8-THC Gummies
One of the pioneers on the market, Area 52 offers not only gummies but also vapes and tinctures made out of pure delta-8-THC distillate. Gummies are their most popular product — which has been mentioned as one of the best Delta 8 THC gummies by expert-led reviewers such as Kitsap Daily News, The Daily World, Peninsula Daily News, and Bellevue Reporter.
Area 52 delta-8-THC gummies are pretty strong, having 25mg of delta-8 per gummy. But their potency means that a little amount achieves great effects. One piece of this will be enough for you to feel all the upsides of cannabinoid products. Still, if you feel like that would be too strong for you, Area 52 recommends you cut one gummy in half. A lower dose will have a more energizing effect, while a higher one will, naturally, be more relaxing.
The important thing about Area 52 is that they make their gummies exclusively from hemp. Their ingredient list is short, which is a good thing, as it makes the products pure and safe. In addition, they pride themselves on transparency.All their products are tested in a certified independent lab, and all the test results are available to the public.
Having covered the safety of Area 52 delta-8-THC gummies, we can now tell you about the delicious flavors they offer. The flavors included in each bag are pineapple, green apple, and strawberry. The gummies contain only natural flavorings and sweeteners. That is important when it comes to deciding on a delta-8-THC brand, as synthetic additives can mess up the positive effects of the substance. Area 52 gummies provide the best effects of delta-8-THC while satisfying your sweet tooth at the same time. It can’t get much better than that!
Learn more: Best Delta 8 THC Cartridges
2. Finest Labs Delta-8-THC Gummies
If you are a beginner when it comes to delta-8 gummies, Finest Labs is the brand you’ll want to start your journey with. With their dose of 25mg of delta-8-THC per gummy, the Finest Labs gummies will not knock you off your feet (in a literal sense), though you will find them quite pleasant.
Finest Labs has been receiving a lot of attention for its delta 8 gummies lately. A quick search shows the company has been recommended by Kent Reporter, The Herald Net, Seattle Weekly and Juneau Empire within the last three months.
Finest Labs gummies are made using a broad-spectrum hemp extract with the addition of strain-specific terpenes. As a result, these gummies will relax you, but will not make you sluggish. The only flavor available right now is strawberry, but that one is delicious enough to make up for the lack of choice. And who knows, they might develop new flavors in the future, so look out for those.
Like Area 52, Finest Labs also tests their products in a certified, third-party lab. Their products contain nothing but pure, safe-to-consume terpenes. Also, their terpenes are derived from natural sources, with no GMOs or fillers. Their additive-free production makes the products more potent, hence the lower doses of delta-8-THC in the gummies.
Though they offer high-quality, delicious products, Finest Labs are not the most affordable option out there. So if you have a high tolerance and need a higher dosage to feel the effects, it might be too expensive.
Learn more: Best Delta 8 THC Tinctures
3. Delta 8 Pro
Delta 8 Pro stands out from the competition by having a wide variety of flavors available. Among them are blackberry, cotton candy, and sour blue raspberry. In their online store, you can find the rest of their fruity and exotic flavors.
Also, if you go to Delta 8 Pro you can buy your supply in bulk. This is a big plus, as there are very few companies that sell gummies that way.
However, not everything is rosy with this company. Their testing system is not very rigorous, and sometimes the COAs are not present. So keep an eye on this before making your purchase.
4. Diamond CBD
Diamond CBD hopped into the cannabidiol market in 2018. Since then, the company has been leading that industry. However, its delta 8 products are also fantastic.
Their delicious gummies feature a 1:1 ratio of CBD to delta 8. This makes the entourage effect appear to benefit you with the synergy between these two cannabinoids. Note that Diamond CBD gummies contain 25 mg of delta 8 and CBD. So the “1000x” they display on the front of the package may be a bit misleading.
5. Everest
Everest is a relatively new brand in the industry. If you haven’t heard of it, read carefully. This company carries potential, and its products meet market standards.
Everest gummies come in a blue raspberry flavor. The consistency of this product is pleasing to the palate. While many circulating gummies will break into pieces inside your mouth, this will not be the case with Everest. Its products have a high level of gumminess and are vegan-friendly.
6. Moonwlkr
Moonwalkr is a delta 8 THC selling brand that bases its website on a space experience. However, this is only one of the details that this unique brand in the market offers us.
Moonwalkr specializes in producing delta 8 and CBD concentrates. In their store, you will find these cannabinoids in various presentations, and you will have access to the corresponding certificates of analysis for each product.
Moonwalkr gummies contain only 20 mg of delta 8 THC and come in Raspberry Blue flavor, and they taste good. However, this company could improve the flavors (or lack thereof) in some of its products.
We think a little more variety in the gummies wouldn’t hurt, and the vape carts could benefit from the flavor of some terpenes.
7. Binoid
Binoid gummies have 25 mg of delta 8 per serving. Green apple, peach dreams, and strawberry bliss are the available flavors. You can buy a pack containing all of them or try them individually in packs of 20 gummies.
Also, on Binoid’s website, you can find all kinds of products infused with delta 8, CBD, delta 10, and more. Their prices are considerably affordable, but you should check that the product you choose has a certificate of analysis attached. Unfortunately, some products in this company’s store don’t have one.
8. Delta Effex
Delta Effex is a premium delta 8 THC company. Their gummies come in five tasty flavors, green apple, strawberry, mango, mystery flavor, and blue razz.
Each gummy contains 20 mg of delta 8 THC, and each package contains 20 servings. We are talking about one of the best-tasting and textured products on the market.
This company has a rigorous testing scheme, so their products are safe to consume. However, always check that these tests are updated and available.
9. Exhale Wellness
Exhale Wellness focuses on delta 8 THC products for inhalation. From vape carts to delta 8 cigarettes, this company has it all. You can even find some fat hemp flower buds infused with delta 8 in their store.
When it comes to gummies, this company is no slouch. Their product is one of the most potent on the market. 50 mg per gummies will be enough for almost any delta 8 THC user. The market average is around 20-25 mg.
This company could have a more rigorous testing system. However, most of their products have COAs. So, again, it is essential to check that these are present in the products you will buy. Ideally, these certificates of analysis should be less than seven months old.
10. 3Chi
In 2019, 3Chi paved the way for the extraction of delta-8-THC from cannabis. They are a pioneer when it comes to not only delta-8 products but also CBD, CBC, CBN, and more. That is not surprising when we consider that the founder of 3Chi is a biochemist with two decades of experience in working with cannabis. So, every step of the production process in this company is verified by scientific research.
3Chi Delta-8-THC gummies come in two flavors: black raspberry and watermelon. Both options are vegan and gluten-free. They come in packs of either 8 or 16, and each gummy contains 25mg of delta-8-THC.
You can also choose between pure delta-8-THC and a blend of delta-8-THC and CBN. You might want to opt for the latter if you’re looking for an even more relaxed feel than delta-8-THC provides.
This brand also makes sure to test its products thoroughly and the results of the tests are available on their website. That level of transparency is praiseworthy, though we feel like there is more work to do in this area. Namely, 3Chi does not share their hemp source or how exactly they derive delta-8-THC.
But wait… What Are Delta-8-THC Gummies, exactly?
Delta-8-THC gummies are one of the THC-infused products that make marijuana consumption much safer and enjoyable. However, these are a bit different from your regular weed gummies.
Namely, it turns out that there are different types of THC. In common use, when someone says THC, what they’re referring to is delta-9-THC. But that is not the substance used in the gummies we talked about, which is actually called delta-8-THC.
Delta-8-THC, like delta-9-THC, is a cannabis compound that causes the feeling of relaxation and euphoria — what is generally described as being high. But delta-8-THC and delta-9-THC are not only similar in name, but also in structure. So delta-8-THC has similar effects to the regular THC, but is much less potent. For many users, that is a great advantage, as it allows you to go on with your day while still enjoying the benefits of THC.
What is the Difference between Delta-8-THC and Delta-9-THC?
The two substances are similar chemically — they both have a double bond in their structure. It is this double bond that produces the intoxicating effect that leads to being high.
However, their chemical structure is not identical. While both cannabinoids have a chain of carbon atoms, with delta-8, the double bond is on the eighth carbon, whereas with delta-9, that bond is on the ninth carbon.
What may seem to us chemistry amateurs as a slight difference is precisely what makes delta-8 less potent than regular THC.
What Effect Will Delta-8-THC Have on You?
Delta-8-THC has a similar effect to that produced by regular weed. But, as we mentioned, that effect won’t be as strong. So if you’re wondering if delta-8-THC gummies can get you high, the short answer is — yes.
The long(ish) answer is — yes, but not as high as regular weed, and perhaps in a slightly different way. Delta-8-THC users report a similar ‘feel’ to the users of THC. They describe feeling euphoria, happiness, and mood improvement. Some even say that it relieves some pain symptoms and helps with insomnia.
But while the upsides are similar to those of the regular THC, many users say that there are fewer side effects. Namely, delta-9-THC can sometimes cause anxiety or paranoia. Since delta-8-THC provides a milder high, such side effects are encountered more rarely.
However, that does not mean that there are no side effects at all. You can experience a dry mouth, red eyes, and increased appetite. So we recommend you take a smaller dosage of delta-8-THC first, just to see how your body will react to it.
How to Determine Your Delta-8-THC Dosage?
Delta-8-THC gummies usually come in doses between 10 and 60 milligrams. As mentioned above, delta-8 gummies are about twice as weak as regular THC.
Therefore, if you are an experienced user, you can double your dose of delta-8 gummies if you want to achieve the usual intensity of the THC. For new users, on the other hand, even delta-8 can be too strong. In such cases, it would be best to take half a gummy and wait to see the effects. Wait at least an hour or two before taking some more.
A good dose to start with is 10mg. That will be enough to make you feel intoxicated and mildly euphoric, as well as to increase focus and motivation. When you determine that the dose works for you, you can add around 5mg per dose until you reach the desired level of intoxication.
But be careful not to overdo it your first time! Delta-8-THC gummies are delicious and the effects are not felt immediately, which might make you think you should just eat more. That, however, is exactly what you shouldn’t do. Taking too many gummies can lead to fatigue, sedation, and difficulty in concentrating. But if you give it time and ease into it, you’ll feel all the benefits with zero side effects.
Still, you should remember that, as with any cannabis product, the effects will also depend on the product you consume, your body, your tolerance level, as well as the amount you take.
Are Delta-8-THC gummies safe?
In general, delta-8-THC is considered safe, although we need more research on its use and effects. However, no studies conducted so far have found that it has any harmful effect on human subjects.
Nonetheless, as with any substance, there could be some side effects, including:
- dry mouth
- dry or red eyes
- fatigue
- anxiety
- lack of focus
But with delta-8-THC, you should know that the synthetic additives and contaminants that some brands add to the gummies are the real danger. That is why buying from a reliable, transparent company should be your number one priority when choosing delta-8 gummies.
Is Delta-8-THC legal?
At the moment, there aren’t many state laws that address delta-8-THC specifically. But the law does address hemp and marijuana — the two species of marijuana — so we can draw some indirect conclusions about delta-8-THC.
When the Farm Bill was passed in 2018, the federal government made a distinction between marijuana and hemp. Under this law, marijuana is still illegal on the federal level, but hemp is not.
Hemp being legal does not mean that it can be used in production freely. There is a condition that needs to be fulfilled. Namely, products derived from hemp are legal in the US only if they have 0.3% of delta-9-THC or less. As delta-8-THC meets these criteria, many producers and users consider it legal, which is technically true.
Be that as it may, there are still some points we need to address about it. The Farm Bill has one more condition for the legality of cannabis-derived products. Apart from the condition of there being less than 0.3% of delta-9-THC, the products are legal only if they are derived directly from hemp.
Some of the delta-8-THC products are made from synthetically altered CBD, which means that they are not legal. So it would be best to steer clear of those. However, with brands that make their gummies with delta-8-THC directly derived from hemp, we’d say you’re safe. That is, at least until the DEA makes it clear whether delta-8-THC is legal or not.
Is Delta-8-THC Legal in Your State?
For now, only 11 states have banned delta-8-THC products. The states where it’s illegal to buy and sell delta-8 are Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, Rhode Island, and Utah. Therefore, if you live in one of these states, you can’t buy or order delta-8-THC gummies at the moment.
But as you know, the legal status of marijuana and related substances has long been a source of debate. In recent years, the government has been leaning towards legalization. And although there’s still a long way to go, things are looking up, so the current laws about cannabis may not be the final ones.
Learn more: Where to Find the Best Marijuana Dispensaries Near Me?
Buyer’s Guide: How to Find Best Delta-8-THC Gummies
The three brands we mentioned meet all the criteria of a trustworthy producer of delta-8-THC gummies. Still, if for some reason you cannot access them or you simply want to explore your options even further, we will help you learn the ropes when it comes to choosing a delta-8 brand.
Here are all the things you should consider before buying delta-8-THC gummies:
1. Third-Party Lab Testing
The first thing you should check is if the company provides the lab reports from a third-party laboratory since they will have no interest in manipulating the results of the product’s content. If the laboratory finds that something is not right with the delta-8-THC product, it will be shown in the certificate of analysis.
2. User Reviews
No matter what the manufacturer’s front page claims about their product, the truth is always in the user reviews. Many users of delta-8-THC gummies share whenever they encounter a brand they love. More importantly, they often warn users of subpar products they made a mistake buying, so look out for those when you’re shopping for a new pack of gummies.
3. Extraction Method
We’ve already established that the extraction method affects the legal status of delta-8. Products legal on a federal level are the ones directly derived from hemp, so make sure the manufacturer is clear about the methods they use to get delta-8-THC.
4. Delta-9-THC Content
Delta-8-THC gummies should only have a small amount of delta-9-THC in them. But some manufacturers abuse the fact that this is a relatively new, unregulated market. So once again we want to emphasize how important it is to check the certificate of analysis. If the delta-9-THC content is too high, you might break the law and not even be aware of it.
Learn more: Can You Legally Buy Weed Online?
The Best Delta-8-THC Gummies in 2021: The Conclusion
Delta-8-THC gummies are quickly becoming the favorite cannabis-infused product. That’s no surprise when you consider that they are a great snack in any case, but in combination with delta-8-THC, they make for a superb product.
Delta-8-THC is also a great alternative to marijuana if you live in a state where it’s not legal yet. What’s more, it’s less psychoactive and has fewer side effects. So if you are wondering whether delta-8-THC gummies live up to the hype, we recommend you try one of the three brands on our list. Whether you go for Area 52, Finest Labs, or 3Chi delta-8-THC gummies, we’re sure you’ll be coming back for more.
