Cannabinoids aren’t anything new today, especially since the world has gone nuts for CBD in the past decade. However, for those looking to get high, marijuana was seemingly the only option — until recently. A new cannabinoid called delta-8-THC has stepped into the spotlight and may be a viable alternative to delta-9-THC as it produces a milder high and fewer side effects. The market is still new, though, so only three brands truly stand out for having the best delta-8-THC gummies — our new favorite edible snack. Here’s why we believe they could be a real game-changer for you and your lifestyle.
The Best Delta-8-THC Gummies of 2021
1. Area 52
Gummies are a fantastic option for those who are looking to enjoy D8 on the go, so Area 52 has made sure to include these delicious snacks in its offering. Right now, the brand only offers one variety of gummies. Still, it is a potent one, as each piece contains 25 mg of delta-8 (30 gummies per bag).
Area 52 aims to make its offering as safe as possible, focusing on all-natural hemp-derived products. Its hemp is organic and grown on American soil, so quality is almost guaranteed.
The brand also invests money, time, and effort into sophisticated equipment and extraction processes. Of course, it converts CBD into delta-8 through isomerization. But it first uses CO2 extraction to obtain the most potent and purest extracts.
The result is an assortment of non-GMO, vegan, and gluten-free gummies that consistently won numerous awards from Delta-8 experts such as The Daily World, Bain Bridge Review, The Observer, and many others.
There are three flavors in the bag — Green Apple, Strawberry, and Pineapple.
Naturally, with such dedication, it’s no surprise Area 52 also tests its products in third-party labs. Customers can check out the results on the company’s website.
Related reading: Best Delta 8 Vape Carts Review
2. Finest Labs
Another option on the market is Finest Labs. Just like Area 52, the company creates quality (and safe!) delta-8 products. Its gummies contain the same amount of delta-8 as Area 52’s (25 mg), and there are also 30 gummies in each bag.
The main difference is the flavor, as Finest Labs focuses on strawberries the most. The flavoring is all-natural, though. The company has even made sure the gummies are gluten-free and vegan-friendly by using pectin for its chewy base.
Much like with Area 52’s gummies, we can change the dosage of these by cutting them in half (the recommended serving size according to Finest Labs).
But the best part is that once more, we have a brand here that opts to use only the best industrial hemp and stays far away from synthetic additives and contaminants. The product’s safety is backed up with third-party lab testing. The test results are available on the company’s website.
3. Hempire
Since Hempire has been in the business for a while now, it’s no surprise the company can offer a greater variety of products than the two brands above, including Delta-8 THC tinctures, edibles, vapes, concentrates, and isolates.
The brand has many gummy varieties. Contains only delta 8, these offer 500 and 1000 mg of delta-8 per 60 counts of gummies.
As for the company itself, we were happy to see it does test its products in third-party labs. However, the ingredient list could be improved, as the gummies are made with both natural and artificial colorings and flavorings.
Also, there isn’t much information about the production process and the company’s hemp source online. That lack of total transparency does make us slightly suspicious, so we’d go for either of the other two brands.
4. Delta 8 Pro
Delta 8 Pro gummies contain 25mg of delta 8 THC each, which is generally the recommended dose. If you’re a beginner, Delta 8 Pro suggests taking half to see how it will affect you. You’ll need to cut the gummy precisely to get accurate dosing.
They come in a wide variety of flavors, so you’ll likely be able to find one you enjoy.
Each pack comes with 10 gummies, providing you with a total of 250mg of delta 8 THC. You can also opt for their bulk packaging, which contains a total of 5,000mg at a discounted price.
Some of Delta 8 Pro’s products have third-party testing results available, but not all of them do. It’s best to check the product in which you’re interested first to see if testing was done before purchasing.
5. Diamond CBD
The Chill Plus Delta Force gummies from Diamond CBD contain around 10mg of delta 8 THC each. This is an ideal serving for beginners but will likely be too weak for experienced users. You may have to take two or more to get the desired effects if you’re a typical user.
The gummies contain just as much CBD as they do delta 8, so they provide a pleasant mellow experience.
They come in a variety of flavors, and each flavor comes in packs of 25, 50, or 200 gummies.
Diamond CBD clearly posts pictures of their third-party testing results along with each product that has been tested. You can review the results from a particular batch before purchasing to ensure you’re getting what you expect.
6. Everest
Everest is a relatively new brand of delta 8 products, so their gummies only come in one flavor: blue raspberry. Each gummy contains 20mg of delta 8 THC, which is a modest dose that might need to be cut in half for beginners.
Their gummies are a bit on the expensive side. Each container comes with 30 gummies, so they’ll likely go quickly if you’re an avid user.
The texture of these gummies is a bit unusual, as they feel harder than most. They’re more like soft chews that are slightly chalky, although they aren’t unpleasant to chew.
Everest provides third-party lab test results for their gummies, so you can be certain of the safety and potency of their offerings.
7. Moonwlkr
Moonwlkr’s gummies contain 25mg of delta 8 THC, which is the average dose for an experienced user. Beginners may have to cut them up before consuming a portion.
They come in several enticing flavors, and there’s a variety pack of “Asteroids” for those who are undecided.
Each bottle only contains 25 gummies, so they won’t last very long if you use them often. The gummies are also relatively expensive, so the cost will add up over time.
Moonwlkr posts lab results for all of their products on their website, so you can review them at any time to ensure your product of choice is safe and potent.
8. Binoid
Binoid’s gummies deliver the standard dose of 25mg of delta 8 THC each, so they’re best for experienced users or beginners who don’t mind halving the gummies before consuming. Each bottle comes with 20 gummies for a total of 500mg each.
They’re moderately priced, making it easy to stock up their variety of flavors. They also have combo packs if you’re looking to try out different options.
Binoid provides third-party testing results for many of their products, but not all gummies have the Certificate of Analysis available. You should check an individual product for a COA before purchasing.
9. 3Chi
3Chi is one of the leading delta 8 THC manufacturers, which is evident when looking at their product assortment. They offer gummies in two desirable flavors: black raspberry and watermelon.
Each gummy contains the standard 25mg dose of delta 8 THC. The packs come with 16 gummies for a total of 400mg.
They offer extensive third-party testing for all of their products, including the gummies, so you can always be certain their offerings are pure and potent. Despite their high-quality product, their gummies and other delta 8 products are some of the most affordable ones available.
Their gummies are also vegan, so you can enjoy them even if you have a restrictive diet.
10. Delta Effex
Delta Effex has been producing high-quality delta 8 THC products for quite some time now. They provide third-party testing results for all of their products, so you’ll always know precisely what you’re getting when you buy from them.
The gummies only come in variety packs containing an assortment of delicious flavors. Each pouch includes 10 gummies that have 20mg of delta 8 THC each, for a total of 200mg per pack.
Their products all go through rigorous third-party testing to ensure you’re always receiving what you expect. Despite being of such high quality, their gummies are very affordable.
Delta Effex gummies are soft and easily chewable, with some of the most desirable textures available.
What Is Delta-8-THC?
Most people have heard of delta-9-THC, which is the cannabinoid we all associate with marijuana. But there are over 100 other cannabinoids scientists have found, and not all of them have the same psychoactive effects.
CBD, for example, is non-psychoactive and comes with a myriad of health benefits. Delta-8-THC isn’t like cannabidiol, as it’s much more similar to delta-9, especially when talking about its molecular structure.
With an almost identical chemical makeup, both D8 and D9 produce similar effects. In general, they can make the user feel happier and motivated, help them unwind properly after a hard day’s work, and even increase their appetite.
However, delta-8 has half the strength of delta-9 and thus comes with fewer side effects. The main difference between the two is the position of a double bond on their respective chains of carbon atoms. Delta-8 got its name because the bond is on the eighth chain. Similarly, delta-9 has the “9” in its name as that bond is found on its ninth chain.
How Delta-8 Differs From Delta-9
As mentioned, delta-8 is only half as strong as delta-9, so the high it prompts won’t be as overwhelming. Still, we could mimic the same intensity (and likely the same side effects). All we have to do is double the amount.
The side effects of delta-9 go from the most common ones, such as fatigue and focus problems, to downright severe ones, like anxiety and paranoia. But since delta-8 isn’t as strong as delta-9, it very rarely can cause such a level of mental discomfort.
Another advantage of delta-8 is that it is technically legal according to the 2018 Farm Bill. Since hemp is no longer a controlled substance, we can use it to extract CBD, which we can then turn into delta-9 and then into delta-8. The final product mustn’t have more than 0.3% delta-9 in it, as it would otherwise be deemed illegal.
Some states have legalized marijuana in recent years. Still, on the federal level, it’s illegal and can get you in trouble with the law.
Delta-8 shouldn’t cause such issues, though certain states have banned its use. The DEA’s stance on tetrahydrocannabinol has made using delta-8 more confusing, though, as it sees it as illegal since it’s made in a lab. This stems from the idea that it is synthetically produced, but that would entail using synthetic ingredients — and as you’ll see, the best brands opt for natural ones only.
As always, caution is necessary when using any cannabinoids. After all, the stigma surrounding cannabis is still very much alive.
Related reading: Best Marijuana Dispensaries Near Me
So Delta-8 Is Better Than Delta-9?
Depending on what we’re looking for, delta-8 could be a good alternative to delta-9 for some users. It is less likely to overwhelm us or cause extreme impairment. However, one of its cons is that we can build a tolerance to it pretty fast — faster than to delta-9.
Thus, when using delta-8, it is best to practice patience. We can slowly increase the dosage by 5 to 10 mg until we get the desired results.
Over time, we may feel like we need to keep boosting it, and as if the current dosage is not enough. In that case, we will likely have to lower our tolerance by taking a break for a few days. In general, though, it’s a good idea to use delta-8 when necessary (or at least every other day).
Figuring Out the Perfect Dosage
When it comes to determining your perfect dosage, trial and error may be the best method for you. The dosage depends on a myriad of factors, such as your sex and weight, as well as your overall tolerance to delta-8. In fact, it even depends on how you take it — on a full or an empty stomach.
The standard dosage range is from 10 to 60 mg, with the lowest doses taking you only to the edge of intoxication. Taking 10 mg, for example, shouldn’t be too overwhelming. Instead, it should induce slight euphoria and stress relief, as well as boost motivation and focus.
First-time users should start with the lowest dosage and then slowly increase it to avoid overdosing on the compound. Some of the side effects of this include discomfort, sedation, concentration problems, and fatigue.
Overall, delta-8 comes with a few side effects, such as poor concentration, tiredness, dry eyes and mouth, and dizziness.
The good news, however, is that it is possible to manipulate the dosage of delta-8 gummies. You can always cut them up into smaller pieces, thus using one gummy for multiple servings. Generally speaking, it is more cost-effective to go for a more potent gummy variety; you can make a single bag last for longer with proper dosage management.
Delta-8 THC Gummies: How They’re Made and Safety Concerns
The greatest appeal of delta-8-THC gummies is that they hardly ever taste like hemp but instead like real candy. In order to make them, brands infuse the gummy base with delta-8 distillate. Apart from that, they are free to add flavorings, too, though it’s best to opt for natural ones to avoid lowering the quality of the product.
But why would anyone want to make their gummies worse, you may ask?
Well, in most cases, it’s not about wanting to create a bad product. Some inexperienced producers simply don’t know how to handle delta-8 properly and turn it into something safe for human consumption.
Since delta-8 only appears in trace amounts, we have to use a specialized process to convert CBD to delta-9 and then delta-9 into delta-8. This isn’t a simple process by any means. It also requires investing money in cutting-edge equipment and technology.
A huge problem some brands may have during production is improper purification. Since making the products includes using toxic chemicals, it’s a must to purge them from the final product before selling it.
Inexperienced companies, however, may not do that but will instead use dangerous chemicals like bleach to make their products seem purer. But delta-8 distillate is naturally pinkish, so a good product won’t be totally transparent.
Quality THC Gummies: How to Choose the Best Brand
The three brands we talked about above check out in terms of the most important requirements we have for delta-8 companies. However, if you’re eager to explore the market further, we have some advice on what to pay attention to.
Testing in Independent Labs
First up, we have the biggest red flag you may come across while researching delta-8 brands — a lack of transparency in regard to lab testing.
Brands that aren’t looking to scam their customers but instead want to build a real legacy and help people use delta-8 safely will happily test their products. What’s more, they won’t just use any lab they’re already on friendly terms with. To achieve total transparency and get unbiased results, they have to send their products to third-party labs for a detailed analysis.
The lab reports should tell you more about what the gummies contain and whether they are even legal to use. The delta-9 content is a crucial piece of information here; it would not only let you know if you’re breaking the law but also show if you’re getting the amount of delta-8 you were promised.
The reports should also indicate the content of any potentially harmful chemicals. These include heavy metals, bleaches, pesticides, and microbial contaminants. The presence of residual solvents is also shown in the results. The analysis should detail if there is any butane, propane, or similar solvents in the gummies.
Of course, these lab reports should be readily available to customers upon request. Even better, a brand can earn extra points by letting everyone check them out on its website.
Hemp Source and Extraction Method
Quality hemp brings so much to the table, as poorly cultivated plants may contain various pollutants, like mold and heavy metals. And since hemp absorbs the nutrients from the soil it grows in, natural and clean cultivation is recommended if one wants to produce superb-quality products.
Right now, most brands opt for US-grown hemp as farmers here have to adhere to strict regulations imposed by the government. Some of the states that are famous for their quality hemp plants include Oregon, Colorado, Kentucky, and California.
But even with great plants, we still have to consider the extraction process. It directly influences the purity of the final product, so third-party lab analysis comes in handy here too. The best brands often opt for CO2 extraction, which is both eco-friendly and efficient at obtaining the purest extracts.
Formula and Additional Ingredients
Gummies should have a wonderful flavor, but it’s always better to go for brands that use all-natural ingredients (says We Be High). And really, the formula should be as simple as possible, consisting of delta-8 distillate, a natural gummy base, and natural colorings and flavorings. Producers can use fruit extracts and organic juices to give their gummies a nice fruity kick. It’s entirely possible to create an all-natural product with such ingredients, so those who rely on artificial ones are basically cutting corners for their own benefit.
Brand Reputation, Reviews, and Price
While researching delta-8 gummies, we should rely on the Internet to tell us everything about a certain brand — both the good and the bad. User reviews will help us determine whether investing in a company’s products is a good idea or not, and so will various testimonials, online rankings, and expert reviews. However, we should pay more attention to third-party websites, and not the company’s site, as it’s easy to manipulate with comments there.
Finally, we have to mind the price too. If it’s suspiciously low, there has to be a reason for it, as we now know that the process of getting delta-8 is neither simple nor cheap.
Right now, the prices may be a bit higher than we’d like. Hopefully, as the market evolves, that too shall change, making delta-8 affordable to anyone interested in it.
Final Thoughts
Even though D8 is slowly gaining in popularity, there’s still so much to learn about the compound, especially in regard to making it safe for consumption. Some brands have already become experts at that, so they are able to offer the best delta-8-THC gummies to those totally new to the world of cannabinoids — or veteran marijuana users who want to try out something lighter. As always, however, proper research is a must, as we don’t want to settle for subpar products. The most important factor to keep in mind is, of course, third-party lab testing. If a brand doesn’t do it, don’t even consider it an option. After all, that shows a lack of care about the safety of its products, so it’s not even worthy of having you as a customer!
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