Delta-8 THC Gummies
Best of 2023

Olivia Walters Updated on December 30, 2022 Affiliate Disclosure Some links are specifically formatted for which we may receive a commission on resulting sales or clicks from affiliate partners (“Affiliate Links”).

Delta-8 gummies are extracted from hemp CBD but share the same effects as regular THC. Here’s what to know about buying delta-8 online.

Delta-8 gummies showed up on the radar not long after cannabidiol (CBD) was legalized in 2018. With the widespread availability of delta-8, you don’t have to go far to find products online, in gas stations, and most smoke shops.

People are turning to delta-8 where recreational cannabis isn’t legal because of the boosted psychoactive properties. Because it’s derived from federally legal CBD, delta-8 is (for now) a legal way to consume cannabis.

Although delta-8 gummies are everywhere, some brands are better than others, which is why we took the liberty of researching the best online products to help you buy with peace of mind. Keep reading to learn our top 10 best delta-8 gummies, along with need-to-know information about the effects, dosing, and legal questions.

What is Delta-8?

Delta-8 is a cannabinoid (like CBD and THC) that naturally occurs in small quantities in the Cannabis sativa plant. Cannabinoids are compounds that have medicinal effects for sleep, anxiety, or pain, but people also enjoy them recreationally.

Synthetic vs. Natural Cannabinoids

These compounds can be synthetic or natural, depending on the yield after extraction. Unlike THC/CBD, which naturally produces yields in the 10%-20% range, delta-8 must be synthesized chemically since it appears at levels as low as 1%.

So while delta-8 does naturally appear in cannabis, the delta-8 products on the market are synthetic versions made from chemical alteration. Does that make them safe? More on reading Certificates of Analysis (CoA) later.

Delta-8 Gummy Effects and Microdosing

If you compare delta-8 to THC and CBD, then the effects of delta-8 gummies fall somewhere in the middle on the cannabinoid spectrum. Delta-8 has “stoney” effects, meaning you will feel euphoria in the classic sense of being “high.” CBD, on the other hand, generally offers a milder buzz.

Despite the popular claims that delta-8 is half the potency of regular THC, first-timers should be wary of this oversimplification. Delta-8 has psychoactive effects, and depending on the dosage, someone can easily take too much if they go in thinking that the effects aren’t as strong as a cosmic THC brownie, for instance.

Microdosing is an easy way to test your tolerance. Many delta-8 gummies start out at a 25mg dose but feel free to cut that in half or into thirds. Everyone reacts differently to cannabis, which is why you should plan on microdosing until you’re comfortable with the effects of delta-8.

Potential Benefits of Delta-8 THC

To date, most of what we know about the benefits of delta-8 comes from anecdotal evidence (reviews from consumers). Specific research reports about delta-8 are starting to appear, but human-based clinical trials, at least for now, are lagging.

Similar to standard THC, delta-8 produces euphoric, dose-dependent effects. Many people say they feel “as high” on delta-8 as they do on delta-9 THC (the type most people know). The major difference between the two comes down to chemistry. Delta-8 has a bond on the eighth carbon chain, while delta-9 THC has the same bond on the ninth carbon chain.

Theoretically speaking, delta-8 could be good for sleep, anxiety, and pain. More research is needed to confirm the benefits of specific medical conditions. If anything, delta-8 is a fun way to blow off steam.

Delta-8 Gummies

Delta-8 Safety Recommendations and Dosage

Since delta-8 requires a chemical catalyst to synthesize large quantities from CBD, buyers need to be aware of the safety concerns. The FDA wants people to know that delta-8 synthesis involves the use of chemicals, which may have harmful effects on health.

Only buy from brands with published lab results so you know what is and isn’t safe.

Something else to keep in mind is potency because some brands can be misleading. Lab results can help you confirm the dosage, meanwhile, you should consider your experience with cannabis, tolerance, and setting when using delta-8 gummies for the first time.

Edibles take 30 minutes to two hours to take effect because they pass through the liver before absorbing into the bloodstream. Keep this in mind before eating another gummy so you don’t take too much.

Our Criteria for Best Delta-8 Gummies

Putting together a list of reputable delta-8 brands involves hours of research because there’s a lot of good and not-so-good stuff circulating on the market. We want our readers to know how to buy cannabis with confidence. Here’s how we selected the 10 brands featured in this round-up:

  • Certificate of Analysis (CoA) – A certificate of analysis has quantifiable information about product safety. All of the brands listed above provide access to lab results either before or after purchase. Certain brands (not all) went beyond potency and tested for pesticides, metals, bacteria, and residual solvents. Look at the ratings, the better brands were transparent and detailed in their lab reports.
  • Dose Per Gummy – The brands with microdose options (10mg-12.5mg) rank just as high as the brands with 50mg gummies. Delta-8 THC is psychoactive, so products with 50mg potency aren’t necessarily “better” than the lower-dose options. The effects vary from person to person based on factors such as age, weight, mood, and appetite.
  • Price – Our list features products for all budgets. Delta-8 extraction is a complicated process, which explains why some products are more expensive than others.

Olivia Walters

Olivia Walters is a journalist in Portland, OR. Olivia writes for cannabis publications and clients so she can bewitch the world with feminist and educational messages. She has a passion for women’s health and believes cannabis can help women take care of themselves. For Olivia, cannabis is a path to deeper, proactive discussions about health, culture, and femininity. For more information, find Olivia on LinkedIn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Delta-8 gummies are made with a synthetic version of delta-9 THC. Because delta-8 is extracted from federally legal hemp (﹤0.3% THC), people can enjoy delta-8 gummies for stress relief, creativity, or sleep.