The Definitive Guide to Delta-8 Gummies: Top Brands, Effects, Legality, & More - Tripsitter (2024)

Delta 8 THC became a quick favorite partly because it was available in states where marijuana is still illegal.

Delta 8 gummies are popular because they taste good, are convenient, and are very effective. Sure, they take about an hour to kick in, but the effects tend to last longer and can be more intense than smoking or vaping.

They’re similar to vitamin gummies and are made with pectin or gelatin, flavoring, a sweetener, and, of course, delta 8. You can eat one about anywhere, and no one will know — although this might be illegal, so do it at your discretion.

Despite their prevalence, the vast majority of delta 8 products on the market are very low quality, overpriced, or straight up scams.

Related Guides: Delta 8 THC 101 | Delta 9 THC 101 | Delta 10 THC 101 | THCA 101

Other Buyer’s Guides: Delta 9 THC Gummies | THC Gummies (ALL) | Magic Mushroom Gummies | Amanita Gummies

Our Favorite Delta 8 Gummies

We’ve tried our fair share of delta 8 gummies and have a few brands that have stood out over the years.

Each of the following companies does third-party testing and has products that are FDA-compliant.

1. Area 52 Delta 8 Gummies

Area 52 takes cannabis — and its customers — seriously. Their goal? Products that push the limits and get you where you want to be, whether that’s elevating your creativity, delving deep into the meaning of life, or melting into the couch with a bag of chips.

Every detail is meticulously thought out – the organic hemp comes from small farms in Colorado, Oregon, and California, each ingredient is pure and has purpose, and the extraction process is solvent-less. The final product provides a clean, smooth (but strong!) experience that’s unmatched.

The growing selection won’t leave you wanting, but their delta 8 gummies are what put them on the map — they’re vegan and made with natural sugars and fruit juice. Each gummy has 25 mg of delta 8 and comes in strawberry, green apple, and pineapple flavors.

Once you try them, you’ll see why they’re in our #1 spot. Their money-back guarantee means you won’t regret any purchase (but we doubt that will be an issue).

Area 52 Delta 8 Gummies Specs:

• Dose: 25 mg delta 8
• Quantity:30 gummies
• TS Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Other Actives: 100 mg CBD, 5 mg CBG, 5 mg CBC

Likes & Dislikes: Area 52 Delta 8 Gummies

• ✅ Very potent (25 mg per piece)
• ✅ Excellent value for the money
• ✅ Ticks all the boxes for a reputable brand (3rd party testing, solid return policy, plenty of reviews, etc.)
• ❌ Not available in all 50 states or internationally

2. MoonWalkr Delta 8 Gummies

Moonwalkr has a good selection of cannabinoids and is always developing something new. Potency and experience are the focus here.

The ingredients aren’t all-natural like most others on this list, but they’re still good, and the flavor list is out of this world.

Their delta 8 gummies have 25 mg a piece and come in black raspberry, blue lemonade, Sour Strawberry Diesel, Mango Kush, watermelon Zkittlez, purple punch, blue dream, key lime pie, blood orange, pink lemonade, Pineapple Express, passion fruit, and cucumber lime.

Moon Wlkr Delta 8 Gummies Specs:

• Dose: 25 mg delta 8
• Quantity:30 gummies
• TS Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Other Actives: None

Likes & Dislikes: Moonwlkr Delta 8 Gummies

• ✅ Well-known brand with lots of positive reviews
• ✅ Excellent selection of fruity flavors
• ❌ Source of delta 8 THC unknown

3. Koi CBD Delta 8 Gummies

Koi is a family-owned business that balances the connection between nature, adventure, and wellness through its cannabinoid and mushroom products.

Koi’s delta 8 gummies have 25 mg each and come in blue razz, strawberry, watermelon, sour cherry, and grape flavors.

They offer a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied.

Koi Delta 8 Gummies Specs:

• Dose: 25 mg delta 8
• Quantity:30 gummies
• TS Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Other Actives: None

Likes & Dislikes: Koi Delta 8 Gummies

• ✅ Decent quality for the price
• ✅ Available in many delicious flavors
• ❌ Some issues with product potency reported in the past

4. TRĒ House Delta 8 Gummies

The TRĒ House selection is great, and they have a few different delta 8 gummies, including a blend with THCP and HHC and a high-potency one with a whopping 100 mg per piece. These aren’t for beginners.

TRĒ House has a 60-day return policy on their products, but opened products can only be exchanged.

Specs:

• Dose: 25 mg delta 8
• Quantity:30 gummies
• TS Rating —⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Other Actives: None

Likes & Dislikes: Tre House Delta 8 Gummies

• ✅ Other variants also combine THCP and HHC for added effects
• ✅ Very chewy gummies (could be pro or con depending on preference)
• ❌ Poor exchange policy (once opened it can’t be returned)

Jump: How we recommend vetting other brands.

How Delta 8 THC Compares To Other Cannabinoids

There are plenty of other options besides D8, so what sets this one apart? Let’s take a quick look at how they differ from each other.

Delta 8 vs. Delta 9 THC

Delta 9 THC is one of the primary cannabinoids in cannabis and is what causes the high. It has a chain of carbon atoms with a double bond on the ninth atom. This bond causes it to bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors.

Delta-8 is structurally similar but has its double bond on the eighth atom, making it less potent. It’s about half as strong as D9, but it’s still very effective and, theoretically (there’s little research), can still be used medicinally. Many people without access to marijuana use delta 8 instead, though it’s not always quite as effective.

Delta 8 vs. Delta 10 THC

Delta 10 is like D8 and D9 structurally, but its double bond is on the tenth carbon atom, of course.

The effects are much like the other two, except it tends to be more energizing and is even less potent. D10 is a good one for when you need to be creative or want a mood boost.

Delta 8 vs. THC-O

THC-O (THC-O-acetate) is derived from delta 8 but quite a bit more potent than delta 9. It’s an acetate and can be dangerous to smoke, but you can find THC-O gummies.

It gives a fairly typical high, usually more mind than body, but can get you there quickly, so go slow with it.

Delta 8 vs. THCP

THCP (tetrahydrocannabiphoral) is also like D9, but it has a seven-term alkyl side chain and is about 30 times more potent than it.

Expect the same kind of high, plus some. Just like with the previous one, be careful. Test a little, see how it affects you, and go from there.

Delta 8 vs. HHC

HHC (hexohydrocannabinol) is semi-synthetic THC. It’s hydrogenated, much like margarine. Its shelf life is outstanding, its high is on par with D8, and we know very little else about it since there’s not much research on it. Since it’s structurally different from your standard THCs, the long-term effects are more in question.

How Many Delta 8 Gummies Do I Take?

If you’re new, start with half of the recommended dose (according to the manufacturer’s instructions on the label). Otherwise, take a whole dose and see how it makes you feel before jumping into higher amounts. They can surprise you.

Some people even microdose delta 8. Microdosing is taking a small dose of a psychoactive substance — you should barely notice it. Delta 8’s milder effects make it a good candidate since it’s a little easier to avoid the high. It’s anecdotal at this point, but it might help with creativity, mood, anxiety, and pain. If you want to try it out, you’ll have to use a very small piece of the gummy.

What Does Delta 8 THC Feel Like?

As I mentioned, delta 8’s effects are similar to delta 9’s, but less intense. You can get a good high, if that’s your goal, but it takes more.

Delta 8 gummies can cause:

• Psychoactive effects (the “high”)
• Euphoria
• Relaxation
• Increased sociability

While the medicinal side of it is likely also similar to D9, there’s little research saying for sure. Delta 8 might have the same benefits, but to a lesser degree (talk to your doctor if you have health problems; don’t try to treat them yourself).

Some states have approved marijuana for the following conditions, though this list is not exhaustive:

• Anorexia
• Autism
• Cachexia
• Chemo-induced nausea/vomiting
• Chronic nervous system disorders
• Chronic pain
• Conditions that an opioid could be prescribed for
• Glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS
• Multiple Sclerosis
• PTSD
• Seizures

Again, this is what marijuana is used for.

Side Effects & Risks of Delta 8

Delta 8’s side effects include:

• Anxiety
• Brain fog
• Couchlock
• Decreased motor skills
• Impaired short-term memory
• Increased appetite
• Paranoia

Because delta 8 is fairly new, there’s not much research out there – particularly when it comes to its long-term effects. We pretty much apply what we know about delta 9.

D9 is actually quite safe for most people — those with cardiovascular problems, a mood or anxiety disorder, or a family history of psychosis should talk to their doctor about using it first [1]. It can be overwhelming and even disturbing if you use too much, and edibles like gummies put you at a higher risk for that.

When used alone, there’s almost no risk of overdose. Its safety and medicinal benefits are well-documented [2, 3]. Makes you wonder why it’s still a Schedule I drug, but that’s a different conversation.

Most of delta 8’s safety issues come with its lack of regulations [4]. The processes used to get delta 8 THC are complex and require chemicals – it can be dangerous if not done right. It can be manufactured and sold with almost no oversight, leaving it up to the customer (you!) to make sure things check out. We understand the importance of this, and tell you what to look out for below.

Where Are Delta 8 Gummies Illegal?

Delta 8 and these other cannabinoids are legal thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. This legalized hemp and hemp products as long as they have less than 0.3% THC by weight.

Clever people figured out a way to get delta 8 from hemp-derived CBD, opening a floodgate for others. So, they look a lot like THC and act a lot like THC but don’t come from marijuana and are, therefore, legal. We don’t make the rules, and we aren’t going to fight on this one.

It didn’t take long for some states to shut it down, though, citing it’s due to D8’s newness and lack of regulations.

The following states have banned delta 8 THC (but check your local laws to make sure):

• Alaska
• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Guam
• Illinois
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• Ohio
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• Washington, D.C.

Tips on Vetting Cannabis Vendors

It’s difficult to know what goes on behind company doors — are these gummies worth it? Is this brand a scam? Do they contain harmful ingredients?

There are a few things you can (and should) do before buying any cannabinoid products from a brand you’ve never tried before. Too many companies in this space are selling shockingly low-quality or even harmful products.

Here’s what you can do to reduce the chances of wasting your money on bad gummies:

1. Read Reviews

Considering most places don’t have many regulations on delta 8, you need to know a little about the company and the product before handing over your money.

The single most important question you can ask is: Are the products tested by a third-party lab?

These tests are critical in determining a company’s integrity. Without testing, there’s no way to know how clean—or potent—the product is. A quick look at the lab results will tell you the cannabinoid percentage and whether it detects unwanted things.

Beyond that, there are plenty of things to consider, partly because tests can (and are) faked. Here are other questions to ask:

• Is the website easy to use, up-to-date, and professional-looking?
• Does the company state who they are and what their purpose is, and provide other detailed information about the hemp, processing, ingredients, etc.?
• Is there a return policy or satisfaction guarantee?

Don’t be afraid to trust your gut. Remember, these products can contain metals, contaminants, and chemicals that you don’t want to ingest, so take them seriously.

2. Read Third-Party Tests

We don’t expect you to become an expert on reading lab tests, but there are a few simple things you can check for that prove the company is doing their due diligence.

Lab tests are the gold standard for transparency among delta 8 vendors. The company has to send a sample to a lab and pay roughly $1500 to have a sample tested. If the company isn’t taking this step (no lab tests) it’s wise to stay away.

So this is the first step — check for third party labs. If you can’t find any on the website, or the newest test is more than 6 months old, skip this brand entirely.

The second step is to look at the following fields:

• Delta 8 THC content — this should match what the company is advertising.
• Heavy metal analysis —everything in this section should come up N/D (not detected). No amount of heavy metal is considered “safe.”
• Pesticide Test — there are a whole bunch of compounds these tests can look for. Check that all are below the listed thresholds.
• Mycrobial Contamination (Mycotoxins) —Some bacteria and fungi can infect harvested hemp and release toxic or allergenic substances. These tests are sometimes skipped by delta 8 companies.
• Residual Solvents— solvents are used to extract THC from hemp. It’s safe to use as long as they’re completely removed from the final product. Sometimes, equipment or user error prevents 100% of the solvents from being removed. These fields should all be 0 or N/D.

FAQs: Delta 8 Gummies

You might still have questions, so see if we answer them here.

1. Can I overdose on delta 8 gummies?

It’s almost impossible to overdose on THC as long as you aren’t mixing it with other substances. That doesn’t mean life won’t be very, very unpleasant if you take too many delta 8 gummies.

Always start with the recommended dose; don’t take more until you’ve waited 60-90 minutes. Sometimes, it can take even longer for the effects to show up. People often assume they won’t feel anything, take another dose or two, and end up regretting it as the effects from the first dose show up soon after.

Play it smart and safe, and just slow down.

2. How do I store delta 8 gummies?

The label should say how to store them, so always follow the manufacturer’s advice. But, in general, gummies need to stay somewhere cool and light can deteriorate the cannabinoids. The refrigerator could make them sticky, so a cabinet away from heat and light is probably best.

3. Can I make my own delta 8 gummies?

Absolutely! And they’re actually not that hard to make.

You’ll need delta 8 tincture or oil, a gummy mold, and a few ingredients. Follow this cannabis gummy recipe, and enjoy!

4. How long do the effects of delta 8 gummies last?

The effects of delta 8 gummies can vary based on several factors, including the dose, your metabolism, and tolerance levels. Generally, you might start feeling the effects within 30 minutes to 1 hour after taking them, and the effects can last anywhere from 4 to 8 hours total.

5. Will delta 8 gummies show up on a drug test?

Yes, consuming delta 8 gummies can cause you to test positive on a drug test for THC. These tests don’t differentiate between different types of THC, so all forms will appear on a drug test. This includes delta 8, delta 9, delta 10, HHC, THC-O, THCP, and THCV. In some cases, even full-spectrum CBD products can register on a drug test.