Delta 8 THC gummies have been around for several years now, and there are still a lot of hemp enthusiasts who enjoy daily cannabinoid routines who haven’t taken the dive into this exciting, super popular product type. Delta 8 gummies can be a gamechanger if you’re looking for a deeply soothing buzz and a general sense of relief that can last you all day. But, if you don’t know about the distinctive effects of this cannabinoid in edible form, you really don’t know what you’re missing.
We’re going to take a closer look at delta 8 gummies, going over the many properties that they can offer, along with the different kinds of gummies that are available. We want to ensure that you end up with the most satisfying experience possible, so we will be answering some commonly asked questions about delta 8 gummies, while sharing lots of helpful tips for finding the product that works best for you.
What is Delta 8 THC?
Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as delta 8 THC, is a naturally occurring cannabinoid that is found in the hemp plant. It exists in about 0.1% of the plant’s chemical composition, which is extremely trace. The cannabinoid was first isolated in the 1960s, so there have actually been several decades during which researchers have explored it. Despite the fact that we’ve known about it for so long, there isn’t a wealth of information out there about its properties compared to more prominent cannabis compounds like, for instance, CBD and delta 9 THC.
Delta 8 exists as a natural byproduct of delta 9 THC, in fact. As the hemp plant matures, some of the naturally occurring delta 9 oxidizes. This oxidized form of delta 9 takes on a new chemical structure, thus becoming a new chemical compound entirely – known as delta 8 THC.
Delta 8’s High
Delta 8 is also a psychoactive cannabinoid, which is something that’s really important to keep in mind. Basically, you’ll get high off of a delta 8 gummy, or any delta 8 product. Delta 8’s high is unique – it’s 30% less intoxicating than delta 9, so you can expect a milder effect. Now, if you’re a total THC newbie, that can still mean a substantial high. For seasoned users, it can mean something more like a buzz. The high is also described as calming, rather than energizing.
Delta 8’s Other Effects
Besides the fact that delta 8 is intoxicating, it offers a number of known potential benefits which have been researched over the years. Among them are:
- Anxiolytic Properties: Delta 8 has been described as an anxiolytic, which means that it can offer relief to those dealing with anxiety. Its calming effects are described often by fans of the cannabinoid, and people also talk about its ability to help with sleep because of how relaxing the high can be.
- Analgesic Properties: Analgesics are agents that reduce pain by increasing the body’s tolerance to pain, through nervous system regulation. Delta 8 has been shown to offer analgesic effects to those dealing with physical discomfort.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Like many cannabinoids, delta 8 shows anti-inflammatory activity that can help address a wide range of common issues caused by inflammation in the body. This comes from the cannabinoid’s role in regulating the inflammatory response, through its relationship to the immune system.
- Antidepressant Properties: It’s been suggested that delta 8 may act as an antidepressant, thanks to its impact on neurotransmitters that affect our mood – particularly serotonin.
- Neuroprotective Properties: Delta 8 acts as a neuroprotectant, which means that it can regulate neurological function in a way that may show a lot of promise for those with epilepsy and other neurological conditions.
- Appetite-Boosting Properties: Delta 8 THC offers appetite-boosting properties, which can benefit anyone who struggles with their appetite.
- Antiemetic Properties: Delta 8 is considered an antiemetic, which means that it can alleviate nausea and instances of vomiting.
What Kinds of Product Forms Does Delta 8 Come in?
Delta 8 THC gummies are super popular, but that’s not the only product form that you’ll find. Delta 8 is also available in:
- Flower: Raw hemp flower infused with delta 8 distillate, for smoking, vaping, or turning into homemade edibles
- Vapes: Cartridges and disposable devices containing delta 8 distillate in terpenes, in lots of different strain options
- Tinctures: Bottled oils meant for sublingual administration, in a variety of milligram strengths and flavors
- Capsules: Capsules containing a delta 8 distillate
- Beverages: Beverages infused with delta 8 distillate
What are Delta 8 Gummies?
Of course, the reason we’re here today is to talk about delta 8 gummies. Delta 8 gummies are fruity gummy candies that are infused with delta 8 THC distillate, and what they offer is a super easy, travel-friendly way to enjoy the cannabinoid. Each gummy contains an equal amount of delta 8, and you can just pop one into your mouth and enjoy. They offer long-lasting effects – 8 hours or so – but do take up to 2 hours to take effect, so keep that in mind before popping a second one into your mouth 30 minutes later. They also have a reputation for offering a stronger body high than other product types, so if that’s something you’re looking for, it’s a nice bonus.
How Delta 8 Gummies are Made
Delta 8 gummies start out with delta 8 THC – distillate, to be more specific. Delta 8 distillate is a purified delta 8 extract made by applying steam distillation to hemp extract until what remains is just the desired cannabinoid. Different amounts of heat and pressure discard the unwanted compounds to leave only delta 8 behind.
Because delta 8 is such a trace cannabinoid, what a company has to do is purify CBD, which is far more abundant in hemp, and use isomerization to turn it into delta 9 THC. Isomerization is a process of rearranging the molecules of CBD to turn it into delta 8. All cannabinoids are isomers of one another, since they’re all derived from CBG, a single cannabinoid found in immature hemp. This means that turning CBD into delta 8 is actually relatively simple.
Then, the company makes their gummy, and infuses each piece with an equal amount of delta 8. At this point, the gummies are ready to be packaged and sold.
How Can Delta 8 Gummies Differ from One Another?
Delta 8 gummies come in all kinds of variations, and we’re going to go over all of the different options you have while shopping for them.
Milligram Strength
Delta 8 gummies come in different milligram strengths, ranging from, most often, 5mg to 50mg. You can find lower and higher amounts too, but they’re rare. Most people start out with 15mg-20mg and decide from there if they want to adjust their dosage. Overall, the milligram strength is really important to pay attention to, as that directly determines how strong the effects will be, including how high you’ll get. If you’re totally new to psychoactive cannabinoids, 10mg may be a better starting dose. Over time, your tolerance will likely increase, and you can tolerate more.
Flavor
Delta 8 gummies come in a variety of flavor options, and each one is delicious in its own way – it’s just about choosing which flavor you want. Companies offer a wider selection of flavor choices than ever as the popularity for this product grows.
Ingredients
Another thing to consider is the ingredients in the gummy. We always focus on the delta 8, but it’s important to read through the ingredients to make sure you’re getting a product that’s generally safe, as natural as possible, and free of any ingredients you may be allergic or sensitive to. If you’re vegan, verify that the gummies are made with pectin – a fruit derivative – rather than gelatin, which comes from animals.
Cannabinoid Content
Some delta 8 gummies contain not just delta 8, but other cannabinoids as well. Examples are CBD, CBN, delta 10, delta 9, and just about any other cannabinoid that exists. This will, of course, alter the effects for which you get from the product, so make sure you choose the cannabinoid content of your delta 8 gummies according to what you want to get out of your high.
Active Ingredients
You may also find gummies that contain additional active ingredients. A popular example is melatonin, a natural sleep aid, which may be in some delta 8 gummies that are geared toward nighttime use.
Quality
Delta 8 gummies can vary in quality, which is why you always want to check online reviews, along with the lab reports that come from a third party, available on the brand’s website. The lab reports show the safety, purity, potency, and authenticity of the product, as determined by a state-licensed, third-party laboratory.
5 Commonly Asked Questions About Delta 8 Gummies
We’ve offered a pretty good overview of what delta 8 gummies are, so now, let’s get into the most commonly asked questions that we come across as a dispensary that carries this product.
#1: Are Delta 8 Gummies Legal?
Delta 8 THC gummies are legal under federal law, because of the Farm Bill that passed in 2018. The Farm Bill determined that all hemp products containing a maximum of 0.3% delta 9 THC are deemed legal. Delta 8, being a different cannabinoid, is permitted in any concentration.
Still, some states have banned delta 8 THC entirely, in all product forms. Those states are:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Maryland
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nevada
- New York
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Utah
- Vermont
- Washington
What this means is that if you live in one of these 19 states, you cannot buy delta 8 gummies at this time, either online or in person. Keep in mind that other states may ban delta 8 at any time, so please stay on top of your state’s laws.
#2: What Should I Expect After Taking Delta 8 Gummies?
The bottom line with cannabinoids is that two people can take the same product and describe totally unique experiences. While there are some general effects that delta 8 is associated with across the board, like feeling calm, euphoric, and high but not too high, the key is really to try it for yourself and see how you feel.
Again, you can expect the effects to kick in after about 90 minutes to 2 hours, and last for about 8 hours. You may find that you experience mild side effects, especially in the beginning as a new delta 8 user. Delta 8 is nontoxic, so side effects aren’t dangerous, but they exist nonetheless. They’re typically mild, and last for a couple hours. They include:
- Dry eyes/bloodshot eyes
- Cottonmouth
- Anxiety/paranoia (from getting too high)
- Low blood pressure
- Lightheadedness
- Brain fog
- Drowsiness/grogginess
#3: Are Delta 8 Gummies Safe to Take with Other Hemp Products?
Maybe you’ve been hesitant to take delta 8 because you already take a hemp product – like CBD gummies, delta 9 edibles, or even another delta 8 product. The good news is that you actually don’t have to worry about taking too much delta 8, in the sense of a risk of overdose, since again, cannabinoids are nontoxic. You may end up getting too high, but that’s why you should simply monitor the amount you take of each cannabinoid. Keep in mind that taking CBD with delta 8 could bring down the high of delta 8, while boosting the mellowing effects.
Overall, when it comes to mixing cannabinoid products, the key is being mindful of how much you’re taking of each, and when you’re taking them. For instance, taking two gummies at the same time would mean the effects of both would hit you at once. Vaping, say, some HHC and taking a delta 8 gummy means the effects of the vape would be wearing off just as the gummy is getting started.
#4: What is the Best Time of Day for Taking Delta 8 Gummies?
Delta 8 gummies can be enjoyed at any time of day. It’s all about what you’re using them for. If you’re trying to get some stress relief during the daytime, or trying to deal with pain, morning would be a great idea, as long as being high on delta 8 doesn’t interfere with your work or other responsibilities. Keep in mind that because delta 8 is intoxicating, it’s illegal to drive while under its influence, even though it’s legal.
If you’re looking to use delta 8 for sleep, then naturally, taking one an hour or two before bedtime would be the way to go. Remember also that it’s perfectly fine to take delta 8 gummies more than once a day. Once again, there’s no real risk of overdose, so you can take them as needed.
If you’re using delta 8 THC to support an issue like pain, appetite problems, or anxiety, it’s best to take delta 8 gummies once a day. This allows the cannabinoid to accumulate in the body, so that it can be used as thoroughly as possible by the body’s endocannabinoid system.
#5: Are Delta 8 Gummies Similar to Delta 9 Gummies?
Delta 8 gummies are similar to delta 9 gummies in some ways, and different in other ways. Delta 8 gummies can legally contain unlimited milligrams of the cannabinoid, while delta 9 remains highly restricted when it comes to the concentration that’s permitted inside. So, delta 8 gummies can end up getting you more high than hemp-derived, federally compliant delta 9 gummies.
The high of delta 8 and the high of delta 9 share a lot in common – they can both be relaxing yet euphoric, and can make a person feel more creatively inspired, while promising a soothing body high. Delta 9 can be a bit “hazier”, however, and can cause sensitive people to feel anxious and paranoid due to its potential intensity. Delta 8 is a bit more easygoing, in that people tend to feel more clear-minded, and thus, are less prone to anxiety and paranoia feelings.
GreenLife Remedies Has Your Delta 8 Gummies Needs Covered!
Delta 8 gummies have taken the hemp world by storm, and now you can see why. This product offers a host of valuable benefits along with a high that’s hard to resist, thanks to its cerebral and body effects. Best of all, the ‘high’ can last for hours upon hours, so that you can get the most out of each and every serving.
At GreenLife, we offer a wide selection of delta 8 gummies, made by only the highest-quality brands in the industry. These gummies have undergone strict third-party testing, and are made with clean, carefully sourced ingredients, along with organic delta 8 distillate. Explore our selection today, and choose from a fantastic array of flavors, milligram strengths, and more, to see for yourself why this is one of the most popular products you can get on today’s hemp market.
