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Delta-8 gummies, a chewy THC edible derived from legal hemp, have likely made it to shelves near you. But what are they? How do they work? And most importantly, are Delta-8 gummies actually safe and legal?
If you have questions about Delta-8 gummies, we’ve probably answered them in this comprehensive review. Here’s everything you need to know about Delta-8-THC gummies:
Table of Contents
Will Delta-8 Gummies Get You High?
What Are Delta-8-THC Gummies Used For?
How Do Delta-8 Gummies Work?
How Are Delta-8 Gummies Made?
Are Delta-8-THC Gummies Safe?
How Are Delta-8 Gummies Legal?
Who Sells Delta-8 Gummies Near Me?
Delta-8 gummies are edible products infused with Delta-8-THC, a cannabinoid derived from hemp. These gummies provide a convenient way to consume Delta-8, offering a mild psychoactive effect similar to Delta-9-THC but with less intensity. They are commonly used for relaxation, stress relief, and mild euphoria.
Yes, but it may not be what you think. Delta-8-THC acts on the part of the brain responsible for psychoactive effects similarly to Delta-9-THC, so it will “get you high.” But the effects of Delta-8 are distinctly different from Delta-9’s, mainly in that they are less potent and less sedating.
Many people prefer Delta-8 for exactly this reason—the psychoactive experience is much milder and easier to control. The smooth, euphoric delta-8 gummy experience won’t lock you to the couch or render you incapable of daytime duties, but it still provides a general life that elevates your mood and your mind.
Disclaimer:Although Delta-8-THC is less potent than Delta-9, it is still psychoactive and should be used responsibly. Do not attempt to drive or operate machinery while under the influence of psychoactive cannabinoids.
Depends what you mean by “THC.” Despite having similar psychoactive effects, Delta-8-THC gummies aren’t powered by Delta-9-THC, the traditional form of THC found in legal dispensaries. They do, of course, contain Delta-8-THC, which is still a form of tetrahydrocannabinol that classifies as “THC.”
Some manufacturers may choose to add Delta-9 to their Delta-8 gummies, but these products are considered cannabis products, which are highly-regulated and only available at legal dispensaries. At Vida Optima, all of our products are compliant with federal hemp laws, meaning they contain less than 0.3% Delta-8-THC.
We couldn’t possibly fit all of the potential benefits and uses for Delta-8-THC gummies within the scope of this article (you can find that information in our article about Delta-8-THC health benefits), but there are some basic benefits that can’t be overlooked.
For one, Delta-8-THC is a mild, legal alternative to Delta-9-THC. It may replace Delta-9 for all general intents and purposes, like promoting a relaxed social atmosphere amongst friends or helping you unwind after a long day.
Some experts believe that Delta-8 may have various medical applications that are similar to Delta-9’s (like managing nausea, appetite, sleep, and pain), but research in this area is limited. Regardless, the benefits to Delta-8-THC are variable for every person, and Delta-8 gummies offer a convenient, delicious method to experience these benefits for yourself.
Delta-8-THC gummies are edible products that work via digestion. After you eat a gummy, the Delta-8 is processed through the liver where it is thought to be metabolized into 11-hydroxy-THC, the primary THC metabolite present in the body after THC use.
11-hydroxy-THC is potent and carries its own psychoactive effects, although we don’t know much about it. Some sources claim that the effects from this THC metabolite are more potent, which may be why THC edibles are often thought to produce stronger effects than products that are inhaled.
Because they need to be digested, Delta-8-THC gummies may take an hour or longer to kick in. The amount of time that a Delta-8-THC edible actually takes to take full effect depends on various factors, like your personal metabolism, how much you’ve recently eaten, and other unique biological factors.
Because the time frame can vary greatly, be sure to allow up to two hours to gauge the full effects of a Delta-8-THC gummy before adjusting your dose.
Expect the effects from Delta-8-THC gummies to last between 2 and 6 hours. The average duration of effects is around 4 hours. The duration of effects varies greatly from person to person and also depends on a range of factors, including dosage, metabolism, tolerance, and more.
Delta-8-THC gummies are made from hemp-derived CBD through a process called isomerization. Delta-8 is a natural isomer of CBD, or a compound that has all of the same components, just arranged in a different order.
The isomerization process is a unique method of rearranging the CBD molecule to create Delta-8-THC. Then, the resulting material is refined to create a pure Delta-8 extract that can be used to formulate Delta-8 gummies. Read “Here’s How Delta-8-THC is Made” to learn more.
At Vida Optima, our Delta-8-THC gummies are made using a vegan formulation with 10 mg of Delta-8-THC extract in each piece.
Delta-8-THC is often confused for a “synthetic cannabinoid,” because of the way that it’s derived from CBD.
Make no mistake—Delta-8-THC is not a synthetic cannabinoid. It is a naturally occurring cannabinoid that can be found in unadulterated hemp material, albeit in small concentrations. Synthetic cannabinoids like K2 or Spice are made in a lab from synthetic ingredients without any plant materials.
The safety of a Delta-8-THC gummy depends on how it's made and how it’s used. In general, Delta-8 gummies that are made from legal hemp material, third-party lab tested, and used responsibly don’t pose any known severe safety threats.
Research in this area is lacking, but many assume that the safety profile is similar to that of Delta-9-THC since the two compounds interact with the body in similar ways. Still, it’s possible for the Delta-8 experience to go awry since many people don’t know what to expect from Delta-8 or how to use it properly.
To learn more about general Delta-8 safety, including how manufacturing and formulation affects safety, read “Delta-8-THC Risks.”
There is no “official list” of Delta-8 gummy side effects, but some people may experience many of the same side effects associated with traditional THC edibles, especially when taking high doses.
Some of these potential side effects may include paranoia, tiredness, headaches, upset stomach, and general discomfort. In general, experiencing side effects from Delta-8-THC is rare.
One study even suggests that Delta-8 may be a more suitable option for managing nausea in pediatric cancer patients than Delta-9 because it could be given in higher doses without the same side effects.
One of the most common side effects associated with Delta-9-THC is anxiety, but Delta-8 is often praised for being less likely to incite adverse reactions than traditional THC products.
While we can’t rule out the possibility that Delta-8 could cause anxiety in some people, it’s not common. In fact, many people choose Delta-8 gummies to help manage similar symptoms.
If “psychoactive” and “federally legal” don’t quite click, don’t worry, you aren’t alone. The legal status of Delta-8-THC has been a gray area since the Hemp Farming Act of 2018 became law.
Although hemp-derived cannabinoids and isomers like Delta-8-THC technically fall within the definition used to legalize hemp, it was the removal of “hemp-derived tetrahydrocannabinols” from the Controlled Substances Act that actually made Delta-8-THC legal.
To learn more about Delta-8’s legal status, read “Why is Delta-8-THC Legal?”
Although Delta-8 is technically legal by federal standards, it’s still subject to state laws. Unfortunately, not all states agree with the federal stance on Delta-8 gummies, and some states have moved to ban Delta-8 products entirely. To check your local laws, read our state-by-state guide to Delta-8-THC laws.
Because Delta-8-THD is federally legal and legal in most states, you can likely find it in stores near you. However, the hemp industry is still sparsely regulated, which means it’s important that you do your due diligence in investigating products and brands thoroughly before you buy.
Luckily, buying online is an option that gives you the ability to shop and compare, so you don’t have to settle for what you can find near you. When you shop for Delta-8-THC online, you get better insight into a brand’s core values and the quality of their product. Always look for transparency and third-party lab results that verify label accuracy before you buy.
Yep! As long as you are ordering Delta-8-THC from an area where it’s legal, then it’s perfectly okay to buy Delta-8-THC gummies online.
At Vida Optima, we ship our Delta-8-THC gummies to legal states across the nation. You can buy them in 10-count bottles to try them out or in larger 30-count bottles so you always have what you need.
If you aren’t sure that gummies are right for you, but want to see your other options, read our Delta-8-THC Edibles Buyer’s Guide. Can’t wait? Check out our full Delta-8 collection now.
The main ingredient in Delta-8 products is Delta-8-THC, a cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. Delta-8-THC is typically derived from hemp and is similar in structure to Delta-9-THC, the main psychoactive compound in marijuana.
Delta-8 edibles can be consumed safely in moderation, but they are not necessarily "healthy." The health impact depends on the ingredients used in the edibles, such as added sugars, artificial flavors, and preservatives. Always check the ingredient list and choose products made with natural and high-quality ingredients.
Delta-8-THC can be both natural and synthetic. It occurs naturally in cannabis plants in very small amounts, but most Delta-8 on the market is synthesized from CBD, a process that involves converting CBD into Delta-8-THC using chemical reactions.
Reputable Delta-8 products should not contain heavy metals. However, if the extraction process or the hemp used is of low quality, contaminants like lead, arsenic, mercury, or cadmium could potentially be present. Always choose products that have been third-party tested for heavy metals and other contaminants.
The safety of Delta-8 products depends on the manufacturing process. Poorly made Delta-8 products may contain residual solvents, pesticides, or other harmful chemicals. To avoid these, look for products that are third-party tested and made by reputable manufacturers using safe extraction methods.
The negative side effects of Delta-8 gummies can include dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, altered heart rate, and in some cases, anxiety or paranoia. These side effects are generally mild and temporary, but they can vary depending on the individual and the dosage taken.
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