With the growing legalization of marijuana, companies in the niche seek new and innovative ways to bring more aspects of the plant to the public. After all, the cannabis plant has over 110 identified cannabinoids, not to mention hundreds of other compounds.
A growing body of research suggests that other cannabinoids, such as CBD, could have potential therapeutic effects. Another interesting compound is delta 8, also known as D8. Manufacturers are busily creating new products using this cannabinoid, and delta 8 gummies are among the most popular. Please keep reading to find out all about them in this article.
What Are Delta 8 Gummies?
Before learning about delta 8 gummies, we must first outline what D8 is. Delta 8 THC is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It has become popular due to its similarity to delta 9 THC, the cannabinoid associated with the intoxicating high one feels when high.
Like delta 9, D8 binds to receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). Both cannabinoids have a double bond in their structures which is believed to be responsible for the intoxicating high. They also have chains of carbon atoms. However, while the double bond for delta 8 is on the eighth carbon, it is on the ninth carbon for delta 9.
The different position of the double bond means that D8 doesn’t bind to the ECS in the same way as D9. This helps explain why the high from delta 8 THC isn’t as potent as the intoxication caused by delta 9. Indeed, most estimates suggest that delta 8’s high is about half as powerful as that of delta 9.
What About Delta 8 Gummies?
As the name suggests, they are gummies infused with delta 8 THC. They are typically produced in the same way as delta 9 or CBD gummies. The process begins by extracting delta 8 from the marijuana or hemp plant. Unlike D9, there is relatively little D8 in the plant. Therefore, companies must convert it from delta 9 THC or CBD in a laboratory.
CBD companies that sell delta 8 gummies tend to create CBD isolate then transform it into distillate. Next, they use solvent to melt the mixture down before adding an acid reagent to create a chemical reaction. At that point, it is necessary to add alkaline material to neutralize the concoction before they wash and distill it.
By now, the mixture can contain 70% D8 and a level of D9 above the 0.3% limit for hemp products. Therefore, companies have to take out the excess delta 9.
With the refined delta 8 ready to use, it is time to infuse it in the gummies. Generally speaking, manufacturers use flavoring, a thickener like fruit pectin or gelatin, and sugar or sweeteners.
The next step involves mixing and heating the ingredients before pouring them into molds. As the boiling point of delta 8 is approximately 347 degrees Fahrenheit, manufacturers tend to complete most of the cooking process before adding the cannabinoid. To ensure the right consistency, they might add preservatives and starches. We recommend checking a brand’s ingredients just in case it uses something you don’t like.
Finally, the mixture is left to cool in the mold. Then the delta 8 gummies are ready for testing and packaging. Of course, the top-rated companies perform tests on the delta 8 at various points during the extraction process
Are Delta 8 Gummies Legit?
Delta 8 gummies are legal in some states but not in others. It is becoming an increasingly complicated situation. According to the DEA’s Interim Final Rule, released in August 2020, industrial hemp can contain naturally occurring THCs as long as they don’t exceed 0.3% of the plant’s dry weight.
However, as the process of making delta 8 happens in a lab, the DEA classifies it as synthetic rather than naturally occurring. Therefore, it is technically legal on a federal level. Also, a growing number of states have moved to ban or restrict delta 8 production and use. To date, at least 15 states have banned or restricted the sale of D8, with another six states considering similar action.
At present, delta 8 gummies remain legal in Ohio as long as they contain a maximum of 0.3% delta 9 THC. However, the state regulates the use of D8 in its medical marijuana program. Medical cannabis processors now have to test for delta 8 THC in their products while also explaining the use of D8 in them.
Therefore, delta 8 gummies are legit in certain states but not all. In most cases, you must be at least 21 years of age to buy it. However, there is a growing fear that delta 8 will eventually become an illegal substance.
How Long Does a Delta 8 Gummies High Last?
As is the case with other cannabinoids, the duration of the delta 8 gummies high depends on various factors. The overall effects vary from one person to the next, although most users claim they experience a clear-headed high with better focus and concentration. Factors that affect the duration of D8 intoxication include:
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Tolerance: Individuals with a high D8 tolerance require more to experience noticeable intoxication in the first place.
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Body Type & Metabolism: Your age, body weight, and gender all play a role, as does your metabolism. Someone with a fast metabolism will find that their delta 8 high doesn’t last as long as someone with a slow metabolism. Also, if you consume D8 on an empty stomach, you may discover that the high is more intense and shorter in duration than if you use it on a full stomach.
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Potency: The more delta 8 you use, the longer the high lasts, in general.
If you use delta 8 gummies, it will take longer to experience the intoxication than if you vape or dab it. Edibles go through the process of digestion, so it could take up to two hours to feel any effect. On the plus side, the high could last up to eight hours! On average, you’re likely to experience the high 3-4 hours after consumption.
Incidentally, edibles that dissolve slowly in the mouth will take effect far quicker. You might feel some effects within 30 minutes, although the high also dissipates within 1-2 hours.
What Are the Benefits of Delta 8 Gummies?
As it isn’t a federally legal substance, sellers of all delta 8 products must tread carefully when marketing. They are not allowed to claim that their products treat, cure, diagnose, or prevent any medical condition.
However, there is research into delta 8 gummies effects that suggest the cannabinoid is capable of helping alleviate the symptoms of many medical issues.
There is a belief that delta 8 can help improve sleep. A study published in 2008 found that activation of the CB1 receptor could help induce drowsiness and sleep. We know that delta 8 THC interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Also, as D8 interacts with immune system regulators, it could help reduce inflammation and pain. One issue is that most studies into the cannabinoid involve animals. A study published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research found that delta 8 helped reduce pain and inflammation in mice with corneal injuries.
Meanwhile, an old study published in Life Sciences found that delta 8 THC had strong antiemetic properties. For the record, doctors prescribe antiemetic drugs to help with vomiting and nausea.
Also, delta 8 users prefer it to delta 9 because the high is less potent. Those who have tried both say that D8 helps them feel relaxed, calm, and focused. There is certainly still a strong degree of intoxication, but it is considered more manageable.
What Are the Strongest Delta 8 Gummies on the Market?
Although it is a relatively new product, there is already something of an ‘industry standard’ in play. Most sellers of THC delta 8 gummies ensure that each one contains 25mg of the cannabinoid. However, brands such as Kush Burst and Delta 8 Best offer 50mg per gummy.
Meanwhile, Your CBD Source is one of the few brands that sell 100mg delta 8 gummies. That being said, some long-term cannabis users claim that the experience is basically the same whether you use 100mg or 50mg. Then again, it is extremely unwise to overindulge, as we explain below.
Can You Eat Too Many Delta 8 Gummies?
The answer is YES! An excessively high dose of delta 8 can lead to some unpleasant side effects. This is especially the case if you are a relative novice when it comes to using cannabinoids. Just because the delta 8 high isn’t as potent as delta 9, it doesn’t mean you won’t experience a strong level of intoxication. While a large dose isn’t necessarily toxic to the human body, it can lead to the following side effects:
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Anxiety
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Paranoia
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Dizziness
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Sleepiness
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Dry eyes
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Dry mouth
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Temporarily reduced blood pressure and a higher heart rate
In general, though, as long as you’re sensible with your usage, delta 8 gummies won’t cause unpleasant effects. If you rarely or never use cannabis, look for gummies with 25mg of delta 8 and use half of one for a 12.5mg ‘dose.’ Wait several hours to see how it affects you. This process enables you to determine whether 12.5mg is enough or if you should gradually increase your intake.
Who Makes the Best Delta 8 Gummies?
Finding the best delta 8 gummies is tough since it is a saturated market. No matter what, make sure the brand you’re interested in ticks the following boxes:
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Uses industrial hemp from licensed American or EU farms
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Uses a clean and safe extraction method
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Provides third-party lab reports with every batch
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Is a brand well-known for producing high-quality products
There are a growing number of high-quality brands, although Premium Jane and PureKana are usually ranked among the best. Both companies have brought their CBD experience to bear in producing their delta 8 gummies. You can purchase delta 8 gummies in various fruity flavors from either company, and there is also the option to buy a delta 8 and CBG tincture.
Final Thoughts on Delta 8 Gummies
There is no question that delta 8 is one of the biggest trends in the cannabis and hemp industries in recent times. Unlike CBD, it provides an intoxicating high, though it is less potent than delta 9 THC.
Question marks remain over its legality at a federal level, which is a shame given its advantages over delta 9. Delta 8 offers a clear high and a more comfortable level of intoxication. It could help with many conditions that MMJ patients use cannabis for and is widely available from numerous reputable brands for a reasonable price.
NOTE*: Landon Neubauer, the Creative Director at PureKana, sponsored this article. The University of Nebraska graduate has worked with the brand since 2018 and continues to help PureKana create an ever-growing and improving line of products.
