By now, we all know a few things about delta 8, the novel, a hemp-derived cannabinoid that hit the scene big a couple of years ago. We’ve heard, for example, that all-natural delta 8 is a mild cannabinoid with numerous benefits for everyone. Some of us might even love that delta 8 THC is available in various products, from vapes to oils to edibles and so much more. And we adore the idea that thanks to Congress of all groups, this compound offers one of the few legal highs available anywhere in the world. But our knowledge of things like delta 8 gummies might be lacking, so we wrote this guide just for you — the ultimate guide to delta 8 THC gummies.

With all of this goodness regarding products like delta 8 gummies, there has to be a catch, right? For example, are delta-8 THC gummies safe? How could a compound so beneficial and fantastic be good for you too? They’re all important questions. You want to ensure that everything you put into your body is safe for consumption, especially regarding gummies and cannabis. As we’re taught from a young age, the most enjoyable items are usually the worst for us. We all love chocolate, for example, yet, as we know, overeating chocolate can only make you sick.

You have questions about delta 8 gummies. We have more than answers. We have the ultimate guide to delta 8 THC gummies.

First Things First: What Are Delta 8 Gummies?

So what exactly are delta 8 gummies, and how did they become the most popular product on the consumer cannabis market? Let’s take a look.

Simply put, delta 8 gummies are an infused gummy product. Users love them because they taste great and are easy to use (pop two gummies and rocket yourself to the moon). And we have the United States Congress to thank for that — really!

Delta 8 Gummies and the Farm Bill

In 2018, the United States Congress did something unique and unusual for that particular legislative body. The group put aside its differences, worked together in a truly bipartisan fashion, and crafted a bill that, perhaps accidentally, made the lives of millions of Americans better. That year, under the leadership of then-Majority leader Mitch McConnell, Congress pushed through the Farm Bill. The typically mundane piece of agricultural legislation gained notoriety for a provision that legalized hemp and, while many didn’t realize it at the time — including some who crafted the bill — all of the plant’s byproducts too.

With the stroke of a pen, Congress transformed the cannabis industry. Overnight, the market blossomed with new, unique cannabinoids — a smorgasbord of three- and four-letter compounds that most consumers were learning about and experiencing for the first time. Delta 10, HHC, THCO, THCP, THCH, and more offered consumers an all-natural, all-legal high that products like cannabis could not. 

Top of that list was delta 8 THC.

Okay, Then — What Exactly Is Delta 8 THC?

Now that’s a great question! Delta 8 THC is a minor hemp-derived cannabinoid. Research shows that it is considered by scientists to be a debased form of THC. But what does that mean? In scientific terms, delta 8 is not produced by cannabinoid-synthesizing enzymes. Instead, the compound develops when THC, stored in the cannabis plant, degrades over time. After a period, THC becomes delta 8. 

Still, delta 8 is found in such low quantities in the hemp plant that most retailers can’t extract enough for sale on the retail market. But thanks to cannabinoid conversion — an all-natural approach that transforms CBD into delta 8 for the production of delta 8 gummies, the market has had the opportunity to grow — and succeed. Here’s what else we know about delta 8 gummies and their parent cannabinoid:

• Researchers don’t know much about delta 8.
• Delta 8 THC is closely related to another cannabinoid, delta 9 THC.
• Only a few atomic bonds differ between delta 8 and delta 9.
• Delta 8 is roughly 50% as potent as delta 9.
• Delta gummies have a low bioavailability but last longer than other forms.
• Delta 8 gummies offer a clean experience.

All-Natural Wellness and Buzz: What Are the Benefits of Delta 8 Gummies?

Delta 8 gummies have so many wonderful benefits. But many people focus solely on the psychotropic high that accompanies this tremendous new cannabinoid. Because for so long, most legal cannabinoids, like CBD, didn’t cause a buzz, people still don’t expect something like Delta 8 to do so. We live in a world where things that make you high, even all-natural products, are usually illegal. 

But things are different now. With delta 8 gummies, it’s different.

And as exciting as the high is when it comes to delta 8 THC, there’s so much more for users to get excited about. The compound offers many, many different benefits. It’s why users have begun to incorporate it into their daily wellness routines.

What Wellness Benefits Do Delta 8 Gummies Offer?

So what do delta 8 gummies do for your body? We know that they cause a fantastic but clearheaded psychotropic high. But does the cannabinoid have any other benefits? Although the research is still young regarding this cannabinoid, we know a few things. However, it’s here that we should note that you should always contact your doctor and that delta 8 products are not meant to cure or prevent any disease.

That being said, some research and anecdotal evidence from users show that delta 8 and products like gummies share many of the same wellness benefits users have come to expect from cannabis or delta 9 THC. The difference is the benefits offered by delta 8 are about half as potent. For example, we’ve learned recently that delta 8 gummies might be able to help with the following:

• Stress Relief
• Anxiety Relief
• Appetite Stimulation
• Pain Relief
• Insomnia
• Mood Boost

We should note that products sold in stores are not intended to cure or prevent illness or injury.

Adverse Effects: What Are the Risks of Delta 8 Gummies?

A little while ago, the federal government gave warnings to tell you that all delta 8 products, including delta 8 gummies, are bad for you. We’re here to say that’s objectively not true. We have loads of information that shows these hemp-derived gummies are safe for consumption and, when made with care and taken correctly, can be beneficial in many ways. Many people love delta 8 gummies just for the euphoric buzz, but there’s so much more to this wonderful little cannabinoid.

Research Shows That Delta 8 Gummies Are Safe to Consume

Although delta-8 products are relatively new, scientists have conducted limited research into the cannabinoid. And what has been done so far looks good. Even as we write, more and more studies are being performed, and we expect to hear good things any day. But what makes it so safe?

As we’ve already noted, delta-8 gummies work on the CB2 receptors, providing several benefits to the human body. Much like delta 9 THC, delta 8 offers more than just a buzz, giving users pain relief, stress relief, feelings of relaxation, and more. As a much more subtle cannabinoid, delta 8 also lacks the harsh side effects — i.e., no anxiety or paranoia. And even though the latest research shows that these two cannabinoids are pretty similar, delta 8 may actually be safer. Why?

Still, delta-8 gummies do have some adverse effects. As with delta 9 products, delta 8 gummies can cause harmful reactions when taken incorrectly or in excessive amounts, such as the following:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Confusion
• Loss of balance
• Racing heartbeat
• Excessive sweating
• Over-tiredness

Users who experience any of the above symptoms should cease using delta 8 gummies and seek the assistance of a medical professional immediately.

How Many Delta 8 Gummies Should I Take?

Delta 8 vapes have a half-life of about 30 minutes (give or take). So what does that mean, exactly? Well, 30 minutes after it enters your body, the amount in your body will be lessened by half. Then in half that time, or another 15 minutes, it will be decreased by 75 percent.

When it comes to delta 8 gummies, it’s a whole different ball game. Edibles metabolize into a compound known as 11 Hydroxy THC in your body. What does that mean for you and, more importantly, your buzz? The half-life is around three times as long, and the buzz could last for hours. You always want to keep that in mind when dosing.

With that in mind, the following general dosing guidelines for delta 8 gummies can help users new and experienced:

• For 25mg delta, 8 gummies – ½ gummy (12.5mg) is a beginner dose, 1 gummy (25mg) is a casual dose), 2 gummies (50mg) is a potent dose.
• For 50mg delta 8 gummies – ½ gummy (25mg) is a beginner dose, 1 gummy (50mg) is a casual dose), 2 gummies (100mg) is a potent dose.

What Does The Latest Research Say About Delta 8 THC?

As an exciting hemp-based compound, users choose delta 8 gummies for various reasons. They’re picking it not only for the fantastic psychotropic high that’s completely legal but because it’s also safe. It’s a fantastic way to come together with friends to relax and have fun. We know delta 8 binds to our CB1 and CB2 receptors, which has helped researchers learn much about this new compound. Still, with the relative newness of the compound, combined with the United States prohibition attitudes, research has been hard to come by.

Despite the lack of research, consumers continue to buy delta 8 gummies in droves because they know hemp is a safe plant, and there is a genuine desire for products to boost peoples’ lifestyles. That being said, what does the latest research tell us about this cannabinoid?

A Research Roundup: Reviewing the Studies on Delta 8

We know the potential for delta 8 and products like delta 8 gummies is through the roof. While research is only in its early stages, studies show endless possibilities. Over the next few years, we expect to learn so many new and exciting things about this novel cannabinoid, which is why, when you choose delta 8, you’ll be at the forefront of something unique.

For now, what little research we do have is eye-opening and essential. Here’s what the science tells us so far:

• This 2022 study in the Journal of Cannabis Research found that “delta 8-THC may provide much of the experiential benefits of delta-9-THC with lesser adverse effects.”
• A 2021 study in the National Library of Medicine declared through its findings that “delta 8-THC may be equally effective for desired purposes of cannabis use and lower in undesirable or adverse effects,” while also noting that “[a]ll policies and practices should be informed by empirical evidence.”
• A group of researchers published a pharmacological study of delta 8 in 2022 in the British Journal of Pharmacology. The group found that “[t]he pharmacology of Δ8-THC is generally very similar to Δ9-THC in vitro, in vivo, and humans, but a few key differences have been identified. The most obvious difference is that Δ8-THC has weaker potency….”
• This study from RTI Press looked at conversations about delta 8 on Reddit, discovering that “[u]sers post often on delta 8 use, sharing health concerns and brand recommendations.”

The big headline here is that interest in delta 8 THC is growing within the scientific community, as we can see from the breadth of research being performed. That’s a bonus for everyone in the cannabis community, as more information leads to better products and a safer industry.

Is Delta 8 THC Legal?

Many users are surprised that delta 8 THC is a legal cannabinoid. As noted above, delta 8 is a federally legal cannabinoid, thanks to the Farm Bill, which Congress passed in 2018. The legislation legalized hemp and, in turn, legalized all hemp-derived cannabinoids containing less than 0.3% THC. And while we still live in a world where the Drug Enforcement Administration wants to take it away from the cannabis community — and could at any moment — the compound is legal, with some distinctions. 

How so? Well, call it a legal gray area. See, if your delta 8 gummies come from cannabis, they’re illegal. But if your delta 8 gummies come from hemp and contain less than 0.3% THC, they’re legal. That’s a lot to take in, right? Well, we’re about to make it even more confusing because no matter where delta 8 THC comes from, be it cannabis or hemp, all delta 8 is the same. 

Are Delta 8 Gummies Legal in My State?

That’s right, Delta 8 is the same, regardless of where it is extracted. It all has the same chemical structure. It’s just because of the country’s crazy mishmash of laws that everything is so confusing. But here’s another wrinkle — delta 8 gummies are federally legal, but they might not be legal in your state. It’s a big twist in the country where cannabis is legal in many states but not federally legal (do you have a headache yet?).

Several states have passed laws banning or restricting the sale and use of delta 8 products because… well, prohibition wins votes among certain portions of the electorate. And some politicians can’t resist good scaremongering to get folks to the ballot box. If you live in one of the following states, you’re going to have a hard time buying delta 8 gummies:

• Connecticut
• Michigan
• Nevada
• Mississippi
• Nebraska
• Kentucky
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Idaho
• Iowa
• Louisiana
• Montana
• New York
• North Dakota
• Rhode Island
• Vermont
• Utah

What Do Delta 8 Gummies Feel Like?

Almost immediately, consumers look at delta 8 gummies and want to know their effects. What do delta 8 gummies feel like? Do they give users a buzz? Well, by now, we all know that you’re going to get high. Delta 8 offers users a smooth but subtle buzz. It’s a clearheaded psychotropic high that doesn’t give you any anxiety, unlike other cannabinoids that we won’t mention here. And that’s part of the reason delta 8 THC has become so popular over the past few years.

For example, people like the sweet, fruity, juicy taste of delta 8 gummies but also love them because the buzz is very… chill. But when we dig deeper, what folks still don’t know is how long the effects of delta 8 gummies last. Sure, like all edibles, gummies have a lower bioavailability and can last up to eight hours. But what does that feel like? How long does it take for the effects to start to work? How long does the peak high last?

Feeling Balanced With Delta 8 Gummies

Most user reports state that delta 8 begins working with a bit of a delayed effect, especially compared to delta 9 THC. Users state that edibles take anywhere from 1 – 4 hours to start to kick in. But the thing you need to remember here is balance. Of delta 8 THC’s possible benefits, none are more promising than its potential to supplement your naturally occurring endocannabinoids. When it interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system, which research tells us is responsible for a whole host of functions from sleep regulation to pain, delta 8 gummies feel amazing by helping your body find balance.

Now, that may sound a bit out there for those just looking for a buzz. But please, trust us when we say it works. When you take that first dose of delta 8, let yourself melt into everything; the entire experience will feel much better. The way this works is that your body tends to seek a state of healthy balance. This tendency is known as “homeostasis.” If you want to enjoy the experience, forget the high and embrace everything around you.

That’s what delta 8 gummies feel like.

Where To Find Good Delta 8 Gummies

Delta 8 gummies are so popular these days that they’re popping up everywhere — and we mean everywhere. The truth is that head shops, gas stations, and other local places all across the country are starting to sell delta 8 THC. While it may sound appealing at first, you can make a quick run to the store and have a buzz on before lunch; you don’t know what you’re buying. Smoke shops everywhere are now filling their shelves with low-quality, inferior products. Some of them may have lead or pesticides in them. Others may be straight-up cannabis disguised as delta 8 gummies. Whatever it is, it’s untested and unsafe. 

So, Where Can I Buy Quality Delta 8 Gummies?

There are certain places you should buy your delta 8 gummies and places from which you should stay far away. For example, any store selling hot dogs and motor oil is probably not the best spot to purchase delta 8 gummies. On the other hand, a well-known manufacturer, such as popular online retailers like Diamond CBD, who are dedicated only to hemp-derived products such as delta 8, is your best bet.

Why? Delta 8 remains unregulated by federal and state governments for the most part. That means the industry has to do everything it can to police itself. Diamond works on a strict honor code. But, when some people see money to be made, honor and ethics go out the window. It is, unfortunately, a sad fact of life.

What Should I Look For When Buying Delta 8 Gummies?

You always want to be on the lookout for a few things when buying delta 8 gummies. Whether you prefer sweet pineapple-flavored gummies, fruity blueberry, or a nice tropical mix, check out the lab reports that go along with them. If the product isn’t third-party tested, it might as well be made in your neighbor’s bathtub. 

You want to buy your delta 8 gummies from retailers who do the following:

• Test their products with third-party labs.
• Make all certificates of analysis available online.
• List all ingredients online and on labels.
• Put QR codes on labels for more information.
• Have a general code of transparency.

Anything less means playing with your own safety.

Frequently Asked Questions About Delta 8 Gummies

Have you heard from the guy or gal up the street that this crazy new cannabinoid called delta-8 THC is actually just cannabis? Did your cousin tell you that delta 8 gummies are illegal? Is your mother’s friend’s uncle’s neighbor’s vacuum cleaner repair person telling you that the buzz from delta 8 can cause anxiety? Well, you need some myth-busting — and, quite frankly, a better chain of information altogether. Here are some answers to our most frequently asked questions.

How Does Delta 8 Compare to CBD?

CBD and delta 8 balance each other out, with CBD an ideal compound for helping users come down from their high. Delta 8 and CBD are all-natural hemp-derived cannabinoids with numerous wellness benefits. However, CBD does not offer users a psychoactive high.

Can Delta 8 Gummies Make You High?

Yes, much like delta 9 THC, delta 8 gummies offer you a psychotropic high. However, delta 8 is about 50% less potent than THC, giving you a much smoother and more subtle buzz. On top of that, there is no chance of adverse effects such as paranoia and anxiety.

Can Delta 8 Gummies Make Me Fail A Drug Test?

Yes, you will fail a drug test if you use delta 8 gummies. Even though they are legal, delta 8 gummies have the same markers as delta 9 THC. You will test positive for cannabis.

What Are The Differences Between Delta 8 Gummies vs. Delta 9 Gummies 

Delta 8 gummies and delta 9 are incredibly similar, with both products offering users psychoactive high and almost identical wellness benefits — sleep, relaxation, pain relief, etc. Delta 8 gummies are about half as potent, and the benefits are much milder. On the other hand, when ingested, delta 8 gummies and delta 9 gummies go through the liver and convert into 11-hydroxy-THC, the primary active metabolite of THC. Because of this, your high lasts longer.

Delta 8 Gummies: Some Final Thoughts

The most important thing to do is make sure you enjoy yourself — and do so responsibly with delta 8 gummies. Always use it in moderation and never operate heavy machinery (that means don’t drive a car). Delta 8 is always best enjoyed with a group of friends. And it’s also best enjoyed when you read the directions on the package. If it says to eat two gummies, only eat two gummies. It’s no fun to go overboard.

Delta 8 gummies are excellent, hemp-infused cannabinoid products that can enhance your life and well-being. Retailers like Diamond CBD have a fantastic selection of products you can choose from, with a wide variety of flavors you love. So grab some today and feel the buzz!

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