The cannabis plant has been (and continues to be) one of the most controversial topics in the world. Many people swear by it as a means of relaxation, anxiety reduction, and natural pain reliever. In 2021, there were as many as 200 million users enjoying cannabis for both recreational and medicinal purposes. Its once dark reputation seems to have fallen away drastically and more people are recognizing the cannabis plant as a viable means of recreation, with many purported health benefits as well. 

However, there are some individuals who have been scarred by the powerful psychoactive properties of marijuana. Many users reported feeling increased paranoia and anxiety, while others didn’t like the overpowering strength of the high. Instead of giving up on the cannabis plant completely, scientists were able to isolate a myriad of cannabinoids that are useful for a variety of health issues. CBD, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, helps to alleviate depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and many others. Delta-8 THC, while still a powerful psychoactive cannabinoid, is less powerful than the villainized Delta-9 THC (marijuana). What’s more is that Delta-8 THC is legal on a federal level, making it wildly popular throughout the country. 

Delta-8 THC comes in almost every shape and form you can imagine, ranging from simple products like gummies, oral strips, softgels, and other edibles to more advanced user items like disposable vapes, vape cartridges, pre-rolls, and dabs. With so many products and brands to choose from, how do you know which one to go with? In this article, we’ll go over some of the science behind Delta-8 THC, and cover a few top brands in the industry. Some of these brands may be familiar to you, whereas others are completely foreign. Regardless, we’ll go over each brand and explain why we think they deserve a spot on your shelf. WIthout further ado, here are some of the top picks for Delta-8 THC companies in 2022. 

Delta-8 THC: A Brief Overview

You may be wondering why Delta-8 THC is legal on a federal level, while Delta-9 THC is still jumping through quite a few legal hoops. Don’t both cannabinoids come from the same plant? The answer is that while both cannabinoids occur naturally in the hemp plant, Delta-8 THC has a slightly different chemical composition than the Delta-9 THC compound. Another fact is that Delta-8 THC must be derived from the hemp plant instead of the cannabis plant. This allows the THC content to remain under 0.3% THC, which is legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. 

Our Top Picks of Delta-8 THC Brands in 2022

In a world overflowing with Delta-8 THC brands and products, it can often feel overwhelming to know what to choose. To help alleviate some of this stress and eliminate hours of browsing, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite Delta-8 THC brands from companies throughout the United States. From fan favorites like gummies and vape cartridges to lesser-known products like moonrocks and flower, each of these companies offer some of the finest products you can ever hope to find. Let’s start off with one of the most innovative companies we’ve ever seen, a company who created a brand-new Delta-8 product, the first of its kind in the cannabinoid industry: Vybba.

Vybba

Vybba is the first Delta-8 THC company to create an entirely new product in the Delta-8 THC industry: dissolving oral strips. If you’ve ever used a Listerine oral strip to freshen your breath, this product is quite similar. Vybba strips are designed to be placed under your tongue, sublingually, thus entering your bloodstream faster. The strips can be taken either singularly or stacked to increase the power of the high. Many users report that a single strip offers a very light buzz, while two and three strips are better suited for a powerful ride lasting several hours. The Vybba strips are mint-flavored and typically start to kick in much faster than candies or gummies. The strips are designed to eliminate issues with traditional gummies: lengthy reaction time, can appeal to children, and difficulty in transporting. These infused strips go for a mere $45 and come in a pack of 20.. Despite being a non-gummy edible, the fast reaction time, ease of use, and the first of its kind on the market make it a top pick. That isn’t just our opinion either; consumers are raving, newspaper journalists recommend trying it, and it’s a new Leafly favorite in 2022. Everyone loves these new Vybba Delta-8 Strips and we think you will too! 

Everest

With a name like Everest, this company brings its A-game for all of their Delta-8 THC products. Their premium product catalog includes gummies, oils, and vapes for both the beginner and advanced users. Everest strives for top-tier customer service, ensuring that their products are available for a wide variety of uses. All of Everest’s products are vegan and non-GMO, and are available in enticing flavors such as sweet raspberry, luscious peach, and refreshing watermelon. Their ingredient list is simple and concise, delivering a premium quality product. Their prices are a bit on the higher side, but come in a subscription option for users on a budget. Lastly, Everest provides a phytochemical analysis report on each of their products. 

Moonwlkr

Get ready to soar to the moon and beyond with Moonwlkr’s impressive lineup of Delta-8 THC products, from user-friendly gummies to advanced-user vape cartridges. If you’re new to the world of Delta-8 THC, Moonwlkr offers several free samples of their gummies in various compounds. Moonwlkr’s all-natural products are based on scientific research and studies to deliver high-quality products that are both powerful and effective. Some of Moonwlkr’s best sellers include Blue Dream Berry gummies and Orange Chemdawg vape cart, but we highly encourage you to sift through Moonwlkr’s entire product catalog. All of Moonwlkr’s products are free of artificial colorings and additives, use toxin-free Delta-8 THC, and use natural ingredients to ensure a top-tier product that users of all levels can enjoy. 

BudPop

In spite of being introduced in the market in 2021, BudPop carries 30+ years of experience with its creators. From tasty vegan gummies to high-quality flower, BudPop delivers products crafted with natural ingredients and flavorings, attracting customers from all over the country. Their customer service is fantastic, delivering peace of mind to potential and current consumers. BudPop also outlines their extraction process and manufacturing techniques to allow full transparency with their vast selection of products. BudPop’s prices are a bit higher when compared to other brands, but with fast reaction times, dedicated customer service, and high-quality products, their prices are fully justifiable.  

Area 52

What better way to describe a Delta-8 THC high than “out of this world”? Area 52’s name is a humorous nod to the forbidden government territory in Nevada, but make no mistake about the company’s devotion to quality and potency. Area 52’s extraction process differs from other companies in that they eliminate any hydrocarbons from their products via CO2 extraction. The hemp is organically farmed to ensure no volatile residue, and the products are rigorously tested before they reach the market.  Area 52’s product catalog includes beginner level products such as gummies, along with more advanced items such as vape cartridges, each crafted with pure and natural ingredients.  

Exhale Wellness

Exhale Wellness breathes new life into the Delta-8 THC world by delivering a wide range of edibles, tinctures, vapes, and so much more. The company is devoted to customer happiness and is constantly conducting research to improve and delight their vast customer base. In addition to delivering a delightful assortment of Delta-8 THC products, the company provides an in-depth phytochemical analysis report for potential consumers to peruse before completing their purchase. The authentic flavor, powerful effects, and use of clean ingredients has earned Exhale Wellness a much-deserved spot on our list. 

Delta 8 Pro 

If you’re looking to enjoy Delta-8 THC like a pro, look no further! Delta 8 Pro offers a truly astonishing catalog with products that are both rare and exciting, such as syrups, shatter, moonrocks, and more. Their more familiar products include gummies, vape cartridges, and tincture. Delta 8 Pro contains almost every type of Delta-8 THC product you can imagine, all crafted with carefully researched ingredients that are backed by independent third-party lab tests. The company has built an incredible reputation over the years as being one of the best companies in the industry, complete with a fine-tuned customer service center. Whether you’re dipping your toe into the waters of Delta-8 THC for the first time or diving headfirst like a professional, you can purchase confidently with Delta 8 Pro products that are premium, potent, and pure. 

Some Expected Side Effects & Recommended Dosages

Now that we have gone over some of our top favorite brands, it’s time to discuss some of the potential side effects associated with Delta-8 THC. You may experience some or none of these, but it’s good to know about them before you take any product for the first time. Some of the most common side effects include dry mouth, lightheadedness, sleepiness, dizziness, and light anxiety. Most of these side effects are mild and can be corrected relatively quickly, such as with a swig or water or going to lay down. 

It’s also crucial to start off with the recommended dosage or less. Most companies will list this information on the product packaging or on the company website. Since Delta-8 THC affects each individual differently, your side effects and reaction time may vary based on weight, metabolism, gender, age, previous exposure to THC, and others. Most edible cannabinoid products have a delayed effect compared to smoked cannabis, so patience is key to determine how it affects each user. Remember that you can always increase your dosage once you fully understand how your body reacts to the amount initially consumed. 

Who Are the Right Candidates to Consume Delta 8 THC?

You should always consult your primary care physician before consuming any cannabinoid-infused product. Delta-8 THC is not intended to replace any prescribed medication or treat any disease. It can alleviate the effects of depression, nausea, anxiety, sleep disorders, and others, but will not eradicate these conditions entirely. For those suffering from migraines, stress, chronic pain, aches and pains, anxiety, and more, Delta-8 THC may be an excellent plant-based remedy to help balance your overall health and wellness. Currently, there is no evidence that Delta-8 THC is harmful for prolonged or long-term usage, though the research behind this cannabinoid is still in early stages. 

What To Look For When Choosing a Delta-8 THC Company

In the beginning of this article, we mentioned some key points on how to choose a Delta-8 THC. First and foremost, you should always research the company you’re considering before purchasing any of their products. You can look at customer reviews to see what other people are saying about the products. There are websites completely devoted to product reviews, including reaction time, overall judgment of the company and website, and personal experience with the product. 

You should also look for information on the company’s extraction method. How the hemp is cultivated, extracted, and manufactured into the final product is something you should be familiar with. Most companies are eager to provide information on how and where they source their hemp, so this information may be relatively simple to find with just a little browsing. 

Lastly, the company should provide the results of independent third-party lab testing. These tests are often time-consuming and expensive, proving that the company is dedicated to offering potent and pure products. As we mentioned earlier, Delta-8 THC products are not regulated by the FDA. This means that anyone can create a Delta-8 THC (or other cannabinoid-infused product) and make false claims about the purity and potency of their product. Some companies will even go as far as to falsify the results of these tests to sway customers. If you have doubts about the veracity of the lab test results, you should contact the lab directly and question the batch number and company listed on the lab result itself. Customers rely on the accuracy of these tests to determine if the company is trustworthy or not, but in an unregulated industry, it’s always best to come to that conclusion yourself. 

Conclusion

There are literally hundreds of Delta-8 THC brands in the industry, which can seem intimidating for first-time users. We’ve tried to do the hard work for you by laying out which brands we recommend and why. All of these brands are established in this new industry and offer accurate third-party lab testing along with safe extraction methods and verified customer service. However, don’t be afraid to conduct your own research and come to a personal conclusion on why you go with a particular brand. Delta-8 THC is a fascinating cannabinoid available in a huge variety of products, ready and waiting to transport you to a higher plane whenever you need it the most. 

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