Delta-8 Gummies 101

Delta-8 Gummies 101

For the past five years or so, CBD has held the limelight.
Due to its potentially relaxing, relieving properties, this astounding little compound has made its way into countless products like tinctures, moisturizers, vapes, and even gummies!
But have you heard about delta-8 gummies?

If not, you won’t have to miss out anymore! Today, we’re going to tell you exactly why delta-8 gummies are the next big thing in the cannabis world.
What is Delta-8?
So what is delta-8, and what is its relationship to other cannabinoids like delta-9 and CBD?
Believe it or not, delta-8 is a form of THC, and while it’s not the type you see in marijuana, delta-9, you could call it a close sibling. Some experts dub it “Delta-9’s little sister.” Both delta-8 and delta-9 are found in cannabis plants, especially marijuana. But here’s what makes delta-8 so fascinating: it can be synthesized from hemp!
Hemp is a cannabis plant known for its high concentration of CBD and low concentration of THC. It was made legal in 2018 with the Farm Bill, the main caveat being that the hemp must contain less than 0.3% delta-9 THC.
Delta-8 is naturally very low in hemp, but it’s been found that you can create it in a lab from CBD by changing the placement of a pair of chemical bonds.
Is Delta 8 legal in the UK? So through this specific loophole, delta-8’s been presumed to be legal in the US.
However, this may not be forever, as lawmakers are catching onto the delta-8 loophole and are pushing to change the language of the Farm Bill so that it includes delta-8.
So while delta-8 gummies may not be legal forever, they are legal now, so let’s talk about some of the benefits.

 

Medically Reviewed

Anthony M. Cianfrani
Quality Control
Reviewed: March 22, 2021

What Is Delta 8?

Since there is no delta-8 gummies without delta-8, you must know and appreciate the latter. Delta-8 is one of the many active compounds in cannabis plants called cannabinoids. There are many cannabinoids in nature, THC being one of them. According to Schlienz et al. (2018), THC is psychoactive, and taking it makes you feel high. There are many THC variants, delta-8 THC being one of them. According to Kruger & Kruger (2022), delta-8 THC is the nicer sibling of the more psychoactive delta-9 THC. Deltas 8 and 9 have the same atoms and chemical structure, only the molecules are arranged differently. The different arrangement of molecules in the two THC variants results in the different effects with them. Many cannabis fans who find delta-9 THC too intoxicating opt for the milder variant, delta-8 THC. As such, delta-8 THC is fast growing in popularity, and you can have in oils, tinctures, gummies, chocolates, vapes, and more. This guide focuses on one way to deliver delta-8 THC to the body; delta-8 THC gummies, helping you know how they relate to the high effect and drug tests, among other factors.

Delta-8 Gummies – What Are They?

Delta-8 gummies are sweet gelatin-based candies with delta-8 THC. Like CBD gummies, delta 8 gummies come in many colors, strengths, shapes, and sizes. They are sweet and form a great alternative to those taking who would like to enjoy the mild euphoric effects of delta-8 TCH but cannot take delta 8 oils and tinctures because they are earthy. Delta 8 gummies are easy to use since you swallow them like you would do any other gummies. You can easily find them online and in-store. The online options for buying delta-8 gummies involve shopping for the product from the best delta 8 or CBD websites and placing your orders, after which they are delivered to your doorsteps. In in-store delta-8 shopping, you only have to visit gas stations and buy the gummies. Many CBD outlets now stock delta-8 gummies as part of their inventory, and you can walk into them to buy delta-8 gummies.

Will Delta-8 Gummies Get You High?

As great as delta-8 can be, this part is where people tend to get a little confused: do delta-8 gummies get you high? You might be used to the answer “no” with CBD, which is mainly known to encourage a bit of relaxation, but this isn’t the same case for delta-8. Believe it or not, delta-8 actually can get the user high because it possesses psychoactive effects. These effects are similar to its better-known relative, delta-9 THC. However, this isn’t relatively the same high you’d experience from marijuana. You see, delta-8 has been known to be less potent than delta-9, and some would even say that delta-8 is only about half as powerful. According to a 1973 study from Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 20mg of delta-8 THC equals about 10mg of delta 9-THC. And as a result, it’s going to have far fewer adverse effects than delta-9. And this can be quite the boon for those who find delta-9 products (weed) to be too intense.

Most cannabis fans or enthusiasts would like to know how any cannabis or cannabis-derived product they are taking relates to the high effect of THC. As such, you may wonder if delta 8 THC gummies will make you high. According to Schlienz et al. (2018), THC is psychoactive, and taking it makes you high. However, the high effect of delta 8 THC does not compare to that of the more potent delta 9 THC, causing intoxication in smoking weed. Thus, delta 8 gummies will make you feel a little intoxicated but not as much as delta 9 THC. However, as you take more delta 8 gummies with high THC content, you can expect the high effect to intensify.

The Benefits of Delta-8 Gummies

So what makes delta-8 so great? THC is a cannabinoid, just like CBD. Cannabis is known to contain over 100 cannabinoids, and each one has its unique properties. But cannabis isn’t the only place where you can find cannabinoids; in fact, you can find them in our bodies, too. Cannabinoids are part of what’s known as the endocannabinoid system. It plays several roles in our body, from managing stress to regulating discomfort. The ECS is manned by receptors that send cannabinoids to send signals throughout the body. And it’s been theorized that, very much like CBD, delta-8 may have the ability to influence these functions when we consume it. And as a result, this interaction may translate into a few different kinds of relief.

Cannabis products are expensive, and delta 8 gummies are no exception. You must pay some good money to enjoy delta-8 gummies. Because of the gummies’ high cost, you must know their benefits before opting for them. How do delta 8 gummies benefit you? According to Kruger & Kruger (2022), delta 8 gummies are milder in the high effect than THC, so they allow you to enjoy THC’s high effect without getting overly intoxicated. According to the same study, delta 8 helps with pain, and people take the gummies for this reason. Still, it is worth noting that the FDA does not recognize delta-8 as a medication for any medical condition, so we do not recommend the gummies for treating or healing anything. Besides, according to Bergeria et al. (2022), delta-8 THC demonstrates the ability to help fight pain, sleep issues, and stress. More and more cannabis fans are opting for delta-8 THC gummies to take advantage of such benefits.

Are Delta 8 Gummies Legal?

Before buying delta-8 gummies for the many benefits linked to them, you must ensure that you have ticked the box for everything. First, you need to know if the gummies are legal. According to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp and its extracts are considered legal as long as they have less than 0.3% THC. As long as the delta-8 gummies you are buying are sourced from hemp and feature less than 0.3% THC, they are legal at federal levels. Still, it is worth noting that the same bill allowed states to form their cannabis laws, and it is unsurprising to know that some states regard delta-8 gummies as legal while others have them restricted. To avoid rubbing shoulders with the authorities the wrong way, research your state’s cannabis laws before opting for the delta-8 gummies. According to DEA, artificial cannabinoids are illegal, so if the delta-8 gummies you bought are made from the human-made delta-8 THC, they are illegal.

Enjoy Varieties with Delta-8 Gummies

Delta 8 gummies have many pros, as seen in the next section and the product variety is one of them. The gummies come in many colors, shapes, sizes, and strengths, allowing you have many options to choose from. Besides, delta 8 gummies from different brands feature unique dietary needs and come in sugar-, gluten-, and dairy-free options. Whether vegan or non-vegan, you will find CBD gummies that meet your needs. In fact, delta-8 gummies are by far the most varied forms of enjoying delta-8 THC, all the more why many people opt for them. They are readily available, and whether you like in-store shopping or enjoy the convenience of online shopping, you can always find delta-8 gummies for you.

Delta 8 Gummy Pros

There are many things to tap into as far as the benefits of delta-8 gummies are concerned. Most importantly, delta 8 gummies come in multiple options, as explained in the above section. Second, delta 8 gummies allow you to enjoy delta 8 THC without feeling the earthiness or bitterness of hemp compounds. As if this is not enough, they come in many flavors, meaning you enjoy the sweet products and still have the option of choosing from many variants. Regarding the ease of travel, delta-8 gummies got you covered. They are not clumsy and will not make you fear spillages since they do not involve measuring out anything. Each of the pros of CBD gummies is later covered in detail in this article.

Delta 8 Gummy Cons

Even with the many pros, it is worth noting that delta 8 gummies are not the all-perfect product. They come with flaws, which you must deal with if you choose the gummies as your key delivery method. The commonest problem with delta 8 gummies is the urge to take more. They are sweet and come in many flavored options, putting delta-8 fans through the temptation to eat more and more. Another issue with the gummies is the related high effect. According to Casajuana et al. (2018), delta 8 THC is psychoactive, and taking it will make you high. Of course, its high effect cannot compare to that of the more psychoactive delta 9 THC, but it still makes you high. As you take more and more gummies, the high effect intensifies, and before you know it, things are out of control. The safety concerns surrounding delta- 8 THC gummies are yet another con. The FDA does not recognize delta-8 THC products as drugs for healing, curing, or treating any medical condition, so it does not assume the responsibility of supervising delta- 8 gummies, giving leeway for sneaking contaminants into the gummies. Coupled with the insufficient cannabis studies on delta 8 gummies, it is hard to claim that delta 8 gummies are 100% safe.

Delta-8 Gummies for Discomfort

Delta-8 may be helpful for easing discomfort, and while more research is needed, it’s believed that delta-8 can influence the body’s inflammatory response. Inflammation is the response our immune system gives when a pathogen or injury is detected, While research is still needed, delta-8 may relieve pain differently by binding to CB1 receptors to help manage the inflammatory response. And according to the National Cancer Institute, delta-8 has even been classified as both an analgesic and neuroprotectant.

Delta-8 Gummies for Stress

Delta-8 may also help relieve anxiety. An increasing percentage of the population suffers from mental health disorders caused by genetics and external factors, especially anxiety and depression. And while therapy and psychiatric advice should be a priority, delta-8 may be a helpful addition for those looking to ease stress. The National Cancer Institute has recognized Delta-8 as an anxiolytic substance, and while delta-8’s relationship with stress requires further explanation, it’s believed that it may have to do with an interaction between delta-8 and the body’s production of cortisol and serotonin. And in a similar vein, delta-8 could be an excellent option for those who wish to relax with THC but find that delta-9 gives them paranoia and anxiety. Because delta-8 is only about half as potent as delta-9, it’s less likely to cause these side effects.

Delta-8 Gummies for Sleep

It’s been estimated that nearly 70 million Americans suffer from a sleep disorder like insomnia, which, once again, can lead one down a dangerous road of pharmaceuticals that can be addictive. If you’re experiencing a sleep disorder, seeing a healthcare professional is always encouraged. But those who suffer from too many sleepless nights may be able to look to delta-8 as an additional sleep aid. Through its unique relationship with the endocannabinoid system, it’s been theorized that delta-8 binds to CB1 receptors in the brain, which work to prompt sleep. It’s believed then that delta-8 may help trigger sleep more quickly when taken at night and may even improve your sleep’s overall quality.

What Happens When You Take Delta 8 Gummies?

Since delta-8 gummies are not as potent as delta-9 THC, you may wonder how it feels to munch them. Kruger & Kruger (2022) call delta – 8 THC the milder and better THC sibling. Thus, taking delta- 8 gummies is mildly intoxicating, which should not be confused with the high effect of smoking weed. Many people describe delta-8 gummies as calming and refreshing, which is relatable. According to Bergeria et al. (2022), delta 8 can fight sleep issues; hence you might feel a little sleepy after taking the gummies. The same study added that delta- 8 could reduce stress, hence why taking delta-8 gummies feels relaxing. However, as you take more gummies, the high effect intensifies.

Can You Fail Drug Tests Because of Delta 8 Gummies?

One concern cannabis users have is how the products they are taking affect drug tests. For instance, how do delta 8 gummies and drug tests relate? Drug tests look for THC and its metabolites in the body and use saliva, hair, blood, and urine as the specimens. Thus delta-8 gummies will likely show up in drug tests because of having THC metabolites. Are you anticipating drug tests in the foreseeable future? Does your carrier involve taking drug tests from time to time? To avoid failing drug tests, you might have to go slow on the delta 8 gummies.

How Long Do Delta 8 Gummies Take to Work?

One thing you need to know is how long delta 8 gummies will take to work once you take them. Sadly, there is no specific time it takes delta 8 gummies to kick in among all users. One person might feel the delta 8 effects in 5 minutes, while another might have to wait longer for the effects to surface. Generally, delta 8 gummies are slow in delivering the cannabinoid to the body since they need time for digestion before releasing the delta 8 THC into the body. Still, many factors come to play in determining how long the gummies will take. For instance, higher metabolism means you can enjoy delta-8 gummies effects in no time, and the reverse is also true. Inherent body factors like weight and genes also affect metabolism, ultimately affecting how long the gummies take to kick in. Moreover, the quality and potency of the gummies are key, where the better the gummy quality and potency, the faster you can expect the effects. Meanwhile, low-quality and less potent gummies might take more time to reveal the expected results.

How Many Delta 8 Gummies Do You Need?

You must know how many gummies you need to take as you join the delta 8 gummy bandwagon. The jar or bag containing the delta 8 gummies features instructions for use, helping you know where to start. Yet, the gummies you take have a potency that you must determine beforehand. As a rule of thumb, you must keep delta-8 potency and dosage low when new to the cannabinoid, but you can always work your way up. If you realize that delta 8 gummies are not working, you may have to opt for more potent gummies. Yet, you must allow at least 2 weeks to pass before changing potency. Thus, you must be patient with the delta-8 gummies to determine if they are working.

Delta 8 Gummies for Dosage Precision

Are you a delta 8 gummy fan? Are you contemplating joining the delta 8 THC regime and want delta 8 gummies to be your key delivery method? One thing you are certain to enjoy is dosage precision with the delta 8 gummies. Unlike delta 8 oils and tinctures that you must measure with droppers, the gummies come with delta 8 THC preloaded in them. There is nothing as stressful in the cannabis world as measuring out dosages. However, delta 8 gummies save you this hassle since you need not measure out delta 8 again. Once you have decided which potency to go for, all you have to do is munch the gummies, and you will feel their effects hassle-free.

Enjoy Delta 8 Gummies for Ease of Delta 8 THC Delivery

The other thing you will enjoy with delta-8 gummies is the ease of delivery. Cannabis products are popular, and people believe in them helping with many things. Still, you can enjoy the products more if they allow easy delivery of cannabinoids. Delta 8 THC gummies feature one of the best delivery methods. All you have to do to enjoy delta 8 effects is munch the gummies, which is quite easy. Besides, since delta 8 gummies are sweet and flavorful, you not only take them for delta 8 but also enjoy taking them. Do you feel adventurous and wonder how to move about with delta 8 THC? The gummies will make your work easier.

Are Delta 8 Gummies Safe?

Like many delta 8 gummy users, you want to know the safety status of delta-8 THC gummies. Corroon & Phillips (2018) reported that CBD has a great safety profile, and many look at CBD in the same light, although this is usually not the case. How about delta 8 gummies? Can you just take them, or is there anything you need to worry about? Consider the following factors to help you determine the safety profile of delta 8 gummies;

i. The FDA or other regulatory bodies do not supervise delta 8 gummy production, creating leeway for contaminants.

ii. There is insufficient evidence to prove that delta 8 gummies can help with any medical condition.

iii. The FDA has not approved taking delta 8 gummies to cure or treat any medical condition.

iv. There are dosage recommendations on how to take delta 8 gummies

From the FDA not recommending delta 8 dosages to the lack of scientific studies to prove that delta 8 gummies can help with anything, there is more as far as the safety of the gummies is concerned. As you opt for delta 8 gummies as your favorite cannabis products, you must know the concerns that come with them.

Finding the Best Delta 8 Gummies

With the many brands dealing in delta 8 gummies, finding the best pick may not be easy. However, focusing on the 3rd party test results for the gummies you want to buy helps you know many things. They will reveal whether or not the gummies are pure and the THC levels in them. You also want to be as natural as possible; hence you need to focus on delta 8 gummies made with organic ingredients. Such do not feature inorganic products; hence the chances of having heavy metals, toxins, solvents, and other contaminants are minimal.

Conclusion

Delta 8 THC is the milder variant of THC that is fast gaining popularity. It comes in many products, including delta 8 gummies. These are sweet candies with a gelatin base and delta-8 THC infusion. You can enjoy them in many colors, flavors, strengths, and shapes, allowing you to enjoy delta 8 THC in style. Since they have THC traces, they will likely show up in drug tests, so you must avoid them if you anticipate drug tests. It is worth noting that delta 8 THC gummies have less than 0.3% THC to be federally legal, so they will not be as potently intoxicating as the much stronger delta 9 THC. Delta 8 THC gummies are mild in action, but as you take more, the high effect accumulates. This article is your guide to delta 8 THC gummies; helping you know everything about them.

References

Bergeria, C. L., Strickland, J. C., Spindle, T. R., Kalaba, M., Satyavolu, P. U., Feldner, M.,
       … & Weerts, E. (2022). A crowdsourcing survey study on the subjective effects of
       delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol relative to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and
       cannabidiol. Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology.

Casajuana Kögel, C., López-Pelayo, H., Balcells-Olivero, M. M., Colom, J., & Gual, A.
       (2018). Psychoactive constituents of cannabis and their clinical implications: a
       systematic review. Adicciones, 30(2).

Corroon, J., & Phillips, J. A. (2018). A Cross-Sectional Study of Cannabidiol Users.
       Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 3(1), 152–161.

Kruger, J. S., & Kruger, D. J. (2022). Delta-8-THC: Delta-9-THC’s nicer younger sibling?.
       Journal of cannabis research, 4(1), 1-8.

Schlienz, N. J., Lee, D. C., Stitzer, M. L., & Vandrey, R. (2018). The effect of high-dose
       dronabinol (oral THC) maintenance on cannabis self-administration. Drug and
       alcohol dependence, 187, 254-260.

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