Delta-8 is a cannabinoid, like THC (delta-9) and CBD (cannabidiol). Its molecular structure is very similar to that of its cannabinoid cousins and, because it is a cannabinoid, it reacts with the body’s ECS (endocannabinoid system) to produce many of the same mental and physical benefits we’ve come to know and love from the cannabis plant.

Delta-8 can be enjoyed in many ways you can enjoy other cannabinoids, like THC or CBD: in flower form, in oil-based tinctures, and, possibly the most popular way (and the reason that we’re here), as edibles.

When buying delta-8 edibles, there are a few important things you should consider: How are edibles made? Is the delta-8 lab-tested? Does the company use clean ingredients?

That’s why we’re here—to help. We’ve scoured the industry to find you the best, highest quality, and most delicious delta-8 edibles anyone can find. Let’s take a look at 6 awesome companies making great delta-8 edibles.

1. Delta Munchies: Delta-8 Gummies (Best Recommended Brand)

We’re going to start with the best of the best: Delta Munchies.

Delta Munchies is a California-based cannabis company that has been a pivotal player in the recent delta-8 explosion. It is backed by more than 15 years of cannabis science and is leading the way through the industry with its delicious and clean delta-8 products.

Reasons we love Delta Munchies:

• Its brand is super approachable. Their edibles come in four nostalgic flavors (peach rings, sour bites, watermelon, and gummy bears), which feel retro yet are still relevant.

• Speaking of flavor, they’re delicious. Delta Munchies’ peach rings easily beat the taste of the leading brand of non-THC peach rings (like the ones you typically find in the supermarket) as they are freshly made, packaged, and shipped out immediately to preserve integrity and freshness.

• Strength: Delta Munchies is no joke. If you’re looking for potency, look no further.

• Its products come in three different strength levels for different tolerance levels: light (10 mg per gummy), medium (20 mg per gummy), and heavy (30 mg per gummy).

• It just recently upgraded from 10 pieces a pack to 15, so you get more for your money. Their edibles now come in three different sizes: a 150 mg bag (10 mg per gummy), a 300 mg bag (20 mg per gummy), and a 450 mg bag (30 mg per gummy).

• All Delta Munchies products are fully lab-tested for quality and potency.

• Delta Munchies cares about cannabis education. The company believes that a responsible cannabis user is an educated one, which is why Delta Munchies provides many resources to help you learn about delta-8 and the cannabis plant as a whole.

Interested? You can find Delta Munchies delta-8 gummies here.

2. 3chi: Delta-8 Edibles

Next up is 3chi.

3chi is a cannabis brand founded on science. (And we mean that literally––its founder was a biochemist with more than 15 years of product formulation experience.) The company has dedicated itself to breaking down and analyzing every part of the cannabis plant, bringing its users some of the cleanest and most clarified cannabis products you can find.

Reasons we love 3chi:

• Its edibles come in a multitude of styles, from standard gummies (in yummy flavors like watermelon and blackberry) to baked goods like cookies, brownies, and crispy cereal treats.

• 3chi is lab-tested for quality and potency.

• It offers custom blends like its Comfortably Numb blend, which is a 1:1 blend of delta-8 THC and CBN (25 mg total.)

• It comes in a variety of strengths, with its baked goods being 50 mg per serving, and its gummies coming in packs of 200 or 400 mg.

• 3chi runs an active blog where you can learn more about delta-8 THC and how to use it.

Interested? You can find 3chi delta-8 edibles here.

3. CBD Genesis: Delta-8 Gummies

Third on our list is CBD Genesis.

CBD Genesis is an online head shop specializing in CBD and delta-8 products. Because it is an online storefront, it hosts a variety of different brands in addition to creating its own.

Reasons we love CBD Genesis:

• It offers many different kinds of delta-8 gummies as well as some pretty unique products, like Canna King’s gas station-inspired delta-8 snacks.

• It offers a variety of different delta-8 brands, meaning you can try out different kinds until you find your favorite.

• CBD Genesis customer service offers a live chat option, so if you need immediate assistance, it is available 24/7.

• It has an active sales page, which means you can always be on the lookout for great deals!

Interested? You can find CBD Genesis delta-8 edibles here.

4. Exhale: Delta-8 Gummy

In the number four spot, we have Exhale. Exhale believes cannabis to be a natural healer and puts the intention of holistic wellness into all its products. Exhale prides itself on being a natural medicinal alternative. (Note: This is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor before using any cannabis product medicinally or if you are thinking of replacing your existing medication with cannabis.)

Reasons we love Exhale:

• Its edibles contain a blend of delta-8 THC and superfood ingredients to make products that are as good for your body as possible.

• All of its products are vegan, plant-based, and cruelty-free.

• All of its products are 100% organic and all-natural.

• Its products contain no artificial colors or flavors.

Interested? You can find Exhale delta-8 edibles here.

5. Ounce of Hope: Delta-8 Soft Gels

Number five is Ounce of Hope. Ounce of Hope is a super unique company that uses a form of agriculture called aquaponics to cultivate its cannabis crops. This eco-friendly method of agriculture utilizes fish to help create a natural, nutrient-dense fertilizer that helps to grow crops, which, in turn, clarifies the water.

Reasons we love Ounce of Hope:

• Its unique agricultural techniques are sustainable and eco-friendly.

• Ounce of Hope was started when its founder, Collin Bercier, decided to pursue a natural alternative for his mother, who was battling multiple sclerosis (MS). This brand was created with healing and heart at the helm and continues to help people improve their quality of life.

• Its delta-8 edibles come in a variety of fun flavors and forms, including gummies, brownie bites, milk chocolate bars, and more.

Interested? You can find Ounce of Hope delta-8 edibles here.

6. Pharma CBD: Delta-8 Taffy

Rounding out our list is Pharma CBD. Pharma CBD offers a large selection of CBD and delta-8 THC products with the highlight, of course, being its delta-8 edibles. Pharma CBD is a National Hemp Association representative and offers both individual and wholesale options.

Reasons we love Pharma CBD:

• It has a ton of different products to offer, including delta-8 edibles in a bunch of gummy styles, like rainbow rings, sour gummy worms, watermelon wedges, and more.

• Pharma CBD products are lab-tested for quality and potency.

• All of its hemp is 100% American-grown.

Interested? You can find Pharma CBD delta-8 edibles here.

Delta-8 FAQs

Now that you know what brands of delta-8 are worth checking out, we’ll make sure you have all the information you need to enjoy the full experience of delta-8.

Q: How is delta-8 made?

A: Delta-8 is created through a process called fractional distillation. Fractional distillation takes a hemp flower and breaks it down, running it through a process of rapid cooling and heating. Through this process of varying temperatures and hardening pressures, scientists can isolate a potent delta-8 THC concentrate (typically refined to concentrations of around 80 percent and up.) Fractional distillation is a natural method of extraction, and while some delta-8 can be created synthetically, fractional distillation is the most natural method of cultivating delta-8.

Q: What are the effects of delta-8?

A: The effects of delta-8 will vary with each individual. Because tolerance levels and other external factors (such as age, weight, gender, and overall health) play such a big role in how your body absorbs delta-8 and reacts to it, delta-8 has the potential to affect different people in totally different ways.

Delta-8 may give you many of the same benefits you’ll find in CBD––pain relief, help with sleep, anxiety, etc.––without the “too high” feelings that can sometimes come with using delta-9 THC. Delta-8 is the perfect cannabinoid for cannabis users who still enjoy mild psychoactive experiences but can’t quite tolerate the strong high that typically comes with delta-9 THC.

Q: How long do the effects last? How long do they take to kick in?

A: This answer is also going to be different for every person. But the general time frame for edibles is usually anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour to fully “kick in,” with the peak effects happening around the 2-hour mark. The effects of delta-8 can last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours.

Q: How much delta-8 should you take?

A: The amount of delta-8 that is right for you is going to depend, again, on a variety of different factors like those we mentioned before, such as your age, weight, gender, and general health. If you’re a regular THC user, you may have a much higher tolerance than those who aren’t, meaning you might probably withstand taking more delta-8 than someone who exclusively uses CBD or hasn’t previously used any cannabinoid products at all.

Delta-8 is still a psychoactive substance, so it’s recommended that you start out slow. Start with a small dose, you can slowly work your way up to a higher dose.

Q: Is delta-8 legal?

A: Yes, delta-8 THC is federally legal. Unfortunately, at the state level, that answer is different. Each state in the U.S. has its own laws pertaining to cannabis, so before buying delta-8, it’s important to make sure that you’re in a state where it’s legal.

As of October 2021, delta-8 THC is legal in the following states: Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. It is also legal in Washington, D.C.

As of October 2021, delta-8 THC is illegal in the following states: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Kentucky, Idaho, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and Washington.

Q: Will delta-8 show up on a drug test?

A: Yes, delta-8 will show up on a drug test. Although delta-8 is not as potent as delta-9, it’s still a form of THC, which will certainly trigger a positive result on a drug test. (Some users have even reported that some strong strains of CBD can show trace amounts of THC on a drug test, so remember to use responsibly!)

Q: Is delta-8 safe?

A: Delta-8 is a natural cannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant, just like THC and CBD. Although delta-8 itself is natural, it’s very important to be aware of the quality of the delta-8 products that you are using. Just as with any other cannabis product, it’s important to make sure that you’re buying from a reputable source. (It’s also important to note that since delta-8 is relatively new, research surrounding this cannabinoid is ongoing.)

Q: How do I find delta-8?

A: It’s important to find cannabis companies that are fully transparent with their delta-8 lab testing. All cannabinoids, like delta-8, should undergo full panel and third-party lab testing to ensure that they are of quality and don’t contain any harmful chemicals or byproducts. Make sure you’re buying from a company that is forthright with its lab results so that you can be fully confident in the delta-8 that you’re getting.

*This article is provided by an advertiser. Statements made are not meant to offer medical advice nor to diagnose any condition. Any studies cited here may be preliminary, and may or may not be peer reviewed, and may or may not have sufficient participants to be statistically relevant. Anecdotal accounts should not be taken as scientific results. Products discussed in this article are not designed to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease. The FDA does not evaluate dietary supplements. Consult your doctor about possible interactions, allergies, and if you are considering using a natural and/or dietary supplements for any condition. Individual results will vary.