Have you been hearing about Delta 8 gummies recently and wondering what all the hype is about? You’re not alone. These little cubes of joy seem to be popping up everywhere, from gas stations to health food stores. Before you dive in and start chewing away, there are a few things you should know about Delta 8 gummies. What exactly is Delta 8, and how is it different from regular THC? Will these gummies get you high? Are they even legal? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This guide will give you the truth about Delta 8 gummies, so you can make an informed decision about whether they’re right for you. By the end of this, you’ll be a Delta 8 gummy expert, ready to confidently choose a product – or not! – and know exactly what to expect. Let’s get stuck in.
What Are Delta 8 Gummies?
Delta 8 gummies are edible candies infused with delta 8 THC, a psychoactive compound found in the hemp plant. Delta 8 is an isomer of the better-known delta 9 THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. While the effects are similar, delta 8 tends to be less potent.
Many people prefer delta 8 gummies over other edibles because the effects tend to be milder and more clear-headed. If you want to experience the benefits of THC without an intense high, delta 8 gummies could be a great option. However, the effects can still vary from person to person based on factors like:
- Metabolism and body weight: The delta 8 has to be processed by your liver, so a faster metabolism or lower body weight may lead to more pronounced effects.
- Dosage consumed: The more gummies you eat, the stronger and longer-lasting the effects will be. Start with a low dose of 5-10 mg of delta 8 THC and see how you feel before increasing.
- Tolerance: Those with little or no experience with THC may find the effects more pronounced than regular users.
- Potency of specific product: The strength and quality of various delta 8 gummies on the market can differ substantially based on the manufacturing process and additional ingredients. Only buy from reputable brands that provide third-party testing.
While delta 8 gummies are legal according to federal law, some states have additional restrictions. Be sure to check with your state laws before purchasing or consuming delta 8 products. When used appropriately and responsibly, delta 8 gummies can be an enjoyable way for many to experience the benefits of THC in a mild, manageable way. But as with any substance, moderation is key.
How Delta 8 Gummies Are Made
Delta 8 gummies are made through a chemical conversion process using CBD derived from hemp. CBD is first extracted from hemp plants, then reacted with an acid to produce delta 8 THC. The delta 8 THC is then infused into gummy candies, often along with flavorings and colorings.
Delta 8 gummies come in a variety of flavors and shapes, from worms and bears to rings and squares. The gummies typically contain between 10 to 50 milligrams of delta 8 THC per gummy. For the best experience, start with a low dose of around 10 milligrams and wait at least 2 hours before increasing your dose. The effects of delta 8 gummies usually last 6 to 8 hours.
Some things to keep in mind:
- Delta 8 gummies may cause drowsiness, so avoid driving or operating heavy machinery after consuming them.
- Delta 8 gummies can interact with some medications. Talk to your doctor before trying them if you take any regular medications.
- The effects of delta 8 gummies can be intensified by consuming them with fatty foods like nuts, avocados or cheese. Eating them on an empty stomach may reduce their effectiveness.
- Delta 8 gummies are not regulated by the FDA, so buy from reputable brands that provide third-party test results showing the gummies are free of contaminants and contain the advertised amount of delta 8 THC.
- The legality of delta 8 gummies varies in different states. Make sure you understand your state’s laws regarding hemp-derived cannabinoids before purchasing or consuming them.
Delta 8 gummies offer an enjoyable way to experience the potential benefits of delta 8 THC in regulated, precisely dosed amounts. But as with any hemp product, do your own research and start low and slow to find what works for you.
The Potential Benefits of Delta 8 Gummies
Delta 8 gummies offer several potential benefits that many people find appealing. Here are some of the main benefits of these gummies:
- Pain and inflammation relief. Delta 8 THC has been shown to help reduce pain and inflammation in the body. The gummies may help relieve chronic pain from conditions like arthritis, injuries, and fibromyalgia. They can also help decrease inflammation in the joints and muscles.
- Improved sleep. Many people find that delta 8 gummies help them fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly through the night. The calming, relaxing effects of delta 8 THC can relieve anxiety and quiet your mind, making it easier to drift off to sleep.
- Reduced anxiety and stress. Delta 8 THC binds to receptors in the endocannabinoid system that are involved in regulating mood and stress levels. This can help alleviate feelings of anxiety, worry, and restlessness. The gummies may help you feel more at ease in both mind and body.
- Cancer-related benefits. Some research shows that delta 8 THC may help reduce nausea from cancer treatments like chemotherapy. It could also help stimulate appetite in cancer patients. The gummies may provide these benefits without the unwanted psychoactivity of delta 9 THC.
- Neuroprotective effects. Early research indicates that delta 8 THC may help protect neurons in the brain from damage due to injury, toxicity, and degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. More research is still needed, but delta 8 gummies could potentially support brain health and cognitive function over the long run.
In summary, delta 8 gummies offer a range of benefits for both the body and mind. For many, they provide a natural way to relieve pain, improve sleep, decrease anxiety, and possibly even support brain health––all without unpleasant side effects. The potential benefits of these gummies seem to make them worth trying.
Are Delta 8 Gummies Legal?
Delta 8 gummies have become immensely popular, but with their rise in popularity comes confusion about their legal status. Many people assume that because delta 8 THC is derived from hemp, it must be legal. The truth is a bit more complicated.
In the United States, the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and hemp-derived cannabinoids, like CBD and delta 8 THC, as long as they contain less than 0.3% delta 9 THC. However, some states have banned delta 8 THC altogether or placed restrictions on it. As of early 2021, 15 states have either banned delta 8 THC or restricted its sale in some form. Some of the states with delta 8 THC bans include:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Mississippi
- Montana
- New York
- Rhode Island
- Utah
The laws regarding delta 8 THC are evolving quickly, so the legal status in your state may have changed since this article was written. It’s best to check with your state laws to determine the current legal status of delta 8 THC products.
Some companies claim their delta 8 THC products are legal according to the 2018 Farm Bill. However, the DEA released an interim final rule in August 2020 that clarifies hemp derivatives like delta 8 THC are schedule 1 controlled substances, since they were not specifically addressed in the Farm Bill. The rule is not yet final, but some states have used it to justify banning or restricting delta 8 THC.
The legal issues surrounding delta 8 THC can be complex. As with any supplement, it’s best to do your own research to determine if delta 8 THC is legal in your state before purchasing or consuming these products. When in doubt, you may want to avoid delta 8 THC altogether until the laws become more clear.
FAQs About Delta 8 Gummies
Delta 8 gummies have become immensely popular, but there are still a lot of questions surrounding them. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions to help you learn the truth.
Are delta 8 gummies legal?
Delta 8 gummies are legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, since they are derived from hemp, not marijuana. However, some states have banned delta 8 products altogether, so check with your local laws. The legality of delta 8 is still a gray area, so the laws may change in the future.
Will delta 8 gummies get you high?
Yes, delta 8 gummies can produce a high similar to delta 9 THC, although the effects may be slightly milder. Delta 8 THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid that binds to the same cannabinoid receptors in the brain that make marijuana products intoxicating. The level of high will depend on factors like your tolerance, the potency of the gummies, and how many you consume.
Are delta 8 gummies safe?
When purchased from a reputable brand that provides third-party testing, delta 8 gummies are considered safe for most adults. However, delta 8 may cause side effects like dry mouth, red eyes, and dizziness in some people. Delta 8 can also interact with some medications. As with any cannabis product, moderation is key to safety. High doses of delta 8 could be harmful.
How long do the effects of delta 8 gummies last?
The effects of delta 8 gummies typically last 4 to 6 hours. The duration depends on factors like your metabolism, tolerance, and the dosage/potency of the gummies. The effects tend to peak around 2 to 3 hours after consuming the gummies. Some people report feeling residual effects for up to 8 hours. The best approach is to start low and see how delta 8 affects you personally.
Can you drive after taking delta 8 gummies?
It is not advisable to drive or operate heavy machinery after taking delta 8 gummies. Delta 8 can impair your coordination, reaction times, perception of time and distance, and decision making skills. The effects may last longer than you realize. Wait at least 6 hours after consuming delta 8 gummies before driving to ensure you are no longer impaired. Safety first!
Conclusion
So there you have it, the truth about those trendy Delta 8 gummies. While they may seem like an easy and tasty way to experience the benefits of hemp, you need to go in with realistic expectations. Delta 8 is not as potent as Delta 9 THC and the effects can vary for each person. Start with a low dose to see how it impacts you before gobbling down a whole bag of gummies. And of course, check if Delta 8 products are even legal in your state before making a purchase. Delta 8 may be a milder form of THC, but it is still derived from hemp and can cause impairment. Know what you’re getting into and consume responsibly. The hype around Delta 8 gummies is real, but do yourself a favor and separate the facts from fiction. Now you’re armed with the knowledge to make an informed decision about whether Delta 8 gummies are right for you.
