Best Delta-9 Gummies: What to Know and Our Top 3 Brands
Delta-9 THC might just be the most famous cannabinoid of all. A close relative of over a hundred other cannabinoids, delta-9 THC is set apart from the rest because of its powerful, deeply euphoric effects.
One product in particular has been lighting up the cannabis industry: the delta-9 THC gummy. Here you’ll find everything you ever wanted to know about delta-9 gummies — what they are, how to use them, and three of our top gummy brands. Enjoy!
SPOILER ALERT! For those who came here to quickly find our top 3 picks for the best delta 9 gummies, look no further. We have your list right here. For those of you wanting to dive into learning more about Delta 9 and read through why we picked those 3, keep calm and read on!
TLDR: Our top 3 brands for best delta 9 thc gummies
What Is Delta-9 THC?
First things first: what is delta-9 THC? Good question! THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol. Also known simply as ‘THC,’ delta-9 is the most common form of THC found in cannabis and hemp. It’s the main cause of that euphoric high cannabis is so well-known for. Mature cannabis can be up to 30% THC by weight.
Some concentrated cannabis products take this even further and contain up to 95% THC, but most have THC content in the 0.3-20% range. THC products can show up in all different shapes and sizes, including:
- THC gummies
- THC vapes
- THC oil tinctures
- THC transdermals
- Other cannabis edibles
Hemp-Derived Products 101
Delta-9 THC gummies are exactly what you’d think they are: gummies that have been infused with a delta-9 THC. (While THC can come from either hemp or cannabis, this article will be focusing on legal, hemp-derived THC.)
Delta-9 THC gummies have gotten seriously popular in the last few years. For many reasons. Delta-9 gummies are:
- Delicious!
- Fun to use
- Easy to dose
- Federally legal
- New and exciting
- Natural ingredients (and sometimes organic, too)
- Easy to incorporate into your health/wellness routine
Hemp Plants vs. Cannabis Plant / CBD Gummies vs. THC Gummies
THC gummies and CBD gummies couldn’t be much further apart. THC typically comes from cannabis plants turned marijuana, while CBD products typically come from cannabis plants turned hemp. CBD acts on your body’s CB2 receptors, while THC acts on your body’s CB1 receptors. This means CBD doesn’t have many (or any) strong cerebral effects.
CBD still has plenty of benefits, though. More than a thousand scientific studies show that it may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-stress properties. Just as amazing as all this, CBD is holistic. What does that mean? That it can help one person with sleep problems, another person with anxiety, and another person who deals with chronic pain.
But CBD kind of falls short if euphoria is what you’re after. It doesn’t usually cause the same deep sense of calmness and relaxation as consuming THC does. Nor is it quite as good at relieving chronic pain as THC products do.
* Pro tip: while both CBD and THC are great, you don’t have to view their use as an either/or thing. They do even better together.
Delta-9 THC vs. Delta-10 THC
Delta-9 is also more powerful than delta-10 THC, a hemp-derived cannabinoid that’s in the same category as the other federally legal cannabinoids. Delta-9 THC is more powerful — and more sedating — than both of them. That makes it the best choice if you want to really kick back and unwind.
Are THC Gummies Considered Federally Legal?
Despite what you might be thinking, delta-9 THC is legal under certain conditions. If it’s derived from the hemp plant and makes up less than 0.3% of a product’s dry weight, it’s fully legal on the federal level! You can thank the same Federal Farm Bills that legalized CBD for that.
*Fun fact: Industrial hemp products are legal via the agriculture improvement act, also known as the Federal Farm Bill.
Hemp-derived delta-9 THC gummies are legal, powerful, and pure. Their THC is extracted from hemp through a proprietary process called supercritical CO2 extraction. This entire production process produces a high-THC extract that also includes CBD, CBG, CBN, terpenes, flavones, and other goodies. THC extracts can be placed into gummies, vapes, other edibles, and more!
Delta-9 Gummies vs. Stress
The single biggest benefit of delta-9 gummies is surprisingly simple: they can reduce stress. Why’s this so important? Because stress, if you think about it, is the single biggest cause of discomfort and disease. Many of THC’s other benefits — including increased creativity, improved sleep, enhanced emotional well-being, etc — stem from its ability to reduce stress.
More than that, delta-9 gummies can help with so much more. If you have any of the following health concerns, delta-9 THC gummies could be right for you:
- Brain fog
- Mood swings
- Sleep problems
- PTS/other trauma
- Autoimmune dysregulation
What makes delta-9 THC able to benefit so many different people with so many seemingly-unrelated problems?
Its ability to gently activate and rebalance your body’s endocannabinoid system, of course. The moment you take THC, it begins to soak into sensitive receptors located throughout many of the most active regions of your brain. This allows THC to regulate hormone levels and overall neurotransmission (i.e message sending). Leading cannabis experts to believe that THC can help a person “eat, sleep, relax, and forget.”
How Will Delta-9 Gummies Make You Feel?
In two words, really good.
More specifically, the delta-9 high is unlike almost anything found in nature. Most people find delta-9 both calming and uplifting. Depending on the product/strain you’re working with, delta-9 can also be euphoric, introspective, energizing, or sedating. Some strains provide a ‘body high’ while others provide more of a ‘head high.’
Either way, delta-9 gummies have an incredible ability to promote deep relaxation. They might provide a better way to relax if you’ve been relying on alcohol or tobacco to unwind each evening.
How Do Delta-9 THC Gummies Work?
Delta-9 THC gummies work the same way that any other cannabis/hemp edible would: slowly.
Once ingested their cannabinoid content begins moving through the digestive tract, eventually winding up in the liver. Your liver proceeds to convert delta-9 THC into a metabolite called carboxy-THC (or 11-OH-THC). Once this conversion process is (mostly) complete, carboxy-THC is released into the bloodstream.
Carboxy-THC has different qualities than ‘regular’ delta-9 THC does, which explains why THC edibles feel different than other THC products. Most people find that an edible’s buzz is spacier and more immersive than what they’d get from an equivalent amount of smoked or vaped THC. A small-but-vocal percentage of enthusiasts claim THD edibles can be borderline psychedelic! [1]
After several hours in the bloodstream, specialized enzymes begin to break the carboxy-THC down into an inactive compound called THC-COOH. By the time this conversion process has been completed the edible’s effects will have pretty much worn off. Feel free to think of delta-9 gummies as a time-released delivery system. They might be ideal for you if you need consistent uplifting that lasts throughout the day! [2]
THC Gummies: More Health Benefits
Studies and real-world reports alike show that delta-9 gummies have a variety of potential health benefits. As we explained above, many of these benefits are simply side effects — positive side effects — of delta-9’s ability to reduce stress. (One of the only negative effects of THC gummies is that they might make you fail a drug test.) Avoid THC if you’re expecting a drug test for work. Below are the highlights.
THC gummies for gut health
The fact that THC gummies are carried through the digestive tract before being fully absorbed means they offer gut-centric benefits that other delta-9 products just can’t match.
Studies show that edible THC products may be of value for people with ulcerative colitis, IBS, and other digestive system issues. Some research suggests that THC’s effects on the gut can aid those of alcohol — overuse of alcohol causes inflammation within the gut-brain axis, while THC relieves it. Even the terpenes present in delta-9 THC gummies may help ward off harmful microbes and improve gut health. [3]
Delta-9 THC gummies for mood
Need to keep calm and carry on? Then delta-9 gummies could be ideal for you. THC is known to have a calming effect, particularly if taken at low doses, that can be incredibly helpful for people with anxiety, ADHD, or other mental struggles.
Just be sure to stay conservative with your dosing if you’re taking THC gummies for mood. Studies hint that you may be able to regulate your THC dose by feel, especially if you start off by taking a low dose. Don’t hesitate to split your THC gummies into halves or quarters if you need to! [4]
Delta-9 THC gummies vs. discomfort
We can’t make any medical claims in this area…so let’s just say that some people who try THC gummies swear by their anti-inflammatory effects. Studies are just beginning to confirm that “moderate evidence” supports THC’s ability to soothe and relieve. [5]
Delta-9 THC gummies vs. addiction
This might seem like one of those benefits that’s too good to be true…except it’s not. A growing body of research shows that delta-9 THC may have anti-addictive properties. It may reduce the brain’s neurochemical ‘drive’ to seek out opioids, nicotine, or alcohol. [6]
What to Look for In Delta-9 Gummies
Pretty impressive stuff, right? Now that we’ve identified some of THC gummies’ top benefits, let’s look at what you might want to look for when you buy!
Consider the following metrics when you’re searching for the ideal gummy product:
- Spectrum
- Potency
- Purity
- Reviews
What spectrum is it?
The very best THC gummies are usually full spectrum. What’s that mean? That they contain nature’s original blend of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids and hemp compounds. The hemp plant actually has hundreds of active ingredients, including:
Cannabinoids
- THC
- THCa
- THCv
- CBD
- CBDa
- CBG
- CBGa
- CBN
- CBC
Terpenes
- Guaiol
- Pinene
- Linalool
- Myrcene
- Limonene
- Humulene
- Terpinolene
Antioxidants
- Cannflavin A
- Cannflavin B
Studies show that these compounds work better together than they do apart. If you can’t find a full-spectrum THC gummy product, try to find something that at least contains some terpenes. [7]
How potent is it?
Potency is another key consideration metric when you’re trying to find the right THC gummies. Unlike the metric above, however, this one is highly individual. Some people do best taking high-dose THC, while others do far better with low doses or even microdosing! Beginners should look for gummies that contain 10mg of THC or less. More experienced/adventurous users, on the other hand, may want to opt for a stronger option in the 20+mg/each range.
How pure is it?
Not all THC gummies are created equal. Some brands use fillers, artificial flavors, and subpar extracts to maximize their profit margins at the expense of consumers. Making matters even more complex, the THC gummy market isn’t closely regulated by the FDA or other agencies. That means you’ll need to look for the following things yourself:
- COAs (certificates of analysis): Does the brand have third-party testing set in place?
- Extraction method: Does the brand use safe, clean extraction tech?
- Ingredients: Do the brand’s gummies avoid synthetic colors, flavors, or other additives? Does it have natural ingredients? natural ingredients?
Does it have good reviews?
Companies make wild marketing claims all the time. The real proof of a THC gummy’s quality isn’t how it’s marketed — it’s what customers say about it. Positive reviews from real customers are a sure sign that a brand is doing things right. And, whether good or bad, reading product reviews will give you a better idea of whether any given product is right for you. Bonus points for brands that have customer service policies.
Best THC Gummies Online: Our Top Three Brands
Well, there you have it! Delta-9 THC gummies are pretty dang amazing. Below are three of our very favorite THC gummy brands that offer high-quality hemp products. Think of them as the cream of the (hemp) crop.
- 3Chi
- Skyhio
- Reefer’s Bay
1. 3Chi Delta-9 THC Gummies
3Chi overview
3Chi is an established CBD brand that’s pivoted to other hemp-derived cannabinoids in recent years. 3Chi has taken what they’ve learned about full-spectrum CBD oil and other full-spectrum CBD and applied it to THC gummies — and the results are pretty incredible. The brand’s delta-9 THC gummies are:
- Dispensary grade
- 100% legal per 2018’s Federal Farm Bill
- Made from 100% natural, US-grown hemp
- Powered by full spectrum, high potency delta-9 THC
- Pure, potent, and independently lab-tested
3Chi: What sets their gummies apart?
Some brands make their gummies with cheap THC isolates, but 3Chi is different. This forward-thinking brand powers its gummies with full spectrum delta-9 THC extract. Rich in cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and much more, this type of extract can activate what experts call “the entourage effect,” leading to full body benefits.
“We can say with full confidence that we offer the safest, purest, and most potent […] Hemp Derived Products on the market,” the brand states on its website.
Check out 3Chi’s full THC Gummy selection here.
3Chi’s Mini Pack Delta-9 THC Gummies
If you’re new to THC gummies, 3Chi’s Mini Pack could be perfect for you. Here are the stats:
- Pure, potent gummies
- 100% vegan (no animal gelatin)
- Dispensary grade cannabinoids
- 10mg of delta-9 THC per gummy
- Made from American-grown hemp
- Federal farm bill compliant (< 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight)
Check them out for yourself here.
3Chi’s Sampler Pack Delta-9 THC Gummies
3Chi’s Sampler Pack is another great way to, well, sample various THC gummy options. This pack actually features a wide variety of psychotropic cannabinoids. It’s not just delta-9 THC!
Check out the Sampler Pack for yourself here.
3Chi Gummies: How to use
“The ideal dose of hemp-derived Delta 9 THC varies from person to person,” 3Chi explains, depending on factors such as your weight, metabolic rate, and overall health.
The brand recommends starting out with half a gummy (5mg THC) per serving. Their golden rule is to start low and go slow.
3Chi: Learn more
Another thing to love about 3Chi? They put a premium on cannabis/hemp education. Check out their blog here if you’d like to learn more about THC, CBD, terpenes, and other topics.
2. Skyhio Delta-9 Gummies
Skyhio overview
Skyhio is a brand that leverages cannabinoids to help you get — you guessed it — sky high. They’re probably best known for their innovative THC vapes, but more recently Skyhio has created some truly premium delta-9 gummies.
What sets their gummies apart?
“Here at Skyhio,” the brand says, “we want to give you the best of the best.” Skyhio’s new delta-9 THC gummies are more pure and more potent than many other THC gummies. If maximum relaxation is what you’re after, these THC Gummies might be the perfect choice for you.
Skyhio’s New Delta-9 Gummies
Ready to dive into the details? Here they are:
- Powerful, potent
- 100% vegan-friendly
- Independently lab tested
- Premium-grade cannabinoids
- 10mg of THC per gummy
- Made from American-grown hemp
- Farm bill compliant (< 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight)
Check out Skyhio’s legal THC Gummies here, or the brand’s full delta-9 selection here.
Skyhio Gummies: How to use
Just like 3Chi, Skyhio encourages customers to ease into THC gummies slowly. Start off with half a gummy if you’re new to THC, and be sure to wait at least an hour before taking any more (that’s how long it can take for THC to kick in). Seasoned users can feel free to take one-two gummies per day.
Skyhio: Learn more
If you want to learn more about hemp-derived THC, Skyhio’s got your back! You can read up on their “in the know” blog here.
3. Reefer’s Bay Delta-9 Gummies
Reefer’s Bay overview
Reefer’s Bay is a decidedly high-vibe cannabinoid brand. A “committed crew of cannabis explorers,” Reefer Bay’s team is backed by a team of scientists, cultivators, and connoisseurs that have over a century of combined experience. In addition to manufacturing premium delta-9 products, they also make:
- HHC products
- THCO products
- Delta-10 products
- Other things cannabis
The reason for all this diversity? Reefer’s Bay aims to help its customers relax, have fun, and Live The Island Way!
Reefer’s Bay: What sets their gummies apart?
Reefer’s Bay takes top-quality ingredients, then subjects them to some of the industry’s most advanced extraction tech. Reefer Bay’s products go above and beyond when it comes to testing standards and legal compliance.
Reefer’s Bay’s Delta-9 THC Gummies
Reefer’s Bay’s Delta-9 THC Gummies are delightful, delicious, and downright fun to use. Here are the stats:
- Powerful
- Ultra-pure extracts
- Natural ingredients
- Vegan-friendly, cruelty-free
- Dispensary-grade cannabinoids
- 10mg of premium THC per gummy
- Made from US-grown organic hemp
- Farm bill compliant (< 0.3% delta-9 THC by weight)
Check out Reefer’s Bay THC Gummies for yourself here, or their full delta-9 edible selection here.
Reefer’s Bay Gummies: How to use
Reefer’s Bay Gummies work best if you start off slowly enough to find your minimum effective dose (noticing a trend yet?)
If you’re new to cannabis products, you’ll probably do well to start off with half a gummy per day. You can almost take the other half several hours later if you’re not quite feeling the vibe you wanted.
More seasoned users can feel free to take 1-2 gummies per day. Don’t use these gummies if you’re pregnant, nursing, or trying to become pregnant.
Reefer’s Bay: Learn more
Learn more about delta-9 THC and other such products on Reefer’s Bay’s educational page.
Best Delta-9 Gummies in 2022: Summing Things Up
All in all, delta-9 THC gummies offer exciting health and wellness benefits. Have they become part of your personal routine yet? If not, it may be time to change that…