If chronic pain stops you from enjoying life to the max, hemp-based delta-8 gummies could be the tonic you need. Less intoxicating than marijuana but potentially more beneficial than CBD, the legal delta-8 industry is unsurprisingly going from strength to strength.
Whatever your experience level is with delta-8, you’re in the right place. I want to talk today about what makes delta-8 gummies such an exciting candidate for pain relief, the types of gummies available, and how these products compare to other forms of delta-8.
But before we explore the science, let’s check out the five best delta-8 gummies for pain.
1. Chill Plus – Delta-8 THC Gummies
Cleverly combining delta-8 extract with CBD, these hemp-derived gummies from Chill Plus are great for those seeking additional relaxation with reduced intoxication. Choose between the original gummies with 10mg each of delta-8 and CBD-isolate or the tropical and fruity mixes, which boast a 4:1 delta-8 to CBD ratio. I suggest first-timers start with the originals and get acquainted with delta-8 before taking things up a notch.
Chill Plus gummies are a product line from the well-known Diamond CBD. These delta-8 gummies have passed third-party tests and contain less than 0.3% THC, per Kaycna Labs.
Products available: Squares Original (1000mg), Chill Plus FRUITY Mix (1250mg), Chill Plus Tropical Mix (1250mg)
2. Treetop Hemp Co – Delta-8 Gummies
Checking in at 30mg per gummy, these delta-8 gummies from Treetop Hemp Co are not for the faint of heart. But they taste amazing, and with classics like Sour Snakes and Rainbow Belts, you won’t be able to tell the difference from standard gummies.
If you need to dose up discreetly, Treetop’s delta-8 edibles are the perfect way to do so. Each pack contains 10 gummies infused with delta-8 isolate. Third-party tested by Cannalysis with less than 0.3% THC and zero detectable CBD.
Flavors: Sour Snakes, Rainbow Belts, Peach Rings, Watermelon
3. ELYXR – Delta-8 Infused Gummies
Promising uplifting and motivating effects with an underlying sense of calm, these intriguing delta-8-infused gummies from ELYXR are worth a look.
Each tin comes with 20 servings of 25mg – as always, you can take them all at once or divide them into several servings. ELYXR has emerged as a popular hemp brand, making a range of high-end delta-8 products.
Their delta-8 gummies are another fine addition to the ELYXR collection. Independently analyzed by Verde Testing, these gummies have passed safety checks and have no detectable THC.
Flavors: Cherry, Orange, Watermelon, Blue Razz, Mango, Variety Pack (3 Pack), Party Pack (4 Flavors)
4. Koi CBD – Delta-8 THC Gummies
While not my favorite delta-8 gummies, these edibles from Koi CBD still merit a mention. An ever-present name in the legal hemp industry, Koi has earned the trust of hemp lovers all across the US.
Juicy and mouth-watering, each gummy contains 25mg of delta-8, with 20 servings per tub. That’s enough to keep regular users satisfied and plenty to introduce newcomers to the effects of delta-8.
Free from heavy metals and foreign matter and with less than 0.3% THC, Koi’s delta-8 soft chews are both safe and legal. Don’t take it from me but from KCA Laboratories!
Flavors: Lime, Watermelon, Blue Raspberry, Mango, Strawberry
5. CBD Genesis – Delta-8 THC Gummies
Potent and delicious, this product has become big with these delta-8-infused square-shaped gummies. Ideal for seasoned users and newbies, you can either take the 25mg gummy in one serving or split it into two, as the delta-8 is spread consistently through the edible.
Renowned for delivering long-lasting effects, delta-8 gummies should be at the top of your list for pain relief. With years in the hemp scene, these guys have acquired an impressive reputation for making high-quality products. Third-party tested with less than 0.3% THC.
Sizes: 25-count (500mg), 50-count (1250mg), 100-count (2500mg)
What is Delta-8?
Delta-8 is a legal phyto-cannabinoid, one of more than 120 that scientists have found in cannabis. But vitally, delta-8 is very similar to THC (delta-9-THC) and possesses psychoactive properties – although research shows that delta-8 is not as intense as THC.
As a psychotropic substance, delta-8 has become much-loved in recreational circles, but it may have health benefits, too. Indeed, we know that THC has therapeutic potential, and current evidence suggests delta-8 is essentially the same as THC but weaker.
Notably, delta-8 is only legal when extracted from hemp. Delta-8 derived from cannabis (plants with more than 0.3% THC) is illegal at the federal level. However, under the 2018 Agriculture Improvement Act (Farm Bill), hemp-derived delta-8 is not a controlled substance.
Therefore, manufacturers of hemp-based products have begun selling delta-8 gummies in recent years. The high levels of delta-8 allow users to get stoned as if they were taking THC-rich marijuana. Yes, it’s a legal loophole, but it’s one cannabis fans are cashing in on!
Are delta-8 gummies effective for pain?
Few – if any – studies have explored whether delta-8 can relieve various forms of pain. However, there is more research on THC’s analgesic effects. Both cannabinoids act on the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS) as partial agonists.
Even though delta-8 is weaker, since they work similarly, we can make tentative predictions on delta-8 effects based on what we know about THC.
In 2019, the PAIN journal found that pharmaceutical-grade marijuana could alleviate chronic pain in fibromyalgia patients. Dr Ethan Russo has previously posited that irregularities in the ECS may cause fibromyalgia – a syndrome coined as Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency.
Interestingly, a 2022 study in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research suggested that delta-8 might be “equally effective for the desired purposes of cannabis use,” but without the downsides.
Some say they get less anxiety from delta-8 than THC. From the research available, it is unproven whether delta-8 or THC works for pain. But there’s no reason to suggest delta-8 would be less effective than THC – and given the fewer side effects, it could be even better!
If delta-8 gummies do work for pain, these edibles would probably work best at combating chronic symptoms. Delta-8 gummies stay active for several hours, providing consistent and cost-effective relief. But the effects do not kick in instantly. For quicker effects, try delta-8 vape carts or tinctures.
Types of delta-8 gummies
Some gummies contain pure delta-8-isolate extract, giving you a no-frills delta-8 experience. Other products, such as Chill Plus gummies, also come with CBD extract – this limits your high but balances out the stimulation with relaxation and promotes the entourage effect.
You could also find delta-8 gummies blended with full-spectrum hemp extract. In addition to delta-8, full-spectrum edibles also have small amounts of cannabinol (CBN), cannabigerol (CBG), and other minor cannabinoids. These extra compounds ease the intoxication but ramp up the therapeutic effects.
Sadly, all delta-8 gummies could result in a failed drug test. Even though delta-8 is federally legal and different from THC, the cannabinoids so closely resemble each other that the former could trigger a positive result. If you are concerned, perhaps try CBD gummies instead.
Will the government ban delta-8?
I’m often asked whether the federal government will eventually end the delta-8 fun. As of November 2022, we don’t know, although the future looks somewhat brighter than it did.
Fears that regulators were about to clamp down on delta-8 reached a fever pitch in 2020 after the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) released an Interim Final Rule (IFR). The IFR concerned the Farm Bill and so-called “synthetic cannabinoids,” which some thought referred to delta-8.
But the DEA recently said that THC is the only controlled natural cannabinoid in hemp, a comment that has empowered delta-8 sellers. After all, delta-8 is a naturally occurring cannabinoid!
That said, more than a dozen states disagree with the federal government’s delta-8 stance. The following states have banned delta-8: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Kentucky, Idaho, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and Washington.
What to Look For When Buying Delta-8 Gummies For Pain
When shopping for delta-8 gummies, you need to look for genuine products and edibles specifically designed to help with relaxation and pain relief. To do this, you’ll need to know how to find top-quality delta-8 in an unregulated industry and improve your knowledge of the different products available.
Or you could keep things simple by purchasing some of the delta-8 gummies in my top five! But if you’re serious about taking delta-8 for pain, it’s in your best interests to get to know the market better!
Third-party lab testing
Independent lab reports or certificates of analysis are how you know whether a delta-8 product is legit or not. It doesn’t matter what promises or bold claims a brand makes about its gummies; they are worthless if they can’t back them up with third-party approval.
A third-party test reveals exactly how much delta-8 is in your gummies, right down to the milligram. The best tests also give a full analysis of the presence of any impurities, like residual solvents and heavy metals.
Third-party testing will remain critical until the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates hemp and delta-8. As a customer, you should always verify the legitimacy of a product before opening your wallet!
Delta-8 strength and other cannabinoids
There’s no set delta-8 dosage, and each brand adopts its own approach when producing gummies. Some like to make low-strength gummies (10-20mg delta-8 gummy), while others target veteran recreational users with higher amounts (25mg+).
Other cannabinoids, notably cannabidiol (CBD), can impact the effects of delta-8 gummies. For pain, the inclusion of CBD isolate or full-spectrum hemp extract is usually helpful. These non-psychoactive cannabinoids reduce intoxication while offering unique analgesic effects.
Terpenes
Delta-8 gummies don’t always come with terpenes, but you should always check. You may want a plain delta-8 experience, but you could also harness terpenes to enhance your pain relief.
For example, edibles infused with indica terpenes produce a wonderful couchlock effect, relaxing your muscles and leaving you generally sedated. That’s perfect after a hard day!
Contrastingly, gummies with sativa terpenes energize you while still providing pain relief. If you want a pain-killer that doesn’t leave you feeling sleepy and sluggish, delta-8 gummies with these nuanced effects could work wonders!
How to Store Your Delta-8 Gummies
Store delta-8 gummies in cool, dry, and dark conditions – with an emphasis on the cool! I always keep my delta-8 gummies in the fridge, as they can even melt in warm temperatures.
Reseal the bag after use and store it out of reach of children. Delta-8 edibles often have attractive packaging that fails to distinguish them from regular candies. As a psychoactive substance, delta-8 could have damaging effects on children whose brains are still in development.
How Long do Delta-8 Gummies Last?
The average delta-8 gummy high lasts for between six to eight hours. Larger dosages can extend the effects, while daily use could lead to tolerance and shorter highs.
Importantly, delta-8 edibles take longer to work than tincture oils and vape juices. You might not experience any effects for up to an hour.
Refrain from taking a second dose until at least three hours after your first. Eating delta-8 gummies on an empty stomach can speed up the onset of effects.
Purchasing Delta-8 Gummies Online vs. Shops Near Me
Since legalization in 2018, delta-8 gummies have rapidly gone mainstream. But more choices and vendors aren’t always good news, especially in an unregulated market. Stay safe and get more bang for your buck by buying delta-8 gummies from online vendors.
Headshops, gas stations, and similar brick-and-mortar stores can rarely be trusted. These shops know delta-8 is popular but don’t check what they stock with the required rigorousness. Hence why, they tend to stock low-quality and fake hemp products.
A genuine online retailer knows how essential third-party testing is. Think of it this way – they want happy customers and a thriving company! The best online vendors always make third-party reports accessible.
