Did you know there’s more than one kind of THC?
Delta-8 is the “new kid on the block” in the world of cannabis products and delivers slightly different effects than delta-9 THC.
We’re here to help with all you need to know about delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC, including their effects, uses, and whether they’re legal.
Plus, discover the top THC products on the market.
Product Roundup: Top 10 THC Brands 2025
We’re ready with our top picks for high-quality and smooth delta-8 and delta-9 products from companies known for exceptional quality.
Our top 10 favorite THC products:
Area 52 [Most Potent Products]
Finest Labs [Great Value]
Royal CBD [Best For Relaxation]
Delta Extrax
BudPop
Eighty Six
Binoid CBD
Diamond CBD
MoonWlkr
3CHI
1. Area 52 (Most Potent Products)
Pros & Cons:
Meets many dietary needs with vegan-friendly, natural ingredients.
Guarantees potency and safety with third-party lab tests.
Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, even on opened products.
Fast shipping; orders are processed within a day.
Discount available using the coupon code below (15%).
Area 52 flies high in the world of cannabinoid products, known for their quality and integrity. Their premium-grade extracts go through clean extraction and rigorous manufacturing processes, so you know you’re not getting lower-grade products. Area 52 is also known for developing products with new cannabinoids while raising the bar on the quality of its existing lineup.
It offers a variety of delta-8 and delta-9 THC products, along with other cannabinoid offerings and those with specific functions, like the Neptune Sleep Tincture.
AREA 52 DISCOUNT CODE: Use the coupon code FIRST15 for 15% off your next order (limited-time only).
Top Product Recommendations:
Area 52 Delta-8 Vape Cart: This 1 mL cart comes in Grandaddy Purple (indica), Pineapple Express (sativa), and Berry Gelato (hybrid) all three contain a potent blend of delta-8 and terpenes. The glass CCELL cartridge has a ceramic core and mouthpiece for the best possible performance and taste.
Area 52 Full-Spectrum UFO Max Gummies: These contain a potent blend of 15 mg of delta-9 THC, 100 mg of CBD, and 5 mg of CBG. They’re made with pectin and natural mango flavors and terpenes from the Green Crack strain. These come in a pack of 30 and are perfect for daily dosing to increase focus and improve mood.
2. Finest Labs (Great Value)
Pros & Cons
Uses organic hemp, a solid base that makes the purest cannabis products
Focuses on sustainability and cleaner agricultural techniques
Only uses natural terpenes from hemp, giving the products a natural, smooth flavor
Generous return policy in case you’re not satisfied, so there’s no risk for you
Save 10% using the coupon code below.
Finest Labs says it all — this company and its “upmarket artisanal extractions” deliver the finest quality.
Hemp for Finest Labs products is grown on small farms located in the United States. The extracts are infused with premium cannabis-derived terpenes. That means you get the best flavor and stellar effects.
Finest Labs is also focused on the environment, using no toxic chemicals and practicing no-till farming with frequent crop rotation. Besides vape cartridges and gummies, Finest Labs offers dozens of premium cannabis terpenes.
FINEST LABS DISCOUNT CODE: Use FINEST to get 10% off your first Finest Labs purchase.
Top Product Recommendations:
Finest Labs Delta-8 Vape Cartridge: Get 5 mg per draw from these premium vape carts, which have a total of 900 mg of active delta-8 THC plus Strawberry Cough (sativa) terpenes. The universal 510 threading means you can use these carts on any standard vape battery.
Finest Labs Delta-8 Gummies: Each pack has 30 gummies, and each piece contains 25 mg of delta-8 THC, with all-natural strawberry flavoring and a vegan-friendly gummy base. They’re also gluten-free and contain no synthetic additives.
3. Royal CBD (Best For Relaxation)
Pros & Cons:
Renowned for high-quality ingredients and pure extracts.
Third-party tested to guarantee the quality of each product.
Free shipping on all orders helps reduce the overall cost.
Has a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you aren’t happy.
Low THC content makes these products inefficient for recreational use.
Save 15% using the coupon code listed below.
Don’t laugh when you read that Royal is “fit for royalty”— quality is a priority for Royal CBD, which has a rigorous extraction process and uses third-party labs that are ISO-certified (International Organization for Standardization).
With Royal CBD, you know you’re getting contaminant-free products with guaranteed potency.
Royal offers a selection of oils, gummies, capsules, topicals, and products for pets. While these don’t contain delta-8 THC, the full-spectrum formulations contain delta-9 and provide the “entourage effect,” the benefit that comes from using multiple cannabinoids and terpenes. There’s just enough D9 to provide relaxing, mood-lifting effects.
ROYAL CBD DISCOUNT CODE: Use the code MG15 for 15% off your next order.
Royal CBD Full-Spectrum Gummies: These gummies are ideal for beginners or those wanting to use cannabis for health due to the low dose of THC (2 mg) and 25 mg of CBD. There are 30 in a pack, are vegan-friendly, and come in a natural fruit flavor.
Royal CBD Full-Spectrum Oil: This is another full-spectrum offering and Royal’s second-strongest CBD oil product. Each dropper provides 33 mg of hemp oil extract with higher concentrations of cannabinoids and terpenes to create a balanced and relaxing effect. Choose between berry, mint, vanilla, and natural flavors.
4. Delta Extrax
Pros:
Know for certain what you’re getting since each batch is tested for consistency and purity.
Quality blends offer a smooth and enjoyable high.
Plenty to choose from with the wide selection of products.
Cons:
Some lab reports are outdated and might not represent the current batch.
Contain artificial ingredients, which some people prefer to avoid.
If you’re looking for a high-profile company that’s been featured in publications as varied as Forbes and Leafly, then Delta Extrax is for you. Its proprietary blends of cannabinoids have often been first to the market, including both delta-8 and delta-9 THC. There are plenty of products to choose from, too, giving you the option to try various methods.
Top Product Recommendations:
Delta Extrax Live Resin Series Delta-9 Gummies: These come with a solid 10 mg of delta-9 in each gummy and are flavored with terpenes. Choose from blueberry citrus, guava berry fruit, and kiwi mixer.
Delta Extrax Live Resin Series Delta-8 2-Gram Disposable: These disposable vapes are draw-activated and ready to go straight from the box. Expect these to be potent, thanks to a blend of delta-8, delta-10, THCP, and live resin. Choose from the following flavors: Ice Cream Cookies, Mowie Wowie, Strawberry Shortcake, and Purple Slurricane.
5. BudPop
Pros:
Plant-based and cruelty-free ingredients make these vegan-friendly.
Taste and feel better thanks to natural flavors and ingredients.
Good selection gives customers plenty to choose from.
Cons:
Higher cost compared to some other brands.
Limited information about the company, showing a lack of transparency.
Budpop believes that “life is better with your buds,” and its goal is to deliver natural and effective THC products. When it launched, Budpop focused on cultivation, handling, and the consumer experience. Thousands of satisfied customers appreciate the quality, rigorous testing, and transparency of this company.
The company offers a wide selection of products, including delta-8 and delta-9 THC products, along with mushroom offerings. There are other cannabinoid products, too, along with blends and fun products worth checking out.
Top Product Recommendations:
BudPop Delta-8 Flower: This non-GMO flower is grown naturally in Colorado and infused with delta-8 extract instead of sprayed. Both strain options are indica-dominant: Cookies and Northern Lights.
BudPop Strawnana Gummies: Enjoy a natural strawberry banana flavor and a potent combination of 25 mg of delta-8 THC, 10 mg of delta-9 THC, and 1 mg THCP per gummy.
6. Eighty Six
Pros:
Production is cGMP- and ISO-certified, showing the company’s dedication to clean, high-quality manufacturing processes.
A healthy option as they are GMO-free and pesticide-free.
Offers a fun variety of flavors and potencies.
Cons:
Only allows returns on damaged or defective products.
Not ideal for all diets, as some products contain artificial flavors and ingredients.
Eighty Six started in the vape industry but now has a wide variety of products from which to choose. They’re not for everyone, however, as they are not vegan-friendly or allergen-free, and they’re unavailable in some states. Rest assured, the quality is consistent, and you’re sure to find something you like from Eighty Six if you don’t mind the ingredients.
Besides that, the hemp is non-GMO and pesticide-free, and the company takes the extraction and manufacturing process seriously. Eighty Six is transparent, providing an allergy disclaimer that the edibles are produced in a facility that processes milk, nuts, soy, and gluten.
Top Product Recommendations:
Eighty Six 1000-Milligram Delta-8 Gummies: These only have 10 servings per bottle but offer 100 mg of delta-8 THC per gummy — talk about extreme! You can also buy a 10-pack bulk order if you like them. Choose from Tropical Sunset, Berry Burst, and Bubba Melon.
Eighty Six Jelly Jam Elite Edition 4-G Disposable Vape: This vape is a combination of Raspberry Smash and White Rhino, giving it an earthy/fruity flavor. Delta-9 and delta-8 come together to give strong yet relaxing effects.
7. Binoid CBD
Pros:
Good selection of delta-8 and delta-9 products, along with other cannabinoids.
Full-spectrum formula enhances effects and balances them out.
Cons:
Outdated lab results for some products casts doubt on their reliability.
Hard to sort through products on the website, making it take longer to find what you want.
No returns are allowed on products that have been opened.
Binoid was started in 2018 and takes its name directly from “cannabinoid.” Binoid uses quality ingredients and has a certified manufacturing facility, stressing the belief that hemp is key to a healthy lifestyle. Binoid’s products undergo five rounds of in-house testing before being sent for third-party lab testing.
Top Product Recommendations:
Binoid Delta-9 Mini Brownie Bites: These are an instant favorite, packing rich chocolate along with 50 mg of delta-9 and 50 mg of CBD in each bite. Ten mini brownies are in each pack, making them perfect for sharing or hiding away as your personal stash.
Binoid Watermelon and Nightberry Delta-8 Gummies: These vegan gummies are formulated for day and night use and offer 25 mg of delta-8 THC each, along with extra vitamins. Watermelon (day use) has Vitamin B12 and Vitamin C, and Nightberry has Vitamin D3. Purported benefits include a boost to the immune system and mood, as well as anti-inflammatory, energy, and memory benefits.
8. Diamond CBD
Pros:
Hemp is organic and grown on non-GMO farms, the perfect start for high-quality products.
Customers have a variety of flavors and potencies to choose from for many of the products.
Cons:
Some of the lab reports are outdated, so double-check if you’re concerned about this.
Expensive when not on sale, making an order harder to fit into many people’s budgets.
The “100 Day Make-it-Right Guarantee” is only for unopened and unused items.
Diamond CBD has built quite a reputation thanks to its almost overwhelming number of products and an array of cannabinoids. The company has even been featured in Forbes, Leafly, and other high-profile publications.
Diamond products are organic, made with hemp grown on non-GMO farms, and sent through rigorous manufacturing and testing. Many options are vegan and made with natural colors and flavors, so they’re appropriate for many diets.
Top Product Recommendations:
Diamond CBD Chill Plus Delta Force CBD Oil: This full-spectrum oil offers 0.83 mg of delta-8 THC and 0.83 mg of full-spectrum CBD per drop. It promises a “smooth yet subtle high that will have you feeling extra chill.”
Diamond CBD Delta-9 Dip Pouch: Here’s an example of the novel products you can find here. These containers have 20 pouches you let dissolve between your lip and gum for quick absorption. There are three varieties: Social, Sleep, and Fruit Punch — each has a different formula for different effects, but all contain delta-9.
9. MoonWlkr
Pros:
Attractive price point while maintaining high-quality.
Wide selection of products, utilizing different cannabinoids and flavors for every need.
Cons:
Orders can take longer to process than in some places, slowing down the shipping.
Return policy is for unopened and unused products only, in original packaging with receipt or proof of purchase.
MoonWlkr doesn’t say much about itself on the website, preferring to talk about the product offerings that will take you to the moon. The company offers gummies, vapes, tinctures, flowers, and prerolls in different cannabinoid profiles, such as delta-8 or delta-9 to THCP and HHC. The products are gluten-free and vegan, made with natural flavors, and sent for third-party lab testing.
Top Product Recommendations:
MoonWlkr Asteroids Delta-8 Gummies: Enjoy sweet watermelon, juicy mango, luscious blueberry, and sour strawberry gummies, all with 25 mg of hemp-derived delta-8 THC each. You can get a smaller sample pack, too, in Blue Dream and Watermelon Zkittlez, with just two of each flavor.
MoonWlkr Delta-8 Tincture: With 33 mg of delta-8 per dropper, this tincture just might become a staple in your home. The orange creamsicle flavor makes the drops easy to take — hold the dose under your tongue for 30-60 seconds for quicker effects.
10. 3CHI
Pros:
Fantastic selection of products, covering health to recreation.
Has 15 years of experience and a great reputation.
Cons:
If you’re looking for all-natural, be aware that some products contain artificial colors and flavors.
No satisfaction guarantee; no returns once the product is opened.
Older lab reports might not be accurate if they’re for a different batch.
3CHI is known for cannabinoid research that brought minor cannabinoids beyond CBD to the market, as well as its leadership in testing standards. The huge selection should have you covered, whether you’re looking to take cannabis for your health or want to kick back and chill.
Top Product Recommendations:
3CHI Kyle Kush Gummies: These offer a mandarin orange flavor chosen by Kyle Busch, and have a blend of delta-8 THC, HHC, and THCP. The recommended dose is half a gummy to feel euphoric and energetic.
3CHI True Strain Gummies: If you’re picky or have a specific need, head straight to this section. 3CHI took over 40 cannabinoids, largely delta-8 and delta-9, and combined them in varying amounts along with terpenes for different effects.
Understanding THC (Cannabis Science)
The cannabis plant, or Cannabis sativa, contains hundreds of chemical substances and over 100 cannabinoids, which affect cell receptors in your brain and body.
One of the best-known cannabinoids is tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. There’s more than one type of THC, including delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, delta-10 THC, delta-6a-10a-THC, and THC-O-acetate or THCO.
Delta-9 THC is the one most of us are familiar with, the one that delivers a high and is the most researched cannabinoid. Delta-8 is another incredibly popular one, so we’ll compare these two.
Let’s dive into all you need to know about delta-8 THC versus delta-9 THC.
Delta-8 & Delta-9: The Two Most Popular THCs
What’s the difference between delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC?
Here are the main disparities between the two [1]:
Delta-8 THC differs in molecular structure, specifically in the location of a double bond between carbon atoms 8 and 9.
This altered structure means delta-8 THC interacts differently with our brain’s receptors and has a lower “psychotropic potency” than delta-9 THC.
Delta-8 THC is found naturally in cannabis but in substantially lower concentrations than delta-9 THC.
Delta-8 THC is “the smoother and more clear-headed version” or the “nicer younger sibling [2]” of delta-9 THC, often chosen by people who find delta-9 THC too stimulating. That goes back to the fact that delta-8 THC is less psychoactive than delta-9 THC.
That doesn’t mean delta-8 is better than delta-9 or vice versa. Some users prefer the full effects of delta-9, while others like the less intense effects of delta-8, reporting that it has fewer side effects [2]. Some users like to use delta-8 during the day to focus and delta-9 in the evening to relax.
You may have heard that delta-8 THC is “synthetic,” but it is naturally occurring in cannabis plants. The problem is the amounts are too low to do much with, so delta-8 products are made using cannabidiol (CBD). To do this, delta-8 THC is synthesized from CBD that has been extracted from hemp.
Medical Uses of Delta-8 vs. Delta-9
Research shows delta-9 THC has medicinal benefits, and delta-8 seems to as well (though research is extremely limited on it!).
Our bodies have a complex molecular and biological system known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). It plays a critical role in a number of our physiological processes that maintain internal balance. That includes our brain, skin, digestive tract, liver, and the respiratory, cardiovascular, and reproductive systems.
The endocannabinoid system helps regulate brain development and influences emotional behavior and cognition. Alterations in the ECS are involved in several diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular diseases [3].
Activating ECS receptors can provide the following benefits [3]:
Neuroprotective: protects brain nerve cells against damage, degeneration, or impairment; could help prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimers or Parkinsons.
Antispasmodic: helps with spasms that occur with multiple sclerosis.
Anti-inflammatory: reducing inflammation prevents further problems and help with symptoms of traumatic brain injury.
Inhibit cell growth: can help in some tumors and prevent breast cancer cells from increasing.
Delta-8, described as a balance between the calming properties of CBD and the psychoactive effects of THC, was found in one study to provide the following benefits for users [2]:
71% of delta-8 THC users experienced substantial feelings of relaxation.
68% experienced euphoria.
55% experienced pain relief.
74% did not experience anxiety.
83% did not experience paranoia.
Cannabis, in general, has been shown to help with conditions like chronic pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and some of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis [4].
Full-spectrum products contain all of the compounds in cannabis, which can be more beneficial than isolating a single compound [5]; this is known as providing the “entourage effect.”
For instance, one study found that the combination of terpenes and cannabinoids may help with pain, anxiety, and inflammation, among other ailments [6].
Safety & Side Effects of THC
THC’s most common side effects are relaxation, focus, and euphoria. Not everyone experiences a “good high,” though. Common side effects associated with delta-8 and delta-9 THC include dry mouth, dizziness, and changes in appetite. Rarely, it can cause anxiety or paranoia.
One study found that most of the adverse events reported by users of delta-8 THC were similar to acute cannabis intoxication [7]. That’s why, with any product, you should start “low and slow.” Take a low dose and gauge your reaction.
Never use heavy machinery while using any THC product. Avoid using THC while pregnant or nursing and if you are on any medications.
Are Delta-8 & Delta-9 THC Legal?
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived THC products with less than 0.3% THC. Products can have any amount of delta-8 or other cannabinoids since it’s from hemp.
However, there are some gray areas regarding the legality of delta-8 and delta-9. Many states simply follow the 2018 Farm Bill, while some have passed laws regarding delta-8 THC or severely restrict it.
State laws take precedence, and they’re all different, so check with local laws to be sure, in particular, before you travel with THC products.
Delta-9 is in a different category because it is federally illegal and is only legal in small amounts in hemp products. Some states have legalized it, while it’s heavily restricted in others.
Make sure anything you buy meets your state laws!
Factors to Consider When Buying Delta-8 or Delta-9
So, what do you need to consider when choosing delta-8 or delta-9 products?
Here are some factors to consider:
1. Potency and dosage: If you’re a beginner, you may want a lower dose product and lean toward delta-8. Experienced users who want a stronger impact will look to delta-9. The higher the THC content, the stronger the effects.
2. Intended use: When and how you plan to use the product matters, too. There’s a difference between daytime use of delta-8 to sharpen focus, for instance, and an evening on the couch relaxing with delta-9.
3. Additional ingredients: Full-spectrum products provide more well-rounded effects. Some will choose only delta-9 THC to get the high it gives. Ingredients and the flavor of the product may be important to you. The companies we chose are transparent with their ingredients, so you can decide which is best for you.
4. Legality: Check local laws before buying or traveling with a product.
5. Third-party testing and user reviews: Buy products tested by independent labs so you know the potency and ingredients are guaranteed. You should also look around for reviews by real users — Google the company name + “review” to get results.
>>> Head Here for the Most Potent (& Legal!) D8 & D9 Products
Frequently Asked Questions: D8 & D9
You may still have questions about delta-8 vs. delta-9 THC. Here are answers to some of the most common questions.
1. Is delta-8 or delta-9 better for sleep?
Both can help you sleep, but too much can disrupt your sleep cycle. The main difference between delta-8 and delta-9 THC is that delta-8 is less psychoactive than delta-9, so it is often preferred for milder effects that promote relaxation. The effects of each type of THC can vary depending on the individual.
2. Can I travel with delta-8 products?
In most cases, it’s legal to transport delta-8 products across state lines where delta-8 is legal. Check local laws before buying or transporting delta-8 products. If you’re flying, you’ll need to check with the airline. It’s usually better to avoid traveling with these products if possible.
3. How do I choose the correct potency for delta-8 or delta-9 products?
Do you want to experience an intense high or simply relax? Your tolerance plays a part, with experienced users often choosing a more potent product. If you’re looking for health benefits, ask your doctor for a recommendation.
4. Are there any long-term effects of using delta-8 or delta-9?
The research into the long-term effects of delta-8 or delta-9 is ongoing. You should monitor your usage and watch for any changes in your health.
5. What should I do if I experience anxiety from delta-9?
If you’re feeling anxious when you use a delta-9 product, you can lower the dose of the product you’re using or consider switching to a delta-8 product. Delta-8’s effects are not as powerful as delta-9 THC. If you find yourself stuck in anxiety while high, find a quiet place to rest and remember that the effects will fade shortly.
6. How long do the effects of delta-8 and delta-9 last?
Typically, the effects of delta-8 and delta-9 THC will last several hours but vary depending on many factors: how you consume it (such as edibles vs. vaping), your previous experience with THC, your tolerance, and the potency and dosage of the product.
Edibles last longer than inhaling, usually by a number of hours. Expect to feel it for 4-6 hours regardless, but it can go for much longer.
7. Can delta-8 or delta-9 products be used with other medications?
Cannabis products may interact with other medications. If you take medicine or have a medical condition, talk to your healthcare provider before taking delta-8 or delta-9 THC products.
8. What are the best flavors of delta-8 or delta-9 gummies?
Every brand has different flavors, so it comes down to personal preference. There are many choices, from sweet tropical to sour fruit varieties. Some companies sell a variety package so you can sample different flavors.
9. How can I verify the quality of delta-8 or delta-9 products?
Make sure the product you choose has been tested by a third-party lab. The Certificates of Analysis should be available on the website.
10. Are delta-8 and delta-9 products vegan-friendly?
Every brand has different ingredients. Many companies make vegan-friendly products, but check the product details to be sure.
References
Razdan, R. K. (1984). Chemistry and structure-activity relationships of cannabinoids: An overview. The cannabinoids: Chemical, pharmacologic, and therapeutic aspects, 63-78.
Kruger, J. S., & Kruger, D. J. (2022). Delta-8-THC: Delta-9-THC’s nicer younger sibling. Journal of cannabis research, 4, 1-8.
Pagano, C., Navarra, G., Coppola, L., Avilia, G., Bifulco, M., & Laezza, C. (2022). Cannabinoids: therapeutic use in clinical practice. International journal of molecular sciences, 23(6), 3344.
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2017). Therapeutic effects of cannabis and cannabinoids. In The health effects of cannabis and cannabinoids: The current state of evidence and recommendations for research. National Academies Press (US).
Ferber, S. G., Namdar, D., Hen-Shoval, D., Eger, G., Koltai, H., Shoval, G., … & Weller, A. (2020). The “entourage effect”: terpenes coupled with cannabinoids for the treatment of mood disorders and anxiety disorders. Current neuropharmacology, 18(2), 87-96.
BAB, I., & ALEXANDER, S. (2011). Cannabinoids in Biology and Medicine, Part I. British Journal of Pharmacology, 163(7).
Leas, E. C., Harati, R. M., Satybaldiyeva, N., Morales, N. E., Huffaker, S. L., Mejorado, T., & Grant, I. (2023). Self-reported adverse events associated with∆ 8-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-8-THC) Use. Journal of cannabis research, 5(1), 15.
Did you know there’s more than one kind of THC? Read More
