Delta-8 Gummies products are the latest sensation rocking the cannabis market. Statistics on public interest in cannabinoids show that US adults conducted 22.3 million cumulative searches about delta-8 THC within the first eight months of 2022. Consequently, delta-8 is the fastest-growing product in popularity in the cannabis market.
Although delta-8 THC is available in multiple consumable forms, delta 8 gummies are the most popular D8 products in diverse flavors. However, what ingredients are in these delectable cannabis treats, and are the gummies effective and safe? Keep reading to discover the ingredients in delta-8 gummies and their roles.
What Are Delta-8 THC Gummies?
Gummy candies are chewy confectionary treats coated with sugar and infused with flavor, ranging from sweet to sour. Although the chewy candies originated in Europe, they captured Americans’ hearts when they hit the US confectionery market in 1982.
The chewy candies inspire a sense of nostalgia among consumers of all ages, explaining why cannabis industry stakeholders infuse cannabinoids into chewy candies. Therefore, delta-8 THC gummies are chewable candies infused with a dose of delta-8 extract and coated with sugar. Besides nostalgia, delta-8 gummies are the most popular D8 consumable forms for the following reasons.
First, gummies are a tasty treat making cannabinoids more palatable.
Second, delta-8 gummies are convenient to carry given their inconspicuous size, offering discretion; nobody can tell a D8 gummy from regular gummy candies by merely looking or smelling.
Third, the gummies are easy to dose, given that each has a designated delta-8 content and that the gummies come in shapes easily divisible in halves.
Lastly, unlike other delta-8 THC consumption methods like vaping and smokable flowers, delta-8 gummies are odor-free without a learning curve.
Therefore, delta-8 gummies are the go to delta-8 THC products for novices and avid THC users seeking to enjoy a convenient, hassle-free “high.” Keep reading to learn more about individual delta-8 gummy ingredients, and determine whether the gummies are worth taking.
Delta-8 THC Gummies Ingredients
The cannabis market is fiercely competitive thanks to the vast number of brands and products hitting the market every other day. Consequently, different brands create unique delta-8 THC gummy formulas to differentiate themselves from the competition and use the special ingredients as a selling point.
Moreover, some brands make variations of delta-8 THC gummies, like sugar-free and vegan gummies, to meet diverse consumer needs. Nonetheless, below are the primary delta-8 THC gummy ingredients.
Delta-8 THC Extract
Delta-8 THC is a minor cannabinoid occurring naturally in cannabis plants, particularly in the hemp subspecies. The cannabinoid is a THC isomer meaning it has a similar chemical structure to its more famous cousin, delta-9 THC, the dominant cannabinoid in marijuana.
However, the two THC molecules have different atomic structures, with delta-8 THC molecules featuring the active carbon group on its eighth molecule. On the other hand, delta-9 THC molecules feature the active carbon group on the ninth molecule.
Though slight, the difference between delta-8 THC and delta-8 molecules means that the latter has a higher affinity to the body’s cannabinoid receptors. Delta-9 THC’s high binding capacity
triggers intense psychoactive effects, which may manifest as unpleasant experiences like paranoia, delirium, panic, and temporary loss of motor function.
In contrast, delta-8 THC has a low binding capacity for cannabinoid receptors. Consequently, it induces mild and pleasant side effects, including relaxation, euphoria, and calmness.
Although delta-8 THC is a natural compound, it occurs in trace amounts that render extracting it directly from hemp plants impractical. Consequently delta-8 THC manufacturers use a chemical process called isomerization to convert CBD, the dominant cannabinoid in hemp, into delta-8 THC molecules.
The delta-8 THC extract achieved from isomerization is the primary ingredient in D8 gummies, infused into the gummies alongside other secondary ingredients.
However, temperature control is necessary during infusion to avoid converting the delta-8 extract into other minor cannabinoids.
Given that delta-8 THC is a hemp product, it is federally legal according to the 2018 Farm Bill. The bill posits that it is federally legal to cultivate, process, and distribute hemp products with a THC content not exceeding 0.3%.
Sugar
Sugar compounds like sucrose, dextrose, maltose, and glucose are the dominant ingredients in all gummy candies, including delta-8 THC gummies, constituting approximately 80% of the total product. Besides the more apparent sweetening function, one expert review explains that such sugars function as humectants, helping preserve the gummies’ water content.
Second, the sugars give gummies their unique texture because high reducing sugar levels make candy sticky, and low levels produce hard and dry candies. Therefore, care is necessary to ensure the optimum sugar level.
Third, the reducing sugar compounds in delta-8 THC gummies enhance gummy colorings and control the gummies’ shelf life. Each sugar compound has its benefits, and manufacturers may use a combination of benefits to optimizing the final product. Moreover, you can substitute sugars with polyols (natural sweeteners) in sugar-free gummies.
Corn Syrup
Corn syrup has a high sugar content and is the primary sugar source for delta-8 THC gummies.
First, its smooth texture prevents sugar compound crystallization, which would be impossible to achieve with processed sugar.
Second, corn syrup gives a gummy candy its signature body and chewy texture while limiting the amount of water necessary to achieve this nature. Therefore, corn syrup makes the gummy’s body. However, low-sugar sweeteners like tapioca can substitute corn syrup in sugar-free delta-8 gummies.
Gelatin
Gelatin is a flavorless, odorless protein derived from animal collagenand an FDA-approved gelling and thickening agent. It functions as a gelling agent, helping to achieve the signature gummy texture. However, vegan gelatin substitutes like pectin serve a similar function in vega delta-8 gummies.
Flavoring Agents, Colorants, And Preservatives
Synthetic flavorings and natural plant terpenes give delta-8 gummies their unique fruity flavor. Some natural terpenes complement the delta-8 extract, enhancing its effects.
Most gummy coloring agents are synthetic, although research into natural edible dyes like acai berry is ongoing. Lastly, plant acids like citric and malic acid help prolong a gummy’s shelf life while enhancing flavor.
Are Delta-8 THC Gummies Safe, And Can You Make Them At Home?
Delta-8 gummies feature typical gummy candy ingredients, and there are no adverse health case reports associated with the candies. However, you cannot make delta-8 THC gummies at home because isomerization is a hazardous process requiring specialized equipment, volatile compounds, and high-skilled labor.
Conclusion:
Although delta-8 gummies feature a similar basic formula, they vary in quality and potency. Therefore, always buy lab-tested gummies to get value for your money and enjoy a wholesome delta-8 experience.
