There’s been a sharp rise in popularity for all kinds of cannabis products in the US due to some recent advances in legislation. However, regular THC is still illegal on a federal level in the US, which makes buying it a tad sketchy.
But there's a loophole.
As long as a product is made from hemp and has less than 0.3% THC by weight, it’s federally legal.
The hardest part is finding a reputable place to buy them.
If you’re looking for a safe, legal, and effective alternative to weed, the following THC gummies are where it’s at.
Top 6 Legal THC Gummies [Ranked]
The biggest hurdle most people will face when buying gummies is the overwhelming number of choices. Unfortunately, the market is flooded with low-quality products and outright scams.
Here are the top 6 vendors to check out that offer high-quality THC gummies:
1. Area 52 UFO Max Full-Spectrum Gummies (Top Pick)
The Area 52 UFO Max Full-Spectrum Gummies are some of the best legal delta-9 (THC) gummies around. Thanks to clever formulation, they're completely legal on a federal level.
Most delta-9 options you can find online or even at gray market dispensaries are too weak or ineffective, don’t disclose their ingredients, or go over the federal limit of 0.3% THC.
Other brands focus on alternative cannabinoids like delta-8 THC or HHC — but these come with their fair share of problems, too. Most are made synthetically, contain harsh chemical byproducts, or are outright illegal (they're only legal in 50% of the US right now).
Area 52 accomplished the impossible with these gummies by mixing 15 mg delta-9 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), 100 mg CBD (cannabidiol), and 5 mg CBG (cannabigerol) — creating a high-dose blend that’s a part of their popular ‘UFO full-spectrum hemp extract’ line.
If this is your first time taking Area 52 gummies, make sure to follow their instructions. These gummies are strong, so don’t take more than one gummy, and let at least two hours pass before you try taking another one. If you’re new to cannabis, start with a quarter or half of a gummy.
If you’re interested in an out-of-this-world experience, Area 52’s Magic Pluto Mushroom Gummies could be an even better option. These legal magic mushroom gummies deliver an experience like no other and are even trippier than their THC counterpart.
Pros & Cons of Area 52’s UFO Max Full-Spectrum Gummies:
[+] Good price/quantity ratio
[+] Third-party lab data available
[+] Vegan-friendly ingredients
[+] Uses delta-9 which is more potent than delta-8 alternatives
[+] One of the only legal delta-9 THC gummies on the market right now
Product Specification:
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ingredients: delta-9 THC hemp, CBD hemp extract, CBG hemp extract, pectin, tapioca syrup, sugar, water, natural flavors, natural colors, citric acid, sorbic acid
Potency: 15 mg of THC, 100 mg of CBD, 5 mg of CBG
Dose: 1 gummy
Quantity Per Pack: 20
2. Royal CBD Full-Spectrum Gummies (Runner-Up)
Royal CBD has been an industry leader for several years now. They were one of the first companies during the initial CBD rush in 2018 to publish the full panel of third-party lab tests — setting a new precedent for the industry ever since.
This company offers a wide range of products — most of which are focused on medicinal cannabinoids like CBD and CBG. However, these gummies use a hemp extract that’s so strong that they’re a viable candidate for THC gummies as well.
Each piece delivers approximately 5 mg of THC. For a mild dose, take one gummy; for a standard psychoactive dose (10 mg), take two gummies; and for an out-of-this-world experience, take 3–4 gummies.
If things like company reputation, clean, all-natural extracts, and transparency are important to you, don’t sleep on Royal CBD.
Pros & Cons of Royal CBD’s Full-Spectrum Gummies:
[+] Very high concentration of CBD provides additional soothing action
[+] Complete third-party lab tests available online
[+] Strong brand recognition for quality & customer service excellence
[+] Fully legal in all 50 states
Product Specification:
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ingredients: high-grade hemp extract (THC, CBD, CBC, CBG), pectin, tapioca starch, water, natural flavors, natural colors, citric acid, sorbic acid
Potency: 5 mg THC, 25 mg CBD & other trace cannabinoids
Dose: 1–2 gummies
Quantity Per Pack: 30
3. TRE House Delta-8 THC Gummies
TRE House has a large catalog of products, and their delta-8 THC Gummies are a fairly solid addition to it. TRE House is all about flavor but not so much about potency or quality. But they taste damn good.
The potency isn’t as strong, nor do they last as long as the Area 52 gummies, but it’s very close. At higher doses, it resembles the kick of THC but doesn’t quite get there. Overall, it’s still a great way to chill and relax, but not as potent as it could be.
Pros & Cons of the TRE House Delta-8 THC Gummies:
[+] Detailed instructions and breakdown of the gummies
[+] Lab reports available on the product’s page
[ - ] Very limited shipping, only available in a few states
[ - ] Low potency (equivalent to about 10 mg conventional THC)
Product Specification:
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ingredients: Hemp seed oil, hemp delta-8, tapioca syrup, cane sugar, pectin, sodium citrate, distilled water, natural flavor, natural colors, citric acid solution
Potency (mg of delta-8 THC per piece): 25 mg
Dose: 1 gummy
Quantity Per Pack: 20 gummies
4. Koi Delta-8 THC Gummies
Koi is one of the most popular and reputable brands in the market. While their Koi Delta-8 THC Gummies aren’t as good as their tinctures and vapes, they’re still a decent choice you can get online or at most dispensaries.
Koi’s delta-8 gummies are pretty safe as they have been thoroughly tested. However, the selection of flavors is a bit uninspired, and the high isn’t worth writing home about. The lack of an ingredient list is notable.
Pros & Cons of the Koi Delta-8 THC Gummies:
[+] Can be bought online or in physical stores
[+] Extensively lab-tested
[ - ] Slightly expensive for the quality and quantity it offers
[–] Delta-8 THC often has a strong couch-lock effect
Product Specification:
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Ingredients: Unknown
Potency (mg of delta-8 THC per piece): 25 mg
Dose: Unknown
Quantity Per Pack: 10, 20, or 60 gummies
5. Moonwlkr Delta-8 THC Gummies
The Moonwlkr Delta-8 THC Gummies contain 25 mg of delta-8 in each gummy and come in a raspberry flavor. They’re lab-tested and made from US-grown hemp.
If you're looking for a mild but delicious-tasting delta-8 gummy to get you straight, this is a pretty good option to check out.
Pros & Cons of the Moonwlkr Delta-8 THC Gummies:
[+] Shipping to all states and discreet packaging
[+] Decent price/quantity ratio
[–] Not as potent as delta-9
[–] No additional herbs or beneficial ingredients
Product Specification:
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Ingredients: Unlisted
Potency (mg of delta-8 THC per piece): 25 mg
Dose: 1 gummy
Quantity Per Pack: 25 gummies
6. Galaxy Treats Delta-8 THC Gummies
Galaxy Treats makes some decent gummies and vapes for people on a budget, and their Galaxy Treats delta-8 THC Gummies definitely fit in this category. If you're a beginner or you have some doubts about spending a lot on something you're not too sure about, this could be a cheaper alternative (although, in the long term, you'll end up paying a lot more).
While these gummies don't have much that makes them stand out, they still manage to cover all of the bases expected of them. If you don't mind the light high and need something that can improve your mood or appetite, then these are a good enough option for their low price.
Pros & Cons of the Galaxy Treats Delta-8 THC Gummies:
[+] Cheap but still effective
[–] Very limited shipping availability
[ –] Buzz is fairly mild
Product Specification:
Rating: ⭐⭐
Ingredients: Hemp-derived delta-8 THC, hemp-derived terpenes, sugar, corn syrup, pectin, sunflower oil, water, flavoring, sodium citrate, sodium acid sulfate, citric acid, natural and artificial food coloring
Potency (mg of delta-8 THC per piece): 25 mg
Dose: 1 or 2 gummies
Quantity Per Pack: 20 gummies
Why Delta-9 THC Gummies Are Better
There are many different types of THC products on the market these days, but the only one available in raw form from the cannabis plant is delta-9 THC.
Delta-8 THC, HHC, delta-10 THC, and others are technically produced in the plant, too, but only in trace amounts. This means that companies selling THC gummies made with trace cannabinoids need to perform all kinds of additional chemical reactions to concentrate them to any significant amount.
Reputable companies that employ expert chemists can remove 99.9% of any harmful solvents or heavy metal reagents from the final product. However, lower-quality companies cutting corners are often unable to remove enough of these chemicals to safe levels.
Solvents like hexane, butane, and heavy metal reagents containing lead, nickel, or arsenic could have serious long-term health implications if they aren't removed entirely from the final product.
Delta-9 THC gummies are the preferred choice for legal cannabinoid gummies. This is because no toxic chemicals are required to extract it from the hemp plant. Most manufacturers use CO2 (carbon dioxide), which is non-toxic and safe to consume.
This cannabinoid also just so happens to be the strongest delta — roughly 2X stronger than delta-8 and delta-10, and 20–30% stronger than HHC.
Delta-8 THC vs. Delta-9 THC Gummies
Delta-8 THC is an increasingly popular isomer of THC because it is exempt from the laws limiting concentrations of delta-9 THC.
Its name comes from a double-bonded atom on its eight-carbon chain. When classifying different THC isomers, we always use the placement of the double bond as a reference. For example, the double-bonded atom is located at its ninth-carbon chain in the case of the most famous isomer, delta-9.
On the surface, regular THC and delta-8 gummies are pretty similar, as they both contain cannabinoids with psychoactive compounds. These compounds produce the high that most people are familiar with. However, this is pretty much where the similarities end. Several key components differ between these two.
Here’s how delta-8 THC compares to delta-9 THC:
A) Potency
Delta-8’s potency is about 50% weaker than regular delta-9 THC [1]. This means you’ll need to take twice as much for comparable effects.
B) Duration
The duration of both delta-8 and regular THC’s effects seems to be the same [2], though some users report the duration of delta-8 to be about 10–20% shorter overall.
C) Effects
This is where the biggest difference between these two compounds falls. While regular THC usually gives people a euphoric and uplifting high, delta-8 provides a more couch-lock, sedative experience [3]. Deciding whether this is a pro or a con comes down to the individual user. If you prefer to use THC gummies to help you sleep, delta-8 THC may be a good option — just be aware that they may make you feel groggy the following morning. On the other hand, delta-9 THC tends to be more euphoric — but this can vary quite a bit depending on other variables, such as the presence of terpenes or other cannabinoids.
D) Chemical Structure
Delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC (what is most commonly referred to as just THC or regular THC) have a slight difference in the position of their double bond, as we've mentioned before. This change affects how these compounds bind to the cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which also alters the effects and benefits [4].
E) Safety & Risks
Research on regular THC is extensive, as it has been widely studied over the years. On the other hand, delta-8 is relatively new and unknown, and the studies on it are few and far between. Both THC and delta-8 are considered safe and low-risk, but delta-8’s long-term effects remain to be studied properly [5].
Are Hemp-Derived THC Gummies Legal?
Yes, both delta-8 and delta-9 THC products derived from hemp are federally legal. Although some states have gone out of their way to ban them, it’s unlikely this will last for long due to the increasing momentum of the legalization movement.
One reason we recommend some of our picks, like Area 52's UFO MAX Gummies or high-quality delta-8 THC gummies, is because they're lab-tested by a third-party company. This is done to verify a company’s claims around potency and checks for contaminants leftover from the manufacturing process.
Third-party testing is critically important when shopping for THC gummies because many sketchy vendors will avoid disclosing which ingredients they use if they do not outright lie about it.
It’s a common practice for them to use marijuana-derived delta-9 or other federally illegal variants of THC and pass them as delta-8, increasing the potency of the effect and lowering the price of the product while putting the user at legal risk.
Exercise caution when buying online — you get what you pay for!
How Do I Find Good Legal THC Gummy Vendors?
The best vendors will have many online reviews, from Reddit posts to YouTube videos, TikToks, etc.
We also recommend taking a close look at their websites. The top sellers offer third-party lab reviews and a thorough breakdown of the ingredients they use and why they chose them.
Another thing worth keeping in mind is that most communities centered around recreational substances like delta-8, weed, CBD, etc., will usually be pretty tight-knit and offer good, honest advice.
Word of mouth travels fast, and while recommendations will vary, scams are usually spotted early. Doing some research could save you some trouble!
FAQs: THC Gummies
You might still have questions, so here are answers to some of the most common THC-related questions online.
1. How many THC gummies should I eat if it’s my first time?
Most THC gummies will have a recommended dose for beginners — usually half a gummy. This is so you can get a good grasp of where your tolerance is. If you don’t feel like it’s enough, you can take another gummy or finish the one you started.
If you’re already familiar with weed, vapes, or even other kinds of gummies like HHC or Amanita ones, it’s still recommended to start small.
2. Can THC gummies make me fail a drug test?
THC will show up on a drug test, regardless of whether it’s delta-8, -9, -10, or any other variation.
Delta-8 gummies could stay in your system for a day or two or much longer, although the amount of time could vary depending on your age, metabolism, and the frequency in which you take them.
If you eat THC gummies or other kinds of THC edibles multiple times a week, it could take from a few weeks up to a month for it all to fully leave your system. So be careful about that!
3. Can I make my own THC gummies?
Technically, yes, you can make your own THC gummies at home using tinctures or concentrated THC extracts. You can follow any basic gummy recipe, but replace one of the fats with the same volume of THC tincture (oil-based) or infuse your oil with your desired dose of THC concentrate.
4. What’s better? THC gummies or THC cartridges?
There’s no one form that’s “better” than the other in all situations.
THC cartridges are generally more expensive upfront but tend to provide better value per milligram of THC in the long run. They also kick in more quickly but don’t last as long. You can find delta-9 THC carts, delta-8 THC carts, disposable carts, reusable carts, and alternative cannabinoid forms such as HHC carts, THCP carts, THCA carts, and more.
Conversely, THC edibles, such as gummies, are much stronger than carts and last much longer. They also carry fewer side effects involved with inhalation (coughing and irritation of the lungs and throat).
References
Simon, T. A., Simon, J. H., Heaning, E. G., Gomez-Caminero, A., & Marcu, J. P. (2023). delta-8, a cannabis-derived tetrahydrocannabinol isomer: evaluating case report data in the Food and Drug Administration adverse event reporting system (faers) database. Drug, Healthcare and Patient Safety, Volume 15, 25-38. https://doi.org/10.2147/dhps.s391857
Krüger, J. and Kruger, D. J. (2022). delta-8-thc: delta-9-thc's nicer younger sibling? Journal of Cannabis Research, 4(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-021-00115-8
Holloman, B. L. and Nagarkatti, M. (2021). Epigenetic regulation of cannabinoid-mediated attenuation of inflammation and its impact on the use of cannabinoids to treat autoimmune diseases. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(14), 7302. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22147302
Tagen M, Klumpers LE. Review of delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8 -THC): Comparative pharmacology with Δ9 -THC. Br J Pharmacol. 2022 Aug;179(15):3915-3933. doi: 10.1111/bph.15865. Epub 2022 Jun 1. Erratum in: Br J Pharmacol. 2023 Jan;180(1):130. PMID: 35523678.
LoParco CR, Rossheim ME, Walters ST, Zhou Z, Olsson S, Sussman SY. Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol: a scoping review and commentary. Addiction. 2023 Jun;118(6):1011-1028. doi: 10.1111/add.16142. Epub 2023 Feb 13. PMID: 36710464.