The future is now—legal alternatives to cannabis are practically everywhere these days. Delta-8 THC has emerged as the gold standard in federally legal psychoactive hemp, and there are more edible cannabinoid options than ever before. Many have proven themselves both delicious and effective, but are all Delta-8 edibles created equal? Let’s take a look at the most popular edibles available today, what they’re made of, and how strong they are.

Best Tasting Gummies

Gummies are by far the most popular form of edible available online and in head shops today. They can be made in a wide range of flavors, are easy to store and transport, and have a low price point, making them accessible to a larger customer base. It’s also easy to make vegan and GMO-free options, meaning many people with dietary restrictions can enjoy them too. The best Delta-8 gummies available share certain qualities, so you can estimate the quality of a new or unfamiliar brand of gummies by looking for certain qualities.

Ingredients Used in the Best Tasting Delta-8 Gummies

The best tasting Delta-8 gummies available tend to be made from similar ingredients. Chief among the ingredients that guarantee your gummies’ deliciousness is the use of cane sugar. Known for being a more flavorful sweetener than corn syrup or refined sugar, cane sugar is one marker of quality in cannabis edibles that should not go overlooked. Another positive indicator is naturally-sourced flavoring. There are plenty of decent gummies with artificially flavored gummies, but the ones that depend solely on artificial flavorings aren’t usually as enticing.

While it doesn’t necessarily speak to the quality of any individual flavor, companies that offer a larger selection of gummy flavors can generally appeal to a wider base of consumers, since they have options for people that may like less common flavor combinations. Look for different options from the same company if you’re iffy about gummies made in a particular flavor you may not like as much as others.

How Strong are the Best Delta-8 Gummies?

Since Delta-8 THC is weaker by weight than traditional cannabis products, making sure you have strong enough gummies is important for achieving the desired effects. Delta-8 concentrations in the most popular gummies start at 100mg per piece, which seems to be the current industry standard. Some advertise higher concentrations, but unless you’re looking for microdose options, 100mg per gummy is a good place to start. If you’re concerned about a new brand being too strong, there’s no shame in starting with half a gummy—you can always take more later!

Best Delta-8 Tinctures

Another option available is to add a Delta-8 tincture to a beverage, such as coffee or tea. Liquid forms of Delta-8 sometimes kick in faster than solid edibles, which can be preferable for some users. Others like the convenience of adding a few drops to a thermos before a long day. If tinctures are your thing, there are a couple things to keep an eye out for.

Ingredients Used in the Best Tasting Tinctures

Because of their simplicity, good tinctures aren’t hard to make. Ideally, a Delta-8 tincture would have only Delta-8 THC and a carrier oil, like hemp oil or MCT. The better flavored tinctures simply add natural flavoring, not a bunch of artificial sweeteners. The more ingredients you see beyond the cannabinoid content and a carrier oil, the lower the quality is likely to be. Eliminating excess ingredients helps limit the potential for adverse effects, and make most tinctures more allergy-friendly than solid edibles because of how few additives there typically are.

How Strong are the Best Delta-8 Tinctures?

Tinctures, like edibles, have a range of strengths available. The most common concentrations are in the 30-35mg/ml range, meaning each fluid oz contains about one gram of Delta-8 THC. There are tinctures available that are several times stronger, however, so take care when switching tinctures to ensure you aren’t accidentally tripling your doses.

Best Tasting Chocolates, Etc.

Last, but not least, is the veritable cornucopia of non-gummy Delta-8 delicacies. From chocolate bars to baked goods to hard candy, there are plenty of non-gummy options for the edible enthusiasts out there to consider. They come in a wider range of dosages, meaning extra caution should be taken to dose responsibly.