Although CBD has been around for a long time, it has only recently started to see an increase in popularity. As a result, more and more people are willing to give cannabinoids as a whole a try. And while CBD remains a fan favorite, a newcomer called delta-8-THC is making a name for itself. In fact, almost every cannabis store is offering delta-8-THC oils, tinctures, and other similar products. But is this cannabinoid really worth your time? And if that’s the case, what are the best delta-8-THC tinctures, and what should you know when shopping for delta-8?
Best Delta-8-THC Tinctures and Oils Brands
With so many options out there, finding delta-8-THC from a trusted source is quite a challenge. You have to not only read third-party lab tests but also do quite a bit of research on the company itself. Lucky for you, we are here to do all the hard work for you. So all you have to do is to sit down, relax, and read through our recommendations on the best delta-8-THC tinctures and oils.
1. Area 52
Area 52 specializes in creating high-quality delta-8-THC products made from Colorado-grown organic hemp. The company offers a variety of products ranging from delta-8-THC tinctures all the way to gummies and vapes.
When it comes to potency, Area 52 stands above most similar brands, as its tinctures contain 1,200 mg of pure delta-8-THC. Therefore, a single serving carries 40 mg THC, which should provide you with a variety of medicinal benefits.
Flavorwise, Area 52 tinctures have a natural sweetness that is not enhanced by artificial flavors, so you don’t have to worry about ingesting any dangerous chemicals. In order to back its statements, Area 52 is also happy to provide reliable third-party lab test results.
All in all, Area 52 offers the most potent tinctures on the market, making it a true contender for the best delta-8-THC tinctures and oils provider. However, if you are a new user, you should remember that high potency levels can be too much to handle. That’s why you should start slow, with only one or two servings of Area 52 tinctures a day.
2. Finest Labs
While Area 52 is the best choice for delta-8-THC enthusiasts, it may not be the go-to option for new THC users. But that’s where Finest Labs and its pure, unflavored delta-8-THC tinctures come in. This company’s products contain 500 mg of delta-8-THC, making them perfect for people that never gave THC or CBD a try.
And if that wasn’t enough to convince you, both Herald Net and Seattle Weekly have all named Finest Labs as their go-to tinctures. Finest Labs puts great emphasis on quality and natural ingredients while also managing to keep its tinctures affordable. You should definitely consider Finest Labs as your first delta-8-THC provider, especially if you don’t know much about dosages.
3. Delta 8 Pro
Delta 8 Pro is an industry veteran that has been in business for more than 13 years. And while the brand used to focus on CBD products, nowadays, Delta 8 Pro is providing high-quality delta-8-THC extracts.
What makes these tinctures unique is their formula, which is different from all other THC products out there. Besides the 3,000 mg of delta-8-THC, the Delta 8 Pro products contain 600 mg of CBN and CBG. The former is a sedating cannabinoid, while the latter is a compound that accelerates the effects of other cannabinoids.
Overall, Delta 8 Pro tinctures are a great choice if you are looking to improve the quality of your sleep. However, you should keep in mind that these products have sedating effects, so avoid using them when driving or while at work.
What Is Delta-8-THC?
Delta-8-THC is a compound extracted from cannabis plants, famous for its psychoactive properties and its similarity to delta-9-THC. Even though both compounds are psychoactive, delta-9 is much stronger and may trigger anxiety and paranoia. That’s one of the reasons people who enjoy THC prefer the milder and safer delta-8 extract.
Until recently, it has been challenging to extract delta-8-THC from cannabis, due to technical limitations. However, thanks to scientific breakthroughs and developments in the extraction process, manufacturers can now deliver high-quality and reliable delta-8 products.
Another important thing to mention is that delta-8-THC can be extracted from both hemp and marijuana plants. And while hemp plants contain less than 0.1% delta-8-THC, it can be synthesized by converting CBD into delta-9 and then into delta-8. However, that process is expensive and requires additional cutting-edge equipment and specially trained employees.
What Are the Benefits of Delta-8-THC?
Similar to CBD, delta-8-THC has a variety of medicinal properties that make it sought-after. For example, a 2004 study concluded that low doses of delta-8 could stimulate appetite and help people overcome eating disorders. Aside from that, daily usage of delta-8 can help reduce anxiety, depression and can regulate behavior.
Not only that but in some cases, delta-8 can be used to relieve pain and inflammations, as well as to improve sleep quality. That’s right; according to user reviews, delta-8-THC products can reduce post-workout soreness and help against insomnia.
Can Delta-8-THC Get Me High?
As previously mentioned, delta-8-THC has psychoactive effects, meaning that it will get you high. However, the effects are not so intense and should provide you with a smoother and more relaxed buzz. Additionally, delta-8-THC won’t trigger anxiety or paranoia in sensitive users or those trying a more potent product. As a result, many people are willing to give delta-8-THC a try in order to experience the famous cannabis high in a safe manner.
What Are the Side Effects of Delta-8-THC?
Like any cannabinoid, delta-8-THC can cause some side effects, especially if you are a new user. Even so, the effects are milder than those of delta-9 and can be easily reduced with proper hydration and food. The side effects might include:
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Sedation
- Appetite changes
- Problems focusing
Can Delta-8-THC Cause Health Problems?
According to research, delta-8-THC is completely safe and should pose no health risks when consumed. While that’s the case for pure delta-8-THC, some derived products could contain synthetic additives or ingredients that cause some health problems. Therefore, you should only buy delta-8 products from reliable vendors that use organic hemp and safe extraction methods. Additionally, third-party lab tests are the best way to find out how many additives or chemicals a delta-8-THC product contains.
But Isn’t Delta-8-THC Illegal?
Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, all hemp products that contain less than 0.3% delta-9-THC are legal. And since manufacturers can use hemp to extract delta-8-THC, they manage to obey the law while selling THC products. As a result, you can purchase delta-8-THC at local cannabis stores or online.
However, it’s important to note that DEA considers all THC, no matter if it’s delta-8 or delta-9, as being illegal. They back that decision with the fact that some delta-8 companies use synthetic methods to extract the compound. But thanks to recent technological advances, most manufacturers use organic extraction methods, bypassing the DEA definition of illegal drugs. So to conclude, delta-8 THC is still in a legal gray area unless local or federal laws say otherwise.
Should I Choose CBD or Delta-8-THC?
At the end of the day, CBD and delta-8-THC are similar in terms of medicinal properties and uses. Both are cannabinoids that can help with anxiety, depression, pain, inflammations, and insomnia. The main difference between the two is the fact that only delta-8 is psychoactive, making it the only legal THC publicly available.
On the one hand, if you want to experience the famous cannabis high without fearing severe side effects, then delta-8-THC is the right choice for you. On the other hand, CBD is more affordable and can be more effective thanks to its higher absorption rate. But no matter what cannabinoid you want to try, it’s important to research the products that contain them. From tinctures to gummies and vapes, you have a lot of options for both delta-8-THC and CBD.
What Are Delta-8-THC Tinctures?
Delta-8-THC tinctures are similar to CBD tinctures, but instead of cannabidiol, they contain delta-8 as the active compound. In other words, a delta-8 tincture is made with delta-8-THC and a carrier oil, such as MCT, hemp seed oil, or vegetable glycerin. And while some delta-8 tinctures can contain alcohol, they are not as widespread and are generally more expensive.
Delta-8-THC Tincture Usage
Usually, delta-8-THC tinctures come in glass bottles with droppers for easy and precise usage. All you have to do is measure the desired amount of THC, place it under your tongue, and leave it there for 60 seconds. Generally speaking, it should take up to an hour and a half before you start noticing any effects. As a comparison, the effects of CBD tinctures are noticeable 20 minutes after usage.
Delta-8-THC Dosage
While the average dosage for delta-8-THC tinctures ranges between 10 and 60 mg, people use low dosages in order to experience mild psychoactive effects. However, your perfect dosage will vary depending on your height, weight, sex, age, and tolerance to THC. As a rule of thumb, you should start with a lower dosage and increase it gradually until you start feeling the benefits of THC without any side effects. Increments of 5–10 mg will allow you to avoid drowsiness and confusion when experimenting with dosage.
Is Building Tolerance Possible?
Tolerance builds up when our body adapts to specific amounts of substances and reduces their effectiveness. Unfortunately, prolonged use of delta-8-THC tinctures can increase your tolerance to THC, meaning that it will become harder and harder to feel the effects without increasing the dosage. In fact, delta-8-THC can increase your tolerance to most cannabinoids in just a month. Our advice is to use delta-8 in moderation and take breaks once in a while to avoid tolerance buildup.
Delta-8-THC Tinctures Warnings
Even though delta-8 tinctures are easy to use, there are a few things you need to know before giving them a try:
- Since delta-8 can get you high, you should avoid driving after using any THC products.
- Although delta-8-THC tinctures are technically legal, you must check your local regulations before attempting to purchase any THC products.
- You need to be 21 years or older if you want to legally purchase and use delta-8-THC products, no matter the state you live in.
- Delta-8 can interact with other medications, meaning that you should consult with your doctor before trying THC.
- You should store delta-8-THC tinctures away from humid environments as humidity can promote the growth of bacteria and fungi. Similarly, exposure to heat and light can degrade delta-8 tinctures and reduce their effectiveness. The best places to store all your delta-8 products are cabinets or drawers.
- Delta-8-THC is an isomer of THC, meaning that it will cause you to fail most drug tests. If your workplace involves mandatory or random drug tests, then you should avoid using delta-8-THC beforehand.
How To Choose the Best Delta-8-THC Tincture
If you are interested in giving delta-8-THC a try, then you are most likely looking to purchase the best delta-8-THC tinctures. However, with so many vendors out there, it can become quite a hassle to decide which one is worth your time and money. From purity to third-party tests, there are a lot of things to consider when shopping for THC products. That’s why we rounded up the following parameters, which should help you find the best delta-8-THC tinctures.
Purity
As previously discussed, hemp plants contain 0.1% delta-8-THC, meaning that extraction is almost impossible. Because of that, many companies decide to convert CBD into delta-9 and then into delta-8. Yet, the process involves dangerous chemicals and solvents, which can cause health problems.
And while all companies are required to remove all dangerous chemicals before selling the product, some fail to do that. Even worse, some companies bleach their tinctures to make the final product look pure. Our advice is to buy tinctures from companies that know how to efficiently and safely extract delta-8-THC.
Third-Party Lab Tests
Lab tests are the most precious piece of information that a manufacturer can provide to its customers. Not only will you be able to find out what chemicals and compounds are inside the tincture, but lab tests also allow you to see the concentration of delta-8-THC. When reading lab tests, you should be on the lookout for solvents or chemicals that are leftovers of the extraction process.
And keep in mind that it doesn’t matter if a company has the best pricing on the market; failing to disclose independent lab tests is a red flag. You should also avoid purchasing from brands that provide unreliable lab tests that are done only by their internal testing division.
Ingredients
High-quality delta-8-THC tinctures should have as few ingredients as possible, but should feature the delta-8 distillate, carrier oil, and an optional natural flavor. If the ingredient list is bloated with artificial flavors, colorants, and preservatives, then the product is not as pure as it is supposed to be. And remember to keep an eye out for solvents, as high concentrations can pose serious health risks.
Color
One easy way to check the quality of any delta-8 tincture is to take a look at its color. A real delta-8 distillate is usually transparent with a slight pink tone. Tinctures that have a strange color are the result of poor filtration. Additionally, dark-colored tinctures may be indicative of solvents or chemicals and should be avoided.
Price
Since delta-8-THC extraction is hard and involves expensive equipment, the price of tinctures can be a bit high. Even so, you should be on the lookout for companies that inflate their price while offering low amounts of THC. Your best bet is to compare multiple companies and their products and find an average price that you can use as a reference point. Just be prepared to spend more money on delta-8-THC tinctures than you would on CBD oils.
User Reviews and Brand Reputation
At the end of the day, customer satisfaction should be the most important goal of any company. And since some companies can fake their user reviews, you need to check third-party websites, such as blogs, online rankings, and forums. You can also look around local stores or online vendors and find out what people think about different delta-8-THC brands.
You need to keep in mind that veterans that switched their production from CBD to delta-8-THC are usually reliable and know their way around hemp. Chances are that an industry veteran will make a better product than a newcomer that has no experience with THC.
Final Thoughts
Overall, delta-8-THC is a reliable alternative to delta-9-THC, perfect for any cannabis enthusiast out there. Not only is delta-8 effective in relieving anxiety, pain, and inflammation, but it also has a lower chance to trigger nausea and paranoia. In fact, the lack of insignificant side effects is what makes delta-8-THC so popular.
If you are looking to feel the high specific to cannabis but without legal or health risks, then delta-8-THC is perfect for you. However, you should do some research before you give delta-8 or any other cannabinoid a try. And while that can be overwhelming, especially if you are a new user, you can always check out our recommendations on the best delta-8-THC tinctures.
