Delta 8 THC, an analog of standard THC, is becoming more and more popular throughout the United States.

With a sudden surge in demand, scam companies and potentially dangerous products are also hitting the market.

This guide will discuss the best vendors for high-quality and safe Delta 8 THC. It will also explain everything you need to know about using the compound properly and how it stacks up against other cannabinoids.

Best Source of Delta 8 THC: Online

According to CFAH, you ultimately have two options for purchasing Delta 8 THC products: local shops and online.

It’s almost always a better idea to buy Delta 8 THC online than it is in a brick-and-mortar store.

One of the primary reasons for this is the availability of third-party test results.

Online vendors either manufacture products or work directly with the manufacturer. That means they can keep track of their products and provide third-party lab results to give customers confidence in the potency, safety, and purity of the items they’re selling.

Local shops are typically not able to supply test results.

Shopping online for Delta 8 THC is generally cheaper as well. There are fewer intermediaries for online vendors, as they don’t rely on a local shop to stock products or a shipping company to transport them to local retailers.

Online vendors can pass those savings onto you, which means you’ll pay less for a higher-quality product when you shop online.

Lastly, online vendors don’t have to concern themselves with shelf space, so they don’t need to stock more popular products, like tobacco or Delta 9 THC. Shopping online will usually give you a much more comprehensive selection of products and flavors.

Top Online Delta 8 THC Brands

Shopping online doesn’t mean you’ll automatically avoid low-quality or dangerous products. There are plenty of online vendors that aren’t reputable, warns LA Weekly.

Below are the best vendors to stick with to ensure you have a pleasant and safe experience:

1. Area 52

Area 52 has been serving the cannabinoid industry for years and has maintained an overwhelmingly positive reputation throughout its existence.

This company creates premium products with safe ingredients but still delivers them at competitive prices. It stocks a wide range of Delta 8 THC products, so you’ll have options as far as delivery methods and flavors.

Most importantly, all of the products are backed by extensive and recent third-party lab results. You can always be sure that you’re getting a potent, pure product that is free from pesticides, metals, and other contaminants.

Area 52 has been receiving a lot of attention for its Delta 8 THC products lately. A quick search shows the company has been recommended by Observer, Herald Net, Seattle Weekly, Peninsula Clarion, and many others within the last five months.

Products Sold by Area 52

• Delta 8 THC Tinctures
• Delta 8 THC Gummies
• Delta 8 THC Honey Sticks
• Delta 8 THC Vape Cartridges
• Delta 8 THC Disposable Vape Pens

Learn more:Best Delta 8 THC Gummies Reviewed

2. Finest Labs

Finest Labs separates itself from competitors by infusing products with intriguing terpene flavor profiles. In addition to Delta 8 THC products, it also sells terpenes in various forms.

The company is led by a prominent biochemist, so formulas are genuinely one-of-a-kind.

It offers a comparatively small number of products, but all of them are guaranteed by a Certificate of Analysis, which confirms their potency and safety.

Finest Labs’s patience and hard work have paid off — earning them notice on media channels such as Juneau Empire, The Daily World, and Peninsula Daily News.

Products Sold by Finest Labs

• Delta 8 THC Tinctures
• Delta 8 THC Gummies
• Delta 8 THC Vape Cartridges
• Terpene Extracts

Learn more: Best THC Gummies Near Me

3. Delta Effex

Delta Effex has a generally positive reputation online and among customer reviews.

It delivers high-quality products that include a Certificate of Analysis to verify the potency and safety.

Prices are reasonable, but most of the products come in small quantities that will require frequent restocking.

Delta Effex has a nice range of products available, but most come in limited flavors with little variety.

Products Sold by Delta Effex

• Delta 8 THC Vape Cartridges
• Delta 8 THC Disposable Vapes
• Delta 8 THC Edibles
• Delta 8 THC Hemp Flower
• Delta 8 THC Pods
• Delta 8 THC Tinctures
• Delta 9 THC Gummies
• A Variety of Delta 10 THC Products
• THC-O Vape Disposable Vapes

Learn more: Best Delta 8 THC Tinctures Reviewed

4. Diamond CBD

Diamond CBD specializes in CBD but has recently branched out to offer additional cannabinoids. The Delta 8 THC collection is limited compared to most competitors.

It does provide third-party lab results for most products, but not all. Some Certificates of Analysis that are available on the website are a bit outdated, so be sure to check the recency before purchasing.

Prices are a bit high, but there is a nice variety of flavors to choose from.

Products Sold by Diamond CBD

• Delta 8 THC Vape Carts
• Delta 8 THC Disposable Vapes
• Delta 8 THC Edibles
• Delta 8 THC Oils
• A Variety of CBD Products
• Various Multi-Cannabinoid Products

Learn more:Best Delta 8 THC Vape Carts Reviewed

5. Delta 8 Pro

Delta 8 Pro is a somewhat new player in the cannabinoid industry but already has a great selection of products available.

Delta 8 Pro sells relatively uncommon Delta 8 THC products like moon rocks and pre-rolls, as well as other more typical offerings.

The company posts third-party test results for most of the products, but some are missing a Certificate of Analysis, and others have outdated test results. You should verify that the product you’re interested in has recent and complete results before buying.

The Delta 8 Pro prices are somewhat on the high end, especially given that packages are smaller than average and contain less total Delta 8 THC.

Products Sold by Delta 8 Pro

• Delta 8 THC Vape Carts
• Delta 8 THC Concentrates
• Delta 8 THC Gummies
• Delta 8 THC Infused Hemp Flower
• Delta 8 THC Moon Rocks
• Delta 8 THC Pre-Rolls
• Delta 8 THC Distillate
• Delta 8 THC Tinctures

6. Moonwlkr

Moonwlkr started in the cannabinoid industry with CBD products and has since expanded to offer Delta 8 THC as well. As a result, the product lineup is limited, as are the flavor choices.

Products are comparatively expensive on a per-milligram basis, but the packages are large enough where you won’t need to restock too frequently.

Moonwlkr posts third-party lab results for most of the products, but many are outdated. Be sure to check the Certificate of Analysis on a given product before checking out.

Products Sold by Moonwlkr

• Delta 8 THC Gummies
• Delta 8 THC Disposable Vapes
• Delta 8 THC Vape Cartridges
• An Array of CBD Products

7. 3Chi

3Chi has been in the cannabinoid industry for quite a long time and has one of the most impressive collections of Delta 8 THC products to show for it. It also sells products with other cannabinoids, including Delta 10 THC, Delta 6 THC, CBD, CBN, THC-O, and more.

3Chi includes third-party lab results for all products, so you never have to worry about getting a low-quality, weak, or harmful product from there.

Prices are generally reasonable, but some products are priced slightly higher, given the total concentration of D8 distillate. Products only come in limited flavor profiles.

Products Sold by 3Chi

• Delta 8 THC Vape Carts
• Delta 8 THC Disposable Vapes
• Delta 8 THC Tinctures
• Delta 8 THC Edibles
• Delta 8 THC Concentrates
• Delta 8 THC Gummies
• A Wide Variety of Other Cannabinoid Products

What is Delta 8 THC?

Delta 8 THC is an isomer of Delta 9 THC, which is the main psychoactive compound in marijuana.

Delta 8 THC is chemically identical to Delta 9 THC except for the double bond carbon molecule being in the eighth position rather than the ninth position.

The Benefits of Delta 8 THC

Delta 8 THC brings many of the same medical benefits offered by standard THC (D9) but with a much lower chance of experiencing adverse side effects.

Users take Delta 8 THC to treat pain, nausea, low appetite, anxiety, stress, and insomnia.

Aside from the many medical benefits, Delta 8 THC is an excellent option for those who enjoy the psychoactive experience associated with Delta 9 THC but frequently impose undesirable side effects.

Delta 8 is about half as potent as standard THC, so it offers euphoria and positive feelings with a decreased risk of paranoia and anxiety.

Side Effects of Delta 8 THC

There are some side effects associated with Delta 8 THC.

Positive side effects include feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and positivity.

Negative side effects include nausea, light-headedness, dizziness, dry mouth, and red eyes.

Most of the adverse side effects are experienced only with larger doses.

What’s the Dose of Delta 8 THC?

While there is no universal standard dose for Delta 8 THC, most users consume around 25mg per session.

Beginners are advised to start very small and slowly increase until they feel comfortable with the amount. Somewhere between 5mg and 10mg is a good idea for a first-time user.

Those who have some experience with THC or Delta 8 THC usually find a dose between 10mg and 50mg sufficient and manageable.

Experienced users with a high tolerance generally consume between 50mg and 100mg, sometimes more.

Delta 8 THC vs. Delta 9 THC: What’s The Difference?

In addition to the chemical variance of the molecules, there are some other differences between Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC.

Perhaps most importantly, Delta 8 THC is federally legal. The Farm Bill of 2018 legalized hemp plants and any compounds derived from them. Since Delta 8 THC occurs naturally in hemp plants, it remains legal.

Some states have prohibited the sale and use of Delta 8, but it’s allowed in most areas, even where recreational marijuana is not legal.

Given the difference in legality, Delta 8 THC is more widely available simply because it’s legal in more states. It’s also cheaper than Delta 9 THC because there are currently fewer regulations surrounding hemp plants than marijuana plants.

Delta 8 THC is also significantly less potent than Delta 9 THC. It’s said to be about half as powerful, so the psychological effects are less intense, as is the potential for negative side experiences.

Delta 8 produces a more mellow and relaxing experience than Delta 9 THC.

Other Cannabinoids & THC Analogs

The increased popularity of cannabinoids — namely CBD and Delta 8 THC — has sparked more research into other cannabinoids. Below are some of the most popular THC analogs that can also produce a psychoactive effect.

1. Delta 10 THC

As the name suggests, Delta 10 THC is an isomer of both Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC, with the double bond at the tenth position on the carbon chain.

Delta 10 is naturally occurring in hemp plants, although it appears in very minimal quantities.

Delta 10 is similar in potency to Delta 8, but the effects vary drastically. It’s known to create a more uplifting and stimulating effect, so it’s recommended more for morning or mid-afternoon use.

2. THC-O

THC-O is a synthetic compound that is about three times as potent as Delta 9 THC. It triggers a very powerful psychoactive effect that some users find too intense. It’s best for experienced Delta 9 users who have a high tolerance.

Although THC-O is synthetic, it’s a classic cannabinoid that doesn’t come with the same dangers that other synthetic THC forms do, like K2 or Spice.

THC-O is believed to be safe for consumption, as it’s identical to THC but with a chemical additive that increases its absorption in your body and the interaction with your CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors.

3. THCP

THCP is a compound naturally found in marijuana plants in trace amounts. It delivers an intensely psychoactive experience about 33x as strong as standard Delta 9 THC.

Given its potency, users are at a higher risk of experiencing unwanted side effects, like light-headedness, paranoia, and anxiety. It’s very challenging to find, in part because it is a naturally rare cannabinoid.

4. THCV

THCV is a THC analog with about one-fourth the potency of standard D9. Some manufacturers are beginning to add THCV products to their lineups, so it’s becoming more widely available as it grows in popularity.

THCV delivers a stimulating and uplifting experience without impairment, so it’s typically recommended for boosting focus for work or studying.

Delta 8 THC Buyer’s Checklist

There are several things you should carefully consider before purchasing any Delta 8 THC products, says We Be High. Use this checklist to get the highest-quality products that are safe to use and guaranteed to be potent.

1. The Company Has Complete Third-Party Testing

By far, the most crucial thing you can confirm when buying Delta 8 THC products is that the company offers recent and complete third-party test results for all products.

Third-party lab tests dated within the past six months confirm that the company from which you’re buying is open and honest about its products. More importantly, you can verify the exact potency and, with extensive test results, you can confirm that no pesticides, heavy metals, or other potentially harmful chemicals or compounds have made their way into your D8 items.

2. The Brand Is Reputable

Next, you’ll want to check online reviews about the company as a whole and the products you’re choosing. Customers will undoubtedly post their feedback about their purchases, the quality of the item, and customer service.

Overwhelmingly negative reviews on the company’s website or other review sites should be a red flag for you and prompt you to look elsewhere for your Delta 8 THC.

3. Is Delta 8 THC Legal Where I Live?

Confirm that Delta 8 THC is legal where you live.

Although it remains legal on a federal level, individual states have banned the substance. You should check to make sure it’s permitted in your area before purchasing.

This is especially important because a company that knowingly ships an illegal product to you is likely to be willing to break other laws and cut corners when it comes to its products.

Confirm the legality of Delta 8 THC in your state before buying. This will keep you in line with the law and also ensure you don’t buy from a company that lacks honesty and integrity.

Summary: Where’s The Best Place to Buy Delta 8 THC?

You can buy Delta 8 THC online or in local shops, but online is usually a better option.

Online vendors sell higher-quality products that are backed and guaranteed by third-party lab results. These results ensure your product is potent and also safe to consume.

Brick-and-mortar shops don’t provide a Certificate of Analysis. They also tend to charge more for a lower-quality product to make a profit.

Online shops offer a better selection of products because they don’t need to worry about managing shelf space. Online vendors tend to stock more delivery methods as well as flavor options.

The three best online Delta 8 THC vendors are Area 52, Finest Labs, and Delta Effexi. These brands maintain an excellent reputation, provide safe and potent products, and offer a wide array of Delta 8 THC options to suit your needs.