If you've finally decided to take the leap and try Delta 8 THC, then naturally, the next step is finding the right place to purchase this product. So where is Delta 8 available? With so many different companies selling Delta 8 products, you may be left scratching your head and left paralyzed with the decision.
We're going to simplify the process for you by telling you the ten best shops and the products they carry. This way, if you are looking for a specific type of product such as a vape or gummy, you know precisely where to go.
With so much misinformation circulating the web, we always spend a little time giving the basics of cannabinoids. We attempt to help readers decipher truth from fiction in a simple to understand way because if you're going to be putting cannabinoid products into your body, you should know what to expect.
The 10 Best Delta 8 Shops
- Everest
- Kurativ
- Cannabuddy
- Hempire Direct
- DELTA EFFEX
- Koi CBD
- The Hemp Doctor
- Diamond CBD
- Hometown Hero
- Bearly Legal
Phytocannabinoids and Endocannabinoids
Perhaps you've heard of phytocannabinoids but maybe are less familiar with endocannabinoids or vice versa. We're going to break down these terms, so you never get confused again. Let's start with explaining cannabinoids which are chemicals found in the cannabis plant.
Phytocannabinoids are plant-derived cannabinoids, which means that endocannabinoids must come from somewhere other than plants. Endocannabinoids are cannabinoid-like molecules that are found within mammals.
You may be wondering how we ended up naming the cannabinoid system of our body the endocannabinoid system; it's because we first discovered cannabinoids in plants and then discovered that humans have an entire system of naturally occurring cannabinoid-like molecules and receptors that we call our endocannabinoid system.
If we had discovered the endocannabinoid system before we even knew of the cannabis plant, we likely would be calling the endocannabinoid system by another name. The fact that we have an endocannabinoid system is what allows us to use cannabinoids from plants and feel an effect such as relaxation.
CBD, CBC, and the Entourage Effect
If you've come across Delta 8-THC, then you probably know a little about CBD. CBD is the molecule that started the Cannabinoid boom, and it continues to be a product people look to help their health concerns. CBD isn't the only Cannabinoid you can purchase; CBC and CBN, among other cannabinoids, continue to be in high demand by consumers.
You may have asked yourself why some cannabinoid products contain multiple cannabinoids and others only contain a single cannabinoid. Some people choose to stick with the most highly researched cannabinoids, such as CBD opting for a CBD isolate, but some experts believe that this may not be the best strategy for addressing your health concerns.
Some advocate for consuming a wider range of cannabis compounds because of a little thing called the “entourage effect,” which describes how the action of other cannabinoids reinforces the action of other cannabinoids. Essentially this effect states that the whole is greater than the individual parts and that even new effects can emerge that are only found when using all the cannabinoids together.
The fact that cannabinoids often work better when used with other cannabinoids is why you're likely to see Delta 8 THC products that have CBD or other cannabinoids added into the product.
Industrial Hemp
Since we're even talking about the legal use of cannabinoids, we have to give a little background of Industrial hemp. Until 2018, people couldn't purchase cannabinoids of any kind under Federal law. What changed in 2018? The Farm Bill of 2018 changed the way the nation viewed and used cannabinoids because it legalized the growing and manufacturing of products made from the industrial hemp plant.
The industrial hemp plant is cannabis, just like Marijuana is cannabis, but the industrial hemp plant differs from Marijuana in one fundamental way. Industrial hemp to be sold legally according to Federal law must contain less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC. Marijuana, on the other hand, has no such limitation and contains significantly more Delta 9 THC. We'll talk more about THC in the next section.
In addition, while industrial hemp is legal at the Federal level, Marijuana is illegal. Some states have chosen to enact their own laws regarding recreational and the medical use of Marijuana, with some allowing one or the other and still others declaring the possession, use, and selling of Marijuana of any kind illegal.
The fact that industrial hemp is more tightly regulated than other kinds of plants has an added advantage when it comes to the ingestion of industrial hemp cannabinoids. The cannabis plant is very effective at pulling contaminants such as heavy metals and pesticides out of the soil.
This means that if the plant is grown somewhere where there is contaminated soil, Cannabinoid products made from this hemp are going to go into the body. This underscores the importance of ensuring the Delta 8 product or other cannabinoid products you decide to use are made using US-grown hemp.
Psychoactive Cannabinoids
When many of us think about getting high while using Marijuana, we tend to think about Delta 9-THC, but this is not the only cannabinoid found in plants that are psychoactive. Psychoactive simply means that a chemical affects the brain. There is another major psychoactive cannabinoid player, and people are turning to this molecule to get around the regulations and prohibitions surrounding Delta 9-THC.
It's likely obvious by now we are referring to Delta 8-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta 8-THC), which sounds a lot like Delta 9-THC, with the only difference between the two molecules being where one of the bonds that connect elements is located.
The Selection Criteria
If you take pride in what you do, then you want to make sure that you are thorough and precise in what you're doing. When you're evaluating Delta 8 shops, you're left with a lot of research, spreadsheets, and sleepless nights. This is because transparency is at the heart of innovation and how companies are forced to make products better. Accurately evaluating companies gives consumers the knowledge to purchase the highest quality products.
In the spirit of transparency, we believe you should know some of the factors that we took into consideration when making this list. Of course, there are far too many factors to list here, but you'll get the idea. Below are listed some things that weighed in our decision-making process.
- Customer Satisfaction: Customer satisfaction is a big one for us because if the customers aren't satisfied at the end of the day, you're probably not going to be around long. Customer satisfaction is also a good way to gauge how a company conducts business day-to-day because everyone can talk a good game.
- Third-Party Laboratory Testing: In the current cannabinoid market, with companies constantly coming into existence, there just isn't room for companies not willing to get their products laboratory tested. Laboratory testing is essential for ensuring that you're getting the correct dose of the product. This process will show if products are contaminated with heavy metals, pesticides, or other potentially harmful chemicals.
- Ingredients: We can talk all day about the importance of ingredients, but let's simply say that the ingredients a company decides to put into their products tell you a lot about the type of company you're buying from. We believe it's best to leave out everything that is not absolutely necessary to create a high-quality product. Companies that follow this ideology get extra points in our books.
- US Grown Hemp: Since the US only recently legalized the growing of industrial hemp for consumer use, there are strict regulations around how it's grown. This is a good thing for consumers as it's more likely that the plants will be contaminated with heavy metals and other toxic chemicals.
- Return Policy: We believe that a company's return policy also speaks volumes to the company's belief in its products. Yes, there will always be customers who find reasons to be unhappy with products and wish to return their products, but this is the exception, not the rule of thumb with high-quality products. Companies that offer a fair return policy are exhibiting good business practices and get extra points from us.
- Price: At some point in any conversation of comparing and contrasting products, price is going to be brought up. The fact is that price is important to consumers. You may pay a little more for an ultra-high quality product, but many are ready and willing to pay for quality. When figuring out the price for Delta 8 THC, the best way to compare prices is to figure out the price of each mg of Delta 8 THC. You can do this by dividing the product's total price by the total amount of mg of Delta 8 THC.
- Variety of Products: When evaluating the best shops for Delta 8 THC, the number of different Delta 8 THC products matters. It's important for a variety of reasons, but one of the simplest is that customers don't want to have to purchase products from a variety of different companies if they are interested in different types of products. Those who purchase their products from one or two companies will also benefit from saving in shipping costs as many companies offer free shipping if orders are over a certain amount.
1. Everest
Everest is our #1 destination for Delta 8 products. Their website is modern and clean, super easy to navigate and provides plenty of information about their products and practices. As a company, Everest is incredibly transparent, and everything that comes through their doors is third-party tested twice--they truly set the standard for Delta 8 quality control.
Their hemp is grown sustainably in the USA, and it is one of the safest, purest sources of quality Delta 8 in the country. Their products are vegan (we are obsessed with the blue razz gummies), and they are continually developing top-of-the-line Delta 8 products that we will be first in line to try. Everest is a trustworthy company that we highly recommend to those who are looking to delve into the wonderful world of Delta 8.
Hemp Source
- USA grown hemp, grown sustainably and organically
Lab Results
- Green Scientific Labs
Shipping Policy
- Free shipping on all orders
Return & Refund Policies
- Full refund after contacting customer service
2. Kurativ
Keratin is one of the few Delta 8 stores that have physical locations across the country. Sometimes, online stores can be overwhelming, and we crave a little old-fashioned customer service. Kurativ has a knowledgeable staff who can help guide and inform you about the many Delta 8 options available. They stock an impressive selection of CBD and cannabinoid products, including cannabinoid oils, topicals, gummies, and pet products.
While Kurativ is a relatively new company, having opened shop in 2018, they have very quickly become a trusted source for hemp products. You'll be able to choose from Delta 8 gummies in a variety of doses and flavors. Kurativ also has Delta 8 topicals and oils and displays their customer reviews, ingredients list, as well as lab reports prominently on their website if you choose to shop online.
Hemp Source
- USA grown hemp
Lab Results
- SC Labs
Shipping Policy
- $7.99 flat rate shipping
- Free Shipping on all orders over $60
Return & Refund Policies
- Returns of unopened products are fully refundable with 30-days
- Return shipping costs are paid for by the company
3. Cannabuddy
Cannabuddy is a webstore that stocks multiple cannabinoid brands and has an impressive offering of unique Delta 8 products like gummies, brownies, cereal treats, tinctures, pre-rolls, blunts, moonrocks, tinctures, concentrates, and vape carts.
As a company, Cannabuddy highly values education and transparency surrounding hemp products and is committed to curating the highest quality, all-natural products. Helping to educate and inform their customers about their products and cannabinoids, in general, is their priority, and that makes us like them all the more. They relate their online customer service to that of high-end retail or a pharmacy.
Cannabuddy also partners with elected officials in their home state of North Carolina to promote cannabis-friendly legislation, so these wonderful products who have helped so many can continue to do so.
Hemp Source
- USA grown hemp
Lab Results
- Multiple
Shipping Policy
- $4.95 flat rate shipping
- Free Shipping on all orders over $50
Return & Refund Policies
- Returns, exchanges, and refunds are only permitted due to a manufacturer defect
- Unopened products may be returned up to 30 days from date of purchase
4. Hempire Direct
The Hempire Direct brand focuses heavily on Delta 8 products, including gummies, vape cartridges, softgels, dabs, oil/tinctures, and flowers. As a private-label company, Hempire Direct is able to hand-pick the best cannabinoid producers from around the country and brand them under the Hempire name.
Hampshire Direct’s business model allows them to cater to their customers' needs more easily and stock the most popular kinds of products even though they do not manufacture them themselves. Hempire Direct is on the pulse of Delta 8 developments and selects the latest and best cannabinoid products that are available on the market.
Hemp Source
- USA grown hemp
Lab Results
- Encore Labs
Shipping Policy
- $9.95 flat rate shipping
- Free shipping on orders of $200 excluding pounds and wholesale orders
Return & Refund Policies
- Edibles are non-returnable
5. DELTA EFFEX
DELTA EFFEX is dedicated to Delta 8 and delta 10 products--they are the only types of cannabinoid products they sell. Their Delta 8 tinctures and vapes are formulated with plant-based ingredients, and they use third-party testing to assess their potency and purity.
Their Delta 8 gummies, however, do contain some artificial additives and are made with gelatin, and are therefore not vegan friendly. DELTA EFFEX's webstore has an especially large selection of Delta 8 vapes with unique and fun flavors. We like their clean and simple website design, which is easy to navigate and highly informative as well.
Hemp Source
- USA grown hemp
Lab Results
- Kaycha Labs
Shipping Policy
- Flat rate of $3.89
Return & Refund Policies
- All sales are final
6. Koi CBD
Image Credit: Koi CBD
Koi CBD truly sets the standard for testing their Delta 8 products--they run each batch they make through third-party lab tests for potency, purity and detect over 100 kinds of contaminants, which is far beyond the norm for any other cannabinoid company we have found.
Koi CBD offers a range of Delta 8 products, including infused flowers, tinctures, vape carts and
Oh-so-popular Delta 8 gummies (which are vegan, but do contain artificial ingredients). Although their website is a little dated and somewhat awkward to navigate through, they offer a live chat function that puts their customer service ahead of most other Delta 8 webstores.
Hemp Source
- USA grown hemp
Lab Results
- Verde Laboratory
Shipping Policy
- Free shipping on orders over $35
Return & Refund Policies
- Full refunds for products that are at least half full
7. The Hemp Doctor
The Hemp Doctor stocks quite a range of Delta 8 products which are all made with their American-grown, organic hemp plants. They offer Delta 8 carts, gummies, tinctures, flowers, and capsules, all of which go through rigorous third-party testing for contaminants and potency levels.
Although their products do contain artificial additives and animal products, their commitment to sustainable, organic farming practices as well as the thorough lab tests they put each and every one of their Delta 8 batches through is enough to keep us coming back to The Hemp Doctor's shop.
Hemp Source
- USA grown hemp, organically grown
Lab Results
- Altitude Consulting
Shipping Policy
- Free shipping via USPS
Return & Refund Policies
- Full refunds
8. Diamond CBD
The Diamond CBD store stands out because of its amazing customer service and an impressive selection of Delta 8 vape carts. They have a generous shipping and return policy for an unused product, and although their carts are on the pricier end, we think the quality and shopping experience is worth every penny.
Diamond CBD's website provides a ton of information about its products; even if this makes it feel a little cluttered, we appreciate the gesture of transparency.
Hemp Source
- USA grown hemp
Lab Results
- Altitude Consulting
Shipping Policy
- Free 2-day shipping on orders over $100
Return & Refund Policies
- Full refunds on unopened products within 30 days
9. Hometown Hero
Founded in 2015, Hometown Hero offers a variety of Delta 8 products, and their gummies were awarded second prize from High Times in 2021. For every purchase made on their website, a percentage is given back to support American Veterans.
While Hometown Hero tests their Delta 8 products extensively for potency, they do not conduct further testing for contaminants, and unfortunately, they do not post their products' ingredients lists either. This is unfortunate for potential vegan customers who will not be able to verify if their products are suitable for them.
Overall though, Hometown Hero offers a nice spread of Delta 8 products, and their charitable business model makes us want to support their cause.
Hemp Source
- USA grown hemp
Lab Results
- Green Leaf Labs
Shipping Policy
- Free shipping on orders over $50
Return & Refund Policies
- Full refunds for unused products within 30 days of purchase
10. Bearly Legal
Bearly Legal is another company on our list that is completely dedicated to Delta 8. They stock a truly impressive variety of Delta 8 products, from gummies to carts to flowers to smokable pre-rolls. However, they do not disclose any information about their farming or manufacturing processes. They do test for cannabinoid levels in their Delta 8 products; however, they do not extend their testing to contaminants.
Their Delta 8 gummies are available in tons of unique flavors and are made with pectin; therefore, they are vegan-friendly but do contain small amounts of artificial flavors, so they are not completely natural. Their website is fun and easy to navigate, overall a great Delta 8 shopping experience.
Hemp Source
- USA grown hemp
Lab Results
- Altitude Consulting
Shipping Policy
- Free shipping on orders over $50
Return & Refund Policies
- Full refunds within 30 days
Futurism readers: To create this content, a non-editorial team worked with an affiliate partner. We may collect a small commission on items purchased through this page. This post does not necessarily reflect the views or the endorsement of the Futurism.com editorial staff, and we have not independently verified any of the claims made herein.