The most popular type of THC is delta-9 THC since it’s the most prevalent in cannabis, but it’s not the most potent.
In this article, we’ll look at delta-9 THC and its analogs in-depth by analyzing their strength and effects. We’ll also give you the best legal and most potent THC gummies on the market.
STRONGEST DELTA THC GUMMIES:Area 52 UFO MAX Gummies
What’s the Strongest THC?
The strongest type of THC is THCP (tetrahydrocannabiphorol). This cannabinoid is said to be 3 to 33 times as strong as regular delta-9 THC. However, it’s found at extremely low concentrations in cannabis and hemp and comes with an increased risk of side effects.
This cannabinoid is difficult to extract and accumulate, making the manufacture of THCP products difficult and expensive.
The strongest accessible form of THC is delta-9. This cannabinoid is found in higher concentrations, is easier to extract, is less expensive, and has a decreased risk of side effects. If you're looking for the most potent THC product — whether cannabis or hemp-derived — delta-9 THC is the cannabinoid to go for.
Fortunately, you can buy hemp-derived delta-9 THC gummies legally in the United States as long as the total concentration of this cannabinoid is 0.3% or below.
Strongest THC Gummies: Area 52 UFO MAX (Delta-9 THC)
The strongest legal delta-9 THC gummies on the market are the UFO Max gummies from Area 52. The gummies contain 15 mg of hemp-derived THC, 100 mg of CBD, and 5 mg of CBG. These levels are unrivaled in the legal THC edible space.
The team has achieved this otherworldly potency by increasing the weight of the gummies. This has allowed them to add a psychoactive dose of THC to each gummy while remaining under the federal legal limit of 0.3% THC by weight.
The Area 52 UFO Max gummies contain a full-spectrum delta-9 THC extract that comes from US-grown hemp through a supercritical CO2 extraction process. The result is a clean, potent extract without impurities.
The gummies are flavored with natural mango extract and terpenes derived from the cannabis strain “Green Crack.” This gives the gummies a fruity taste with the subtle flavor and aroma of cannabis.
Each pack of UFO Max contains thirty 15 mg gummies. These aren't the cheapest around, but they are definitely the most potent Farm Bill-compliant gummies on the market.
Comparing Different Types of THC
Delta-9 isn’t the only THC cannabinoid. There are around 20 different types of THC found in cannabis and hemp. Some are more popular than others. Most of these cannabinoids are present in such low concentrations that they must be extracted and concentrated or cycled from CBD through isomerization to obtain enough to induce psychoactive effects.
The most popular THC cannabinoids are delta-9, delta-8, delta-10, HHC, and THCP. Delta-9 is the most common and popular form of THC, with delta-8 in a close second. Delta-9 is around twice as strong as delta-8 and is cheaper to extract and turn into gummies, vapes, and tinctures.
Delta-10 THC is weaker than delta-8 and just as expensive to manufacture. THCP is the most potent form of THC, but it's complicated, time-consuming, and costly to manufacture.
Check out the table below to compare these different types of THC:
Comparison Metric | Delta-9 THC | Delta-8 THC | Delta-10 THC | THCP | HHC |
Chemical Structure | Double bond at 9th carbon | Analog of delta-9 THC with a bond on the 8th carbon | Analog of delta-9 with a double bond on 10th carbon | Analog of delta-9 with a 7-carbon chain instead of 5 | Analog of delta-9 THC with no double bonds |
Legality | Only legal if hemp-derived | Legal in around 50% of US states | Legal in most States in the US | Legal in most of the US | Legal in around 50% of US states |
Effects | Intense, relaxing, & euphoric high | Mild, relaxing, & stimulative high similar to delta-9 THC but less intense | Mild, relaxing, and mildly euphoric high similar to delta-8 but less powerful | Powerful psychoactive cannabinoid that’s more intense than D9 THC | Intense high similar to delta-9 THC |
Cost | Cheap | Expensive | Expensive | Very Expensive | Expensive |
Source | Hemp or cannabis-derived versions | Hemp-derived or made synthetically | Hemp-derived or made synthetically | Cannabis-derived or made synthetically | Hemp-derived or made synthetically |
Uses | Recreational, medical, & therapeutic benefits | Recreational, medical, & therapeutic benefits | Recreational, medical, & therapeutic benefits | Recreational, medical, & therapeutic benefits | Recreational, medical, & therapeutic benefits |
Safety | Well-studied and considered safe to consume. Potential for medical use | Research ongoing. The long-term effects of regular use are unknown. | Research ongoing. The long-term effects are unknown | High risk of side effects | Considered very low risk, but long-term effects unknown |
What Are the Effects of THC?
The effects of delta-9 THC are typical of cannabis, even if the cannabinoid has been extracted from hemp. Users can expect feelings of intense euphoria, relaxation, and altered perception.
Other THCs give similar effects, with potency essentially determining how intense they are. Delta-8 is milder and more relaxing. Delta-10 is uplifting and slightly energizing but less potent than delta-8.
The effects of THC include:
Altered Sensory Perception: Heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli such as touch, taste, and smell.
Altered Perception: Alterations in the perception of time, space, and sensations. This may include heightened vividness of colors, enhanced auditory sensitivity, and a feeling of slowing time.
Enhanced Creativity: Some people may experience heightened creativity under the influence of delta-9.
Euphoria: An overwhelming sense of joy and tranquility.
Impaired Cognitive Function: Struggles with concentration, problem-solving, and maintaining clear thinking.
Impaired Memory: Challenges in creating new memories and difficulties in recalling recent events or information (short-term memory loss).
Impaired Motor Skills: Altered coordination and motor control can lead to clumsiness or difficulty performing tasks that require precise movements.
Increased Appetite: Commonly known as “the munchies,” delta-9 can stimulate appetite and intensify the enjoyment of food.
Mood Changes: Shifts in mood, oscillating between euphoria, joy, and excitement and potentially feelings of anxiety and paranoia (strong doses).
Relaxation: A sense of calmness and relaxation, often leading to a reduction in stress and overall tension.
Not All THC Products Are Safe: Be Careful When Buying Delta-9 Online
Delta-9 gummies are considered safe for consumption as long as they contain a high-quality extract and are used responsibly. However, not all legal THC products are legit. There’s a huge problem with mislabeling in the cannabinoid space — you can’t trust what the manufacturer puts on the packaging.
Low-quality gummies swamp the market. Many contain illegal concentrations of THC or percentages so low the effects are unapparent. Some contain synthetic cannabinoids because they're cheaper and produce more intense effects.
The lack of regulation in this market has led to massive inconsistencies between products. A 10 mg THC gummy from one brand may induce a strong psychoactive experience, whereas one from another may do nothing at all.
Thoroughly research the brand before purchasing any delta-9 THC gummy. Look for third-party lab data and ensure that the extract comes from hemp.
Check out reviews outside the brand's website and look for potential red flags. One warning sign is if the brand’s packaging is available on Alibaba, DHGate, or similar. It’s also worth contacting customer service if you have any queries about hemp source, lab testing, or overall quality. A good brand will do everything within its power to provide clarity on its product, answering all questions with full, honest answers.
How to Make THC Gummies at Home
If you’re lucky enough to live in a legal country or state in the US, you’ll be happy to know that making THC gummies from cannabis is easy. You will need some basic pieces of equipment, spare time, and cannabis or a tincture.
First, buy an infused oil or tincture. You can also make one by taking a carrier oil such as coconut oil and combining decarboxylated cannabis flowers. The mixture is then heated gradually for several hours before straining the organic matter off and collecting the infused liquid.
You can find vegan and non-vegan recipes online, but here is the process.
To make the gummies, combine water, flavorings, sugar, and coloring (optional) in a saucepan and heat on low. Add gelatin powder over the warm liquid and whisk until dissolved. Once dissolved, remove the pan from the heat and add the desired amount of THC oil. Mix well to ensure full distribution.
Next, pour the mixture into gummy molds. Fill each mold to the top, but be careful not to overfill. Place the filled molds in the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 1-2 hours or until the gummies are fully set. Once the gummies are set, remove them from the molds and consume them or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. THC gummies can be stored for several weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions About THC
Want to learn more about cannabis, hemp, and THC edibles?
Have a read through the answers to the FAQs below:
1. Do Hemp-Derived THC Gummies Show Up on Drug Tests?
Yes. Although hemp-derived delta-9 THC gummies and edibles containing other forms of THC (delta-8, delta-10, THCP, etc.) are legal, they will produce a positive result on a drug test. This is because both hemp-derived THC and cannabis-derived THC are identical — there's no way to distinguish between the two.
That said, whether a positive result is produced depends on various factors. The dose consumed, how long THC was ingested before the test, the type of test performed, and the regularity of use will affect the results.
If you regularly undergo drug screenings for work, it’s best to steer clear of legal THC gummies like the Area 52 UFO Max Gummies. These are potent enough to trigger a positive result.
It’s also worth mentioning that you should not operate heavy machinery, drive a car, or perform tasks that require important decision-making after consuming THC gummies of any kind.
2. What Other Cannabinoids Are Used in Gummies?
Several different cannabinoids are used to make gummies, not just delta-9 THC. Some gummies contain non-psychoactive cannabinoids that boast potential health benefits, and others contain psychoactive cannabinoids that are capable of inducing a high similar to cannabis.
The cannabinoids used to make gummies include:
CBL (Cannabicyclol)
CBC (Cannabichromene)
CBCA (Cannabichromenic Acid)
CBD (Cannabidiol)
CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid)
CBDV (Cannabidivarin)
CBG (Cannabigerol)
CBGV (Cannabigerivarin)
CBN (Cannabinol)
Delta-10 THC (Delta-10 Tetrahydrocannabinol)
Delta-8 THC (Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol)
HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol)
THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid)
THCP (Tetrahydrocannabiphorol)
THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)
3. How Long Do THC Gummies Take to Start Working?
The onset time for THC gummies varies depending on individual metabolism, the amount consumed, and whether they're taken on an empty or full stomach. Generally, effects can begin within 30 minutes to 2 hours after ingestion. It's important to start with a low dose and wait at least 2 hours before considering taking more to avoid overconsumption.
4. Can You Build a Tolerance to THC Gummies?
Yes, regular consumption of THC gummies can lead to tolerance, meaning over time, you might need to consume a higher dose to achieve the same effects. Taking a break from THC can help reset your tolerance levels.
5. Are There Any Side Effects to Taking THC Gummies?
Possible side effects include dry mouth, red eyes, slower reaction times, coordination issues, and, in some cases, anxiety or paranoia. These effects are typically dose-dependent, so consuming a lower dose may help mitigate them. Always consume responsibly and in a safe environment.
