BudPop Scores Top Marks in Delta 9 Gummy Evaluation

Brand's naturally derived formula meets new federal compliance standards ahead of enforcement deadline

Mar. 25, 2026 at 8:59am

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BudPop, a U.S.-based hemp brand, has received a score of 96.7 out of 100 in an independent evaluation of 47 Delta 9 gummy brands, the highest score in the study. The evaluation found BudPop posted the lowest THC potency variance of any brand tested at 2.1%, against a field where spray-applied competitors showed variance of 15-23%. With federal enforcement of new hemp legislation set for November 12, 2026, BudPop's naturally derived Delta 9 formula already meets the standard set by the new law.

Why it matters

The new federal hemp legislation, set to take effect in November 2026, fundamentally rewrites the rules governing hemp-derived products, including a total THC redefinition, a 0.4 mg per-container cap, and a ban on synthetic cannabinoids. Independent analysis projects that approximately 90-95% of existing hemp edibles will fall out of compliance, making BudPop's naturally derived, compliant formula a standout in the market.

The details

The evaluation, conducted by Plastic Surgery Key's consumer wellness panel, assessed 47 Delta 9 gummy brands across five criteria: potency accuracy, batch-level consistency, ingredient transparency, lab report quality, and consumer satisfaction. BudPop's overall score of 96.7 out of 100 placed it 18.4 points above the category average of 76.3. The brand's advanced infusion process ensures even, consistent dosing, unlike spray-applied products, and its third-party lab testing and full federal compliance gave the evaluators confidence in its safety and accuracy.

  • The new federal hemp legislation, signed into law as Section 781 of the 2026 Continuing Appropriations Act, takes effect on November 12, 2026.
  • The independent regulatory analysis projecting that approximately 90-95% of existing hemp edibles will fall out of compliance was published between December 2025 and March 2026.

The players

BudPop

A U.S.-based hemp brand founded in 2021 and headquartered in Los Angeles, California, that specializes in federally compliant, hemp-derived cannabinoid products.

Plastic Surgery Key

A consumer wellness panel that conducted the independent evaluation of 47 Delta 9 gummy brands and published the 2026 report.

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What they’re saying

“Budpop earned the top spot by performing well in every category. Their advanced infusion process ensures even, consistent dosing, unlike spray-applied products. Third-party lab testing and full federal compliance gave us confidence in their safety and accuracy.”

— Plastic Surgery Key Consumer Wellness Panel

What’s next

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The takeaway

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