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Koi Review: Examining Its Product Claims, Oversight, and User Experience

Fact-Checked

Koi is a hemp-derived wellness brand that offers an expansive range of cannabinoid products. It highlights a broad platform that also includes Delta-8 THC, Delta-9 THC, THC-A, CBG, and CBN formulations.

The brand’s product range covers gummies, tinctures, topicals, and pet products. It claims that its products can promote relaxation, support sleep, balance mood, and facilitate physical recovery.

In this review, we take a closer look at Koi’s product offerings, examine where the brand stands out, discuss its potential limitations, and evaluate consumer feedback to provide a balanced overview of what you can expect from the brand.

Koi Review

About Koi

As per the official website, Koi focuses on hemp-derived cannabinoids and plant-based compounds. Its portfolio reflects an emphasis on variety, transparent formulation, and accessibility across different experience levels.

The brand’s core offerings include products such as gummies, tinctures, topicals, balms, and vapes, available in broad-spectrum and full-spectrum formulations. These products are commonly associated with daily wellness routines, rest, recovery, and general balance, with clearly labeled strengths and formats that allow for measured use.

Koi also operates across multiple hemp-derived THC and cannabinoid categories, including Delta-8 THC, Delta-9 THC (within federally compliant limits), THC-A, THC-V, CBN, CBG, and blended cannabinoid formulations. These cannabinoids are offered in diverse formats such as gummies and curated bundles.

Across all categories, the brand emphasizes third-party lab testing, batch-level transparency through COAs, and U.S.-grown hemp sourcing, strengthening its focus on consistency and product clarity rather than single-use options.

Koi Bestsellers

  1. Koi Delta 8 THC Gummies

    Koi Delta-8 THC Gummies are formulated with hemp-derived delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, with each gummy containing 25 mg. Delta-8 THC is similar to delta-9 THC, but it differs in the placement of its double bond, which influences how it interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system, particularly CB1 receptors in the central nervous system. It binds to CB1 receptors with a lower affinity than delta-9 THC. This may influence neurotransmitter release involved in mood regulation, stress response, and perception.

    As per the official website, these gummies are available in multiple fruit flavors, including blue razz, strawberry, watermelon, sour cherry, and a variety pack, and are offered in 20-count (500 mg total delta-8 THC) and 60-count (1500 mg total delta-8 THC) jars.

  2. Koi Naturals Oil Tincture

    As per the official site, Koi Naturals Oil Tincture is formulated using a broad-spectrum hemp extract combined with MCT oil as the carrier base.

    The tincture is available in a 30 mL (1 fl. oz) bottle with a dropper and comes in multiple strengths. Its flavor options include peppermint, spearmint, strawberry, orange, lemon-lime, and natural.

    Cannabidiol in this tincture can interact indirectly with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is involved in regulating processes such as mood balance, stress response, sleep cycles, and inflammatory signaling.

    The tincture uses medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, which is a rapidly absorbed fats that bypass some digestive steps required by long-chain fats, allowing compounds dissolved in it to enter circulation more efficiently. This can support more consistent absorption of fat-soluble cannabinoids like Cannabinoid when taken sublingually or orally.

  3. Koi Dragon Blend Gummies

    The brand claims that their Dragon Blend Gummies offer mood elevation, relaxation, and mental ease. They are available in blue razz and blood orange flavors and are packaged in 20-count jars, providing a total of 2,500 mg of cannabinoids per container.

    According to the official website, these formulations have delta-9 and 8 THC, which have a higher binding affinity to CB1 receptors that are associated with more pronounced psychoactive effects, while delta-8 THC binds with slightly lower affinity, often resulting in a different intensity and duration of response.

    The formulation also includes THCP (tetrahydrocannabiphorol), which has strong binding potential to CB1 receptors due to its longer alkyl side chain.

    THCB (tetrahydrocannabinol) in these gummies interacts with the endocannabinoid system and may contribute to additional modulation of CB1 signaling, although human research on its effects remains limited.

  4. Koi Delta 9 THC Gummies

    Koi Delta-9 THC Gummies are formulated with a defined 2:1 ratio of hemp-derived cannabidiol to delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), delivering 20 mg of Cannabinoid and 10 mg of delta-9 THC per gummy. These gummies have delta-9 THC, which can influence neurotransmitters such as dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid that play roles in perception, mood regulation, and sensory processing. It may alter mental focus and sensory awareness, though effects vary depending on tolerance, metabolism, and individual sensitivity.

  5. Koi Complete Full Spectrum Gummies

    As per the official website, Complete Full Spectrum Gummies can support processes such as stress signaling, immune response, and sleep-wake cycles. These gummies may help elevate mood by interacting with CB1 receptors linked to dopamine signaling, which might create a gentle sense of optimism or emotional ease.

    Complete Full Spectrum Gummies are claimed by the brand they quiet racing thoughts and reduce stress reactivity, especially when stress manifests as mental tension rather than physical discomfort.

  6. Koi Gummies Nighttime Rest

    Koi Gummies Nighttime Rest are formulated to support nighttime routines by combining hemp-derived cannabidiol with melatonin in a chewable gummy format. These gummies may help you stay comfortable during daily movement, exercise recovery, or long workdays by supporting the body’s natural regulatory processes related to tension and soreness.

    The makers added melatonin in these nighttime gummies, which helps regulate the body’s sleep–wake cycle. Its release is closely tied to light exposure and circadian timing. Melatonin provides an external source that can influence signaling in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the brain, which coordinates circadian rhythm. It does not act as a sedative but rather as a timing signal that helps align internal clocks with nighttime conditions.

  7. Koi Roll-On Gel

    According to the brand, Koi Roll-On Gel is a topical formulation designed for localized application, combining broad-spectrum cannabidiol with a blend of essential oils in a roll-on format. It is available in two strengths, such as 500 mg and 1,500 mg of cannabidiol. The roll-on applicator is intended to deliver the gel directly to targeted areas while limiting contact with the hands.

    The formula also has a proprietary blend of essential oils, such as black pepper oil, which contains β-caryophyllene. This terpene selectively binds to CB2 receptors that are primarily involved in immune and inflammatory signaling rather than psychoactive pathways. Activation of CB2 receptors is associated with modulation of stress responses, peripheral discomfort signaling, and inflammatory cascades.

    The official website highlights that the Roll-On Gel also contains peppermint oil, which is rich in menthol that activates TRPM8 (transient receptor potential melastatin 8) channels. Activation of these receptors produces a cooling sensation and can modulate pain perception by dampening nociceptive signaling. Menthol also interacts with GABAergic and cholinergic pathways, which are linked to relaxation and cognitive clarity.

Koi Advantages

  1. Longstanding Industry Market Presence

    Koi has operated in the hemp-derived wellness market since 2015, beginning as a family-owned venture launched from Los Angeles. The brand developed products during a period of significant regulatory uncertainty and has continued operating as hemp laws, testing requirements, and consumer expectations have evolved. This sustained presence over more than ten years reflects experience navigating compliance and quality standards in a highly regulated and rapidly changing industry.

    In 2025, Koi has grown into a nationally recognized brand with products available through thousands of retail locations across the United States. This expansion suggests operational maturity, including the ability to scale manufacturing, maintain third-party testing practices, and respond to shifting regulatory guidance at the state and federal levels. The brand’s longevity indicates adaptability rather than short-term participation in a trend-driven market.

    Koi’s product evolution further reflects its long-term market engagement. Early offerings centered on CBD-based products such as Koi Naturals Oil Tincture, which remains a foundational part of the lineup.

    As legal frameworks expanded following the 2018 Farm Bill, the brand introduced additional cannabinoid options, including Koi Delta 8 THC Gummies in varying strengths, Koi Delta 9 THC Gummies in standard and higher potency formats, and combination products like Koi Dragon Blend Gummies that include multiple hemp-derived cannabinoids.

  2. Diverse Portfolio

    Koi offers products across ingestible, topical, inhalable, and pet-focused categories. In the ingestible category, the brand has developed an extensive lineup of gummies with varied cannabinoid profiles and potency levels. These include Koi Delta 8 THC Gummies in standard and higher strength options, Koi Delta 9 THC Gummies offered in both standard and extra strength formats, and Koi Dragon Blend Gummies, which combine multiple cannabinoids such as delta 8, delta 9, THC P, and HHC into a single formulation.

    The brand also offers Koi Complete Full Spectrum Gummies and Koi Gummies Nighttime Rest, the latter formulated with a blend of full-spectrum CBD, CBN, and delta 9 THC to support evening routines and sleep-focused use cases.

    Its portfolio extends beyond gummies into core Cannabinoid formats and topical applications. Naturals Oil Tincture represents a foundational full-spectrum product delivered in a traditional sublingual oil format. For non-ingestible use, products such as Koi Roll On Gel and related balms combine broad or full spectrum alongside supporting ingredients, offering localized application options.

  3. Omnichannel Presence

    Koi operates a well-developed omnichannel model that integrates direct digital sales with extensive physical retail distribution. Through its official e-commerce platform, the brand offers nationwide shipping along with subscription options that provide percentage-based savings, flexible delivery scheduling, and easy cancellation. The brand also runs a loyalty program, the Good Feels Club, which allows you to earn points, access exclusive promotions, and receive rewards, supporting long-term engagement through the direct channel.

    In parallel, Koi maintains a large-scale physical retail footprint, with products available in thousands of brick-and-mortar locations across the United States. These include wellness retailers and specialty outlets. The brand supports in-store discovery through an interactive store locator that helps you find nearby retail partners by zip code, expanding access for shoppers who prefer in-person purchasing or immediate availability.

    This omnichannel structure is applied consistently across Koi’s core product lineup. Products such as Koi Naturals Oil Tincture, Koi Delta 8 THC Gummies, Koi Delta 9 THC Gummies, Koi Dragon Blend Gummies, and Koi Gummies Nighttime Rest are available through both online and retail channels. Maintaining the same products across channels helps strengthen brand recognition and ensures a uniform experience regardless of how you choose to shop.

Koi Limitation

Past Regularity Incidents

In November 2019, the FDA issued a warning letter to Koi LLC after reviewing its website and determining that multiple products were being marketed with disease-related claims. Products such as balms, tinctures, lotions, gummies, and pet products were cited for claims related to pain relief, inflammation, diabetes, and mental health conditions.

Under federal law, these claims caused the products to be classified as unapproved and misbranded, as Cannabonoid is not permitted to be sold as a product or added to food. Pet products were additionally categorized as unapproved new animal drugs.

In July 2023, the FDA issued a second warning following a website review and a prior facility inspection, focusing on Koi’s sale of Delta-8 THC edible products. The agency stated that these products were adulterated human foods and not generally recognized as safe, citing the absence of safety evaluation data.

Concerns included psychoactive effects, reported adverse events, potential impacts on neurological, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems, and risks associated with exposure during pregnancy. The FDA also noted that certain product presentations could appeal to children, heightening safety considerations.

Pros

  • Broad product range covering CBD, Delta-8, Delta-9, THCA, CBG, CBN, and blends.
  • Products are available in multiple strengths and formats.
  • COAs are accessible directly from product pages.

Cons

  • The brand’s Delta-8 and THC products carry regulatory and safety concerns.
  • The brand offers products containing THC, which can cause drowsiness and dependence.

Koi Alternatives

  1. Cornbread Hemp

    Koi and Cornbread Hemp both operate in the hemp-derived wellness category, but their portfolios, formulation philosophies, and intended use cases differ in clearly defined ways.

    Cornbread Hemp follows a tightly controlled, agriculture-first model built around Kentucky-grown, USDA-certified organic hemp. Its product range centers on full-spectrum and federally compliant THC formats derived exclusively from hemp flower.

    Its core offerings include Full Spectrum Gummies (available in 300 mg and 1500 mg strengths), Sleep Gummies, Distilled USDA Organic Oil, Whole Flower USDA Organic Oil, Full Spectrum Capsules, and topical options such as Balm, Lotion + Menthol, and Lotion Skin Formula.

    On the THC side, the brand offers Blueberry Breeze THC Gummies (10 mg) and Cherry Lime Chill THC Gummies (10 mg). The catalog remains focused and standardized, with emphasis on organic ingredients and full-spectrum formulations rather than cannabinoid experimentation.

    Koi, on the other hand, operates as a broad cannabinoid marketplace with a significantly wider product scope. In addition to offerings like Koi Naturals Broad Spectrum Oil Tincture, Koi Gummies | Anytime Balance, Koi Gummies | Nighttime Rest, and Naturals Balm, the brand expands into high-potency and alternative cannabinoids.

    Its lineup includes Delta-8 THC Gummies, Delta-9 THC Gummies, Extra Strength Delta-9 THC Gummies, Koi Dragon Blend Gummies (featuring high-dose psychoactive cannabinoid blends), and combination formulas such as Koi Complete Nighttime Rest | THC + CBN + CBD Gummies.

    From a formulation and positioning standpoint, Cornbread Hemp prioritizes simplicity, traceability, and agricultural control, using a flower-only extraction approach and limiting its cannabinoid range to Cannabinoid and Delta-9 THC within structured potency bands.

    Koi emphasizes variety, strength, flexibility, and cannabinoid diversity, offering products that range from cannabinoid gummies as well as non-cannabinoid wellness options.

    Cornbread Hemp focuses on a curated, organic, full-spectrum product selection with clearly defined use cases such as sleep, relaxation, or daily balance. Koi highlights broader choice, higher potency options, and access to emerging cannabinoids alongside conventional products, all within a single brand ecosystem.

  2. Canna River

    Canna River maintains a more CBD-centric and THC-free approach, with most products built around broad-spectrum formulations that emphasize non-detectable THC. Its catalog is organized by product form and effect, covering gummies, softgels, tinctures, and topicals. Examples include the Calm Gummies, Classic Gummies, and high-potency options like the Calm Tincture delivering up to 5,000 mg cannabidiol combined with CBN and CBG.

    Meanwhile, Koi presents itself as a multi-cannabinoid marketplace that extends well beyond traditional cannabinoid wellness. Alongside broad-spectrum and full-spectrum products such as Koi Naturals Oil Tinctures, Anytime Balance Gummies, and Nighttime Rest Gummies, Koi places strong emphasis on THC-forward and emerging cannabinoid formats. Its lineup includes Delta-8 THC Gummies, Delta-9 THC Gummies, and Dragon Blend Gummies with high psychoactive cannabinoid content.

    Formulation complexity also highlights a key difference. Canna River tends to standardize its products around functional cannabinoid ratios, particularly cannabinoids paired with CBC, CBG, or CBN, as seen in its Body Balm, Pain Gummies, and Calm Softgels. Koi’s formulations, on the other hand, frequently layer multiple cannabinoids and compounds, including THC variants, melatonin, NMN, vitamin B12, and newer hemp-derived molecules, depending on the product’s intended effect.

    From a usability standpoint, Canna River emphasizes guided selection through effect-based categories such as Relax, Relieve, Sleep, and Wellness, supported by tools like its product quiz and mobile app. Koi also offers filters, bundles, subscriptions, and loyalty programs, but its navigation reflects a larger, more fragmented catalog.

    Canna River is more narrowly focused on THC-free, broad-spectrum formulations with consistent dosing and functional intent, while Koi operates as a highly diversified cannabinoid brand covering THC, THCA, kratom, and mushroom products.

Are Koi products Legal?

Koi products may be legal in the United States, but their legality depends on the type of cannabinoid, THC concentration, and state-specific regulations.

At the federal level, the 2018 Farm Bill allows hemp-derived products as long as they contain no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight. Koi states that its hemp-derived offerings are formulated to meet this threshold, which allows many of its Cannabinoid and hemp-based cannabinoid products to be sold under federal law.

However, federal compliance does not guarantee legality in every state. Several states have also imposed restrictions or outright bans on certain hemp-derived cannabinoids, particularly Delta-8 THC and similar intoxicating compounds.

States such as New York, Colorado, Alaska, and Vermont prohibit the sale of Delta-8 THC products, meaning brand products containing these cannabinoids may not be legally sold or possessed there, even if they are federally compliant.

Other states allow hemp-derived cannabinoids but apply stricter regulatory frameworks. California permits hemp-derived THC products but enforces detailed testing, labeling, and consumer safety requirements.

Florida currently allows hemp-derived cannabinoids within federal THC limits, though enforcement and legislative updates continue to evolve. Texas remains a more complex market, where hemp-derived products are widely available but subject to ongoing legal and regulatory review.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved Cannabinoid or hemp-derived THC for use in foods or dietary supplements, and Koi has previously received FDA warning letters related to labeling and marketing practices.

These actions do not automatically render all brand products illegal, but they do highlight regulatory limitations tied to how such products are marketed rather than their hemp origin alone. Reviewing local hemp and cannabinoid regulations is essential before considering the brand and its products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Koi clearly differentiate between isolate, broad-spectrum, and full-spectrum products?

The brand differentiates isolate, broad-spectrum, and full-spectrum products through explicit labeling on both packaging and product pages. Its product label specifies the extract type, cannabinoid content, and includes a QR code linking to third-party COAs that confirm potency and THC presence. Distinct product lines, such as Koi Complete, offer full-spectrum formulas to further clarify extract selection.

Does Koi disclose the source of its hemp clearly?

The brand states that it sources its hemp from U.S. farms and highlights oversight aligned with FDA-related quality standards. While this provides general sourcing transparency, farm-level or regional details are limited.

Are all Koi products guaranteed to be THC-free?

No. The brand offers both THC-free and THC-containing products across its range. Broad-spectrum and isolate products are formulated to have non-detectable THC, while full-spectrum and dedicated THC products contain measurable amounts within legal limits. You should review product labels to confirm THC content before purchase.

Conclusion

Koi operates within the hemp-derived cannabinoid market, offering a broad range of products that include Cannabinoid, Delta-8, Delta-9 THC (within federally compliant limits), and blended cannabinoid formulations across multiple delivery formats.

However, THC variants and minor cannabinoids included in the brand’s products have limited human research, and their safety profiles are not yet well established in clinical settings.

Koi’s history of FDA warning letters related to disease-related marketing claims and the sale of Delta-8 THC edibles highlights ongoing compliance and safety concerns common in the cannabinoid sector.

It is important to understand that products containing THC as those offered by the brand, may cause drowsiness, delayed reaction time, impaired coordination, and reduced attention, which can affect driving, operating machinery, or performing safety-sensitive tasks. The effects can also vary widely based on individual tolerance and formulation, which can increase the risk of overconsumption.

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