A quick search of “How long does Delta-8 stay in your system” can lead to confusion. Some results report one to three days, others say a week to ten days, while others report the Delta-8 stays in your system for up to thirty days. So, which is it?
The answer, unfortunately, isn’t that straightforward. How long does Delta 8 stay in your system?
It depends.
What is Delta 8 THC?
The simplest way to put it is that Delta-8 THC, or Δ-8 THC, is a psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. It differs from the more familiar, more available Delta-9 because it’s produced in much smaller quantities. Delta-8 THC is a lighter version of Delta-9 and has a mild sedative effect.
What’s valuable about Delta-8 is it can bring about relaxation without any anxiety or paranoia, as can stem from Delta-9. It binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the central nervous system like Delta-9 does and produces some therapeutic effects. These include antiemetic, neuroprotective, and analgesic properties and appetite-stimulant qualities.
When we mention THC in cannabis, we almost always refer to Delta-9. That’s the version of THC that creates the high effect, along with the other notable properties of cannabis. Delta-8 is a milder version of Delta-9 and does most of the things Delta-9 does but to a lesser extent. You’ll get high from Delta-8 THC, but it will be a much lighter and reportedly more uplifting sensation than the high from Delta-9 THC.
How long do Delta-8’s Effects Last?
Understanding this part of the equation is critical in determining how long Delta-8 THC stays in the body. It’s crucial to understand that how you use Delta 8 is essential in how long it lasts and stays in your system.
If you use Delta 8 in vape or oil form, the effects are experienced relatively quickly without much delay before onset. Effects peak between 30-90 minutes after consumption, with residual effects lasting as long as four to five hours.
If you take Delta-8 THC via edibles or a sublingual oil, it takes 30-90 minutes to work through your digestive system before you feel the effects. Effects peak around the one to two-hour mark, with residual effects lasting roughly four to five hours.
How Long does Delta-8 THC stay in your system?
While the effects of Delta-8 THC typically wane after around four to five hours, this doesn’t put you in the clear. The human body will flush out up to 90% of THC after about 5 days by excretion, but that last 10% hangs around longer. How much longer depends on the individual and will vary depending on factors such as body weight and metabolism.
Interestingly, Delta-8 THC’s effects have been found to be cumulative. This means that regular users will have a build-up in their system that takes even longer to clear, while first-time or low-regularity users will see their bodies release those last traces sooner.
Testing for Delta-8 THC
If you’re worried about testing positive for Delta-8 THC in a drug test, there are some essential things to know. The test method is a crucial factor in how successful it will be in determining if you have Delta-8 THC in your system. Again, frequency of use is key in how long traces will remain in your system, and some means of testing are more thorough than others.
Saliva
Saliva-based drug testing can successfully find THC traces up to 29 days after use. This may depend on how frequently you use THC products, as the cumulative effect on the body will last longer.
Blood
Blood-based drug testing can show Delta-8 THC use around 2 days after use, but in the case of regular consumption or heavy use, a blood test can still reveal THC use up to 30 days later.
Urine
According to a 2017 study, a single-dose use of Delta-8 THC will show up in a urine test up to 3 or 4 days later, but moderate users (4-5 times a week) will test positive up to a week later. Heavy users (daily) will test positive up to two weeks after their last consumption, and chronic users (several times a day) could still test positive up to 30 days after their last consumption. It’s a sobering thought.
Hair Follicle
The hair follicle test is the most challenging drug test to pass. This is because hair follicle testing is the most accurate of all the ways of testing. A hair follicle drug test can still reveal the presence of Delta-8 THC as much as three months after consumption.
The Main Takeaway
If you face a standard drug test, it’s common sense to abstain from products containing THC for as long as possible before the test. Don’t be tempted to think, “it’s just one joint; I’ll be fine”, – especially if you’re a regular user under normal circumstances. Those THC metabolites are used to getting topped up regularly and will therefore hang around in your system longer, making them harder to flush out and easier to detect. The timeframes mentioned above should be treated as estimates and not considered gospel.
A quick search of “How long does Delta-8 stay in your system” can lead to confusion. Some results report one to three days, others say a week to ten days, while others report the Delta-8 stays in your system for up to thirty days. So, which is it?
The answer, unfortunately, isn’t that straightforward. How long does Delta 8 stay in your system?
It depends
What is Delta 8 THC?
The simplest way to put it is that Delta-8 THC, or Δ-8 THC, is a psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. It differs from the more familiar, more available Delta-9 because it’s produced in much smaller quantities. Delta-8 THC is a lighter version of Delta-9 and has a mild sedative effect.
Many users report favouring Delta-8 as it can bring about relaxation without the anxiety or paranoia, they experience from Delta-9. It binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the central nervous system like Delta-9 does and produces some therapeutic effects. These include antiemetic, neuroprotective, and analgesic properties and appetite-stimulant qualities.
When we mention THC in cannabis, we almost always refer to Delta-9. That’s the version of THC that creates the high effect, along with the other notable properties of cannabis. Delta-8 is a less potent version of Delta-9 and does most of the things Delta-9 does but to a lesser extent. You’ll get high from Delta-8 THC, but it will be a much lighter and – as many users report - possibly more uplifting sensation than the high from Delta-9 THC.
How long do Delta-8’s Effects Last?
Understanding this part of the equation is critical in determining how long Delta-8 THC stays in the body. It’s crucial to understand that how you use Delta 8 is essential in how long it lasts and stays in your system.
If you use Delta 8 in vape or oil form, the effects are experienced relatively quickly without much delay before onset. Effects peak between 30-90 minutes after inhalation with residual effects lasting as long as four to five hours.
If you take Delta-8 THC via edibles or a sublingual oil, it takes 30-90 minutes to work through your digestive system before you feel the effects. Effects peak around the one to two-hour mark, with residual effects lasting roughly four to five hours.
How Long does Delta-8 THC stay in your system?
While the effects of Delta-8 THC typically wane after around four to five hours, this doesn’t put you in the clear. The human body will flush out up to 90% of THC after about 5 days by excretion, but that last 10% hangs around longer. How much longer depends on the individual and will vary depending on factors such as body weight and metabolism.
Interestingly, Delta-8 THC’s effects have been found to be cumulative. This means that regular users will have a build-up in their system that takes even longer to clear, while first-time or low-regularity users will see their bodies release those last traces sooner.
Testing for Delta-8 THC
If you’re worried about testing positive for Delta-8 THC in a drug test, there are some essential things to know. The test method is a crucial factor in how successful it will be in determining if you have Delta-8 THC in your system. Again, frequency of use is key in how long traces will remain in your system, and some means of testing are more thorough than others.
Saliva
Saliva-based drug testing can successfully find THC traces up to 29 days after use. This may depend on how frequently you use THC products, as the cumulative effect on the body will last longer.
Blood
Blood-based drug testing can show Delta-8 THC use around 2 days after use, but in the case of regular consumption or heavy use, a blood test can still reveal THC use up to 30 days later.
Urine
According to a 2017 study, a single-dose use of Delta-8 THC will show up in a urine test up to 3 or 4 days later, but moderate users (4-5 times a week) will test positive up to a week later. Heavy users (daily) will test positive up to two weeks after their last consumption, and chronic users (several times a day) could still test positive up to 30 days after their last consumption. It’s a sobering thought.
Hair Follicle
The hair follicle test is the most challenging drug test to pass. This is because hair follicle testing is the most accurate of all the ways of testing. A hair follicle drug test can still reveal the presence of Delta-8 THC as many as three months after consumption.
The Main Takeaway
Depending on the type of testing – some being more sensitive than others – the truth is that abstaining is the best way to be THC-negative. Don’t be tempted to think, “it’s just one joint; I’ll be fine”, – especially if you’re a regular user under normal circumstances. Those THC metabolites are used to getting topped up regularly and will therefore hang around in your system longer, making them harder to flush out and easier to detect. The timeframes mentioned above should be treated as estimates and not considered gospel.
