How Long Does Delta 8 THC Stay In Your System?

January 23, 2024

Delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid derived from hemp that has gained popularity recently for its milder psychoactive effects and potential health benefits. You are what you consume. What we put into our bodies stays with us for a long time. But how long will this last? This guide will look at the complete Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol experience, from the relaxing high to how long it can linger in our bodies, especially before a drug test.

Join us on our Delta-8 THC journey!

Effects of Delta-8

To understand how long Delta-8 THC can stay in your body, it is first necessary to compare it to Delta-9 THC, often known as THC. D8 is an isomer of THC, which means it has a similar chemical structure. Delta-8 is a kind of THC that has been aged. As you may expect, this implies the two have many similarities, including their effects and how long they stay in the body. But first, what makes the D8 experience unique?

There are numerous ways to create the Delta-8 experience. Because D8 is found in considerably lower concentrations than D9 in the cannabis plant, it is frequently distilled. This distillate is frequently smoked by dabbing or vaping, taken as edibles such as delta 8 gummies, or sprinkled on a preroll joint with CBD flower. You can also apply Delta-8 tincture to your tongue.

Delta-8 binds to the same receptors in the brain and body as delta-9 THC but with less affinity and efficacy. It can produce similar effects as delta-9 THC but with less intensity and fewer side effects.

Some of the positive effects of delta-8 thc products include:

• Euphoria

• Relaxation

• Pain relief

• Anti-nausea

• Appetite stimulation

• Anti-inflammation

• Neuroprotection

How Long Does Delta-8 Stay In Your System?

The answer to this question depends on several factors, such as the amount and frequency of delta-8 consumption, the method of administration, the metabolism and body fat percentage of the user, and the sensitivity and type of the drug test. 

However, as a general rule of thumb, delta-8 can stay in your system for anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks, depending on these factors. If you have an upcoming drug test, keep this factor in mind.

Some people are concerned Delta-8 will turn up on their upcoming drug test. Knowing how long Delta-8 show up in your system will either calm your fears or allow you to flush your system before the test. So, let’s break it down by the type of drug test that will be conducted.

• Blood test: THC will stay in your blood for 2 to 25 days

• Saliva test: THC remains in your saliva till you entirely swallow, and even up to 29 days

• Urine test: THC stays in urine for up to 48 days

• Hair follicle test: THC stays in hair follicles for up to 90 days

How Delta-8 Interacts With Your System

Delta-8 interacts with your system through the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors, enzymes, and molecules that regulate various physiological processes in the body. The ECS is responsible for maintaining homeostasis or balance in the body, and it is involved in functions such as mood, memory, appetite, pain, inflammation, sleep, immune response, and more.

Like traditional delta-9 THC, delta-8 interacts with receptors in the ECS. There are two central ECS receptors: CB1 and CB2.

CB1 receptors are located in the brain and central nervous system. CB2 receptors are located in the peripheral organs and tissues. Delta-8 reacts more with CB1 receptors, producing cognitive effects typically associated with consuming cannabis.

When delta-8 binds to CB1 receptors in the brain, it can modulate the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, glutamate, and GABA. These neurotransmitters regulate mood, cognition, emotion, motivation, reward, learning, and memory. Therefore, users may enjoy mood-boosting and euphoric effects when using delta-8.

Delta-8 also binds with some CB2 receptors in the peripheral system, inducing bodily effects like reduced pain, increased appetite, and decreased nausea. 

How Long Does Delta-8 Take to Work?

The amount of time delta-8 effects start depends on the method of administration and the dose. For inhalation methods, such as vaping or smoking, the effects can be felt within minutes, as the delta-8 molecules enter the bloodstream through the lungs and reach the brain quickly. 

For oral methods, such as edibles or tinctures, the effects can take longer to kick in, as the delta-8 molecules have to pass through the digestive system and the liver before entering the bloodstream and reaching the brain. Depending on the user and product, this process can take 30 minutes to two hours.

How Long Do Delta-8 Effects Last?

The duration of delta-8 effects also depends on the method of consumption, the dose, and the user’s tolerance. For inhalation methods, the effects can last for up to four hours, depending on the individual and the product type. Oral methods can have lasting effects for up to eight hours or longer, with the length varying from person to person.

Factors That Influence How Long Delta-8 Stays in Your System

As mentioned earlier, several factors can affect how long delta-8 stays in your system and can be detected by drug tests. Some of these factors include:

• The user’s weight, height, metabolism, and body fat percentage

• The user’s THC tolerance

• The frequency of use

• The type and quality of delta-8 used

• The consumption method (i.e., smoking, vaping, eating, etc.)

Does Delta-8 Take Longer to Leave Your System?

Delta-8 does not take longer than other types of THC, such as delta-9, to leave your system. However, oral concentrates take longer to metabolize, remaining in your system longer than the THC that you inhale. As many delta-8 products come in concentrate form, this may be why many assume delta-8 takes longer.

How to Clear Delta-8 From Your System?

There is no definitive way to clear delta-8 from your system quickly or entirely, as it depends on many unique factors. However, there are some steps you can take to help speed up this process or reduce your chances of failing a drug test. Some of these steps include:

• Stop consuming delta-8 at least one week before a drug test.

• Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins from your system.

• Exercise regularly to burn fat cells and release THC metabolites into your bloodstream.

• Eat a healthy diet of fiber and antioxidants to support your liver function and detoxification.

• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, and other substances interfering with your metabolism or drug test results.

Will Delta-8 Make You Fail a Drug Test?

Delta-8 can make you test positive on a drug test, as it can produce THC metabolites that most drug tests can detect. Delta-8’s structure is similar to delta-9, the traditional THC type in cannabis products. Thus, delta-8 shows up as traditional cannabis-derived THC on a drug test.

One Hit of Delta-8 Drug Test

Even a single or occasional use of delta-8 can make you fail a drug test, primarily if the drug test is conducted within a few days of your last use. elta-8 can produce enough THC metabolites to exceed the cutoff level of most drug tests, which is usually 50 ng/mL for urine tests. Delta 8 gummies and edibles will also test positive on a drug test, so bear that in mind.

THC and Drug Testing

THC and its metabolites are the main targets of most drug tests, as they indicate cannabis use. Three main types of THC are relevant for drug testing:

• Delta-9 THC: This is the main psychoactive component of cannabis that produces the high and other effects. Delta-9 is the most abundant form of THC in cannabis plants. 

• Delta-8 THC: This is a minor cannabinoid derived from hemp that has milder psychoactive effects and potential health benefits. It is less abundant in cannabis plants than delta-9 THC. 

• THCA: This is the precursor of delta-9 THC that is found in raw or unheated cannabis plants. It has no psychoactive effects or potential health benefits, but it is abundant in cannabis plants. Thus, it is often used to detect cannabis use.

These substances can be detected by blood tests for up to seven days after use, saliva tests for up to 24 hours after use, urine tests for up to three days or longer, and hair follicle tests for up to 90 days after use.

Know the Facts

Delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid derived from hemp that has gained popularity recently for its softer effects. However, it can also make you fail a drug test, as it produces THC metabolites that most drug tests can detect.

With many misconceptions about delta-8, it’s essential to know the facts, such as its effects, interactions, legality, and detection. But using Delta-8 responsibly and moderately can be a great alternative or addition to your usual picks. Check out Baysmokes’ catalog of all-natural, no-additive delta-8 products, just as long as you don’t have a drug test coming up.

FAQs

Does delta-8 leave your system faster?

Delta-8 does not necessarily leave your system faster than other THC types. The time it stays in one’s system depends on various individual and product factors.

Will delta-8 make you fail a urinalysis?

Delta-8 can make you fail a urine test if taken too soon before the test. It is best to stop ingesting delta-8 and THC products at least one week before a urine test.

How do you flush delta-8 out of your system?

The best way to eliminate delta-8 from your system is to stop using it. Drinking plenty of water can help flush toxins, and exercising can help metabolize THC faster. However, these methods are not entirely reliable to prevent detection.

How long does delta-8 stay in your system if you hit it twice?

Delta-8 can stay in your system for up to one week after vaping.

Is there an antidote for delta-8?

There is no antidote for delta-8. The effects of delta-8 will pass with time, depending on the factors listed above.

Is delta-8 bad for your heart?

Individuals with heart conditions may see adverse effects with delta-8, such as increased heart rate.

Can too much delta-8 cause brain damage?

Research has shown differing conclusions. There is insufficient evidence to determine if THC can cause brain damage definitively. Studies on long-term usage are in progress.

Is delta-8 bad for your liver?

Evidence of the effect of delta-8 on the liver is unclear. Like all THC products, it is best to consume delta-8 in moderation.