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February 28, 2023
Delta 8

How Long Does Delta 8 Stay in Your System? The Ultimate Guide

We’ve all been there. You’ve got a tasty-looking Delta 8 gummy right there in hand, ready to eat—but there’s something you still don’t know. How long does Delta 8 stay in your system? And will an impending drug test detect it?

We get it. These days, accessibility of Delta-8 THC products has exploded; you can find them everywhere from gas stations to cannabis dispensaries.

Although the short answer is that Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol or Delta-8 THC stays in your system 2 to 30 days, we will get into a lot more detail here.

In this article we’ll cover:

  • What are the effects of Delta-8 THC and how long do they last?
  • Legality of Delta 8 products under the Farm Bill as hemp products;
  • How long Delta-8 THC stays in the body and what factors go into that; and
  • Can Delta-8 THC make you fail a drug test?

No one should try any kind of new products or activities without knowing what to expect, so it’s time to figure this out. Alright, let’s go!

(And check out our related post: How Long Does a Delta 8 High Last?)

What is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 THC is a somewhat milder, hemp-derived isomer of the standard Delta-9 THC. In other words, Delta 8 is a cousin of the THC that lends marijuana its typical psychoactive effects, but it’s made from hemp plants, not cannabis plants.

This is why you may have seen Delta 8 products on the market in various states–even some that prohibit Delta 9. The Farm Bill allows for hemp products at the federal level across the United States, and many individual states have followed the same language in the Farm Bill.

What Are the Effects of Delta-8 THC and How Long Do They Last?

According to a 1973 study, Delta-8 THC can produce classic cannabis-like “high” feelings of intoxication, including:

  • Euphoria
  • Slowed speech and thought
  • Relaxation
  • Visual distortions

However, even at a higher concentration, the effects are going to feel milder than those produced by Delta-9 THC.

While still psychoactive, Delta 8 has a different chemical structure that makes it less intense than its infamous sibling. This difference causes it to produce milder and more controllable intoxicating benefits.

And while Delta 8 binds with both CB1 and CB2 receptors located throughout the central nervous system and peripheral organs, it has less affinity for the CB1 receptors that are mainly in the brain. Thus, Delta 8 produces fewer psychological or mind effects. It is also said by users to create fewer negative “cannabis” drawbacks like paranoia and anxiety.

How long does it take for the effects of Delta 8 to kick in?

This depends greatly on your method of consumption:

  • If you vape or smoke a Delta 8 product, for example, you should experience almost immediate effects
  • If you eat or ingest Delta 8 tinctures or edibles (except for tinctures you take sublingually), it takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours. This is because the cannabinoids have to go through the digestive system before hitting the bloodstream.
  • If you use other drugs or alcohol with Delta 8, it is possible you’ll experience much more numerous or serious side effects than you normally would, even from higher Delta-9 THC levels

How long do the effects of Delta 8 last? Usually, the effects of Delta 8 last a few hours.

How Long Does Delta-8 THC Stay in your System?

It is possible to detect Delta 8 in the urine or blood for as long as 30 days. There are many factors that can either lengthen or shorten the amount of time it takes for all trace amounts of Delta 8 to be processed by the liver and clear the body completely.

Hair follicle tests can detect Delta-8 THC for up to 90 days—the longest duration of time. However, these are rarely used in drug testing as they are costly and often produce inaccurate results.

The amount of time Delta 8 stays in the body depends on several things.

Factors that affect the duration of Delta-8 THC metabolites

Frequency of use. Any form of THC stays in the human body longer with more frequent use. This is also the case with other cannabinoids, including CBD. Cannabinoids are fat-soluble, meaning they build-up in fat cells over time. This is why it takes a longer amount of time for regular users to test clear of cannabinoids.

Age. As we age, our metabolism tends to slow down overall.

Consumption method. Compared to smoked and vaped THC, edibles like gummies, capsules, oil, and other forms of Delta 8 ingestion persist in the body for more time. One study revealed that the body cleared vaped, smoked, or inhaled CBD from the body almost twice as fast as ingested forms. Delta-8 THC tincture also has a delayed onset, about 45 minutes compared to regular THC tinctures which tend to kick in within 15–30 minutes—although the tinctures also last longer, up to 10 hours. Typically, a Delta 8 vape pen produces effects within 10–15 minutes and vape pens and other inhaled cannabis products last 1–5 hours.

Individual metabolic rate. Some people metabolize cannabinoids faster than others. Body weight is not as relevant as most people think although body fat percentage is somewhat relevant. Genetics certainly are!

Serving size. High levels of THC clear the body more slowly. Ongoing, chronic cannabinoid use causes the compounds to persist in the body much longer and are more easily subject to detection.

Use of other medications or supplements. Some compounds slow the breakdown and elimination of Delta 8.

What is the half-life of Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 THC has two metabolic phases. Its first metabolic phase is limited to the first 60 seconds or so of taking it, during which the body clears a portion of it from the body. After this occurs, the next phase starts and the metabolic rate is substantially reduced. The slow phase has its own half-life for Delta 8 of about 32 minutes.

Can Delta-8 THC Make You Fail Drug Tests?

You may have found this information because of an upcoming drug test. The short answer is that yes, Delta-8 THC can come back positive and lead the user to fail those drug test results.

Although there have been some too-good-to-be-true rumors out there, as a dose of reality, Delta-8 THC is still a form of THC. It is not the way to be able to use cannabis and fool most drug tests.

The National Drug Court Institute also recommends avoiding Delta-8 THC products if a drug test is in your future, because some impure Delta 8 products also contain delta-9 THC (and possibly other substance or compound traces).

How long is Delta-8 THC detectable via drug testing?

There’s nothing in the scientific research studies to indicate that Delta-8 THC is any different than Delta-9 THC in terms of the length of time it is detectable. However, depending on the frequency of Delta 8 use, type of drug test used, and the user’s metabolism, Delta-8 THC can be detected via drug testing for different periods of time.

Urine tests

Urine testing is the most common of the methods. Typically, a urine test is able to detect cannabis use for up to 30 days after the last use. However, occasional users tend to have much different results than daily, heavier users, according to a 2017 review:

  • Single use: 3 days
  • Moderate use of 3 to 4 times per week: 5 to 7 days
  • Chronic daily use: 10 to 15 days
  • Chronic use multiple times per day: over 30 days

Blood test

Blood tests generally detect cannabis use only within the past 2 to 12 hours. However, as with urine tests, frequent, chronic cannabis use can cause more lasting results for up to 30 days after the most recent use.

Saliva tests

A saliva test can detect concentrations of the THC metabolite for up to 24 hours after use. However, a 2020 review of articles among frequent users of cannabis found that THC was detectable in saliva 72 hours after use.

Hair test

A hair follicle test can detect cannabinoid content up to 90 days after use.

Do cannabis detox drinks work?

Especially online, you’ll find lots of cannabis detox programs and products aimed at faster metabolization of Delta 9. But there’s no real proof that these cleanses, fiber drinks, or other ways will help you pass a drug test for THC.

Detoxes that involve herbal supplements are not regulated for quality or purity by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and some can even be harmful. A detox drink even may even include laxatives, which can have side effects and can cause diarrhea and dehydration. Other detoxes involve drinking lots of water or fiber or cranberry juice — but again, there is no proof that these work.

Remember, there is no substitute for planning. Give yourself the window you need.

Final Thoughts on How Long Delta 8 Stays in Your System

Overall, you can’t go wrong with the mild, relaxing Delta 8 high, and there’s a D8 product for just about everyone. But if you need to pass a drug test, be careful and plan ahead so you’re ready!

Answers to FAQ with Explanations

Where is the best place to buy Delta 8?

The internet has had the effect of giving more choices to more people. Today, someone shopping for Delta 8 can choose exactly what they want from the comfort of their home online.

Why shop online? First, because each person can select their ideal product from a huge selection and get the perfect choice. Get your questions answered by the actual manufacturer, and don’t settle for flavors, an extraction process, delivery methods, or serving sizes you don’t like.

Second, because you can look for proof of ingredients and lab testing results. Verify for yourself that your D8 products are free of toxins, contaminates, manufacturers chemicals, or even just cannabinoids you weren’t expecting.

From vapes to gummy grapes, the very best Delta 8 is online.

What steps can I take to maximize the amount of time Delta 8 stays in the system?

Use only enough Delta 8 to achieve the effects you want. Taking it too often can lead to it being tougher for your senses to perceive and quicker to be processed out of your system.

Avoid the temptation to take Delta 8 with other substances such as alcohol. Eating fatty types of foods with your D8 serving may prolong its effects. Realize that if you exercise frequently or otherwise have a high metabolism you may experience more rapid effects.

Finally, a good supplement regimen tailored to meet the needs of your individual body type and lifestyle could potentially increase not only the amount of time that Delta 8 stays in your system but also its effectiveness. Supplements that support cognitive function and nervous system health may help extend the duration and intensity of the effects Delta 8 has on your body while also providing more lasting support and overall wellbeing.

Are there any long-term effects associated with Delta 8 staying in the system for an extended period of time?

The answer to this question is not straightforward because there is limited research on the long-term effects associated with the cannabis plant more generally.

Written by Diet Smoke Staff Writers

The staff writers for Diet Smoke have been researching and writing about premium hemp-derived THC and CBD products for more than 3 years. The team has a keen understanding of the topic, remain current on all FDA and industry news, and use their expertise to generate engaging and informative content to help educate consumers on Diet Smoke’s products. Each article is fact-checked and includes sources to scientific data to ensure readers receive the most up-to-date and accurate information possible.

Find out more about Diet Smoke, our history and our commitment to creating the highest quality products.

Reviewed By Colby Wohlleb

Colby Wohlleb, editor of Diet Smoke, reviews and approves all content before releasing it for posting on the Diet Smoke website. As a tireless advocate for the benefits of premium hemp-derived THC and CBD products, Colby ensures that all content is accurate, engaging, and informative. He also works directly with a trusted source to ensure the purity of the products we sell and performs rigorous lab testing to ensure that Diet Smoke’s products are of the highest quality and safety standards.

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