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

Users find many different benefits of Delta 8, with fewer negative side effects compared to Delta 9 THC.

If you know you have an upcoming drug test or are subject to periodic drug tests, the question of how long Delta 8 stays in your system becomes crucial as factors like effects and potencies can vary among users, making it challenging to determine.

On average, Delta 8 THC will typically remain in your system for 2-30 days, but several variables need consideration before determining its duration.

How Does Delta 8 Affect the Body?

Reported effects of Delta 8 include a milder stimulating and uplifting high compared to marijuana, with more calming and relaxing qualities than Delta 9, providing a pleasant experience without feeling completely stoned.

Individual experiences may vary; however, users generally expect a milder and relaxing high from Delta 8.

The method of consumption can influence the effects, duration, and how long Delta 8 remains in your system. Let’s explore the duration of effects based on different consumption methods.

How Long Can the Effects of Using Delta 8 Last?

Understanding how long Delta 8 affects you post-usage is important, despite not directly correlating with its detection in drug tests.

Delta 8 THC Vape Cartridges

Effects from vape cartridges typically kick in within 5-10 minutes and peak between 30 minutes to 2 hours, lasting up to 5 hours.

Delta 8 THC Oils

Approximately 30-90 minutes to kick in, with effects lasting 4 to 5 hours and peaking between 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Delta 8 THC Gummies

Edibles take longer to kick in (30 minutes to 2 hours) but provide longer-lasting effects, sometimes up to 5 hours.

How Long Does Delta 8 Stay in Your System?

Although determining the timeframe DeltaIn determining the duration of Delta 8 THC staying in your system, it’s crucial to note that it varies between individuals based on several key factors, making it an imprecise science. Taking these factors into account is essential, especially if facing drug tests, to prevent a positive result.

Frequency of Use

The frequency of Delta 8 or cannabis use directly impacts how long it lingers in your system. cannabinoids are fat-soluble and can accumulate in fat cells with prolonged or high-dose use. When discontinued, these compounds slowly release back into the bloodstream, lengthening their elimination time.

For instance, if Delta 8 is used once or twice weekly, the body may be clear within 7-10 days. Conversely, someone using it five to six times weekly might need to wait several weeks for it to become undetectable in blood or urine.

THC Potency

The potency of Delta 8 or other cannabinoids impacts their duration in the body – higher doses lead to longer presence. Though Delta 8 has a relatively short half-life, increasing the dose may extend its presence by hours rather than days.

Age 

Metabolism slows with age, but this isn’t consistent for everyone. Some younger individuals may have a similar processing time for Delta 8 compared to older individuals due to varying metabolisms.

Method of Consumption

Edible forms of Delta 8 tend to remain in the body longer. Inhaled forms act faster but clear quicker than edibles.

While no official studies exist on Delta 8 ingestion methods, anecdotal evidence suggests similarities with Delta 9 metabolism. This inference is based on consumer experiences and onset times of effects.

Individual Metabolism

Metabolism speed affects Delta 8 processing, with faster metabolisms leading to quicker metabolization. The liver’s enzyme, CYP3A4, plays a crucial role in breaking down Delta 8 and other cannabinoids. Variations in enzyme levels among individuals impact the processing speed.

Individuals with lower CYP3A4 enzymes take longer to metabolize Delta 8 than those with higher levels. This influences the duration required for the substance to clear from the body.

How Do You Clear Delta 8 THC out of Your System?

Wondering about ways to speed up the elimination of Delta 8 from your system before a drug test, especially if you have used THC products? It’s advisable to refrain from these products for at least 2 weeks before the test. Here are some methods that aid in flushing out Delta 8 THC.

Hydrate with Water

Staying hydrated can assist in the faster removal of Delta 8 from your system, as the liver breaks down and eliminates it through the kidneys after usage. 

Detoxify Naturally or with Detox drinks

Consuming a detox drink can aid in expelling toxins quickly. Natural detox options include fresh cranberry juice or apple cider vinegar.

 

Maintain a Balanced Diet and Exercise

Eating well and regular exercise can boost your metabolism, naturally speeding up the metabolization process of these substances. Additionally, staying fit can lower body fat, reducing the likelihood of THC storage since Delta 8 THC is stored in fat cells.

 

Could Delta 8 Lead to Failing a Drug Test?

Delta 8 THC might lead to a failed drug test since most standard tests do not distinguish between Delta 8 (though legal in many states) and Delta 9 THC. You may test positive for THC metabolites, making it challenging to argue that it was from legal hemp-derived THC instead of marijuana.

Avoid Delta 8 or any THC substances entirely if you are facing a drug screening or test.

 

Drug Testing Methods 

The common drug test for marijuana or Delta 8 THC is the urine test, but various types of drug tests are used and should be noted.

 

Urine Drug Test

For new users, THC can be detected in urine up to three days post-use, while moderate users may show it for 5-10 days. Delta 8 THC might be detectable for up to 48 days, especially for heavy users.

  

Saliva Test

Saliva tests can detect THC and its metabolites for 1 to 29 days, depending on usage frequency and the amount of Delta 8 THC consumed. Occasional users can expect detection for 1-3 days, while chronic users may test positive for up to 29 days.

 

Blood Test

Heavy users might have detectable Delta 8 THC in the bloodstream for up to 25 days, post-last consumption.

 

After inhalation, like using Delta 8 vapes, THC metabolites can be swiftly detected in the bloodstream, remaining traceable for several days. 

 

This form of testing is usually to indicate recent cannabis use. For an upcoming drug test, complete abstinence is recommended.

To consider is refraining from using Delta 8 THC for a minimum of 14-28 days before the test.

 

The Hair Follicle Test

Performing a hair follicle drug test is considerably less common and poses a significant challenge to pass. Minute quantities of Delta-8 THC may permeate into the hair strands. Due to the slow growth rate of hair, detection is possible for up to three months post-use.

 

In Conclusion

In summary, variables such as the method of consumption selected, individual physical traits (e.g., age, metabolism, hydration, fitness), as well as frequency and potency of product usage are pivotal in determining the period Delta 8 remains in your body.

 

Whether you are preemptively educating yourself on this subject to prepare for a potential drug test or merely seeking knowledge, you are now acquainted with the key factors influencing the duration of Delta 8 presence in your system.