Delta 8 is a cannabinoid that is similar to Delta 9, the psychoactive substance in marijuana that causes people to experience a high. Both Delta 8 and 9 are types of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The main difference between these two substances is that Delta 8 is much less potent cannabis product than Delta 9.[1]
Because of loopholes in laws, like the 2018 Farm Bill, some states that ban the use of Delta 9 THC continue to allow Delta 8 products to be sold in gas stations and smoke shops. Delta 8 use has risen in popularity over the last few years, but because it is sold legally some people believe they will not get in trouble for using it. Unfortunately, Delta 8 THC will show up on a drug test, which could cost you your job or worse.
As with any substance, it’s important to be aware of how long Delta-8 may stay in your system. Factors such as the method of consumption, dosage, and individual metabolism can all play a role in how long Delta-8 may be detectable in the body. Understanding the pharmacokinetics of Delta-8 can help individuals make informed decisions about their consumption and avoid any potential legal or employment-related consequences.
How Long Do the Effects of Delta 8 Last?
Delta-8 THC has similar effects to Delta-9 THC, including relaxation, pain relief, and euphoria, but with less intense psychoactive effects.
The effects of Delta-8 can vary depending on the individual and the method of consumption. When consumed through smoking or vaping, the effects can be felt within minutes and may last for a few hours. When ingested in edible form, the effects may take longer to onset, typically 30 minutes to one hour, but can last for several hours.
Some common effects of Delta-8 may include:
- Relaxation
- Euphoria
- Pain relief
- Increased appetite
- Reduced anxiety
- Enhanced mood
- Altered perception of time and space
- Dry mouth and eyes
It’s important to note that the effects of Delta-8 can vary based on a number of factors, including dosage, method of consumption, and individual tolerance. Delta 8 and THC metabolites will remain in your system far longer than the effects of the drug last.
What Factors Affect How Long Delta 8 Remains in Your Body?
Everyone processes Delta 8 THC at different rates. The various factors that affect how long Delta 8 THC stays in your system include:
- Metabolism – The biggest factor to consider is your metabolism. If you have a slow metabolism, Delta 8 will remain in your body longer than others.
- Weight – If you have a higher body weight than average, Delta 8 will remain in your body longer because THC is often stored in fat cells, slowing its elimination from the body.
- Dosage and Frequency – Consuming Delta 8 frequently or in large amounts will have more of the substance stored in the body, causing it to remain in the system longer.
- Method of Use – How you use Delta 8 will affect how long it stays in your system. For example, smoking the substance will result in a faster elimination than eating it.
- Overall Health – Lastly, your overall health plays a role in how long Delta 8 stays in your body. For example, older individuals will take longer to eliminate the substance because their livers are not as healthy as a young person’s.
How Long Does Delta 8 Stay in Your System?
The effects of Delta 8 can last up to 5 hours depending on the dosage and method of administration you used. For example, the effects of Delta 8 might last longer when you consume an edible instead of smoking it.
When you use Delta 8, it leaves behind metabolites in your system. These metabolites are the same as Delta 9 THC, which means drug tests cannot differentiate between which type of THC you used. The main metabolite left behind by Delta 8 is referred to as THC-COOH.[2]
How long these metabolites remain in your body depends on the factors explained above. However, Delta 8 tends to remain in your system sometime between 7 to 30 days. Because of how unpredictable this process is, it’s better to refrain from using Delta 8 or any other cannabinoid if you are worried about being drug tested.
How Long is Delta 8 Detectable in Different Drug Tests? Urine, Blood, Hair, and Saliva
If you are worried about passing a drug test after using Delta 8, it’s important to be aware of the differences in detection times. Drug tests are designed to detect substances in different parts of the body. Since drugs are metabolized in phases, each area of your body has a different detection time to be aware of.
Saliva
Saliva tests can detect Delta 8 in your system for one to 29 days after the last use. This timeline is so broad because it heavily depends on how often you use the substance. Occasional users will only test positive for 1 to 3 days, while chronic users may fail a drug test for 29 days.
Blood
Blood tests provide one of the shortest windows of detection for Delta 8 THC, at about two days after you last used the substance. However, people who use Delta 8 daily at high doses might test positive for up to 25 days.
Urine
Urine tests highly depend on how often you abuse the substance, for example:
- Occasional users will test positive for Delta 8 to 3 days after their last use
- Moderate users will test positive for Delta 8 between 5 to 7 days after their last use
- Daily users will test positive for 10 to 15 days after their last use
- People who use Delta 8 multiple times per day will test positive for 30 days or more
Urine tests are the most widely used type of drug test.
Hair
Hair tests have a long detection window. Hair grows very slowly, and any drug the lab is testing for is detectable for up to 3 months after you last used it.
How to Get Delta 8 THC out of Your System Safely
Delta-8, a minor cannabinoid found in cannabis, can remain detectable in the body for varying periods of time depending on a number of factors such as the method of consumption, dosage, and individual metabolism. While there is no guaranteed way to remove Delta-8 from your system, there are some things you can do to potentially expedite the process:
- Stay hydrated – Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, can help flush your system and potentially speed up the elimination of Delta-8 and other cannabinoids.
- Exercise – Physical activity can increase metabolism and circulation, potentially aiding in the elimination of Delta-8 from the body.
- Wait – The most effective way to remove Delta-8 from your system is simply to wait. Depending on the individual and the dose consumed, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks for Delta-8 to be completely eliminated.
- Avoid using Delta 8 or another cannabinoid – Continued use of Delta-8 will prolong the time it remains in your system, so avoiding re-consumption can help speed up the elimination process.
It’s important to note that these methods are not foolproof and the length of time Delta-8 remains in the body can vary widely depending on individual factors. The best approach may be to wait for it to naturally clear from your system simply.
If you find that you can’t stop taking Delta 8, even with an upcoming drug test, you may be addicted.
Find Help for Delta 8 Abuse
While THC or Delta 8 addiction can appear less dangerous than heroin or cocaine use disorders, it can significantly impact your life. Attending a professional drug rehab can provide you with the support and tools you need to regain control over your life and maintain long-term sobriety.
To learn about your detox and treatment options or to find help for a loved one, contact First Step Behavioral Health today.
References:
- National Library of Medicine: 5 Things to Know About Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol: Delta-8 THC, Retrieved April 2023 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9312454/
- National Institute of Justice (NIJ): The problems with Cannabinoid Analogs (Delta-8 THC, Delta-10 THC and CBD) and their metabolites detectability in urine drug testing for potential cannabinoid abuse., Retrieved April 2023 from https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/awards/15pnij-21-gg-04188-ress
