How Long Does Delta 8 Stay in Your System?

Trying to figure out how long does delta 8 stays in your system? Well, worry, not cannabis lovers. We've got all the answers. Delta 8 weed seems to be the better alternative to the more traditional delta-9 THC mainly because its low potency decreases the risk of developing side effects like headaches and anxiety. But, how long does delta-8 even stay in your system? And would delta 8 even show up on a drug blood test?

How Long Does Delta 8 Stay in Your System?

Delta- 8 products are relatively new to the cannabis industry. In fact, they only began to grow in popularity over the last few years. As a result, you'll find very little research about delta explaining how long delta 8 THC stays in your system?

But, not all hope is lost! Plenty of research has been done on delta-9 THC, aka traditional THC. And, Since d8 THC is structurally similar to delta-9, we can extrapolate information and make educated guesses about how delta-8 behaves in the body.

And now the big question, how long will delta-8 THC stay in your system? Well, various studies explain that delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol is catabolized to THC-COOH, a THC metabolite. And in humans, it appears that the half-life of this metabolite ranges from 5.2 to 6.2 days. So, what does this mean in regards to how long does THC stay in your system? Well, to put it simply, the studies suggest that it takes approximately 12 days for the human body to excrete the THC metabolite. So, based on the information presented in the study, delta-8 THC may also remain in the body for just as long, 12 days.

But wait, there's a catch! The 12 days is just a rough time frame! You'll often hear a delta 8 user say that trace amounts of THC metabolites remain detectable in blood for greater than 30 days. And this is true as well as THC levels can build up over some time. So it's essential to consider the different factors that will influence how long THC levels remain high in the body.

What is Delta 8 THC

Delta-8 THC products seem to be plastered across social media! Often nicknamed the "legal weed," delta-8 THC has gained an incredible reputation for its soothing and euphoric effects.

But, how is delta-8 different from traditional THC?

Delta-8 shares a similar molecular structure to delta-9 THC (aka the type of THC that's illegal). But here's the catch, delta-8 is considered an isomer of delta-9, and that's because it has a double bond at one of its carbon-carbon linked changes. This minor change in its chemical structure is responsible for its different properties.

Factors that Influence How Long THC Stays in Your System

To better understand how long THC will stay in your system for marijuana users, consider a few important factors.

1. Bodyweight: Both delta 8 and delta 9 THC will accumulate in adipose tissue (fat). The chronic breakdown of fat, be it through stress or food deprivation, will increase the likelihood of cannabis reintoxication, increasing THC blood levels.
2. Are you a chronic user? While delta-8 THC does indeed produce a less potent high, it can still build up in chronic users. Those who smoke or use delta-8 products regularly will find that the THC remains in their system for a lot longer.
3. Method of consumption: Those who consume edibles will notice that the effects of a delta-8 high can last for hours. This is because weed edibles must undergo the process of digestion before THC enters the bloodstream. So if you choose to consume delta-8 gummies, then there's a good chance that it will remain in your system a little longer than if you were to inhale delta-8.
4. The potency of the product? delta-8 THC products come in various strengths. More potent products will result in a longer-lasting high. So, if you want to clear THC out of your system, stick to low potency delta-8 products.

How Long Does the Feeling Last?

I've always found that d8 THC is a great choice for those who find regular weed to be a bit too overwhelming. As we've mentioned above, D8 THC isn't going to lead to a potent high. But, it will send you into the clouds. The psychoactive effects of this compound seem to be a mixture of energizing euphoria coupled with a transient wave of deep relaxation. Regarding how long the effects last will depend on various factors, where the method of consumption seems to be the most important.

For example, if you consume delta 8 gummies, you can expect a high to last for 60 to 80 minutes. However, if you choose to inhale delta 8 (i.e., vape cartridge), the effects may last 45 to 60 minutes.

Does Delta 8 Show up on a Drug Test

In the United States, gas chromatography and mass spectrometry seem to be the go-to method for drug testing cannabis users. This form of marijuana drug testing uses urine samples to detect the levels of 11-Hydroxy THC (the metabolite of THC). Therefore, cannabis users need to be cautious when smoking or consuming any form of delta-8 products. Delta-8 THC will show up on a drug test, primarily because the molecule shares a similar structure to delta-9 THC.

If you're worried about delta-8 showing up on a drug test, then follow this rough guideline:

• Hair follicle test: THC levels can remain elevated in hair follicles for up to 90 days post-consumption.
• Blood tests: THC levels in the blood tend to dissipate within 1 to 2 days.
• Saliva tests: The THC metabolite may remain detectable in saliva for up to 3 days post-consumption.
• Urine test: The detection time for single-use (first-time users) is 3 days. In contrast, the detection time for a chronic delta-8 THC user can average at 30 days.