How Long Does Delta-8 High Last? Effects, Duration, & More

Delta 8 THC is known for its mild and calming effects, but many people have questions about this substance which is not as common as delta 9 (regular THC from marijuana).

This page explains what delta 8 is, how it affects the body, how long does delta 8 high last, and how to get effective treatment for marijuana abuse.

What Is Delta-8 THC?

Delta 8 THC is a naturally occurring compound found in hemp plants and cannabis plants, but only in small amounts. [1] Delta 8 is a cannabinoid like delta 9 THC – the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana associated with its high. Delta 8 is less potent than delta 9 and delivers milder psychoactive effects.

Delta 8 THC can be considered a middle ground between CBD (which does not cause a high) and delta 9 (which causes strong psychoactive effects).

Since delta 8 THC comes from hemp plants, it’s legal under federal law in most places, as long as the product contains less than 0.3% delta 9 THC. [2] This gray area has been exploited, increasing delta 8 products like vape pens, gummies, and tinctures.

How Does Delta 8 Work?

Delta 8 THC works by interacting with the body’s ECS (endocannabinoid system) within the central nervous system. The ECS is a network of receptors throughout the body that regulates sleep, appetite, pain, and mood. Delta 8 binds to two receptors in the endocannabinoid system – CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are mainly located in the brain and are responsible for producing the “high feeling,” while CB2 receptors help govern immune system functioning.

When delta 8 binds to these receptors, it triggers a mild psychoactive effect, leading to reduced stress, relaxation, and a slight boost in mood. The effects are not as strong as those of delta 9 THC, so people feel clear-headed and functional, without anxiety or paranoia.

Why the Delta-8 Cannabinoid Is Different Than Others

Delta 8 THC stands out from other cannabinoids because of its unique balance of effects. While CBD (another cannabinoid found in hemp and cannabis plants) doesn’t cause a high at all, and delta 9 THC can provoke an intense high, delta 9 is a middle ground, with a mild and smooth high that’s more controlled than a traditional marijuana high.

Delta 8 reacts differently with receptors in the ECS. Although it binds to the same receptors as delta 9, it doesn’t activate them as powerfully. This is why its effects are milder. Some people use delta 8 THC to provide relief from stress or discomfort without the mental fog or heavy drowsiness that can come with stronger cannabinoids.

The legal status of delta 8 sets it apart from other forms of THC. It’s derived from hemp and contains less than 0.3% delta 9 THC, which means it’s federally legal in most U.S. states.

What Does a Delta-8 High Feel Like?

A delta 8 THC high is typically calm and relaxing, without the intensity that some people find overwhelming with delta 9 THC. Many people report feeling a gentle sense of euphoria paired with a clear-headed focus. Unlike delta 9, which can sometimes cause anxiety or paranoia in large doses, the delta 8 high is smoother and more balanced, helping people stay in control and go about their day after using D8 products.

The most common effects of a delta 8 THC high include:

• Euphoria
• Relaxation
• Mental clarity
• Increased appetite
• Physical relief

A D8 high, then, is more subtle than traditional THC, making it an option for those who want to enjoy the benefits of marijuana without feeling anxious or out of it.

How Long Does It Take Delta-8 To Kick In?

How long does delta 8 take to hit depends on how you consume it. How long does delta 8 last is also affected by the method of consumption.

• Edibles: Delta 8 edibles like gummies or cookies take longer to kick in because your body must digest the food first. You may not feel anything for 30 to 60 minutes after eating a D8 edible, but the effects last for several hours once they kick in.
• Vaping and smoking: Inhaling delta 8 triggers effects within 5 to 15 minutes. The effects from vaping or smoking delta 8 wear off after 2 to 3 hours.
• D8 tinctures: Tinctures are liquid drops taken under the tongue, prompting effects within 15 minutes and lasting for 3 to 5 hours.

How quickly you feel the effects of delta 8 TCH and how long it lasts also hinges on your metabolism, body fat, weight, and tolerance. [3] Someone new to delta 8 is likely to feel the effects sooner and more intensely than a person who uses the substance regularly.

How Long Do Delta-8 Effects Last?

How long does delta 8 keep you high, then? This depends on how you take it and your body’s response, but effects normally last for two hours and up to eight hours.

Side Effects of Delta-8

Delta 8 THC causes a milder high than delta 9, but it can still cause some side effects, especially if taken in large amounts. Most side effects are not severe, but they can be uncomfortable. These include:

• Dry mouth: Delta 8 THC can make your mouth feel dry so stay hydrated to manage this.
• Red eyes: Like other forms of THC, delta 8 may cause your eyes to look red or feel dry.
• Increased appetite: Delta 8 can stimulate appetite, making you feel hungrier (this is sometimes called “the munchies”). This effect is similar to delta 9 THC.
• Drowsiness: Some people report feeling sleepy after using delta 8 THC, especially with higher doses. This makes D8 a popular option for those looking to relax or improve sleep.
• Dizziness: Taking too much delta 8 can bring about dizziness or lightheadedness, especially in those using the substance for the first time.
• Anxiety or confusion: Delta 8 is less likely than delta 9 to cause anxiety, but some people may experience nervousness or confusion, particularly with higher doses.

These side effects are generally mild and subside as the delta 8 wears off.

How Long Does Delta 8 THC Stay in Your System?

Even though the effects of delta 8 wear off within hours, it can stay in the system for much longer, even with a low dose. How long it stays depends on how often you use it, how it is consumed, and your body type. Here are some general detection times based on drug tests :

• Blood: D8 THC can stay in the bloodstream for 36 hours. Those who use the substance regularly may have it in their blood for longer. [4]
• Saliva: Delta 8 can be found in a saliva drug test for 1 or 2 days, although this may vary depending on how frequently you consume it.
• Urine: Delta 8 can be detected in urine for up to 30 days with regular use. Traces of the drug only remain in urine for about one week with occasional use.

If you need to pass an upcoming drug test, keep in mind that delta 8 THC can trigger a positive result because the drug test looks for THC metabolites, not specific types of THC. D8 is milder than D9, but it still produces the same metabolites.

Delta-8 Consumption

There are many different ways to consume delta 8. Each method impacts how quickly delta 8 enters your system and how long the effects last.

Types of Delta-8

The most common types of delta 8 are:

• Edibles: Delta 8 edibles like chocolates, gummies, and baked goods are easy to consume and offer long-lasting effects. After consuming a D8 edible, the delta 8 THC is processed by the digestive system, which takes longer but leads to a more intense and prolonged high.
• Vapes: Vaping delta is the quickest way to feel the effects. The vapor enters the lungs and goes directly into the bloodstream, delivering almost immediate results. The downside is that the effects wear off quicker than with edibles.
• Tinctures: Tinctures are liquid forms of delta 8 that are placed under the tongue. This method works quicker than edibles but offers longer-lasting effects than vaping.
• Capsules: Delta 8 capsules work like edibles, but they take longer to kick in since the body needs to break down the capsules. The effects are slow to start but last for several hours.

Delta-8 Edibles vs. Smoking

Delta 8 edibles take longer to kick in because they need to be digested. This can take 30 to 60 minutes. Once the effects begin, they last for 8 hours or more. Edibles provide a more intense body high. It can be hard to judge the right dose with edibles, so start slowly.

Smoking or vaping delta 8 provides much faster results. You will feel the effects within 5 to 15 minutes of smoking or vaping THC, but the high is more fleeting and fades within 2 to 3 hours.

Delta-8 Use & Addiction

Delta 8 is milder than delta 9, but regular use may lead to complications. Delta 8 can be habit-forming, especially if it’s used frequently over time. Some people use D8 for pain relief, stress, or anxiety, but it’s possible to become dependent on the feelings of relaxation or relief it provides. Sustained use leads to the development of tolerance, where you’ll need higher doses to achieve the initial effects.

Addiction to delta 8 is less common than with delta 9 or stronger substances, but it is possible to develop unhealthy patterns of use. If you need delta 8 to function normally or your use is interfering with daily life, it may be time to explore treatment options for substance abuse. Counseling, talk therapy, and support groups can help you recalibrate your life and get back on track.

Delta-8 & Marijuana Use | FAQs

How long do Delta-8 gummies last? Delta 8 gummies usually take 30 to 60 minutes to kick in, and the effects last 4 to 8 hours or more, depending on metabolism and dosage.

What if I want to stop being high? If you’re feeling too high, stay calm, drink water, and find a quiet, relaxing place. Eat a light snack and wait it out while the effects fade.

Is Delta-8 stronger than regular marijuana? No, delta 8 is weaker than regular marijuana (delta 9 THC). It produces a milder high with fewer intense effects and without paranoia or anxiety.

Receive Science-Backed, Insurance-Covered Addiction Treatment at Renaissance Recovery

If you or someone you care about need help getting back on track from substance abuse, reach out to Renaissance Recovery.

We treat all addictions, including D8 addiction, in an outpatient setting at our rehabs in California and Florida. This lets you continue at home and work while getting first-class addiction treatment at one of our luxury facilities.

Every addiction is unique, so all Renaissance treatment plans reflect the many personal factors around drug abuse within their therapies. Available treatments include:

• Counseling
• Motivational therapy
• Group therapy
• Talk therapy (CBT and DBT)
• MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
• Family therapy
• Holistic therapies
• Aftercare

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Sources

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10369762/

[2] https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd

[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11224198/

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3717350/