How Long Does Delta-8 Stay in Your System?

Delta 8 THC is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis and hemp plants known for its mild and clear-headed high and potential medical benefits. Like all substances, delta 8 stays in the body for a varying time, depending on how often you use it, how much you take, and your body’s metabolism.

This page outlines what to expect from this type of THC, how long does THC delta 8 stay in your system, and how to get compassionate, effective treatment for substance abuse.

What Is Delta-8 THC?

Delta 8 THC is a natural compound found in cannabis and hemp plants. Delta 8, sometimes abbreviated to D8, is a cannabinoid, a chemical that interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. [1] Delta 8 is similar to delta 9 – the main cannabinoid in marijuana that triggers the associated high – but the effects are milder and more balanced.

Although D8 may cause a slight high, some people use it to relieve pain, anxiety, or stress. That said, this form of THC affects everyone differently, and its safety and effectiveness are incompletely understood.

Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in cannabis plants, and they interact with the body in various ways. The most publicized cannabinoids are delta 9 THC and CBD, but there are over 100 others, including delta 8. Each cannabinoid has different effects on the brain and body.

Delta 9 THC, usually referred to as THC, is known for producing a strong high, while CBD is non-intoxicating and often used for its potential calming or anti-inflammatory effects. Delta-8 falls somewhere in between – it can make you feel relaxed or mildly euphoric, but its effects are usually milder than delta 9.

Cannabinoids interact with the ECS (endocannabinoid system) in the body. The ECS helps govern functions like mood, pain, and appetite. [2] Each cannabinoid affects the system differently.

Legality

The legality of delta 8 THC is complicated and varies from place to place. D8 is often made from hemp, which became legal in the United States under the 2018 Farm Bill. [3] This bill legalized hemp products containing less than 0.3% of regular D9 THC. Since delta 8 is derived from hemp, it falls into a gray area in many states.

Not all states agree on its legality, though. Some states have banned delta 8 outright, while others have restricted its use – check the laws in your state before buying or using delta 8. Even though D8 is legal in some places, that doesn’t mean it’s free from health risks or safe for everyone to use. Beyond this, the lack of regulation means some delta 8 products might contain additives, contaminants, or higher levels of THC than advertised.

Effects

Delta 8 effects are similar to those delivered by delta 9 but generally much milder. Many people report feeling calm, focused, and relaxed after using this substance. Some also use it to reduce anxiety and pain or improve sleep.

D8 can cause side effects, especially if taken in large amounts. These side effects can include:

• Dry mouth
• Red eyes
• Dizziness
• Fatigue

Some people who take high doses of delta 8 might experience anxiety or paranoia, but the chance of this is much lower than with delta 9 THC.

Since delta 8 is a psychoactive substance, there is also a risk of overconsumption, especially when using edibles – this form of D8 takes longer to kick in but can produce stronger effects.

Start with a low dose if you are using delta 8 for the first time and approach any use of this substance with caution.

How Long Does Delta-8 Stay in Your System?

How long for delta 8 to leave your system varies depending on how often you use it, how much you consume, and your body’s metabolism. Delta 8 generally remains in the system for a few days to a few weeks. Those who use the substance frequently or in large amounts may find it lingers longer in the system.

When you consume delta 8, it’s broken down into different chemicals known as metabolites. Metabolites can stay in the body long after the effects of delta 8 wear off, which means they can be detected by drug tests even when you no longer feel the effects. How long it stays also depends on how your body processes the compound and how it is consumed.

How Long Does It Take for Delta 8 To Leave Your System?

Although the time it takes for delta 8 to leave your system can vary, it generally takes 5 to 10 days. Detection times may extend to several weeks for those who use delta 8 regularly or in high doses. With regular use, delta 8 builds up in the system and takes longer to be eliminated.

The more delta 8 you consume, the longer it will stay in your body. Higher doses lead to more metabolites being produced, which can take longer for the body to break down and remove.

Individuals with faster metabolisms tend to clear delta 8 from their systems quicker. Younger, active adults often process the compound faster, while seniors or less active people may find it takes longer.

Staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet can help your body flush out toxins, including delta 8, although this will not significantly affect elimination times.

How Long Does Delta 8 Stay in Urine?

For anyone wondering does delta 9 show in urine test? Yes, it can be detected as urine tests can identify THC metabolites.

How long does delta 8 stay in your system with urine tests? It depends on your usage habits. When someone uses D8 for the first time, it may be found in urine for up to 3 days. Those who use delta 8 frequently or in large doses may find it is detectable in urine for 2 weeks or more.

How Long Does a Delta 8 Gummy Stay in Your System

Delta 8 gummies, like other edibles, take longer to be processed by the body than when delta 8 is smoked or vaped. When you eat a delta 8 gummy, it has to first pass through the digestive system before the effects kick in. This also means the delta 8 stays in your body longer than other forms of consumption.

The effects of a delta 8 gummy can last anywhere from 4 to 8 hours or more, but the compound itself may stay in your system for several days or even weeks. With occasional use, delta 8 from a gummy may be detectable for up to 5 days, and it may be present in the body for 2 weeks or more with regular use.

Delta 8 edibles produce more metabolites because they are processed by the liver, which can extend the time D8 stays in your system. This is why gummies and other edibles tend to remain detectable for longer than smoking or vaping.

Delta 8 Drug Test

As D8 becomes more popular, many people wonder, “Will delta 8 test positive on a drug test?” just like its cousin delta 9, delta 8 can show up on standard drug tests because they don’t specifically test for one form of THC over another. Instead, drug tests look for THC metabolites, the chemicals that are left in your body after breaking down D8 or D9. Understanding the implications of a delta 8 THC drug test is beneficial if you’re concerned about a job or legal situation.

Do Drug Tests Screen for Delta-8 THC?

Most drug tests can detect delta 8 THC, even though they are not designed to target it. Standard drug tests – especially urine tests – identify the metabolites your body produces after using THC. These metabolites are the same whether you’ve consumed delta 8 or delta 9 THC, so delta 8 will trigger a positive result for THC on most tests.

Will Delta 8 Test Positive & Does Delta 8 Show up on Drug Tests?

Delta 8 may cause a positive drug test result. The most common drug tests are:

• Urine tests: These are the most popular and can detect THC use for days or weeks, depending on usage.
• Blood tests: These are less common and are normally used to detect recent use, generally within a few hours or days.
• Saliva tests: Saliva tests can detect THC for up to 48 hours.
• Hair tests: These tests can show THC use going back up to 90 days, but they are not used as frequently.

Is There a Delta-8 Drug Test Loophole?

Some people may think that because delta 8 is different from delta 9 THC, they can avoid testing positive on a drug test. As outlined above, drug tests do not differentiate between the two cannabinoids, and there is no loophole when it comes to D8 and standard drug tests.

Trying to manipulate a drug test using detox products or other methods rarely works and can even be dangerous. The only sure way to pass a drug test is to avoid using delta 8 or other THC products in the days or weeks leading up to the test, depending on how often you use them.

How to Clear Delta 8 From Your System?

If you’re worried about delta 8 staying in your system, there are a few things that might help speed up the process, although nothing is guaranteed to work quickly.

Your body eliminates delta 8 naturally over time, and this process can be influenced by metabolism, hydration, and the amount of delta 8 you use.

Drinking plenty of water can help your body flush out toxins quicker. It will not instantly clear delta 8 from your system, but it may help speed up the process slightly.

Physical activity may help burn fat where THC metabolites are stored. [4] Since delta 8 is fat-soluble, working out might help reduce the amount stored in your fat cells. However, this should be done consistently, as occasional workouts likely won’t make a big difference.

Eating a healthy diet can support your body’s detox. Foods high in fiber can help eliminate toxins, while foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants support liver and kidney function, which play a central role in clearing THC from the body.

Ultimately, time is the only reliable way to clear delta 8 from your system.

Get Supportive, Insurance-Covered Addiction Help Today at Renaissance Recovery

If you or someone you love need help getting back on track from a drug addiction, we can help you at Renaissance Recovery.

When you choose outpatient treatment at one of our luxury beachside facilities, you can continue at work or school while living at home and getting first-class addiction treatment.

Every addiction is unique and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. At Renaissance, all treatment plans are personalized, with therapies that may include:

• Talk therapies
• Counseling
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• Aftercare

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Sources

[1] https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/5-things-know-about-delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol-delta-8-thc

[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3820295/

[3] https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/HempExecSumandLegalOpinion.pdf

[4] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2782342/