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ToggleDelta-8 THC (Delta-8, D8, or D8-THC) is one of the most sought-after cannabinoids amongst wellness enthusiasts. However, we are still learning how D8 interacts with the body. As one of the lesser-known compounds from the hemp plant, many D8 fans often wonder, “How long does Delta-8 THC stay in your system?” Unfortunately, the answer is longer and more complex.
Many many factors impact how long Delta-8 THC stays in the body. So how long does Delta-8 stay in your body? Let’s take a deep dive into the world of Delta-8 THC and explore the factors that affect how long it stays in your system. At the end, we’ll reveal our premium Delta-8 THC line and give you a few recommendations on which products to try.
Delta-8 THC, short for Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol, is a euphoric cannabinoid found in extremely small amounts in cannabis plants. Less than 1% of the hemp plant, a cannabis plant with high concentrations of the non-euphoric cannabinoid CBD (Cannabidiol), contains Delta-8 THC. Delta-8 is popular for its pleasantly mellow, euphoric effects that offer a mix of physical and mental relaxation.
Although Delta-8 only occurs naturally in minute amounts, it can be safely and readily produced from hemp-derived CBD. Delta-8 THC and CBD share similar chemical structures and are isomers of each other. This means we can convert abundant amounts of CBD to Delta-8 THC via a safe, clean, and reliable process known as isomerization. The resulting D8 can make various Delta-8 THC products, including gummies, vapes, tinctures, concentrates, and more!
No, Delta-8 THC is not the same as Delta-9 THC. Although they share a similar molecular structure and name, Delta-8 THC is a different compound from Delta-9 THC (Delta 9, D9, D9 THC, or THC). Delta-9 THC is the most abundant cannabinoid in marijuana plants and is famous for its powerful euphoric effects. Delta-8 is significantly less potent and offers a milder euphoria than the overwhelming stimulation of Delta-9 THC.
Yes, Delta-8 THC is federally legal when it comes from hemp plants containing 0.3% or less THC, as stipulated by the 2018 Farm Bill. This federal law made hemp legal and all hemp-derived products containing 0.3% or less Delta-9 THC. However, it’s important that you check your local laws to ensure legal access to Delta-8, as regulations on hemp and cannabinoids vary by state.
There are a variety of hemp-derived Delta-8 THC products available to enjoy. There are many ways to enjoy the benefits of Delta-8. Here are the most popular form factors.
Delta-8 THC offers numerous benefits thanks to its intimate interaction with an internal system of cell-signaling receptors known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS plays an important role in regulating many bodily functions, including sleep, discomfort, mood, and appetite.
The main benefits of Delta-8 THC include:
The onset and duration of Delta-8’s benefits depend on how you decide to consume the cannabinoid. Let’s dive deeper into the different form factors of Delta-8 products and their unique onset and duration of benefits times.
Onset: About 45 minutes to an hour after ingestion, depending on metabolism, and stomach contents at the time of ingestion. These products have to pass through your digestive system before they become active. This is the main reason why they take effect slowly.
Duration: About 6-8 hours, depending on metabolism and frequency of consumption. While they are slow to activate, gummies and capsules typically offer the longest duration of benefits out of all product types.
Onset: 15-60 minutes, depending on the method of consumption. The faster activation of tinctures is thanks to sublingual absorption, which skips the digestive process and delivers Delta-8 THC directly into your circulation. This method requires placing your recommended dosage underneath your tongue and holding it there for 2 minutes before swallowing. The most common methods are consuming your recommended amount directly or adding it to food or drinks.
Duration: 4-8 hours, depending on your consumption method and how regularly you take it. Tinctures are usually second only to edibles (gummies or capsules) in the duration of benefits.
Onset: 30-90 seconds upon inhalation, offering the fastest onset time of any consumption method. When you inhale Delta-8 THC, it is absorbed by your lungs and instantly enters your circulation.
Duration: 3-4 hours, largely depending on consumption frequency. While inhaled forms of Delta-8 THC, like flower and vapes, offer the fastest onset time, they lack the staying power of tinctures and ingestible methods.
As with anything, when you consume too much Delta-8, there may be some side effects. Luckily, these effects are relatively minor and temporary, so they will quickly pass. However, you can avoid negative effects by consuming responsibly and within your limits.
But if you do overdo it with Delta-8, expect to feel the following temporary side effects:
The length of time Delta-8 THC will stay in your system can vary depending upon several factors. Each person’s body chemistry, consumption frequency, and serving size will all contribute to how long Delta-8 THC stays in their system.
For some people, it could be a couple of weeks; for others, it can take up to three months for Delta-8 to completely leave their body. Let’s examine this a little further.
Yes, the method by which you consume Delta-8 THC matters. As we mentioned a few sections ago in great detail, different form factors affect the body in their own way. Ingestible Delta-8 products, such as tinctures or gummies, typically stay in your system longer than inhaled Delta-8 THC from flowers or vapes.
How long Delta-8 THC stays in your system depends on several unique factors. The four main factors include:
Unfortunately, there is a chance that Delta-8 THC may appear on a drug test. Most drug tests are designed to detect THC metabolites, specifically Delta-9 THC. And since Delta-8 THC has a similar chemical structure and is considered a THC metabolite, it is possible that a false positive may result during drug testing.
It is important to remember that all Delta-8 THC products are federally legal as long as they are made from hemp plants that contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. If you have an impending drug test, it is best to avoid consuming any Delta 8 THC products for the time being.
The duration of THC detection can vary among individuals due to factors such as metabolism, frequency of use, and overall health. Even after THC is no longer detectable in these tests, individuals may still test positive if they have recently used the substance or have residual THC in their system due to its relatively long half-life.
The type of drug test also matters as well. The typical detection windows for THC metabolites in drug tests are as follows for occasional consumption. These detection windows are longer for chronic consumption.
If you have an upcoming drug test, you can use a few methods to flush the remaining THC metabolites out of your system. How quickly your body clears out Delta-8 THC depends mainly on personal body chemistry and consumption levels. Here are some practical tips that may help your body flush Delta-8 out faster.
NOTE: Keep in mind that these methods do not guarantee that you won’t fail a drug test. These methods are merely a way to help you lessen the amount of Delta-8 THC in your system.
The first and most important thing you can do is stop consuming any Delta-8 THC products. Stopping consumption allows your body to begin the process of passing any remaining D8 in your system.
Hydration is an essential part of flushing Delta-8 out of your system. Drinking plenty of water will help your body filter out Delta-8 through urine. Therefore, increasing your water intake is a key part of this process.
You can also explore various “THC detox drink” kits to remove traces of THC metabolites faster than regular hydration. If you decide to try a detox kit designed to flush out THC metabolites, please be sure to do your research on the brand you are considering.
A healthy and balanced diet that includes a variety of whole foods can boost your body’s metabolism, which helps it flush out any traces of Delta-8. Aside from the obvious health benefits, adding high-fiber fruits and vegetables, high-protein foods, and whole grains to your grocery list will not only help remove Delta-8 from your body but also benefit your overall wellness!
Here’s a fun fact: the metabolites that Delta-8 THC leaves behind are stored in fat cells! Increasing exercise levels supports burning body fat, helping to remove any residual Delta-8 from your system.
At Cheef Botanicals, we take great pride in making premium quality Delta-8 products! Every product is made exclusively from USA-grown hemp that is Farm Bill compliant.
Our focus has always been on providing the highest quality with the best customer service, and all of our Delta-8 products offer the same satisfaction guarantee:
Now that you know the quality and care that goes into our Delta-8 THC products, it’s time you enjoyed some for yourself! Choose from the following:
How long Delta-8 stays in your system depends on several factors. They include the frequency and amount of Delta-8 THC consumption, your body weight and metabolism, and whether or not you are consuming other cannabis products. Those who consume Delta-8 regularly are likely to have D8 stay in their systems longer than occasional consumers. However, we can use several detox methods to help it pass through our bodies faster. A healthy whole food diet can boost your metabolism, while hydration and exercise help pass waste and burn fat cells that store Delta-8 THC metabolites.
Ultimately, the length of time it takes for Delta-8 to completely leave your body will vary for each person, but we hope this guide helps you figure out what steps you can take to help your body pass any remaining Delta-8. Even though hemp-derived Delta-8 THC is 100% federally legal, drug tests can result in false positives when you have Delta-8 in your system. So, if you have to undergo drug testing, avoiding consuming Delta-8 THC products and using the methods mentioned to help it pass from your system is best. However, if you are free from these worries, head to Cheef Botanicals and check out our curated selection of top-quality Delta-8 THC products, and get ready for a chill time!