Delta-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.
What Is Delta-8 THC?
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!
Is Delta-8 the Same as Delta-9?
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.
Is Delta-8 Legal?
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.
What Types of Delta-8 Products Are There?
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.
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- Gummies. Each gummy is infused with a precise amount of Delta-8 THC distillate. An easy edible option, Delta-8 THC gummies typically come in various natural fruit flavors and strengths.
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- Tinctures. Delta-8 THC extract is suspended in a carrier oil, usually hemp seed or MCT oil, and placed under the tongue to absorb directly into the bloodstream. Alternatively, You can directly consume your recommended dosage or add it to your favorite food or beverages for a tastier option. The liquid formulation allows for flexible consumption via a dropper, so portions can be adjusted as required.
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- Softgels. The same formulation as tinctures, but encased in a small, digestible softgel. This form factor is ideal for quick, convenient, and consistent results, requiring next to no learning curve.
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- Flower. Typically refers to hemp flower coated in Delta-8 THC distillate. You can enjoy the benefits of flower in a dry herb vape, as an ingredient in your cooking, or simply by smoking it.
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- Vapes. For a smokeless experience, inhale a concentrated Delta-8 oil via handheld vaporizers. Available in all-in-one disposable and cartridge options, vapes are great for discreet, maximum flavor, and fast-acting effects.
What Are the Benefits of Delta-8?
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:
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- Mild, calming euphoria
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- Mental and physical relaxation
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- Easing physical discomfort and soreness
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- Helping maintain a healthy appetite
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- Supporting restful sleep
How Long do the Benefits of Delta-8 Last?
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.
Delta-8 THC Gummies & Capsules
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.
Delta-8 THC Tinctures
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.
Delta-8 THC Flower & Vapes
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.
What Are the Effects of Delta-8?
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:
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- Lethargy
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- Drowsiness
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- Dry mouth or excessive thirst
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- Red or dry eyes
How Long Does Delta-8 Stay In Your System?
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.
Does The Method of Consuming Delta-8 THC Matter?
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.
What Factors Influence How Long Delta 8 Stays in Your System?
How long Delta-8 THC stays in your system depends on several unique factors. The four main factors include:
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- Frequency and amount of Delta-8 THC consumption. Generally speaking, those who enjoy Delta-8 regularly or in larger portions will typically have more remaining THC metabolites in their system than occasional or light consumers of Delta-8.
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- Metabolism. This dictates how quickly our bodies get rid of waste and how efficiently our body breaks down substances. The faster your metabolism is, the faster your body can pass all its leftover metabolites, including Delta-8.
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- Body weight. Heavier individuals with high body fat content may potentially retain Delta-8 THC metabolites for a longer duration due to their fat solubility.
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- Other cannabis products you are concurrently consuming. The presence of additional cannabinoids, especially THC metabolites like Delta-9 THC, Delta-10 THC, and THCv, may affect Delta-8 THC’s metabolism and elimination.
Does Delta-8 THC Show Up on a Drug Test?
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.
Detection Windows for Delta-8 THC in Various Drug Tests
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.
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- Blood Test
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- Blood tests can detect THC for up to a few hours (typically up to five hours) after recent consumption.
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- Blood Test
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- Saliva Test
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- THC can be detected in saliva tests for up to two days after consumption.
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- Saliva Test
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- Urine Test
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- Urine tests can detect THC for up to about a week after moderate consumption. For frequent consumers, THC may remain detectable in a urine drug test for more than just a week, possibly up to four weeks or more.
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- Urine Test
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- Hair Follicle Test
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- Hair follicle tests can detect THC for a significant duration. Typical detection windows range from up to about a month or longer, depending on hair growth and consumption history. A hair test is effective for detecting long-term or heavy consumption but is less likely to detect recent THC consumption.
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- Hair Follicle Test
How To Flush Delta-8 Out of Your System Faster
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.
Stop Taking Delta-8 Products
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.
Hydrate
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.
Eat Whole Foods
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!
Get Some Exercise
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.
Why Choose Cheef Botanicals for Delta-8 Products?
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:
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- Hemp-derived and 100% federally legal. We use a safe and clean process to convert hemp-derived CBD into Delta-8 THC. Our entire line of Delta-8 products meet the requirements of the 2018 Farm Bill.
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- Natural ingredients, no fillers. We only use natural ingredients in all our Delta-8 products. You won’t find any mystery filler ingredients here!
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- Tested for safety and potency. An independent laboratory tests all our Delta-8 products to confirm all ingredients and contents, verifying safety, potency, and purity. Examine the results for yourself with our verified third-party Certificates of Analysis (COA) for every D8 product.
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- 30-day money-back guarantee. If any of our Delta-8 products don’t hit the spot, contact customer service and get a free 30-day money-back guarantee on every order.
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- Get exclusive savings. You’ll receive sales and new product notifications by subscribing to our newsletter. It’s free to subscribe, so take advantage and be the first to know about our newest products!
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- Save 25% on every order… FOREVER! Join our free subscription program and save 25% on every order! Get your favorite Delta-8 products bi-weekly or monthly; you choose the delivery schedule!
Shop the Best Delta-8 THC Products Online at Cheef Botanicals!
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:
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- Introducing our bestselling original Delta-8 THC Gummy Cubes. Experience an assortment of delicious flavors packed into every bottle. Experience the benefits and try our powerful extra-strength 3000 mg option for maximum results.
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- Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with our Sour Delta-8 THC Gummy Cubes. Each chew delivers a tangy explosion of lip-smacking fruit flavors that will leave you craving more.
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- Escape to a tropical paradise with our Tropical Delta-8 THC Gummy Cubes. Immerse yourself in the blissful experience of tropical fruit flavors that will transport you to a state of relaxation.
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- Refresh and revitalize with our Mixed Berry Delta-8 THC Gummy Cubes. Indulge in the vibrant and invigorating flavors of mixed berries for a truly satisfying and relaxing experience.
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- Try Delta-8 THC Oil for a more versatile D8 experience. Turn your favorite foods and drinks into a D8 edible! Simply mix drops of our D8 Oil and enjoy! Try the sublingual method for quicker benefits.
Final Thoughts – How Long Does Delta-8 THC Stay In Your System?
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!