Psychoactive cannabinoids are commonly used to relieve pain and anxiety, improve sleep, and help people deal with depression when talking therapy and traditional prescription medication do not yield the results patients would hope for. Besides, the recreational use of compounds such as Delta 8 is very popular even among people who simply look for feelings of euphoria and relaxation in their free time. But are there side effects that come with this drug? And how long do you have to wait for all the traces of it to leave your body?
Let us learn more about Delta 8 THC, answer the question “How long does Delta 8 stay in your system?”, and figure out how different testing methods confirm the presence of Delta 8 in a person’s body.
What is Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 THC – also known as Delta 8 tetrahydrocannabinol – refers to a psychoactive chemical compound that can be found in the cannabis plant. While the plant in question produces dozens of cannabinoids, it is hard to extract it naturally which is why concentrated Delta 8 is manufactured from the cannabidiol derived from hemp. Delta 8 THC is consumed for recreational purposes – it induces feelings of euphoria and relaxation, provides pain relief, and helps the individual sleep better especially if they use Delta 8 before going to bed.
Despite all the positives, Delta 8, just like other cannabinoids with psychoactive effects may have short- and long-term consequences for the person’s health. Shortly after using it, you may feel confused, anxious, dizzy, or numb, your heart rate will change, your blood pressure will get lower, and you may even experience hallucinations. Long-term consequences include gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting, more intense hallucinations, tremors, and loss of consciousness so you need to be certain about the safety of THC you are using as well as be mindful of your health as soon as there are adverse effects you could not manage well.
Factors Affecting How Long Delta 8 Stays in Your System
The question “How long does Delta 8 stay in your system?” cannot be answered unless you take the person’s individual characteristics into account. Metabolism and body composition are the main factors that change the way your body responds to Delta 8 but there are also other variables you need to take into consideration:
| Factor | Description |
| Weight of the Person | If you have a high body fat percentage, Delta 8 will remain in your system longer because THC is stored in fat cells and its elimination from your body will be at a slower rate |
| Metabolic Rate | There are individuals whose metabolic rates are much faster – they are able to burn calories quicker than their peers. It will also affect the way their bodies interact with alcohol and drugs including cannabis |
| Frequency of Use | How long does Delta 8 stay in your system if you have been consuming it regularly for a significant amount of time? It will stay in your system longer when compared to an occasional user or someone who only tried it once and then underwent a drug test |
| Health Condition | Your internal organs process and metabolize substances like Delta 8 so if your liver is not in great condition, it will take your body longer to eliminate all the traces of cannabis fully |
| Form of Delta 8 THC | If you eat an edible, it will take time for you to digest it, feel the effects, and get rid of all the traces of Delta 8 – smoking, however, will result in a faster elimination |
Frequency and Amount of Use
While everyone is able to decide for themselves how often they should use Delta 8 THC and what dosage is appropriate in their case, it is certainly recommended to start with as small a dose as you can and wait until the effects completely wear off before you eat another gummy or smoke another vape pen. It is a good idea to calculate the right dose based on your weight – for instance, if you want to cope with your anxiety better with the help of Delta 8, multiply your body weight by 0.05 – it will tell you how much cannabis you should use every day to feel calmer.
Method of Consumption
You can consume Delta 8 in several ways – there are edibles such as chocolates and gummies, disposable vape pens, and tinctures. Here is a brief overview of other forms of Delta 8 THC available on the market today:
- Ingestible forms include capsules, edibles, and tinctures. If you are looking for a quick onset of effects, you should opt for tinctures you can put under your tongue to achieve the desired effect. Otherwise, you can eat baked goods or gummies that will be processed through your digestive system for a more intense and longer-lasting effect.
- There are topical forms of Delta 8 – creams, lotions, and balms that will bring pain relief to a specific area of your body.
- Inhaled forms of Delta 8 THC are gaining traction – you can vape this cannabinoid and deliver it directly to your bloodstream which will also lead to quick onset of effects.
Detection Windows for Delta 8
Even though there are factors testing laboratories and clinical facilities need to take into account when testing someone for the presence of Delta 8 THC in their system, it is possible to pinpoint detection time based on the method of testing chosen:
| Testing Method | Description |
| Urine Tests | If you are using Delta 8 occasionally, the urine test will detect it after three to five days. The detection window is much longer if you are using this cannabis compound daily or several times per day – two or four weeks respectively |
| Blood Tests | A blood test is a valid option when the individual has been using Delta 8 over the last twelve hours. This method of testing continues to improve which allows the detection of cannabis for up to thirty days in heavy users |
| Saliva Tests | Depending on the dosage of Delta 8 and the frequency of consumption, the saliva test will be effective within twenty-four to seventy-two hours after the last use |
| Hair Tests | Hair follicle tests remain the most reliable option – any kind of drug or alcohol stays in your hair longer after it is no longer present in your blood, urine, or saliva. A hair test will detect THC up to three months after the last use |
Tips for Clearing Delta 8 from Your System at Opus Health
Whether you want to understand how to minimize the side effects of cannabis on your health or you are ready to leave this habit behind and build a healthier life for yourself, you should rely on professional advice from mental health specialists. At Opus Health, we know how to help people who have been struggling with the adverse effects of cannabis use – contact us today and begin the process of detoxification on your way towards profound and lasting sobriety.
FAQs
How does the half-life of Delta 8 THC impact its detection time in blood tests and urine tests?
Delta 8 half-life is estimated anywhere from forty minutes to seven hours which means that depending on the factors that determine your metabolism, Delta 8 will be metabolized and eliminated from your body completely after one or two days making urine and blood tests useless.
What role do THC metabolites play in Delta 8 clearance rates during a drug test?
The clearance rate of Delta 8 will be affected by your blood flow, level of protein, and enzyme activity in your liver the most. Still, THC metabolites are going to affect the results of the drug test since they serve as extra evidence of the drug being used during a specific timeframe.
How do different body compositions affect Delta 8 THC detection windows in various drug tests?
Drug detection is affected by multiple factors, and body composition is one of the key ones. Since Delta 8 can be stored in fatty tissues, a person whose weight is above average will retain this cannabinoid longer than an individual with average weight or someone who is underweight. Studies have confirmed that people who have low body fat percentage eliminate Delta 8 and similar substances much quicker.
What is the average detection time for Delta 8 in a saliva test compared to a urine test?
Urine tests are more common and better researched which allows testing facilities to confirm someone was using Delta 8 weeks after the last use. Saliva tests are rather reliable but the detection window is much shorter – three days maximum after the person last consumed cannabis.
How does the frequency of Delta 8 use influence its retention in the body and subsequent detection in a hair test?
The more you use Delta 8, the slower the process of drug elimination gets which is why even a higher dose taken by someone who uses cannabis occasionally may be detected for a short time when compared to someone who smokes Delta 8 vapes or eats edibles or gummies.
