How Long Does Delta 8 THC Stay in Your System?

When learning about cannabinoids, particularly psychoactive ones like delta-8 THC, many people want to know how long these compounds can linger in the body. How long does delta 8 THC stay in your system, and what factors affect its duration?

If you’re curious about the effects of delta 8 THC in your body in case of an upcoming drug test or anything of the like, we’ve got the answers you need to all your pressing questions. 

First, let’s start with the basics: what is delta 8 THC?

Table of Contents:

• What is Delta-8 THC? 
• Does Delta-8 Show Up On Drug Tests?
• Factors Affecting How Long Delta 8 Stays in Your System
• How Long Does Delta 8 Stay In Your System?
• What Drug Tests Can Detect Delta 8 in the Body?
• How Do I Flush Out Delta 8 From My System?
• How Long Does Delta-8 Stay in Your System for a Urine Test?
• Does Delta 8 Cause a Positive Drug Test?
• How Do You Remove Delta 8 from Your System?
• Does Delta 8 Leave Your System Faster?
• Is Delta-8 Legal?
• What’s the Difference Between Delta-8 and Delta-10?
• Get Premium Quality Delta-8 Products from the CannaAid Shop!

What is Delta-8 THC? 

A naturally occurring cannabinoid in cannabis is delta 8 THC. However, it is only present in minuscule amounts.

Delta-8 THC shares structural similarities with delta-9 THC, cannabis’ most well-known psychoactive cannabinoid. However, delta 8 does have a slightly different molecular structure that affects its properties, potencies, and effects. 

The delta-8 cannabinoid is known for its psychoactive effects, but these results are generally considered milder and less potent than delta 9 THC. Users often report feeling a more subtle, relaxed high with fewer side effect provoking results.

This makes Delta 8 THC a desirable option for those who are typically prone to the effects Delta-9 or anyone who has found delta 9’s effects too strong.

Delta 8 THC products come in a variety of forms. But, the delta 8 you see on the market is all synthetic. Though D8 is a naturally occurring compound, the cannabinoid isn’t present in high enough amounts to efficiently work with. So, instead, professionals have found ways to convert hemp-derived cannabinoids into delta-8 THC thanks to a complicated process called isomerization.  

This process has allowed the industry to work with the delta 8 cannabinoid in ways we’ve never been able to before. Now, you can find the cannabinoid-infused in practically any product: delta 8 pre-rolls, delta 8 vape carts, delta 8 edibles, delta 8 softgels, delta 8 distillate, and so much more. 

Related Article: What is Delta 8 THC?

Does Delta-8 Show Up On Drug Tests? 

Delta-8 THC will, unfortunately, show up on a drug test. Here’s why. 

Even though delta-8 THC differs chemically from delta-9 THC, most drug tests can detect both compounds. Standard drug tests, like urine or saliva tests, aim to detect the presence of the delta 9 THC metabolite, THC-COOH. 

However, these tests may also cross-react with delta-8 THC, producing a positive result. This is because the delta 8 cannabinoid also turns into THC-COOH in the body, causing the drug test to pick up the metabolite and say you’re positive for marijuana. Sadly, this will happen with any THC derivative, including D8, D10, and HHC. 

In the event of a drug test, it’s essential to stay away from all THC products. These drug tests are not able to differentiate what kind of cannabinoid you’re consuming, so unless you want to test positive, it’s best to stay clean for several weeks. After passing, you can resume enjoying your favorite compound.

Related Article: Does Delta 8 THC Show Up On a Drug Test?

Factors Affecting How Long Delta 8 Stays in Your System 

As much as we’d love to give you an exact number of days delta-8 THC stays in your system, we simply cannot. As a result, this duration depends on so many different factors!

Listed below are the most significant factors that affect how long delta 8 THC stays in your system.

• Metabolism: How your body metabolizes cannabinoids can affect how quickly delta-8 THC is processed within the system. A faster metabolism eliminates substances more quickly, so keep this in mind.
• Frequency of Consumption: The more frequently you consume delta-8 THC, the longer it will last in the system. Frequent consumption leads to build-up, making it more difficult for the body to remove the metabolites. Daily use of delta-8 THC will lead to a much longer detection window than infrequent consumption.
• Dosage and Potency: The amount and potency of delta-8 THC consumed can also influence how long it remains in your system. It is taking longer to metabolize and break down higher doses and more potent products.
• Body Fat Percentage: Delta-8 THC accumulates in fatty tissues because it is fat-soluble. Thus, those with higher body fat percentages may retain D8 for a more extended period of time than those with lower body fat percentages.
• Hydration and Exercise Routines: Interestingly enough, staying hydrated and engaging in regular physical activity can help expedite the elimination of substances from your system. Drinking enough water and exercising frequently can help enhance your metabolic processes and increase your elimination rate. However, it depends on the individual.

And that’s not all! In addition to delta-8 THC staying in your system for as long as possible, there are other factors to consider. The entire duration is very individualized—just like cannabis—so you must consider all elements before determining how long the cannabinoid may stay lingering in your body.  

How Long Does Delta 8 Stay In Your System? 

After discussing the factors that affect how long delta-8 THC stays in the body, let’s talk about the million-dollar question: how long does delta-8 last?

Well, if it wasn’t obvious, there isn’t one specific answer here. The exact duration of Delta-8 in the system may vary based on all the factors listed above. But, if you consider your frequency of consumption and other habits, you may be able to better determine how long the cannabinoid stays in the body.

If you’re a new consumer and do not take D8 often—and your doses are still low—you won’t have the compound linger for too long. Typically, more unique consumers can rid their bodies of the cannabinoid within about 48-72 hours. 

If you consume the cannabinoid a few times a month or even weekly, then it’s going to stay for longer. You may expect the compound to be present for several days, even up to a week, based on the potency of the products you’re enjoying. 

Finally, daily consumers likely won’t be clear of the delta 8 cannabinoid for weeks post-consumption. Some chronic users will still fail their drug test after about a month. So, the more often you consume, the more difficult it will be to clear the body. 

What Drug Tests Can Detect Delta 8 in the Body? 

While it’s challenging to provide an exact timeframe, we can give you some general estimates based on the type of drug test you’re taking.

For a urine test, delta-8 THC and its metabolites may be detected anywhere from 1-2 weeks after use; however, in chronic consumers, they may be detectable for up to a month—maybe longer. 

Blood drug tests, on the other hand, are used to show recent cannabis consumption. Within a few hours to several days after use, it can be detected in the blood. These types of tests are uncommon and typically only used after accidents or crimes. 

Saliva drug tests are more common and can detect cannabis consumption about 48 hours after use. However, detection windows differ depending on the sensitivity of the drug test.

Finally, hair drug tests can pick up delta-8 TC metabolites in hair follicles for much longer, often up to about 90 days or more. Hair tests are much less common but may be used for specific purposes. 

No matter what, it’s important to remember that these timeframes are approximate and can vary based on individual factors. 

How Do I Flush Out Delta 8 From My System? 

While it’s not possible to thoroughly flush out delta-8 THC from your system in a short period of time, there are a few steps you can take to help expedite the process of metabolizing and eliminating it, starting with hydration. 

Water helps flush out your system by increasing urine production. This may aid in eliminating D8’s metabolites; however, you do want to ensure you’re avoiding excessive water intake, as this can be dangerous. Instead, stick to a healthy and balanced hydration level. 

You should also engage in regular physical activity in addition to drinking enough water. Exercising can help boost your metabolism, which can also accelerate the elimination of substances from your body. A healthy diet can help support better metabolic function, so make sure you’re eating plenty of vegetables, fruit, and fiber-rich foods. 

However, the two best ways to rid your system of delta 8 THC are to give it time and avoid the cannabinoid entirely. Though frustrating, the most reliable way of getting the compound out of the system is to let time pass and allow the body to naturally process the substance on its own — all while abstaining from consuming any THC cannabinoids. 

Products that claim to cleanse your body of compounds should be avoided. Certain drinks may have additives that can help with metabolization, but there isn’t any guaranteed way to flush out the system other than the methods we listed above.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Below, we’ve answered some of your most frequently asked questions regarding delta 8 products and how long they stay in the body. 

How Long Does Delta-8 Stay in Your System for a Urine Test?

Delta 8 products can typically be detected in urine for 1-2 weeks after use. However, heavy consumers may have a much longer detection window, with the cannabinoid being present for up to a month or longer at a time. Very infrequent consumers may also be able to clear their system of the cannabinoid quicker than this, depending on their lifestyle. 

Urine tests are designed to be able to detect the presence of the THC-COOH metabolite for long periods, so you have to be clean of the cannabinoid for a significant amount of time to pass. Other drug tests, like blood or saliva tests, do not have nearly as long of a detection window.  

Does Delta 8 Cause a Positive Drug Test?

Yes, delta 8 THC can cause a positive drug test result. The delta-8 THC cannabinoid, when processed in the body, turns into a metabolite called THC-COOH. Drug tests look for this substance when testing for marijuana because it is the same metabolite that delta-9 THC leaves behind.

Therefore, delta-8 THC will leave behind traces of THC-COOH when consumed. So, if you have an upcoming drug test, the test will pick up those metabolites and say you’re positive for marijuana—even if you’re consuming hemp-derived products. 

Stay away from any THC compounds, including delta-8 THC, if you know you will take a drug test soon. You may be putting yourself at risk of failure if you do not.

How Do You Remove Delta 8 from Your System?

Allowing your body to naturally metabolize and eliminate delta 8 THC is the most effective way to remove it from your system. Though it takes time, this is what’s going to be most successful and reliable. 

On top of that, you can ensure that you’re drinking enough water, getting ample exercise, and eating a balanced diet, as these factors can help with your metabolic system, speeding up the breakdown of the cannabinoids a bit better. But, there’s no guarantee that this will rid the system of cannabinoids any quicker; it is entirely up to the individual’s body chemistry.  

Does Delta 8 Leave Your System Faster?

Delta-8 THC doesn’t leave your system faster than any other cannabinoid. The rate at which delta-8 leaves your procedure will vary depending on factors like metabolism, consumption frequency, dosage, and overall health. Generally, infrequent user will eliminate delta 8 THC more quickly compared to regular or chronic consumers. Still, it will be eliminated slowly than delta-9 THC or CBD. 

Is Delta-8 Legal? 

Federally, yes, delta-8 THC is legal as long as it abides by the regulations of the 2018 Farm Bill. Delta-8 THC is permitted if it comes from hemp and does not exceed 0.2% or 0.3% THC by weight. If the product has more THC than this, it is considered marijuana-derived and is no longer legal at the federal level. 

Thus, when you buy Delta 8 products online, these products all adhere to the 2018 Farm Bill guidelines. These products come from hemp and don’t exceed the THC limit. 

Delta-8 THC is not legal at the state level, however. Many states across the US have banned the delta-8 cannabinoid, making it illegal for sale, possession, and consumption regardless of federal legality. If you live in an area where D8 isn’t permitted, you cannot get it sent to your door when bought online, and you won’t be able to find it in person either. Always take the time to research delta-8’s legality in your area before attempting to make a purchase. 

Related Article: Is Delta-8 legal?

What’s the Difference Between Delta-8 and Delta-10? 

There are two types of THC cannabinoids: delta 8 THC and delta 10 THC. While both are found within the cannabis plant, they have different molecular structures and present unique results when consumed. 

A double bond is found on carbon atom 8 in delta-8 THC, whereas it is located on carbon atom 10 in delta-10 THC. This slight structural difference results in slight variations in the cannabinoid’s effects, potency, and interaction with the cannabinoid receptors. 

In general, delta-8 THC is said to be slightly more potent than delta-10 THC, though both cannabinoids have more mild results than delta-9. The industry has seen much more research go towards delta 8 THC, so we only know a little about D10. With this in mind, you may find a broader range of delta-8 THC products than delta-10, but this may easily change as delta-10’s popularity continues to grow.  

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