How Long Does Delta-8 Stay In Your System? A 101 Guide

Delta-8 is the new trending abused supplement due to its calm psychoactive effects; you can focus when under its influence, unlike other marijuana products like delta-9. Although, the main worry to many is how long it lasts in your body after consumption. The article answers the question by explaining factors influencing how long delta-8 stays in the system and its safety.

Delta-8 is a chemical molecule of THC existing in the Cannabis Sativa plant. It is mostly derived from the hemp plant and another compound called CBD. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is largely known to cause highness in its users, especially the Delta-9 molecule. In contrast, CBD is known to be a non-psychoactive compound with an endless list of health benefits. Delta-8 lies in the middle of the two compounds since it causes less psychoactive effects and a calm feeling useful in treating symptoms of certain conditions like Alzheimer's. Delta -8 is fat soluble like CBD; hence it can easily stay in the fat cells for a prolonged time if you consume it regularly. However, like most cannabinoids, it known to stick around in the system for a while depending on various individual behaviors and personalities.

Factors Influencing How Long Delta-8 Stays in the System

Delta & Legal (2022) explained that the period delta-8 molecules can be detected in your bloodstream is up to 2 days following the last consumption. If you are a heavy and chronic user, it can last even after 25 days. However, this range does not apply to every person. Some people report that delta-8 stays in their bodies for a few hours. The factors below can affect how long the THC molecule stays in your body;

• Consumption method
• The amount and product potency
• Frequent taking delta-8
• Body chemistry
• Age of the person
• Other medication

Consumption Method

There are different ways to take cannabinoids; each method differs with the product type infused with delta-8. The cannabinoid’s chemicals are broken down more slowly when ingested. Moreover, it can influence the time it stays in the bloodstream. For example, when vaped, the delta-8 molecules diminish faster than when ingested. The following are ways to take delta-8 and its effectiveness on the human body:

Inhaling Delta-8 THC Cartridges

This is the fastest way to get delta-8 into your body. The effect is fairly felt quickly. After 6 minutes, the vape bypasses the digestive system and quickly enters the bloodstream through lung tissues. The effects last for around 1 to 2 hours. However, leaving the bloodstream depends on your body chemistry. Learn more about delta 8 vapes

Sublingually

It involves the use of pure forms of delta-8 like tinctures and distillate. Tinctures are oil dissolved in solvents like alcohol, where delta-8 is infused. Place a few drops of the solvent under the tongue and hold the liquid for 60 seconds before swallowing. The THC molecules will enter the bloodstream through the cheek membranes, and the effect will kick in less than 20 minutes. However, the effects will last four to five.

Ingestion

Examples of delta-8 products taken orally are edibles, infused beverages and foods, gummies, and capsules. They pass the digestive tract and are then metabolized by the liver. The effects can take hold. The onset time is between 30 to 90 minutes after ingestion and lasts 5 to 6 hours.

The Amount and Product THC Potency

 Unsurprisingly, the delta-8 you take will also affect how long it stays in your system. The rule is very simple, the more doses you take, the longer it will take for your body to process and maintain the effects. The potency of the product used can also influence the long delta-8 last. Naturally, higher concentrations are present in the bloodstream longer than vice versa. So, a drug test is better if you consume low concentrations.

Frequent Taking Delta-8

When you take delta-8 frequently, it builds up in the body, and the accumulation results in body fat cells absorbing it since cannabinoids are fat soluble, prolonging the period it stays. The compound will stay in the bloodstream for around 3 to 4 days in beginners, while occasional users may have THC molecules for weeks. Moreover, for daily users, it could be for a month or more.

Body Chemistry

Most cannabinoids including THC are fat soluble. High body weight is associated with a high-fat percentage. Therefore, if you have a high body mass, delta-8 will dissolve in the body fat cells prolonging the period it will stay in the system. Additionally, you have more body muscles than fat. A high metabolic rate characterizes you; thus, THC form is easily absorbed into the bloodstream and leaves the body quickly. Everyone's body is different, which is why delta-8 can take longer in some people than others depending on body weight and metabolism. It means people with small body weight and high metabolic rates can take a higher dosage of delta-8.

Age of the Person

Studies show that for young people who take delta-8 products, the effects kick in faster and leave the system in a few hours compared to the elderly. Young people are characterized by a high body metabolic rate compared to older people. Moreover, high metabolic rate results in preventing the compound to be absorbed by fat cells. Thus, THC compounds are quickly broken down. Learn more about delta 8 soft gels

Other Medications

According to Akpunonu et al. (2021), some drugs can reduce the time taken for the breakdown and excretion of delta-8 since the compound is an active chemical and thus interacts with other medications. Therefore, it is important to consult a physician to avoid prolonged effects if you are under medication.

Safety of Delta-8

There is little research about the impact that delta-8 can have on your overall body. However, according to social media posts, especially from doctors, a report shows that delta -8, used with other therapeutic drugs, can help reduce anxiety and depression. Livne et al. (2022) reported these benefits of delta-8:

• Increase appetite
• Help relief pain
• Reduces nausea and vomiting
• Improves sleep

According to Kruger et al. (2022), delta-8 THC can stay in your system for more than a day and can show the following reported side effects include;

• Confusion
• Increases heartbeat
• Causes hypotension
• Dizziness
• And sometimes slows the heartbeat

 Conclusion

Cannabis-derived products are gaining momentum in the modern world by people discovering their limitless benefits. Delta-8 THC is one of the naturally existing compounds in cannabis. It portrays many health benefits though it is believed to cause some harmful side effects. Therefore, people wonder how long it last in our system after consumption. The question is hard to answer since it depends on various factors such as the method of consumption, your age and body chemistry, the potency of the infused product, and how frequently you use the compound. Clinical trials show that ten people who took THC molecule for the first time tested negative on an average of 3 days.

References

Akpunonu, P., Baum, R. A., Reckers, A., Davidson, B., Ellison, R., Riley, M., ... & Gerona, R. (2021). Sedation and Acute Encephalopathy in a Pediatric Patient Following Ingestion of Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol Gummies. The American Journal of Case Reports, 22, e933488-1.

Delta, W. I., & Legal, T. H. C. What Is Delta 8 THC? Everything You Need To Know About D8 (2022).

Kruger, J. S., & Kruger, D. J. (2022). Delta-8-THC: Delta-9-THC's nicer younger sibling. Journal of cannabis research, 4(1), 1-8.

Livne, O., Budney, A., Borodovsky, J., Walsh, C., Shmulewitz, D., Fink, D. S., ... & Hasin, D. S. (2022). Delta-8 THC use in US adults: Sociodemographic characteristics and correlates. Addictive behaviors, 107374.