If you are new to topics related to cannabis, the word "Delta-8" might sound uncommon; but no worries, you are not alone. In a nutshell, Delta-8 THC is a short form of Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol. It is a psychoactive chemical substance commonly found in hemp plants.
Whenever consumed, Delta-8 THC imitates human neurotransmitters, thus causing people to feel high, euphoric, pain-free, and much more relaxed.
One of the questions we hear people frequently ask is: "How long does delta-8 stay in your system?" This article sets out to answer this question.
Why Do People Use Delta-8 THC?
Although marijuana is banned in many states in America, Delta-8 THC seems to have leeway, allowing people to use it as a substitute. That breakthrough came with the 2018 Farm bill: It deemed all hemp derived products legal. Most people use Delta-8 THC as a substitute for marijuana or other potent substances like Delta-9 THC.
According to recent studies on substance users, 41% reported using Delta-8 THC through vaping, inhaling, and chewing.
It's available in many forms:
- seltzer
- edibles
- tinctures
- flower
- wax
People have also reported using Delta-8 THC for medicinal purposes. Some people use Delta-8 to manage their depression, anxiety, and other psychological issues. Some have also used Delta-8 to seek solitude from social pressure pilling their everyday lives. This usage is also considered recreational.
Effects of Delta-8 on Your System
You can get delta-8 THC into your system through a variety of methods. Inhaling its vapor and taking it through the lungs or swallowing it via food or liquid is an option. Smoking the variant is another way. Delta 8-THC gummies and drinks are the most popular consumables.
The method of consumption of delta-8 THC determines how long it stays and affects your body. Inhaling delta-8 THC will likely get one high in short periods, approximately five minutes. The effect of delta-8 THC lasts longer in the body when compared to delta-9 THC.
Delta-8 THC can stay in the system longer than the effects exhibited, so you have to be mindful of how much you consume. Any unexplained symptom after ingestion of the variant can indicate that the substance is still in one's system. These can include fever, vomiting, and flu-like symptoms such as light-headedness, nausea, sore throat, diarrhea, dizziness, and chills.
How Long Does Delta-8 Stay In Your System?
There is no consensus on the duration Delta-8 THC takes to leave the human system. Here are a few factors that determine how long delta 8 stays in your body:
- Method of consumption (drink, inhaled or chewed)
- Amount consumed (measured in grams)
- Your body weight, metabolism or age
- Exercise
Depending on these factors, Delta-8 THC can take a few to several days before it leaves your body.
Delta-8 compounds are soluble and attach to body fat, they can stay in the bodies of high-weight people longer than the small ones. Users who exercise regularly has a higher chance of evicting more Delta-8 THC from their system than a person who does less. The main reason here is that because Delta-8 THC leaves the body mainly through excretion, physical activities expedite the removal.
Usually, the body removes about 80-90% of delta-8 THC from your body in five days. The remaining 10-20% stay for five days longer. Approximately, delta-8 THC metabolites leave the system after 5-10 days.
Types of Drug Tests for Delta-8 THC
1. Blood Test
Blood testing can detect delta-8 THC in an individual's system two days after the last consumption. For heavy and chronic users, it can be detected even after 25 days. Inhalation of the variant as a vapor leads to early bloodstream detection within a few seconds. It is then distributed throughout the body and stays in the system for days. Blood testing shows if one has used the variant recently.
2. Saliva Test
One can detect delta-8 THC via saliva drug testing from one to 29 days after intake. For occasional users, one to three days after infusion is typical. The variant may still be detected in the system of chronic users after 29 days of consumption.
3. Urine Test
The result of a urine test for delta-8 THC depends on the frequency of its intake. For occasional users, i.e., individuals who consume it three times a week, the variant will still appear in urine three days after use. For moderate users (i.e., individuals who take it 4-5 times a week), delta-8 THC will still be detected after 5-7 days of intake.
However, for heavy users who take it daily, the variant will still appear in urine 10-15 days after consumption. Chronic users who consume the substance multiple times a day will still have it detected in their urine after 30 days of intake.
How to get Delta-8 THC Metabolites out of your system quickly
1. Proper Hydration.
Drinking a lot of water can help detox delta-8 from your system since water supports hydration and other processes vital to a functioning body. You can sweat out or urinate any remaining toxins in your body with proper hydration.
2. Exercise.
Since metabolites are stored in fat cells, more cardio-activity will boost metabolism. Try exercising at least 30-45 minutes every day. Aerobic activities allow you to detoxify waste through sweat.
3. Eat Organic Foods.
Eating organic foods can help detoxify your body. Ideally, you want to reduce as much body waste as possible. Fiber-rich foods enhance your ability to excavate waste more regularly. A healthy and balanced diet also makes your body more efficient in eradicating waste.
4. Minimize Delta-8 THC consumption
It is unanimously agreed upon that more consumption of Delta-8 THC increases its amount in the system. To make the process easier, it is advised that users stop refilling their systems while attempting to remove the substance in the body.
Conclusion
Delta-8's longevity in the body depends on a few factors: the quantity taken, body weight, and metabolism rate of the individual. How long does delta-8 stay in your system? The effects of the delta-8 THC may last up to five hours in the body. However, its metabolites usually remain in the system for a few days to a couple of weeks.
