Delta 8 THC is one of the most popular cannabinoids in the world, and for good reason. It has a wide variety of effects, from relaxing and calming to stimulating and energizing. It’s also federally legal in many states, which makes it an appealing choice for those who want to try a cannabinoid product without fear of legal repercussions.
However, there are a lot of questions like how long it lasts and how it affects your body. Many people want to know if Delta 8 will show up on drug tests or if it is safe to use these products. In this article, we’ll answer all of your questions. This way you can make an informed decision about whether or not to try it on your own.
In this article, we’ll answer all those questions so you know exactly what you’re getting into when you decide to try delta 8 THC.
What Are the Effects of Delta 8
This compound has psychoactive effects that are similar to those of Delta 9 THC and it is an analogue of Delta 9 THC, meaning it has a similar structure but with some differences. One of the differences is that Delta 8 THC has a lower psychotropic potency than delta 9 THC.
When consumed, it binds more weakly to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and produces milder effects. It also interacts with other receptors in your body that may contribute to its effects.
Interestingly, the cannabinoid has been shown to have antiemetic (preventing nausea and vomiting) and appetite-stimulating effects similar to those of delta 9 THC. It has also been suggested that it may help relieve pain, anxiety, and depression.
However, there haven’t been many studies on Delta 8 THC. While it may have similar effects to Delta 9 THC, more research is needed to understand its impact on the body and its potential therapeutic uses.
As a result, no studies evidently show the long-term effects of usage. There is no evidence to support its use as a treatment for any medical conditions either.
However, what you need to know is that the effects depend on the type of product you use, your body chemistry, and how much you take.
How Long Does Delta 8 High Last?
This is difficult to answer because it depends on various factors, including how much Delta 8 was consumed, the person’s tolerance level, and the type of product consumed.
That being said, here is a breakdown of the effects of delta 8 based on the product type and how long those effects last.
Gummies
These are by far the most popular way to consume delta 8. As they are easy to dose and offer a range of delicious flavors.
Gummies provide a feeling of relaxation and calmness, without some of the psychoactive effects associated with delta 9 THC like paranoia and anxiety. The effects of delta 8 gummies can be felt within 20-30 minutes after consumption and last for 4-6 hours.
Vapes
As you may have guessed, delta 8 vapes are another popular way to consume the cannabinoid. The benefit of using a vape is that they provide fast-acting effects, which allow the user to feel the benefits almost immediately.
These benefits include a feeling of relaxation and calmness, as well as an increase in focus and concentration. These effects kick in almost as soon as you inhale the delta 8, and they typically last for anywhere from a few minutes to up to five hours depending on the dose.
Disposable vapes also come in a variety of flavors and blends, which allows the user to customize their experience. Some of the most popular delta 8 vape products include pre-filled cartridge, disposable vapes, and delta 8 vape additives.
Tinctures
Tinctures are a great way to get the benefits of delta 8 without smoking or vaping. They are also easy to dose, as each drop contains a specific amount of delta 8. When taking a delta 8 tincture sublingually (under the tongue), you will feel the effects within 15-30 minutes and they will last for 6-8 hours. These effects include a feeling of calm, focus, and euphoria.
Delta 8 Tinctures are also available in Full Spectrum and Isolate options, each with their own set of benefits. Full-spectrum tinctures contain all the compounds from the hemp plant such as CBN, CBG, terpenes, and additional cannabinoids. The entourage effect is when these ingredients work together to enhance each other’s benefits creating an experience that is not only stronger than taking isolated delta 8 but has different effects as well.
Edibles
Edibles are becoming increasingly popular as they offer a convenient and discreet way to enjoy the benefits of delta 8 THC. Similar to gummies, edibles, which come in the form of cookies or brownies, provide a feeling of relaxation and calmness. These effects can be felt within 30 to 90 minutes and last longer than Delta 8 THC vapes or tinctures. The effects of edibles can last anywhere from 2 – 6 hours, depending on the concentration of delta 8 THC in the edible.
How Long Does Delta 8 Last in Your System?
Delta 8 THC has a half-life of about 7 hours meaning it will take about 7 hours for the concentration of Delta 8 in your body to decrease by 50%. This means that it will take about 14 hours for the effects of Delta 8 to completely wear off.
However, this is just an estimate and how long delta 8 lasts in your system can vary depending on a variety of factors such as:
The Method of Consumption
Delta 8 THC is metabolized differently when consumed orally as compared to when inhaled.
When smoked or vaporized, Delta 8 enters the bloodstream directly through the lungs where it is then rapidly metabolized. When ingested orally, however, Delta 8 first has to be converted into a metabolite called 11-hydroxy-THC before it can be absorbed into the bloodstream which leads to a slower onset of effects but also a longer-lasting high.
Dosage
The amount you consume may also have an effect on the length of time it stays in your system. A higher dosage can cause a stronger high and vice versa. So if you took a larger dose you may feel the effects for longer than if you took a smaller dose.
Your Body Composition
Studies have shown that people with a higher body mass index (BMI) tend to metabolize it more slowly than those with a lower BMI. This means that people with less body fat may feel the effects of Delta 8 for a shorteer period of time than those who have more body fat.
Biological Age
The older you are, the longer it takes your body to break down and process the compound. If you’re a young adult in your 20s, then it may only last for a few hours, but if you’re middle-aged or older, the effects could last all day long. Reason being is that as we age our metabolism slows down and it takes longer for our bodies to process and break down anything we consume.
Metabolism
People who generally have higher metabolic rates will clear Delta 8 THC from their system more quickly. This is because their body processes it and breaks it down faster.
Diet
What you eat has a big impact on how long it takes your body to break down the cannabinoids. If you have a healthy diet with plenty of green vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains then you’ll likely metabolize Delta 8 quicker than someone who eats fatty processed foods.
Medications
Certain medications can affect how quickly your body breaks down and metabolizes the alternative cannabinoid. So if you’re taking any medication, be sure to talk to your doctor before using any hemp derived products. The same goes for new over-the-counter medications.
Can a Drug Test Detect Delta 8 THC?
If you have an impending drug test, you may be wondering if a drug test can detect Delta 8 THC. The answer is yes.
A drug test can detect the compound and this depends on which type of test you’re taking. However, bear in mind that most drug tests don’t test for any cannabinoids, including Delta 8. Instead, they look for the psychoactive compound that makes you high: THC. Even though Delta 8 is different from THC and doesn’t make you high, it’s still a form of THC.
That said, here are the 4 major types of drug tests and how they test for THC:
Urine Test
Urine tests are the most common type of drug test. They work by testing for metabolites in your urine that are produced when your body breaks down THC. Since THC is stored in fat cells, it can take longer for THC metabolites to appear in urine than for other drugs. So if you smoked recently and then took a urine test, it’s possible that it would come back negative even though you’re high.
Saliva Test
Saliva tests work by testing for THC itself in your saliva. Since this is an active metabolite (meaning it’s still being produced), it should show up instantly on the test (unlike metabolites in your urine). However, if you haven’t smoked recently or if you were smoking low-potency weed with minimal THC content, the test may not detect anything because there isn’t enough THC in your saliva to be detected by the device or chemical used on the test strip.
Blood Test
Blood tests are one of the most accurate tests for determining whether or not you’re currently high. THC and its metabolites are stored in your fat cells, so it can take a while for them to show up in your blood (usually 1-2 hours after smoking). However, once they’re there, they’ll stay detectable for much longer than other methods of testing (up to 24 hours or more).
Hair Follicle Test
Hair follicle tests are the most accurate test because they detect marijuana use over a much longer period of time (up to 3 months). These tests can be used to determine if you have been using THC recently or over an extended period of time. It is also the hardest test to beat out of all the methods listed above.
Final Remarks
The effects ofDelta 8 can last anywhere from a few hours to a full day, depending on how much is consumed and the individual’s tolerance. The most significant determining factor is the amount taken. The higher the dose, the longer-lasting effects can be expected to last. Other factors such as body weight, age, and metabolism may also play a role in how long delta 8 stays active in the body.
