How Long Does Delta 8 Stay In Your System? | Drug Test Duration

12th Jun 2024

Whether you're an experienced cannabis user or just a beginner, understanding how this Delta 8 interacts with your body is very important before you use it. So, if you are also curious about how long Delta 8 stays in your system and its impact on drug tests? Then you are in the right place. In this blog, we'll tell you everything you should know about D8 and give you the right tips on D8 consumption. So read the complete blog.

How Long Does Delta 8 Stay In The System?

Just like all other THC compounds, the duration of Delta 8 in your system relies on your metabolism. Everyone has a unique metabolism, and the body's ability to process and extract D8 varies.

Explanation of the Body's Metabolic Process

Absorption:

The absorption process varies depending on the method of consumption. Inhaled Delta 8 (smoking or vaping) is absorbed rapidly through the lungs and gives immediate effects. Ingested Delta 8 (via edibles) is absorbed more slowly through the digestive tract, with effects typically appearing within 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Distribution:

Once absorbed, Delta 8 THC enters the bloodstream and is distributed throughout the body. It binds to cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) in the brain [1], nervous system, and other organs.

Metabolism:

Delta 8 THC is primarily metabolized in the liver. It undergoes biotransformation, where enzymes (mainly from the cytochrome P450 family) break it down into various metabolites. The primary metabolite is 11-hydroxy-Delta 8 THC, which is further broken down into other compounds that are eventually excreted. [2]

Excretion:

The final stage is excretion, where the metabolites of Delta 8 THC are eliminated from the body. This occurs mainly through urine and feces. The rate of excretion can vary widely among individuals, affecting how long Delta 8 THC stays detectable in the system.

Factors Influencing Metabolism

Age

As people age, their metabolic rate generally slows down. Older individuals may process Delta 8 THC more slowly, leading to a longer duration in the system compared to younger individuals.

Weight

Delta 8 THC is lipophilic, meaning it binds to fat cells [3]. Individuals with higher body fat percentages may store THC longer, resulting in a prolonged presence in the body.

Gender

Men and women metabolize substances differently due to hormonal differences and body composition. Generally, men may metabolize THC faster due to higher muscle mass and metabolic rate, while women might retain it longer due to higher body fat percentages.

Other Factors

Frequency of Use:

Regular users of Delta 8 THC often have higher levels of cannabinoids stored in their fat cells compared to occasional users. This can lead to a cumulative effect, where Delta 8 THC stays in the system longer for frequent users.

Amount of Use:

The more Delta 8 THC is consumed, the longer it takes the body to metabolize and excrete it. Higher doses lead to higher concentrations in the bloodstream and, consequently, longer detection times.

Does Delta 8 Show Up On Drug Tests?

Delta 8, present in your system, can be detected by a drug test within hours of consumption. Depending on the frequency of delta 8 consumption, most drug tests can identify THC metabolites in urine or hair.

Types Of Delta 8 Drug Tests

Urine Tests

It is the most common method used to detect Delta 8 THC. These tests are favored due to their non-invasive nature and the relatively long detection window.

How long does delta-8 stay in your system before the urine test?

Urine tests can detect Delta 8 for up to 30 days after use. For occasional users, it might be detectable for up to a week, whereas for chronic users, it can be present for much longer.

Blood Tests

Blood Tests are not so common. They are used to detect if the user has recently used D8 (in accidents or roadside sobriety checks).

What is the detection window of D8 in blood tests?

Delta 8 THC is typically detectable in blood for up to 48 hours after use. However, regular users might detect it for a few days longer.

Saliva Tests

Saliva Tests are now getting popular due to their ease of administration and quick results:

How long does Delta 8 can be detected in Saliva?

Saliva tests can detect Delta 8 THC from a few hours to up to 72 hours after use. Factors such as recent oral hygiene and food intake, and the effectiveness of the test.

Hair Tests

Hair Tests offer the longest detection window, which makes them useful for determining long-term THC usage.

How long is Delta 8 detectable in Hair Tests?

Delta 8 THC is detectable in hair for up to 90 days, and sometimes longer, depending on hair length and growth rate.

How Precise Are These Tests in Detecting Delta 8 THC?

Urine Tests: Generally accurate in detecting THC metabolites, but they cannot differentiate between Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC.

Blood Tests: Highly accurate in measuring active THC levels, providing a clear indication of recent use. However, they are less effective for detecting past use.

Saliva Tests: Reliable for detecting recent use, but factors like food and drink consumption can affect results. They are less reliable for detecting long-term use.

Hair Tests: Extremely accurate for long-term detection, but they can be influenced by external contamination and the natural variability in hair growth rates.

Can You Pass a Drug Test After Using Delta-8 THC?

Passing a drug test after using Delta 8 THC might not be easy. Various tests, including urine, blood, saliva, hair, and more, can detect Delta 8 THC in your system. While there is no foolproof way to pass a drug test, the most effective method can be clearing the compound from your body. Abstain any THC products for at least eight weeks before the test. Some other methods to clear THC before the drug test are mentioned below.

How To Clearing Delta 8 THC Before The Drug Test?

Remain Hydrated

Water helps dilute the concentration of THC metabolites in your urine and promotes their excretion through sweat and urine.

Take a good diet

Consuming a healthy diet rich in fiber can assist in the detox process. Fiber helps to bind toxins in the digestive tract and promotes their elimination through feces.

Regular Exercise

Regular physical activity can significantly enhance your body's ability to metabolize and excrete Delta 8 THC.

Commercial Detox Products

These kits often include herbal supplements, dietary fibers, vitamins, and minerals intended to accelerate the detox process.

Understanding how long it takes for Delta 8 to leave the system?

Delta 8 THC has a half-life of approximately 24 to 48 hours. However, complete elimination can take longer, especially in frequent users, due to the accumulation of THC in fat cells.

Metabolic Rate: Your body's metabolic rate significantly affects how quickly THC is processed. Factors such as age, genetics, and overall health influence this rate.

It is always better to avoid Delta-8 THC before going for any drug test.

If you’d like to learn more about Delta 8 THC watch: What Is Delta 8 THC - The Ultimate Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Where to get the best delta 8 products?

You can shop online for the best Delta 8 near you. Check out Plain Jane’s selection of premium Delta 8 online.

What are the benefits of PJ’s Delta 8 THC?

Buyers get the most potent effects of Delta 8 THC, with our top grade quality and variety of products.

How long does delta-8 take to show its effects?

If you smoke or vape delta-8, the effects will be almost immediate. If you ingest delta-8 edibles or tinctures, it will take longer to kick in - between 30 minutes and 2 hours.

Is Delta 8 legal all over the US?

Delta 8’s legal status in the US is complicated. Please refer to this blog for better information.