Delta-8-THC is becoming more popular in the cannabinoid world. Derived from Hemp, Delta-8-THC has more subtle effects than its cousin, Delta-9-THC, found in the Cannabis plant. Hemp not only contains lower THC levels, but it produces fewer psychoactive effects.

The compound acts on different receptors in the minor cannabinoid system, producing a mild high without the paranoia that cannabis products sometimes induce. The effect is because THC in a hemp plant has slightly different chemical bonds.

The difference is significant enough to distinguish the compound from the banned psychoactive chemical. These THC products are legal in most states, even with a higher THC level.

That’s all very interesting, but let’s be frank – you really have one primary concern. That is, “How long does Delta 8 stay in your system?” The simple answer is that a drug test can detect THC metabolites for up to 48 days.

In reality, however, there’s a little more to consider.

How Long Does Delta-8 Stay In Your System?

Let’s be clear; Delta-8 is a type of THC. As such, when you use it, any drug testing may pick up THC metabolites. How long it will stay in your system after use depends on your body composition and level and frequency of use. In this respect, the compound mimics the activity of Delta-9 THC.

If you use Delta-8 infrequently, your body will clear it out faster. However, if you use it daily, it will take longer for your system to clear it out.

While Delta-8 is a milder version, a standard drug test seldom distinguishes between the different types. If you’re concerned about a drug test, stop using the compound as far in advance as possible.

How long in advance depends on the type of test used to detect drugs.

Drug Tests: Will You Fail a Drug Test?

Yes, there’s a good chance that you will fail your drug test if you’ve used Delta-8 THC recently.

Here’s a rough breakdown of the limitations of the most common tests:

• Saliva Tests: A saliva test typically only detects metabolites up to 48 to 72 hours after taking the compound. If you use it habitually, however, give yourself 5 to 7 days to purge your system.
• Blood Tests: A blood test will also show evidence of recent use. There’s a smaller window here. THC typically remains present in the blood for five hours. The metabolites, however, can show for up to 7 days.
• Urine Tests: Urine tests are the most common type. A urine test can detect use between 3 and 15 days afterward. In chronic users, the window increases to between 30 and 48 days. Some people flush out their systems with cranberry juice, but this isn’t always effective.
• Hair Follicle Tests: This test is uncommon because it indicates a pattern of use rather than the presence of the compound. THC will stay in your system for up to 90 days in the hair. A false positive is also possible if you’re around someone who smokes marijuana, as your hair may absorb traces of the smoke.

In general, if you want to pass a drug test, abstinence is your best option. Failing that, try not to use Delta-8 for at least a week in advance.

What Are the Effects of Delta-8-THC?

One of the health benefits of Delta-8 is that it enhances your mood. You’re likely to feel euphoric and calm. Some people feel hungry, but the “munchies” here are less intense than with Delta-9-THC.

What most users appreciate is that the compound makes them feel mellow. Paranoia and anxiety are less likely than when using Delta-9-THC.

The effect can vary from one person to the next, so it’s advisable to use the smallest dose possible to start.

How Long Does It Take to Feel the Effects?

The answer here depends on your body and the method of delivery that you choose. It’s best to take your first dose when you can relax and don’t need to go anywhere.

Here’s a breakdown of the average onset time and when you’ll feel the full effect:

• Vape Products: According to the drug administration, these products produce the fastest effects. You should experience an average onset time of 6 minutes.
• Edibles: Edibles take longer to take effect because they have to make their way through the digestive tract. It can take up to an hour and a half to start affecting your mood. Any other food that you’ve eaten may impact the onset time.
• Tinctures or Oils: With these products, it depends on how you take them. If you place the drops under your tongue, the initial onset time drops to between 30 and 60 minutes.

How Long Does the High Last?

You’ll typically feel the peak effects between 30 and 180 minutes after taking Delta-8 THC. The high will generally last up to five hours after you start noticing the initial impact. These times also vary depending on your frequency of use and your body.

The more often you use Delta 8, the better your system becomes at processing it. As your body gets used to the substance, the effects seem to lessen, meaning you’ll usually have to up your dosage at this stage.

It’s for this reason that a health care professional will advise starting with a low dose initially.

How to Come Down from Your Delta 8 THC High

If you’ve never taken Delta 8 before, you may have some reservations. Most first-time users wonder how to reverse the effects if they don’t like the experience.

The good news is that most people of legal age tolerate Delta 8 well. This is why health care practitioners often recommend Delta 8 THC over pharmaceutical painkillers. For those experiencing cancer-related symptoms, the effects of Delta 8 are usually easier to bear than those of conventional medicines.

FDA-approved research views cannabinoids as largely safe in higher levels, which is also encouraging. If you stick to the recommended federal food dosage, you should be fine. Aside from that, don’t mix and match your medications.

Very few people experience life-threatening events when using Delta-8. If there is an adverse reaction, it’s often due to interactions with other pharmaceuticals or alcohol or too much THC.

There is, however, a possibility that you won’t like the feeling. In this case, you’ll have to wait it out. Try the following tips to make this easier for you:

• Don’t Panic: You might feel anxious and feel your heart racing a little, but panicking will only make these symptoms worse. Take some deep breaths and remind yourself to stay calm.
• Ask Someone to Come Over: Having someone you trust there when you take your first dose can relieve anxiety. Speak to a friend about coming over to help you stay calm. Should something go wrong, they’ll be able to call for help.
• Eat Something: The food will slow the processing of THC and lessen its effect.
• Distract Yourself: Put on some music or watch TV to distract yourself.
• Try Taking a Nap: If the THC makes you feel sleepy, try going to sleep. You’ll likely sleep very soundly and wake up feeling refreshed.
• Take a Shower: A cool shower will help you feel more focused. A hot shower will help you to relax.
• Drink Lots of Water: Water flushes out your system and dilutes the effect of the THC.
• Try Walking: Walk slowly in place or on your treadmill to help your body metabolize Delta 8 more quickly.
• Take a Dose of CBD Oil: CBD oil counteracts the psychoactive effects of Delta 8 THC.

Why Do THC Metabolites Sometimes Cause Negative Side Effects?

THC acts on the body’s Endocannabinoid System. This system regulates a range of functions, including emotions, focus, and pain. The compound calms the nervous system of the average person, and, as a result, they’re better able to relax and feel more focused.

There is, however, a small percentage of the population who react differently to THC. THC may cause anxiety, hyper-alertness, a racing heart, and an inability to sleep for these people. Genetics, age, and body type can all cause people to react differently.

Other factors that influence the reaction include:

• Product Quality: Buy from a reputable source to avoid high concentrations of solvents and additives.
• Dosage: The higher the dose, the more pronounced the reaction will be. Test it by trying half the standard amount first and then increasing it as necessary.
• Drug Interactions: Delta-8-THC may interact unfavorably with medications such as mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and sleeping pills. It’s best to ask your pharmacist or doctor about potential interactions if you take chronic medication.

These reactions are less pronounced with Delta-8-THC than with Delta-9-THC.

In Summary

Delta-8-THC, unlike Cannabis, is legal in many states. However, you should be aware that a drug test will pick up signs of recent or chronic THC use. Therefore, abstaining from using THC is the only sure way to pass. Depending on the type of test, you’ll need to be clear for between 2 and 90 days.

The benefit of taking Delta-8-THC is in the mellowing effect it has on your mood. It won’t make you as high as Cannabis, but it will leave you with a nice buzz.