How Long Does Delta-8 THC Stay in Your System?

Last Updated: November 3, 2023

Editorial Policy | Research Policy

The effects of delta-8 typically wear off within a few hours. However, the drug may remain in your system for a much longer period of time.

Delta-8 THC is a synthetic derivative of hemp that has grown in popularity over the past few years. Little is known about the way the drug works in the body, and experts are still studying how long the drug may stay in your system. If you or a loved one takes delta-8, it is important to keep these limitations in mind and understand that the drug’s potential risks are still unclear.

How Long Does It Take To Feel the Effects of Delta-8?

You can start feeling the effects of delta-8 THC within minutes after smoking the drug. However, it is unclear how long it takes to feel its effects when the drug is taken in other ways, such as by mouth. Research is limited on how long it takes for delta-8 to kick in when taken orally, although some studies imply that the time is less than four hours.

How Long Does the Delta-8 High Last?

Delta-8 THC is not well studied, and it is not clear how long a high from the drug can last. However, people who use the drug report that a high from smoked delta-8 can last an hour or longer, while a high from orally consumed delta-8 may last a few hours.

Does Delta-8 Show Up on a Drug Test?

Delta-8 THC can show up on urine drug tests, and it may be confused for delta-9 THC in some cases. Because delta-8 THC is newly popular, it is unclear how many other drug tests for the substance exist at this time.

Does Delta-8 Stay In Your System Longer Than Delta-9?

Experts are not sure how long delta-8 stays in your system compared to delta-9. However, CYP2C9, one of the liver enzymes responsible for breaking down delta-8, appears to work more slowly on delta-8 than on delta-9. This may mean that delta-8 stays in the system longer than delta-9, but additional studies are needed to confirm this.

How Long Does Delta-8 Stay In Your System?

Experts are not sure how long delta-8 stays in the system and have not yet identified exactly how the substance is eliminated from the body. Although it is possible that the substance stays in your system for a similar amount of time as delta-9 THC, no studies have been conducted to confirm this, so experts cannot say for sure. Further, it is unclear if the time it takes to remove delta-8 from the body would vary based on how the substance is taken — for example, if it is vaped instead of taken by mouth.

So far, the only study results for delta-8 THC that have been published involve urine tests. However, it is possible that blood, saliva and hair tests will also be able to show the substance.

How To Get Delta-8 Out of Your System

Because delta-8 THC is cleared from your system by the liver, there is no quick way to eliminate the drug or speed up the process. If you take delta-8 THC, you need to wait until your liver enzymes process the substance. However, certain factors can impact how long it takes your liver to process delta-8. This includes what other substances you take.

Some medications impact the activity of CYP2C9, the liver enzyme mainly responsible for breaking down delta-8 THC. Some medications, such as St. John’s Wort, speed up the activity of CYP2C9. Other medications, such as fluconazole (Diflucan), slow the enzyme down.

Get Help for Delta-8 Addiction in New Jersey

Addiction to synthetic cannabinoids like delta-8 is real and can be hard to recover from on your own. If you or a loved one is struggling with delta-8 THC, The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about addiction treatment programs that can work well for your situation.

Sources

Tagen, Michael; Klumpers, Linda E. “Review of delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol ([…]acology with Δ9-THC.” British Journal of Pharmacology, May 6, 2022. Accessed August 19, 2022.

Horn, John R.; Hansten, Philip D. “Get to Know an Enzyme: CYP2C9.” Pharmacy Times, March 1, 2008. Accessed August 19, 2022.

Goggins, Pat. “What is delta-8?” Leafly, August 5, 2022. Accessed August 19, 2022.

Helander, Anders; Johansson, Malin; Andersson, Annika; Villén, Tomas. “Analytical and medico‐legal problems l[…]ug testing in Sweden.” Drug Testing and Analysis, November 3, 2021. Accessed August 19, 2022.

Medical Disclaimer: The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.

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