How Long Does Delta-8 Stay in Your System?

One question we hear from folks exploring hemp-derived products: “How long does Delta-8 stay in your system?” We’re going to look at how long D8 sticks around, along with it’s closely-related cannabinoid Delta-9 THC. TLDR: D9 tends to stick around longer than D8, and if you don’t use often you should be good in a week or so.

What is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid that’s similar to Delta-9 THC – D9 being the compound known for producing that classic psychoactive “high” effect. Delta-8 is typically described as providing a gentler, clearer-headed buzz.

How Long Does Delta-8 Stay in Your System?

Several factors impact how long Delta-8 stays detectable in your body:

• Frequency of Use: If you’re an occasional user, Delta-8 typically leaves your system faster: generally within 3 to 5 days. For frequent users, Delta-8 may be detectable for up to 10 days – or even longer.
• Metabolism: A faster body metabolism clear Delta-8 out quicker.
• Dosage: Higher doses of Delta 8 THC tend to stick around longer.
• Method of Consumption: according to this study “Cannabinoid disposition in oral fluid after controlled smoked, vaporized, and oral cannabis administration” things you swallow like gummies or tinctures have slower metabolic breakdown than things you smoke or vape.

In general, most light users can expect Delta-8 to clear their systems within a week.

What about Delta-9 THC?

Delta-9 THC, found both in traditional cannabis products and hemp-derived products like , usually stays in your system slightly longer than Delta-8. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Frequency of Use: Delta-9 THC typically leaves your system within about 3 to 7 days. If you’re a frequent consumer, Delta-9 THC could stick around for two weeks or even longer—sometimes up to 30 days in heavy users.
• Metabolism: Like with Delta-8, slower metabolisms mean longer detection times for Delta-9.
• Dosage: Also like Delta-8, higher doses of Delta-9 will leave more of the cannabinoid in your system for longer.

If you only use Delta-9 a few times a week, you should test fully clear after a week or so. If you use more often than that, for Delta-9 you may need to wait 2-4 weeks to avoid showing any cannabinoids in your test results. For more details see our post: Is Delta-9 THC Safe?

Testing for Delta-8 and Delta-9

Both cannabinoids are detectable on standard drug tests, most commonly urine tests. These usually look for THC metabolites rather than distinguishing specifically between Delta-8 and Delta-9. If you’ve been using either one, consider how much you’ve used and long until your test. If you’ve got a drug test coming soon, please keep this in mind: allow plenty of time for cannabinoids to fully exit your system.

Tips for Clearing THC from Your System

While there’s no guaranteed way to speed things up dramatically, here are some common-sense tips that can help your body clear THC metabolites more efficiently:

• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps flush things out.
• Exercise Regularly: Physical activity can help burn fat cells where THC metabolites are stored.
• Healthy Diet: A diet rich in fiber and antioxidants can aid your body’s natural purging processes.

Final Thoughts

Everyone’s body and metabolism is unique. The times given above are rough guidelines. Please always consider your personal usage patterns, health factors, and any test you may have coming up. Long term, the more legal this plant becomes, the less we should have to worry about testing!