Marijuana is one of the most widely consumed psychoactive substances in America. The chemical compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana is known as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). While there are over 100 types of cannabinoids produced by the marijuana plant, delta 9 THC is the substance that produces the traditional cannabis effect that users seek.
While delta 9 THC is becoming legal for medicinal and recreational use in many states across America, it is still federally illegal. This means that certain states do not allow the recreational use of delta-9 THC. Because of this, a new kind of THC, delta 8 THC, is being marketed as a safe and legal alternative.
Delta 8 is legal to use, but it will stay in your system and show up on drug tests. Being aware of how long delta 8 stays in your system is important if you plan on using it.
What is Delta 8 THC?
Marijuana has over 100 different types of cannabinoids.[1] The cannabinoids you are most likely familiar with are THC and CBD. However, there are tons of different types of THC that you are probably not aware of.
The type of THC that is found in the marijuana that people use to get high is delta-9 THC. The new form of THC that is currently being sold in stores is referred to as delta 8. This substance is a minor cannabinoid, which means it causes less potent effects than the THC you are used to hearing about.
While delta 8 is a minor cannabinoid, it is still the most potent minor cannabinoid. This means while it is less potent than traditional THC, it still produces mind-altering effects.
According to the FDA, “Delta-8 THC is one of over 100 cannabinoids produced naturally by the cannabis plant but is not found in significant amounts in the cannabis plant. As a result, concentrated amounts of delta-8 THC are typically manufactured from hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD).”[2]
What are the Effects of Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 causes similar effects to delta 9, on a less intensive scale. In other words, delta 8 causes the same effects as traditional marijuana, without being potent. For example, the intense rushes of the euphoria associated with delta 9 occur when you consume delta 8, however, it’s more of a slight feeling of happiness instead of a rush.
The effects of delta 8 THC include:
- Slight euphoria
- Feelings of relaxation
- Potential pain relief
- Red eyes
- Dry mouth
- Rapid heart rate
- Coordination issues
- Slowed reaction time
- Anxiety
- Memory loss
According to the FDA, “It is important for consumers to be aware that delta-8 THC products have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA for safe use in any context. They may be marketed in ways that put the public health at risk and should especially be kept out of reach of children and pets.”[2] This means that the full effects of delta 8 are largely unknown due to a lack of research.
How Long Does Delta 8 Stay in Your System?
Substances can remain in your body for several weeks depending on how they are metabolized. THC typically remains in the body longer than other substances because it builds up in fatty tissues faster than your body can eliminate it. But is this the same for delta-8 THC?
Delta 8 has two types of metabolic phases: a rapid and slow phase. The rapid phase begins immediately after you ingest the substance, as your body clears a small portion of it from your system. After this occurs, the slow phase begins and the metabolic rate is decreased substantially.
The half-life of delta 8 THC is about 30 minutes, which means it takes 4 hours for a 60mg dose of the substance to be removed from your system. Smaller doses of delta 8 will take less time to leave your body, while larger doses will take longer.
While it takes 4 hours for the substance to be eliminated from your body, delta 8 leaves behind metabolites that allow it to be detected for much longer. How long the metabolites are detectable depends on how often and how much of the substance you use. For example, a new user could be cleared of the substance after only 2 days, while a heavy user could have the metabolites in their system for up to 3 months.
Is Delta 8 THC Detectable on a Drug Test?
Because delta 8 is legal, many people believe that means it doesn’t show up on a drug test. This is far from the truth, as most drug tests look for the metabolites that THC leaves behind. Both delta 9 and delta 8 THC leave behind the same metabolite, THC-COOH.[3]
THC-COOH metabolites can be found in your urine, saliva, hair, blood, sweat, and lungs, so if you were consuming delta 8 before you took a drug test, you could fail for marijuana use.
How long delta 8 is detectable depends on a variety of factors, including:
- Frequency of use
- Age
- Metabolism rate
- Method of use
- Liver health and overall health
- Dosage used
- Any medications or supplements you take
Typically, hair tests can detect any substance in your body for up to 90 days. Urine tests usually only detect delta 8 in your system for 4 to 8 days after your last use of the substance. Lastly, blood tests may show delta 8 in your system for 2 to 30 days depending on the factors mentioned above.
Find Help for Delta 8 Abuse and Addiction
If you or a loved one frequently abuse delta 8, you may need treatment for a substance use disorder. While delta 8 is legal, there has been little research done on how it affects people. We know that you can get addicted to delta-9 THC, which makes developing a dependency on delta-8 likely.
At Mandala Healing Center, Clients are taken on a journey of healing through complete immersion into evidence-based clinical modalities, multifaceted alternative therapies, and expert medical management, allowing them to fully detox and recover from drug and alcohol addictions. Through a program of care designed to encourage change, a foundation is created that allows clients to find their higher purpose and reclaim their lives.
Our admissions coordinators are available 24 hours a day. All calls and forms are 100% free and confidential. Call now to start your recovery journey.
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