How long does Delta 8 stay in your system?
The use of cannabis has been up for debate for years. Some are advocates of medical use, while others believe it is purely a drug with dangerous intentions. Today, there are varying levels of policies regarding cannabis use spread over a few states that have legalized the substance. The two most commonly used cannabinoids include CBD and THC. CBD is known to produce calming effects. THC is known to produce psychoactive and euphoric effects. Delta 8 THC is a specific cannabis compound that has been on the radar for cannabis users due to its growing popularity. Delta 8 THC is a compound created by applying chemicals to hemp CBD, which ultimately changes the structure of CBD into Delta 8 THC.
Delta 8 THC is known to have milder psychoactive effects compared to the standard Delta 9 THC that is a more common compound used in cannabis products. Most of the THC used and distributed comes from the cannabinoid strand of Delta 9 THC. With the rise in popularity of Delta 8 THC, authorities spread a word of caution because it is not federally regulated and many states still have restrictions on its use. In 2021, the CDC issued a healthy advisory warning against Delta 8 THC because they were being produced, sold and marketed as “light weed.”
What is Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 THC is a Schedule I controlled substance and one of the many compounds derived from the cannabis sativa plant. Currently, Delta 8 THC has not been FDA approved for general consumption due to some adverse effects and its risk for cannabis abuse. The process in which it changes from hemp CBD to Delta 8 THC is still unregulated in the US and has not been tested for public safety. This makes using this strand of cannabinoid risky.
Once Delta 8 has made its way inside the body, it connects with your brain chemicals called the cannabinoid G protein-coupled receptor or CB1. It works to inhibit certain enzymes and enhance the activity of other enzymes. When impacting these enzymes, it can result in the following: euphoria, relaxation, visual distortions, difficulty with cognitive functions and difficulty speaking. Other side effects include impaired short-term memory, distorted time perception, delusional disorder, development of phobias, hallucinations, impaired coordination, loss of consciousness, and difficulty with focus.
Delta 8 THC can be taken as gummies, through a vape, through liquid tinctures or through topicals. Some research has suggested potential benefits of Delta 8 THC. This includes helping to alleviate symptoms of nausea, anxiety, appetite loss and pain relieving properties. It may also help in the treatment of panic attacks, stress, depression, bipolar disorder and conditions of chronic pain. Other research suggests it can produce analgesic properties that can help treat severe PTSD and sleep disorders.
How long does Delta 8 stay in your System?
Delta 8 THC can stay in your system anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks depending on many different factors. For the occasional user, the substance can leave your system within 2-5 days. For the regular user, the substance can remain in your system for up to 15 days. Urine tests can detect Delta 8 use anywhere between 3-7 days depending on how often you use the substance. Blood tests can detect the substance up to a few days after and saliva tests can detect the substance up to 34 hours after it has been consumed.
Factors that impact how long Delta 8 stays in your system
- Frequency and dosage. In higher doses and in more frequent use, it can take the body longer to process the substance and therefore take longer for it to leave your system.
- Individual metabolism. Some people can naturally eliminate THC faster than others. Everyone breaks down substances at different rates.
- Body composition. Body fat plays a significant role in storing cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are stored in your fat cells and slowly release. This makes it so the substance can accumulate in your body over time with regular substance use. People who have high body fat content are prone to having the substance stay in their system for as long as 30 days.
- Method of consumption. The way in which you take Delta 8 THC can also impact how long it stays in your body. If you take the substance orally, such as through an edible, it can remain in your system for longer than if you smoked it. Inhaling the substance leads to quicker onset of effects and shorter duration of time within the body.
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Delta 8 vs Delta 9
The majority of the THC cannabinoids that are popular among users is the Delta 9 THC compound. Today, the Delta 9 THC compound is gaining in popularity due to its milder effects for those who don’t want to experience a serious high.
- Benefits of Delta 8 – analgesic, anxiety reduction and treatment for nausea
- Risks of Delta 8 – mild psychoactive effects, minor skin irritation and possible allergic reactions
- Delta 8 legal status – illegal in most states
- Delta 8 is not considered to be a highly addictive substance
- Benefits of Delta 9 – pain relief, anxiety reduction, appetite stimulation and sleep promotion
- Risks of Delta 9 – psychoactive effects, increased heart rate, dizziness and impaired coordination
- Delta 9 legal status – legal in some states
- Delta 9 is considered to be a highly addictive substance
Legality and Regulation of Delta 8 THC
Currently, there are no clear federal laws, policies or regulations regarding Delta 8 THC. However, many states have their own policies with the substance. A few states have allowed for sale and use of Delta 8 THC products but only if they are sold in licensed dispensaries and go through a regulated testing process. On the other hand, over 15 states have banned the sale of Delta 8 THC products.
Because Delta 8 THC products have not been officially approved or evaluated through FDA regulations, it can put many users at risk. Most products are currently sold online and a limited amount of physical stores where it is legal to sell. Because it is highly unregulated, consumers may not be aware of the hidden dangers of using the product. A 2021 study of Delta 8 THC vape pens found that out of 27 products that were studied, none of them were labeled accurately. In fact, 11 of these products contained unlabeled contaminants that could pose serious health risks to consumers.
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Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
Cannabis abuse is one of the top addictions among Americans. It is a controlled substance with no federal regulations making it risky to consume. There are various types of cannabinoids that are popular, including CBD and THC. CBD is the compound that does not produce psychoactive effects and THC is the compound that does produce euphoria and psychedelic effects. The most common type of THC is Delta 9. However, a new compound called Delta 8 THC is becoming even more popular among cannabis users. Like other compounds, this form of cannabis can lead to an addiction.
Behavioral health programs such as Hotel California by the Sea provide treatment for those who are addicted to substances, including cannabis and marijuana. We offer treatment at all levels of care including detox, residential, PHP and IOP. We also utilize evidence-based methods such as CBT, DBT, group therapy and family therapy. Hotel California by the Sea is dedicated to helping clients reach their sobriety goals and overcome their addiction.
References:
https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/cannabis/delta-8-legality-drug-tests
https://www.healthline.com/health/does-delta-8-show-up-on-a-drug-test
https://recovered.org/marijuana/delta-8-thc
https://poisoncenters.org/track/delta-8-THC
https://www.veriheal.com/blog/how-long-does-delta-8-stay-in-your-system/