If you are looking to consume Delta 8, it is essential to know how long the cannabinoid stays in your system. This knowledge can help you plan accordingly, especially if you are concerned about drug testing or if you want to avoid any unwanted effects. In this article, we will dive deep into everything you need to know about Delta 8 THC, including its differences from Delta 9 THC, how it affects your body, and how long it stays in your system.
What is Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 THC is a cannabinoid that is naturally present in cannabis. It is similar to Delta 9 THC, the psychoactive compound found in cannabis that gives you the “high” feeling, but there are some differences. Delta 8 THC is less potent than Delta 9 THC, and it has a slightly different chemical structure. The difference between Delta 8 and Delta 9 is the placement of a double bond. In Delta 8 THC, the double bond is located on the eighth carbon chain, while in Delta 9 THC, it is on the ninth carbon chain. This difference makes Delta 8 THC less psychoactive than Delta 9 THC, but it still has some psychoactive effects. Delta 8 THC is legal at the federal level, but some states have banned it. It is always essential to check your state’s laws regarding Delta 8 THC before consuming it.
What’s The Difference Between Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC?
As mentioned earlier, Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC have some structural differences that affect their potency and psychoactive effects. Delta 8 THC has a lower psychotropic potency than Delta 9 THC, which means that it produces less intense psychoactive effects. The differences in the chemical structure of Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC also affect how they bind to the CB1 receptors in your brain. Delta 8 THC binds to these receptors with less affinity than Delta 9 THC, which is why it is less psychoactive. Delta 8 THC is also more stable than Delta 9 THC, which means that it has a longer shelf life. This stability makes Delta 8 THC a preferred choice for medical and therapeutic purposes.
How Delta 8 Affects Your Body?
Delta 8 THC has several effects on your body, some of which are similar to Delta 9 THC’s effects. When consumed, Delta 8 THC binds to the CB1 receptors in your brain, which can result in feelings of relaxation, euphoria, and pain relief. Unlike Delta 9 THC, Delta 8 THC is less likely to cause anxiety, paranoia, or other unwanted side effects.
Many people describe Delta 8 THC as having a more “body” type of feeling, which means that it can make you feel physically relaxed and sedated. Delta 8 THC is also known to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, which means that it can help reduce pain and inflammation. It can also increase appetite, which is why it is sometimes referred to as the “munchies” cannabinoid.
How Strong Is Delta 8 THC Compared To Other Cannabinoids?
Delta 8 THC is often referred to as the “THC-lite” cannabinoid because it is less potent than Delta 9 THC. When consumed, Delta 8 THC produces milder effects than Delta 9 THC, which makes it a great choice for those who want to experience the benefits of THC without the intense psychoactive effects.
How Long Does Delta 8 Stay In Your System?
When consuming cannabinoids, especially psychoactive ones, one of the more important questions a consumer can ask is: How long does X cannabinoid stay in my system? Many consumers are afraid cannabinoids can be detectable on drug tests for a long period of time after the cannabinoid is consumed. The answer to this question depends on a variety of things and for that reason we’ll be diving a bit more into depth into what can contribute to a cannabinoid staying in your system for long periods of time. In this particular case, we’ll be looking into how long delta 8 can stay in your system.
Delta 8 THC will stay in your system, relatively the same as Delta 9 THC. When you introduce Delta 8 THC into your body, just as any other cannabinoid, only a small amount makes its way into your bloodstream depending on many factors. Once in the bloodstream, it will find its way to the receptors, where THC will bind to cb1. As the THC will only stay on the receptor for a shorter period, it is a lipophilic substance which means it is attracted to fat. So a good portion of the THC is stored in body fat and this is the reason your body slowly sheds the THC.
How long delta 8 THC stays in your system depends on several factors such as your metabolism, body weight, dosage, frequency of use, and method of consumption. Generally, delta 8 THC can stay in your system for anywhere between two to five days. However, heavy and regular users may test positive for delta 8 THC for up to 30 days.
It’s important to note that drug tests can detect even small traces of delta 8 THC in your system. If you have a drug test coming up and you’re a regular user, it’s best to stop using delta 8 THC at least two weeks before the test.
In summary, Delta 8 THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid that has gained popularity due to its similarity to delta 9 THC. However, it’s important to understand the effects of delta 8 THC and how long it can stay in your system, especially if you’re subject to drug tests. While the effects of delta 8 THC may vary depending on the individual and the method of consumption, it generally stays in your system for two to five days. Heavy and regular users may test positive for up to 30 days. If you’re a regular user and have a drug test coming up, it’s best to stop using delta 8 THC at least two weeks before the test.