By Michael Burke
April 17, 2025
Delta-8 is a psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. It’s one of over 100 naturally occurring cannabinoids. However, delta-8 is only found in very small amounts in cannabis plants. To produce it in larger quantities, manufacturers typically synthesize delta-8 from hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) through a chemical conversion process.[1]
While delta-8 is a form of THC, it is not the same as delta-9, the THC that causes you to get high when you smoke weed. Delta-8 is much less potent, producing slight mind-altering effects rather than an intense high. That said, it is still possible to become addicted to delta-8 THC.
If you or a loved one abuses delta-8, knowing how long it stays in your system can help you determine when your withdrawal symptoms will start. The half-life of delta-8 is about 30 minutes, which means it could leave your system within 4 hours. Keeping this in mind, delta-8 leaves behind metabolites in your system that can be detected by drug tests for a longer period.
In this article, you will learn:
- How long do the effects of delta-8 THC last?
- How long does delta-8 stay in your system?
- How long can drug tests detect delta-8?
How Long Do the Effects of Delta 8 Last?
The cannabis sativa plant contains both THC and CBD. The substance found in weed that gets you high is called delta 9 THC. However, there is another form of THC called delta-8, which is usually derived from CBD.
Because delta-8 is derived from CBD, it contains lower percentages of THC. In other words, the effects of delta-8 are not as intense as delta-9’s effects.
Delta-8 can cause the following side effects when misused:[2]
- Relaxation and euphoria
- Pain relief
- Increased appetite
- Reduced anxiety
- Enhanced mood
- Slight alterations in your perception of time and space
- Dry mouth and eyes
- Chattiness and laughter
- Drowsiness or fatigue
How long the effects of delta-8 last varies depending on factors, including how it was consumed, what dosage you took, and how often you use it. When you smoke delta-8, the effects begin within minutes and last for a few hours. If you eat a Delta-8 edible, the effects won’t start for 30 minutes to 1 hour and can last for several hours at a time.
How Long Does Delta 8 Remain in Your Body?
Substances can remain in your system for several weeks, depending on how they are metabolized. THC tends to stay in your body longer than other substances because it is stored in fatty tissues. Additionally, people who repeatedly use THC will have it in their system longer than a one-time user.
The half-life of delta-8 THC is about 30 minutes. It can take 4 to 5 half-lives for your body to eliminate a substance. That means delta-8 can stay in your system for 4 hours, depending on the dose you consume.
However, delta-8 leaves behind metabolites in your system that remain for longer than 4 hours. The amount of time that a drug test can detect delta-8 depends on how often and what dose of the substance you use. For example, a first-time user who consumes a small dose might only test positive for 2 days, while a chronic user could test positive for up to 3 months.
Can Drug Tests Detect Delta 8?
Your body metabolizes delta-8 into THC-COOH, the same chemical compound that delta-9 turns into.[3] Because of this, drug tests will mark delta-8 as the same substance as traditional marijuana. In other words, you should not use delta-8 THC if you are hoping to pass a drug test for weed.
The amount of time that delta-8 shows up on drug tests depends on a variety of factors, including what type of test is being used.
Urine
Urine tests are the most common form of drug test because they are minimally invasive and relatively cheap to use. You might take a urine test at a doctor’s office, rehab program, probation office, or during pre-employment screening.
These tests can detect delta 8 in urine for 3 to 30 days, depending on how often you use it. First-time users only test positive for up to 3 days, while chronic and daily users can test positive for 30 days.
Blood
Blood tests are not used as often as urine tests because they are invasive, requiring a blood draw to be analyzed. That said, hospitals might use them when you are unable to provide a urine sample.
Similar to urine tests, the window of detection for blood screenings for delta-8 can vary greatly. Occasional or first-time users will only test positive for 2 days. However, chronic users of delta-8 can test positive for up to 25 days.
Saliva
Saliva tests provide the shortest window of detection for people who have only used delta-8 one time. For example, these individuals only test positive for one day. However, if you’ve been using delta-8 every day for a long time, you could test positive for up to 29 days.
Saliva tests tend to be used for pre-employment drug screening and are performed during traffic stops by law enforcement officers who believe you were driving under the influence.
Hair
Hair tests offer the longest window of detection for all types of substances. They are not favored among medical professionals because they can provide unreliable results due to discrimination based on things like hair color.
Hair tests can find any substance, including delta-8, in your system for 90 days.
Get Connected to a Delta 8 Rehab Center
Delta-8 can cause psychoactive effects similar to marijuana, which contains delta-9 THC. Because of this, it is possible to become addicted to delta-8. If you are struggling with delta-8 addiction, it’s time to seek professional help.
Solutions Healthcare is a top-rated rehab center that offers an individualized and evidence-based approach to THC addiction treatment. Whether you abuse delta-8 or delta-9, we can help you achieve long-term recovery.
At Solutions Healthcare, we envision a future where individuals, families, and communities are supported and empowered through comprehensive treatment, education, and advocacy. We believe in creating strong connections and fostering resilience that extends beyond our programs and into the lives of our clients and their loved ones.
Contact us today for more information on our marijuana addiction treatment program.
info@shc.health 
