Consumers love Delta 8 for several reasons; among them are its euphoric effects and various wellness benefits. People enjoy it because it allows them to get elevated while maintaining control. But how long does a Delta 8 high last? Knowing how long an elevated experience will last is important information for cannabis consumers, especially those who want to enjoy the benefits and not have them affect their personal or professional lives.
Knowing how long a Delta 8 experience will last can help you plan for the day and ensure a safe, enjoyable experience. For example, you may want mild euphoria when hanging out with friends or an even more potent experience when on your own, all while making sure these effects wear off by the time you get to work. A greater concern may be how long Delta 8 will stay in your system. This will help you prepare for potential drug tests. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about a Delta 8 experience so you’re prepared and can enjoy it without worrying about it affecting your reputation.
What Is Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 THC (Delta 8 Tetrahydrocannabinol, Delta 8, D8 THC, or D8) is an extremely rare, naturally occurring cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. It is mildly euphoric and produces feelings of relaxation, making it ideal for evening use or whenever you want to just relax. Delta 8 THC is present in both marijuana and hemp plants but in very small, almost undetectable amounts.
However, due to its scarcity — less than 1% of a hemp plant contains Delta 8 THC — it is often semi-synthetically made from hemp-derived CBD (Cannabidiol). Both CBD and Delta 8 THC are isomers of each other. Because of this, the safe and clean industrial process of isomerization is employed to turn readily available CBD into Delta 8 THC. The result: an ample supply of the cannabinoid to make everything from edibles and oils to thinly coated Delta 8 THC hemp flower.
People often compare Delta 8 THC to its sister cannabinoid, Delta 9 THC (Delta 9 Tetrahydrocannabinol, Delta 9, D9 THC, D9, or THC), the primary euphoric cannabinoid in the marijuana plant. However, Delta 8 produces much milder effects due to how it reacts with the cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system or ECS.
The endocannabinoid system, or ECS, is an internal network of cell-signaling receptors that plays a crucial role in modulating several important biological processes related to mental and physical wellness. There are two types of ECS receptors: CB1 and CB2, located in the central and peripheral nervous systems, respectively.
Delta 8 THC has a double bond on its eighth carbon atom, causing it to interact with the CB1 receptors in the brain, thereby producing milder euphoric effects. The cannabinoid also interacts with the CB2 receptors to provide immune support and help relieve physical discomfort, among other aspects.
Legal Status of Delta 8 THC
Delta 8 THC products are legal as long as they are hemp-derived and do not exceed a total THC content of 0.3%. The Farm Bill of 2018 made all hemp-derived cannabis products with a THC level of 0.3% or less federally legal. However, state laws may differ, especially when it comes to Delta 8 products. This is where Delta 8 legality becomes tricky.
Many states align with the Farm Bill. Some states allow cannabis regardless of the origin or THC level. Other states consider all cannabis plant derivatives illegal.
Delta 8 THC is a hemp-derived product, so it is legal on a federal level and in most states. However, it falls into a gray area because many consider it to erroneously be a synthetic cannabinoid. It isn’t. Synthetic cannabinoids do not exist in nature and are entirely artificial creations.
Additionally, many state governments do not mention Delta 8 in their hemp regulations, leading to confusion among lawmakers and enthusiasts. It’s always a good idea to check with your state laws regarding Delta 8 legality.
Why Some Consumers Prefer Delta 8 THC
Some prefer the euphoric effects of Delta 9 THC. Others prefer Delta 8 because it makes them feel in control with a mild euphoria that isn’t as overpowering as THC. Delta 8 elevates mood and provides health benefits while supporting productivity.
How Long Does Delta 8 Effects Last?
The duration of Delta 8 THC effects varies depending on several factors; chief among them is the form factor of the product you are taking.
So, how long does Delta 8 high last? Here are approximate times based on the method of consumption:
- Inhalation Methods. Products include Delta 8 flower, pre-rolls, cigarettes, vapes, and concentrates. Duration of effects will last approximately 3-4 hours.
- Sublingual Method. This method is best with Delta 8 oils (tinctures). Duration of effects will last approximately 4-6 hours.
- Oral Ingestion (Edible) Methods. Products include Delta 8 gummies, softgels, and oils (tinctures). Duration of effects will last approximately 6-8 hours.
And here is a list of factors that contribute to Delta 8 effects:
- How You Take It. The consumption method affects how long Delta 8 THC lasts. As we mentioned above, if you smoke or vape it, it will last a few hours. If you are wondering, how long do Delta 8 gummies last, edible products last up to eight hours producing longer-lasting elevation.
- Form of Delta 8. Delta 8 can be consumed on its own, or it can be combined with terpenes and cannabinoids to provide a full spectrum effect. The other substances in the cannabis will affect how long it lasts. You may experience stronger effects from cannabis packed with terpenes and other cannabinoids than you would from an isolate product at the same dosage.
- Strength. Different cannabis products feature various cannabis strengths expressed in milligrams (mg). More potent cannabis will last longer. If you take too much without restraint, it may lead to potential psychoactive effects that may be too much to handle. Always take the proper dosage and consume responsibly.
- Your Tolerance. If you use cannabis often, you will develop a tolerance. People with a high tolerance to cannabis will not experience long-lasting effects.
Factors That Influence the Duration of a Delta 8 THC High
Several factors shape how long Delta 8’s effects last, and they vary from person to person. These five unique traits help determine how D8 will affect you.
Dosage
The more Delta 8 THC you take, the longer the effects will last. Remember, dosage is not just about how much you take; it’s also about the strength. For example, two 25 mg gummies won’t produce the same effects or be as strong as a single 100 mg gummy.
Metabolism
Metabolism is the process your body uses to convert what you consume into energy, powering everything from movement to basic functions like breathing. If you have a fast metabolism, Delta 8 THC will not stay in your system as long, and the effects will wear off quickly.
Body Weight
People with a high body weight will not feel the effects of Delta 8 as strongly. However, it may have longer-lasting effects on someone with a high body mass index (BMI). Cannabinoids bind with fat cells, increasing the duration of the effects.
Age
Your body’s ability to process cannabis changes as you age. People over 55 tend to be more sensitive to cannabis and have a greater risk of developing side effects. This is especially true for individuals with health conditions.
Food Intake
If you eat food before taking Delta 8 THC edibles, you may not experience lasting effects. The food will absorb some Delta 8, so it won’t hit as hard.
What Are the Signs Delta 8 Is Wearing Off?
As Delta 8’s effects start to fade, you may notice a few changes in how you feel. Here are some common signs that it’s wearing off.
Changes in Concentration
Delta 8 THC can do strange things to your concentration. Depending on the dosage, it can improve focus, sometimes to the point where you overfocus on certain things, or it can cause your mind to slow down and enter a tranquil state. As Delta 8 wears off, your focus will return to normal.
Reduced Psychoactive Intensity
Delta 8 THC isn’t super psychoactive, but it can cause subtle changes, like making colors look brighter, time feel slower, and food tastes better. As your body processes the cannabinoid, these effects will gradually fade.
Shifts in Mood
The compound elevates mood. You may notice your mood shifting back to normal a few hours after consumption. However, some people will maintain a good mood.
Loss of Relaxation
Delta 8 THC makes you more relaxed, both mentally and physically. If you used it to forget about an issue that was bothering you, you may find yourself focusing more on that issue as the cannabis wears off. As the effects fade, that soothing physical calm will also slip away, and you’ll start feeling more like your usual self again.
Normal Appetite
The compound is conducive to appetite stimulation. It makes food taste and smell better and boosts the production of ghrelin, a hunger-causing hormone. Your appetite will return to normal when Delta 8 THC effects wear off.
Potential Side Effects of Delta 8 THC Metabolites
The beneficial effects of Delta 8 THC will eventually wear off. However, if you take too much Delta 8, you might experience some mild, temporary side effects. Fortunately, they’ll only last a few hours before you return to normal. Here’s what to watch for if you overdo it.
- Dizziness
- Red Eyes
- Dry Mouth
- Loss of Coordination
- Lethargy
- Drowsiness
Getting the right dose is key. Start low and go slow with Delta 8, only taking what you’re comfortable with until you understand how it affects you physically and mentally. By dosing carefully, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth, enjoyable experience.
FAQs on How Long Does a Delta 8 High Last?
Can You Build up a Tolerance to Delta 8 THC?
Yes, you can build up a tolerance to Delta 8 THC. If you consume Delta 8 THC regularly, you will not feel the effects as strongly. You will need more of the cannabinoid to feel the same results. If you find yourself needing more Delta 8 THC to feel the same effects, it might be time for a tolerance break. A tolerance break is when you pause D8 consumption for a while to reset your body’s sensitivity, allowing you to feel the effects more strongly when you start again.
Does Delta 8 Show up on a Drug Test?
Yes, Delta 8 can show up on a drug test. Most drug tests are designed to detect the presence of THC. And since Delta 8 THC is an analog of THC, it can, therefore, produce a false positive. If you have an upcoming drug test, stay away from all Delta 8 and cannabis products in general for at least 30 days. This ensures the test, which most likely will be a urine test, will not detect THC metabolites in your system.
How Does Delta 8 Compare to CBD?
Delta 8 and CBD have many similar qualities. Both provide stress relief, elevate mood, and boost relaxation. However, Delta 8 THC can have euphoric effects, especially when consumed in large quantities. CBD does not have euphoric effects.
Final Thoughts – How Long Does a Delta 8 High Last? [Enjoy up to 8+ Hours of Bliss!]
Delta 8 THC is gaining popularity in the hemp industry thanks to its relaxing properties and tranquil euphoria. Enthusiasts enjoy it because it provides health benefits without making you lose control. Hemp-derived Delta 8 products are also currently federally legal and legal in most states.
Although Delta 8 provides mild effects, it’s still important to understand how long they last. Delta 8 products can be consumed through inhalation methods (flower, pre-rolls, vapes, concentrates) lasting about 3-4 hours, sublingual methods (oils/tinctures) lasting 4-6 hours, or oral ingestion (gummies, softgels, oils) lasting 6-8 hours. This information will help you plan your day. The duration varies according to tolerance, consumption methods, dosage, and other factors. Once you understand what’s involved, you can dose accordingly. Here’s wishing you a pleasant Delta 8 THC experience.
