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How To Clear Delta-8 THC From Your System


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Delta-8 THC is provoking a recent surge of interest from scientists and wellness enthusiasts alike. While its benefits and high inducing effects are enthusiastically sought after, so are the methods for safely clearing Delta-8 from the body's system to pass a drug test.

Key Takeaways:

  • Delta-8 is naturally found in small traces of the Cannabis Sativa L. plant

  • Delta-8 is an isomer of delta-9

  • Delta-8 is a psychoactive substance and produces a mellow high experience

  • Delta-8 will show up positive on drug tests that detect THC

  • Delta-8 stays in your system depending on multiple factors regarding individual body, lifestyle, substance use amount, and drug test type

  • Delta-8 can be cleared from your system by extended abstinence, drinking large amounts of water, exercising, eating healthy, and detox products

Cannabis Background

Cannabis Sativa L. is an important herbaceous plant whose versatility has been used by humans in different geographic centers of the world for millennia. Its fascinating profile continues to be examined, with scientists learning more about its compounds and their potential health benefits.

What is worth understanding is that cannabis plants are made up of over 400 compounds, and nearly a hundred of them are cannabinoids.

The most well-known cannabinoids are cannabidiol (CBD), which is commonly used in the form of tincture oils to support the natural recovery process from external stressors that induce anxiety, and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is commonly used to support chronic pain relief and known for its psychoactive effects.

While the term "THC" has been used broadly to describe the compound responsible for euphoric and mind-altering effects, it has been discovered that there are actually many different variants of THC. They include THCA, THCV, Delta-9 THC, and Delta-8 THC. Each variant has its own unique chemical structure, ways of interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system, and medical benefits.

What Is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, or delta-8 THC, is a cannabinoid that is naturally found in low traces within the cannabis plant. It is known to have mild psychotropic properties and may provide users with a mellow high experience.

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What Is The Difference Between Delta-8 and Delta-9?

Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC chemical structure comparison diagram

Delta-8 THC is an isomer of delta-9 THC.

This means that while they share identical molecular formulae, or the same number of atoms, there are differences in the structural arrangement of their atoms that make them distinctly unique from each other.

The molecular structure of delta-8 THC differs from delta-9 THC in that the location of its double bond is between carbon atoms 8 and 9, rather than 9 and 10.

It is in this difference that delta-8 THC has a lower affinity, or chemical binding, to the CB1 receptors of the endocannabinoid system, and therefore has lower psychoactive effects than delta-9 THC [1].

How Strong Is Delta-8?

Delta-8 THC has considerably less potent effects than Delta-9 THC. An extensive scientific study reports users saying Delta-8 THC is Delta-9 THC's "nicer, younger sibling" [2].

Nonetheless, Delta-8 is identified as a psychotropic compound and known to be mind-altering and provide users with a euphoric, calm high.

Usage of Delta-8 should always be performed with care and caution.

What Are The Benefits of Delta-8?

Delta-8 may provide similar medicinal, therapeutic, and recreational benefits as delta-9 THC, but with fewer adverse effects.

While additional studies are necessary to provide a more clear and robust understanding of the naturally occurring hemp chemical, it is believed that Delta-8 may support relief from chronic pain, anxiety, stress, and more.

Ways To Take Delta-8?

There are a variety of ingestion methods for taking delta-8 THC. Popular methods include:

Smoking

Smoking concentrated delta-8 THC in liquid form with a vape pen has increased in accessibility. By inhaling the vapor of concentrated delta-8 THC, you may experience a high within a few minutes and experience sensations that may last up to five hours.

Sublingual

Sublingual tinctures work by applying the delta-8 THC oil directly under the tongue. The compound has a quick entry into the bloodstream, with an average onset of thirty minutes, and may last up to five hours.

Edibles

Edibles such as delta-8 THC Gummies have become a popular recreational or therapeutic treat.

By consuming a delta-8 THC edible, the body has a unique metabolizing process that can delay its onset by one hour, but the process is more thoroughly distributed throughout the body and its effects can last upwards of six hours.

How Long Does Delta-8 Stay In Your System?

How long delta-8 remains in your system is contingent on a few factors, including:

  • Amount of delta-8 consumed

  • Frequency of consumption

  • Method type of consumption

  • Body weight

  • Lifestyle

  • Diet

How long delta-8 THC stays in the system will vary person by person. From the Delta-8 product type, consumption habits, genetics, lifestyle, and other factors will affect how long the compound will stay in your system.

Additionally, different drug test types will be able to detect THC metabolites since the last time of use at varying rates.

Common Types of Drug Tests

Most drug tests do not distinguish between delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC.

Because of their similar chemical structure, delta-8 THC metabolites may show up positive on drug tests that may have been originally arranged with the concern of delta-9 THC.

If you have an impending drug test scheduled that you would like to pass, it's advised not to consume delta-8 THC less than a month prior.

Saliva Test

Saliva tests may be able to detect traces of THC metabolites from 1-29 days since it was last consumed.

Urine Test

Urine tests may be able to detect traces of THC metabolites from 1-29 days since it was last consumed.

Blood Test

Blood tests may show traces of THC metabolites from 1-29 days since it was last consumed.

While these drug tests have a large detection range and individual factors may influence results, it may be considered that for occasional users (1-2 times per month or less) delta-8 THC metabolites may test positive for up to 3 days, moderate users (1-3 times per week) for up to a week, and chronic users (1-3 times or more per day) for up to 29 days or more since your last use.

Hair Follicle Test

Hair follicle tests may be able to detect traces of THC metabolites from 90 days since it was last consumed. These tests are the hardest drug test types to pass, though they are less commonly administered.

How To Clear Delta-8 From Your System

Encouraging healthy detoxification and regenerative processes will help to clear delta-8 THC from your system.

A few detox methods include:

Exercise

Delta-8 THC is more likely to stay in the system of a sedentary individual for a longer length of time than someone who engages in frequent sweat-producing activities. Exercise helps to burn fat cells, which is where cannabinoids are stored in the body, and encourages the body's circulation of lymph fluids which help to flush out toxins more effectively.

Healthy and Balanced Diet

Having a nourishing diet supports a healthy liver, the organ responsible for the body's filtration, and metabolism, and ensures regenerative processes for new cells are performing at an optimal rate.

Detox Drink

Various detox products have been marketed to claim they can induce a rapid cleansing of the body and help you to pass your drug test.

But beware of ineffective or even unhealthy ingredients used in unsafe amounts.

While the majority of detox products are gimmicks, if you decide to give a detox beverage a try, look for one that replenishes vitamins and minerals.

Abstinence

Your body is designed to detoxify itself. Abstain from Delta-8 long enough and the body will clear out the remaining THC metabolites from the fat cells.

Tip: Drinking large amounts of water may not help to flush the body of THC in the ways that you hope, and done excessively can even be dangerous if lead to water intoxication. Staying well hydrated will help to provide the kidney with an adequate source of water to facilitate metabolic waste removal processes, but no scientific study proves that an excessive intake of water will increase its rate of function.

Is Delta-8 THC Legal?

Delta-8 THC is federally legal. The Farm Bill, or Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, removed hemp, defined as Cannabis Sativa L., and its natural derivatives with extremely low concentrations of delta-9 THC, (no more than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis) from the definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act [3].

The statements of The Farm Bill created a legal loophole for delta-8 THC. The production and distribution of delta-8 THC products have exploded in the last few years, filling a recreational demand in areas that are bounded by the medical authorization requirements of delta-9 THC.

However, states officials have caught onto the stirring around the THC analog and many have moved forward with declaring the illegal status of Delta-8 THC.

As of October 6, 2021, Delta-8 THC is currently legal in California, though its status may be subject to change at any time.

California currently protects the legal status of Delta-8 THC under The Assembly Bill 45 which states hemp and its natural derivatives are legal as long as total THC is no greater than 0.3%.

Total THC is defined as "Any tetrahydrocannabinol, including, but not limited to, Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, and Delta-10-tetrahydrocannabinol, however, derived, except that the department may exclude one or more isomers of tetrahydrocannabinol from this definition under subdivision (a) of Section 111921.7" [4].

Is Delta-8 THC Safe?

Delta-8 has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA.

Scientific research on the safety profile specific to delta 8 is not currently extensive or publicly available.

However, a substantial amount of scientific research continues to be performed regarding hemp and its potential for incredible health benefits. Delta-8 which is carefully extracted from federally legal and Farm Bill-complaint hemp may be a safe approach to exploring the THC experience.

It is always advised that when interested in trying a new substance speak to your doctor first. If approved, start with a low dosage and go slow, carefully observing the effects unique to your body.

Cannabis naturally only has only low traces of delta-8 THC. Therefore, the delta-8 THC products you consume may be either derived from premium selected strains that have a cannabinoid profile yielding a maximum delta-8 THC presence and then artisan extracted, or it can be synthetically isolated, which has been reported to produce more harmful or adverse effects, like vomiting, dizziness, and confusion.

Research companies thoroughly and select your delta-8 THC products carefully.

The Takeaway: Clearing Delta-8 For Drug Testing

Water Exercise

Delta 8 is a naturally occurring chemical compound found in Cannabis Sativa L. with a psychotropic profile and promising benefits. However, long after its mellow high effects are over, circumstances may require you to want to clear your system of the THC in order to pass a drug test.

While extended abstinence will allow for the body's normal detoxification processes to take place, you may want to consider other methods such as: increasing your water intake, exercising more frequently, and establishing a healthy diet. Detox products are another option available but should be approached with healthy skepticism as many are unsafe.

Learn more about Delta-8 and explore a beginner's guide by visiting the Neurogan blog.

FAQ

How To Pass On A Drug Test For Delta 8 THC?

If you have a drug test coming up and want to pass it, it is best not to ingest delta-8 THC less than a month before.

Does Delta 8 Show Up On A Drug Test?

Most drug tests cannot tell the difference between delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC. Because of their identical chemical structure, delta-8 THC metabolites may test positive on drug tests that were initially designed to detect delta-9 THC.

How Long Does Delta 8 High Last?

Delta-8 is a psychoactive chemical that is believed to affect the mind and offer users with a euphoric, peaceful high. Delta-8 THC effects can last 4-6 hours, depending on dosage, administration technique, and your own unique biological parameters.

How To Clear Delta-8 From Your System?

While abstinence over an extended period can allow the body's natural detoxification processes to take place, you may want to consider alternative techniques such as increasing your water intake, exercising more frequently, and developing a nutritious diet. Detox products are another alternative, but they should be addressed with caution because many of them are dangerous.

Resources:

  1. Kruger, J.S., Kruger, D.J. Delta-8-THC: Delta-9-THC’s nicer younger sibling?. J Cannabis Res 4, 4 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-021-00115-8

  2. Daniel J. Kruger and Jessica S. Kruger. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. (2022). http://doi.org/10.1089/can.2021.0124

  3. "H.R.2 - 115th Congress (2017-2018): Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018." Congress.gov, Library of Congress, 20 December 2018, http://www.congress.gov/

  4. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220AB45

BY
Belinda Hoang

BS in Business Belinda draws inspiration from the intersection of nature and humanity, finding depth in the experiences they offer. Her journey as an educational leader, starting from meditation guide, has led her to advocate for the therapeutic benefits of hemp and plant apothecary. As Neuroga...


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