Medically Reviewed By:
Nidra Sidhu, M.D. Integrative MedicineTable Of Contents
Table Of Contents
How Long Does A Delta 8 High Last?
Recent trends in the cannabis market have seen an increase in the popularity of the newest cannabinoid to join the hemp industry.
Delta 8 has become a popular choice for marijuana veterans and new THC users, and it is not surprising to hear questions about how long the delta 8 THC high lasts.
New users of delta 8 seek answers to questions like “how long does a delta 8 high last,” “how long do delta 8 edibles last,” and “how long does delta 8 vape last”.
As a new user, it is understandable to have questions regarding a product you are about to consume.
Since the Agricultural Improvement Act legalized hemp plants and their derived products in 2018 on a federal level, delta 8 THC has become the legal alternative to marijuana simply because it has psychoactive effects similar to marijuana.
Delta 8 can help you achieve a high without taking marijuana which is illegal but does the high last as long as a marijuana high?
The information provided in this article will answer your questions regarding a delta 8 high and also give tips to safely try out delta 8 as a new delta 8 user.
What Is Delta 8 THC? How Does It Cause A High?
For a better understanding of how long a delta 8 high lasts, let’s briefly look at what is delta 8 THC and what causes this cannabinoid to have similar properties to marijuana.
Delta 8 THC is a minor phytocannabinoid found in the hemp plant. It is a psychoactive substance with properties similar to delta 9 THC. It is, however, produced in minuscule quantities and difficult to extract.
As a result, using a chemical process called isomerization, CBD and delta 9 from the Cannabis Sativa plant can be transformed into delta 8 THC for commercial purposes.
How Does Delta 8 THC Cause A High?
Delta 9 THC is the main psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant that produces a high along with other intoxicating effects, and delta 8 THC happens to be an isomer of delta 9 THC, meaning that they have the same chemical formula, but their structural arrangements differ.
Delta 8 THC Vs. Delta 9 THC
Both of these compounds have a double carbon bond, the carbon-carbon double bond of delta 8 is found on the eighth carbon, while the double bond of delta 9 is on the ninth carbon.
When you consume delta 8 THC, it binds with your cannabinoid receptors, i.e., your CB1 and CB2 receptors, to create mind-altering and body-balancing effects.
Delta 9 THC binds mostly with CB1 receptors only, creating a more intense psychoactive experience.
Delta 8 THC Effects
Delta 8’s psychoactive properties are stronger than CBD, but it is not as strong as delta 9 THC, and that is why delta 8 is sometimes referred to as “delta 9 THC’s nicer sibling” or “diet weed.”
Delta 8 high is a smooth, mild high that can improve your focus and energy, making you more productive during the day, and since it is not as strong as a delta 9 high, delta 8 can be very therapeutic, especially if you take just the right amount.
What Users Report
However, delta 8 effects may be different for everyone depending on many factors such as metabolism, tolerance level, potency, and quantity of product taken.
Other Possible Benefits Of Delta 8 THC
The national cancer institute defines delta 8 as an analog of THC with potential antiemetic, anxiolytic, appetite-stimulating, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties.
Delta 8’s antiemetic properties have also been confirmed through a study performed by the Hebrew University in Israel on cancer patients.
Also, anecdotal stories from users report its pain relief properties.
What Are The Potential Side Effects Of Delta 8 THC?
Just like any other substance, delta 8 THC may have some negative side effects on the person taking it, but these potential side effects will also vary from person to person.
Some of these side effects are:
When you do not know how much delta 8 your system can handle, you may likely take too much.
To avoid this, start with smaller amounts of delta 8 gummies or other products and increase it slowly as you get used to it.
How Long Does A Delta 8 THC High Last?
Let’s now delve into the question, “how long does a delta 8 high last?”
A delta 8 high can last between 2-8 hours, depending on several factors. How long does 25 mg of THC last? The duration depends on an individual’s metabolism, tolerance level, weight, the quality of the product, and the method one chooses to enjoy their delta 8.
Does The Quality Of Delta 8 THC Affect Its High?
Yes. Due to the delta 8 market being unregulated by the FDA, products with fake labels are often sold to unsuspecting consumers.
Consuming a fake delta 8 product or one of low quality will negatively affect your delta 8 experience. To experience a delta 8 high in a nicer way, you should get hold of quality products.
Buying your delta 8 online from a trusted brand will ensure you get high-quality products to avoid a bad experience. Most online delta 8 stores sell quality products as opposed to local stores.
How Does An Individual’s Tolerance Level Affect A Delta 8 THC High?
The human body tends to build a tolerance to products including naturally occurring cannabinoids introduced to it over time. A first-time user of delta 8 or any other cannabinoids has zero-tolerance levels built up.
They will likely experience a more intense body high with a low dose than regular delta 8 users.
Newcomer Tolerance
Likewise, a person who has been exposed to other cannabis products such as CBD, delta 9, or delta 10 will have a high tolerance level for delta 8 and have to consume higher doses of delta 8 to experience its effects.
How Does An Individual’s Metabolism Affect A Delta 8 THC High?
Each person has a unique metabolism, how you process a substance is different from how another person processes the same substance because your hormones might work at a different speed than the other person.
With a faster processing metabolism, the delta 8 will take effect quickly and will likely leave one’s system early compared to someone with a slow metabolism.
How Does An Individual’s Weight Affect A Delta 8 THC High?
THC is stored in a person's fat cells, so a person who weighs more is likely to have more THC stored, whereas, in a person with a lower body mass, THC is processed more quickly and removed from their body faster since there is less fat to store the THC in larger quantities. This means that your body weight will not affect your high, but it will affect the amount of time the THC stays in your system.
How Does The Consumption Method Affect A Delta 8 THC High?
The method a person chooses to enjoy their delta 8 product can affect the high in terms of its onset and its duration.
How Long Do Delta 8 Edibles Last?
The high from taking delta 8 edibles such as gummies is known to last longer than other consumption methods. This high typically lasts between 2-8 hours and, in some cases, even longer.
How Long For The Effects To Kick In?
However, it takes quite a long time for the delta 8 effects to kick in, this is because the edibles have to be metabolized by the liver before it enters your bloodstream, and it takes about 2-3 hours to reach their peak effects.
How Long Do Delta 8 THC Tinctures Last?
Delta 8 THC tincture is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through your mouth’s mucous membrane when placed under the tongue, therefore, it bypasses being metabolized by the liver, which cuts short the amount of time it will take for the delta 8 to take effect. Delta 8 tincture effects usually last up to five hours, reaching their peak effects in 2-3 hours.
How Long Do Delta 8 Vapes Last?
Smoking or inhaling delta 8 THC is probably the fastest way to experience delta 8 THC effects. With this consumption method, delta 8 THC quickly enters your bloodstream through the lungs, taking 6-15 minutes to kick in. Be sure to go slowly so you don't end up taking too much delta 8. The effects wear off in a few hours.
How Long Do THC Metabolites Stay In Your System?
THC remains in your blood for 36 hours and your saliva for 48 hours. It's important to note that delta 8 THC is federally legal even if it has THC metabolites.
Does It Show up on a drug test?
It can stay in your urine for 7 days up to a month. Standard drug test panels can pick up THC metabolites in your urine.
If you have a drug test coming up, be sure to stay away from THC so you can have THC-free urine for your drug test.
You can learn more about if delta 8 will show up on a drug test and other factors involved here.
Tips To Gently Try Delta 8 THC
One needs to tread carefully, especially when it comes to trying THC. Delta 8 may have good health benefits and effects, but taking a higher dose can lead to a bad experience.
Final Thoughts - How Long Does A Delta 8 High Last?
Although the delta 8 effects and high may differ for everyone due to various factors, it is usually therapeutic and not as intense as delta 9.
A delta 8 THC high generally lasts between 2-8 hours. How long does 25 mg of delta 8 last? How long the compound lasts in your system depends on factors such as the quality of the product, your tolerance levels, metabolic rate, metabolism, and the method of consumption.
If you are trying delta 8 for the first time, starting with quality products like delta 8 edibles in small portions is advisable, then work your way up.
Over time your body will build a higher tolerance for delta 8, and you can move on to higher doses to experience your desired effects.
A final word of advice - always be aware of the content of the product you are consuming by checking the product's lab results. This protects you from consuming fake or mislabeled products and harmful additives.
Legal Disclaimer: You should still consult an attorney for the best legal advice regarding cannabis in your state, as the material shared here is for informational purposes only. Please consult with a doctor before taking delta 8 THC with any medical conditions, prescription medication, or as a natural alternative to your current regime or if you have an upcoming drug test.
Clayton McCall
Clayton is a Senior Content Specialist, researcher, and holistic healthcare practitioner. Having been in the supplement industry for more than 15 years, Clayton brings a wealth of experience to the delta 8 space. His publications include alternative therapy, stress and coping, and alternative health.
