Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 8 THC) is a cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp plants. It’s chemically similar to delta 9 THC—the main psychoactive compound in marijuana—but is known for producing milder effects. Many people describe delta 8 as offering a more relaxed, clear-headed high with less anxiety or paranoia compared to traditional THC.

Because delta 8 is derived from hemp and contains less than 0.3% delta 9 THC, it is federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. However, some states have banned it, and regulations are constantly changing. Delta 8 products come in various forms, including gummies, vapes, tinctures, and edibles, making it a popular choice for those looking for a legal alternative to marijuana.

Despite its legal status in some areas, delta 8 can still show up on drug tests. The length of time it stays in your system depends on several factors, which Reddit users have discussed based on personal experiences.

In this article, we’ll break down what happens after you consume delta 8, how long it stays in your system, and what Reddit users say about their experiences with using delta 8 before being drug tested.

Understanding the Metabolism of Delta 8

When you consume delta 8 THC, your body processes it similarly to delta 9 THC. It is metabolized primarily in the liver, where enzymes break it down into various byproducts, including 11-hydroxy-THC, a metabolite known for its psychoactive effects. From there, the body continues breaking it down into THC-COOH, the main metabolite detected in drug tests.

Many factors influence how long Delta 8 stays in the system, which is why Reddit users often report different experiences with drug tests and clearance times.

Factors that Affect How Long Delta 8 Stays in Your System

The length of time delta-8 remains in your body depends on several factors, including:

• Frequency of use – People who use delta-8 regularly may accumulate THC metabolites in their system, leading to longer detection times. Occasional users may clear it faster.
• Dosage – Higher doses take longer to metabolize and eliminate from the body.
• Consumption method – Edibles take longer to process because they must go through digestion, while inhaled forms (like vapes or flower) are metabolized more quickly.
• Metabolism speed – People with faster metabolisms tend to clear delta-8 more quickly than those with slower metabolisms.
• Body fat percentage – THC metabolites are stored in fat cells, so individuals with higher body fat may retain delta-8 longer.
• Hydration and diet – Staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet may help the body process and eliminate metabolites more efficiently.
• Liver function – Since delta-8 is metabolized in the liver, any liver conditions or impairments could slow down the breakdown and excretion process.

Due to these various factors, Reddit users have a wide range of experiences regarding how long delta 8 showed up on a drug test.

What Reddit Users Say About Delta-8, Drug Testing, and Clearance Times

Across all types of subreddits, from cannabis-related communities like r/drugtesthelp and r/highideas to more general communities like r/askreddit, users ask others how long delta 8 stays in their system.

In one thread, a now-deleted user asked, “Daily users of Delta 8, how long did it take you to test negative on a drug test?”

Among the 117 comments, some of the most highly rated include:

• “Not a daily user, but FWIW I used 2 or 3 times per week (edibles)and took about 18 days to flush it out. I’m a slender 6’1″ male.” – Mycringeyquestions
• “I quit smoking mid September and I am still testing dirty today 11/20 with lab tests” – Putrid-Berry9866
• “Im still positive after 7 weeks. I’m short and chubby. The detox drink didn’t work. Made my pee look like mountain dew.”- Mistyd1923
• “it legit took me 6 months to get clean after i failed a military drug test at meps.” – Seneprincessxoxo
• “3 months” – Rainindependent638
• “I am 5’8 and 160lbs. It took me 4 months to test negative from using half a gummy once at night for sleep.” – Working_Time
• “I’m currently 46 days clean and still failing 50ng/ML at home tests. Even when heavily diluted I’ve never gotten a faint line. Not sure how long this will take.” – Demonboy175
• “Took my 45 days with daily use and 9 days with one time use after being clean for months” – Samathaw1026
• “I was using Delta-8 carts and it took me almost 4 months to test negative.” – deleted user

The wide range of experiences shows that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to delta-8 clearance times. While some users were able to test negative within a few weeks, others reported testing positive for six months or more.

Average Delta-8 Detection Times on Drug Tests

While there’s no definitive timeframe for how long delta-8 stays in your system, most drug tests detect its metabolites similarly to delta-9 THC. Based on research and user reports, here’s a general breakdown of detection times for different types of drug tests:

• Urine tests – The most common type of drug test and it’s often used by employers for pre-employment screening. Urine tests can detect delta-8 for 1 to 3 days in occasional users and up to 30-60 days in frequent or heavy users. Some Reddit users reported testing positive for months after quitting.
• Blood tests – Delta-8 typically stays in the bloodstream for a few hours to a couple of days, making blood tests more effective for detecting recent use rather than long-term exposure.
• Saliva tests – Delta-8 can be detected in saliva for up to 24-48 hours after use, though this may vary depending on hydration and oral hygiene.
• Hair tests – The most long-term detection method, hair follicle tests can potentially detect delta-8 for up to 90 days or longer, though these tests are less common for general drug screenings.

Can You Speed Up the Detox Process?

When looking to speed up the detox process, it’s common to come across home-detox remedies or even pre-packaged detox rinks. While some products claim to flush THC, many work by temporarily masking it rather than speeding up elimination. These methods are often ineffective, as pointed out by many Reddit users.

Ultimately, there’s no guaranteed way to flush delta-8 from your system quickly, but some methods may help support your body’s natural detox process. Drinking plenty of water may help your body flush out THC metabolites through urine. However, excessive water intake right before a test could dilute your sample, which might raise suspicion of the person administering the test.

Additionally, since THC metabolites are stored in fat cells, regular exercise and activities that induce sweating, like cardio or sauna sessions, may help speed up elimination.

The most reliable way to detox is to stop using delta-8 and allow your body time to metabolize and eliminate it naturally.

Find Treatment Now

Despite popular belief, delta-8 and other cannabis products can be addictive if they are abused heavily. Not only that, but in heavy users, withdrawal symptoms can appear when they begin detoxing.

If delta-8 or other substances are affecting your life, you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Moving Mountains Recovery, we have a full continuum of care and a supportive community to help guide you on the path to recovery. 

Our team is here to help with compassionate, effective treatment options tailored to your needs. Call us now or reach out online to start your journey to recovery today!