How Long Does Delta 8 Stay in Your System: Cannabis is full of therapeutic compounds, each with its unique role in producing the vast array of effects the plant can offer. You’ve heard a lot about THC and CBD, but you may not know these rockstar cannabinoids have variants with qualities all their own.

The THC you’re probably familiar with is the famous Delta-9 variety. But Delta-9 THC is just one version of this psychoactive chemical. Did you know other THC compounds exist naturally in hemp, are federally unregulated, and legal in most states except New York and a handful of others? The most well-known hemp-derived THC cannabinoid known is known as delta-8 THC, and it’s received a lot of attention lately because of its potential benefits and mild psychoactive effects.

Let’s take a deeper look at Delta-8 THC, along with lesser-known cannabinoids that contribute to hemp’s full spectrum healing potential.
 

What is Delta 8 THC, and Where Does it Come from?

While there are over 140 known cannabinoids found in cannabis, THC alone gets credit for most of the plant’s effects. Known as delta-9 THC, the compound has been studied for its array of therapeutic benefits. But delta-9 THC is just one form of THC, and as it ages, delta-9 can break down into other compounds. One of these compounds is known as delta-8 THC.

Chemically speaking, the only difference between these deltas is where the double-bond carbon atom (denoted by the word “delta”) exists in the cannabinoid’s carbon chain. Unlike delta-9 THC, which possesses a double bond on the ninth carbon atom, delta-8 THC’s double bond appears on the eighth atom.

Unlike delta-9, which appears in larger quantities, Delta-8 THC occurs naturally in tiny amounts in hemp plants. So why should you care about a compound that barely registers on a potency test?

How long does delta 8 stay in your system?

Delta-8 THC can stay in your system from 2 to 30 days. Your age, frequency of use, dose and metabolism will determine how long Delta-8 will stay in your body. Hair follicle tests can detect Delta-8 THC for the longest duration with up to three months in some circumstances. 

How are Delta-8 THC Products Made?

Delta-8 THC occurs only in trace amounts in hemp plants, making the cost of naturally extracting the compound exorbitant and unscalable. That’s why most delta-8 products on the market are created in a laboratory through a chemical conversion method.

Through an isomerization process, extractors transform hemp-derived CBD into delta-8 THC, rearranging the carbon atoms and transforming a non-psychoactive compound into a psychoactive one with entirely different properties.

Delta-8 THC Effects and Therapeutic Value

Delta-8 THC can create a similar psychoactive experience to delta-9. But delta-8 is known to be significantly milder, creating a mellow mood that sinks into the mind gradually. As a result, some consumers say delta-8 is a welcomed alternative because it allows them to feel relaxed without the delta-9 intensity that can lead to paranoia and anxiety.

Beyond its diminished psychoactive qualities, delta-8 THC may assist with conditions like pain, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, and appetite loss. In addition, some evidence indicates delta-8 could be a tumor reduction agent and neuro-health booster through its ability to instigate the growth of brain cells and assist in strengthening the faculties of the mind that contribute to memory and learning.

**Note, the studies above are pre-clinical research and should not be referenced for medical advice.

The Trouble with Delta-8

One reason that delta-8 THC has gained such rapid popularity is its widespread availability. Delta-8 is federally legal as long as it’s hemp-derived, and most states have allowed consumers to buy it as quickly as they purchase CBD products. At the moment, delta-8 THC is legal in 39 states.

Eleven states, however, including New York, Vermont, Colorado, and Delaware, have taken action to ban delta-8. These states cite reasons like safety concerns and the lack of mandatory testing standards. Many experts feel that the delta-8 THC chemical conversion process can generate chemicals and residual solvents that are not naturally occurring in the plant. The impact of these chemicals on human health is not well studied and could potentially pose harm if the manufacturer doesn’t clean the solution properly.
 

The Healing Power of All Cannabinoids

While delta-8 THC can potentially offer a wide range of benefits, many people prefer to ingest other hemp-derived cannabinoids that are therapeutic and far less legally ambiguous. The good news they have plenty of alternative cannabinoids to choose from.

Let’s take a look at two minor cannabinoids that are non-psychoactive, fully legal, and have the power to deliver healing results.
 

Hemp-derived CBG benefits

CBG, short for Cannabigerol, is a hemp-derived cannabinoid that is gaining popularity for a good reason. It offers some fantastic benefits that new research reveals every day. While CBG isn’t as popular as some cannabinoids, it is actually one of the most common cannabinoids found in nature. CBG is the precursor to THC, CBD, and CBC. That’s because its acidic form, CBGA oil, breaks down to become the base molecule for many other cannabinoids found in hemp. And just like CBD, CBG is non-intoxicating but offers a wide range of therapeutic properties.

CBG is known to be good for eye health, and a 1990 study found that it may be able to treat glaucoma. It also acts as a powerful antibacterial, antimicrobial, and can work against the hard-to-treat MRSA bacteria. Studies have also shown that it can help relieve anxiety and depression and reduce pain.

**Note, the studies above are pre-clinical research and should not be referenced for medical advice

Learn about the differences between CBG vs CBD
 

Hemp-derived CBN benefits

CBN, short for cannabinol, is another non-intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoid created as a result of THC degradation. While research on CBN is limited, it’s certainly promising.

Studies show that CBN works as a potent antibacterial agent that can fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA.

Researchers have also found that CBN works as a neuroprotectant and may aid in treating diseases like ALS. In addition, in vitro studies have shown that CBN increases the amount of food that rat subjects eat, making it a potential appetite stimulant, similar to THC, but without the associated high. Finally, CBN is also an anti-inflammatory agent that shows promise to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

**Note, the studies above are pre-clinical research and should not be referenced for medical advice

Delta-8 THC is a fascinating cannabinoid that offers many advantages if you’re looking for a mild psychoactive experience. New research will undoubtedly uncover more of Delta-8’s therapeutic possibilities and product uses, but its future legal status is still unknown. While delta-8 legal in most places, 11 states have cracked down on this hemp-derived cannabinoid due to its intoxicating effects and questionable safety. So, for conscientious consumers like you who want to reap hemp’s healing benefits without the high or the risk, you may want to try full-spectrum, naturally-derived cannabinoid extracts.

Medical Mike’s offers USDA organic CBD, CBN, and CBG tinctures that are always legal, natural, third-party tested and hand-picked from New York hemp farms. And you can rest assured that in every bottle of our tinctures, you’ll receive effective, high-quality cannabinoid tinctures that are always safe for you, your family, and your pets.

Medical Mikes is a New York based hemp company located in Tarrytown NY. 

We ship our organic hemp oils to all 50 states. 

Medical Mikes also produces full spectrum CBN oil and organic CBG oil.