Since marijuana became legal in 2018, delta-8 THC has become increasingly popular. It is often used as a legal alternative to delta-9 THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana found in vape carts and edibles.

“How long does delta-8 high last?”, can depend on several things. These include the method of consumption, tolerance, other medications you are taking, and your metabolism.

It’s important to note that if you struggle with addiction, delta-8 can still cause relapse even though it’s known to be milder than typical marijuana. It is not safe for those with substance use disorder to engage in delta-9 use. 

This guide explores,”how long does delta-8 keep you high?”, “how long does delta-8 last?”, and how to get [1] effective addiction treatment.

What Is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8, like CBD [2], is one of over 100 natural chemicals in the cannabis plant that exists in small amounts. In labs, they can make concentrated delta-8 from CBD and hemp. This means many synthetic delta-8 products have much higher levels of delta-8 than are found naturally.

While legal in many states, delta-8 has not been approved for consumption by the FDA. This substance comes with risks [4], including brain development issues in young people [3], as well as hallucinations, vomiting, tremors, anxiety, dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness for all ages.

Delta-8 also has a high potential for causing relapse in those who struggle with addiction, as the substance triggers the same mechanisms in the brain that control cravings and impulsive behavior. While delta-8 is considered mild, it can quickly lead to stronger drug use or alcohol use.

If you or a loved one are struggling with a relapse from delta-8, it’s important to get addiction treatment before the condition evolves.

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How Does Delta-8 Work?

Delta-8 THC (delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol) is a cannabinoid found in cannabis plants, similar to the more well-known delta-9 THC, the compound responsible for the typical psychoactive effects of marijuana. However, delta-8 THC is slightly different chemically [5], which results in alternative effects on the body.

Delta-8 works by affecting the following physiological systems:

• Interaction with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS): Delta-8 THC binds to cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) in the body’s endocannabinoid system. CB1 receptors are mainly located in the brain and central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are more common in the immune system and some organs.
• Psychoactive Effects: Delta-8 THC has psychoactive properties, but they are generally considered to be milder than those of delta-9 THC. Delta-9 is considered more potent and can cause stronger paranoia and anxiety.  

Why the Delta-8 Cannabinoid Is Different Than Others

Delta-8 is different from other cannabinoids for a few reasons:

• Milder effects: Delta-8 is considered less potent than delta-9 THC.

• Legal status: Delta-8 is legal in many places because it is made from hemp, unlike regular THC which is illegal in most areas.

• How it’s made: Delta-8 is found naturally in very small amounts in the cannabis plant. Scientists can also create concentrated delta-8 from CBD in a lab, making it more available for use in products.

• Less anxiety: Because delta-8 interacts more mildly with CB1 receptors, it’s not as likely to cause paranoia or anxiety as delta-9 THC.

How Long Does It Take Delta-8 To Kick In?

When you use delta-8, the time it takes to feel the effects can vary. Here are some things that affect how quickly delta-8 kicks in:

• How you take it: For those who vape delta-8, effects can occur in just a few minutes. Edibles, like gummies, can take longer – usually around 30 minutes to an hour.

• Your body: Everyone’s body is different, so some people might feel the effects faster or slower than others.

• Empty or full stomach: If you eat delta-8 on an empty stomach, you might feel the effects faster than if you’ve just eaten a big meal.

How Long Do Delta-8 Effects Last?

There is no exact answer to how long a delta-8 high lasts because it depends on many personal factors. Here are some things that can affect how long you feel high:

• How you take it: Different methods of taking delta-8 can change how long the high lasts.

• Form of delta-8: Gummies, vapes, and tinctures can all have different effects.

• Strength: The potency of the delta-8 product matters.

• Product type: What product you are using, like edibles or vape carts, makes a difference.

• Your tolerance: How used to delta-8 your body is can change the duration.

Usually, a delta-8 high lasts from 2 to 8 hours. However, the exact time can vary based on the factors above. Even if the high wears off, delta-8 can stay in your body for a while.

Side Effects of Delta-8

Delta-8 comes from the hemp plant and is usually mild if it’s taken in low doses. However, taking too much can cause side effects. These side effects are not life-threatening but can be uncomfortable. Here are some common side effects of taking too much delta-8:

• Dizziness: You might feel suddenly dizzy.

• Dry mouth: Your mouth might feel very dry.

• Red eyes: Your eyes might turn red.

• Loss of coordination: You may have trouble moving smoothly.

• Poor motor control: It can be hard to control your movements.

• Increased heart rate: Your heart might beat faster.

• Fatigue: You could feel very tired.

• Difficulty sleeping: You might have trouble falling asleep or experience insomnia.

• Confusion and paranoia: You might feel confused or paranoid.
• Risk of relapse: For individuals who struggle with addiction, any form of THC can easily lead to relapse. Delta-8 is not recommended for use in these cases, even in small doses. 

If you experience side effects, stop using delta-8. When you try it again, start with a much smaller amount to reduce the risk of side effects. For those new to delta-8, start with a small dose and slowly increase it until you find the right amount. If side effects get worse, talk to a doctor for advice. 

How Long Does Delta-8 THC Stay in Your System?

Delta-8 stays in your body for different amounts of time, similar to delta-9 THC. Here’s how long it can be detected:

• Saliva: Delta-8 can be found in your saliva for about 48 hours after you take it.

• Blood: It can be detected in your blood for up to 36 hours.

For some people, delta-8 might stay in their body longer, sometimes up to a month or more. Everyone’s body is different, so the exact time can vary.

Delta-8 Use & Addiction

Using delta-8 for its calming and relaxing effects is common, but it’s important to be careful. For those who already are predisposed to addiction or are in recovery from a substance use disorder, THC products can lead to relapse.

Here are some things to know about delta-8 use and addiction:

• Moderation: The safest way to use delta-8 is in small, controlled amounts. Using too much can lead to problems. If you struggle with addiction, however, even small amounts can trigger a relapse and are unsafe. 

• Tolerance: If you use delta-8 often, your body might get used to it. This means you might need more of it to feel the same effects, which can be risky.

• Dependence: Some people can start to feel like they need delta-8 to relax or feel happy. This is called dependence. If you feel like you can’t go without delta-8, it could be a sign of a problem.

• Addiction: Over time, dependence can turn into addiction. This means you might find it very hard to stop using delta-8 even if you want to. Addiction can affect your daily life and health.

Signs of Addiction to Delta-8

• Needing to use delta-8 more often

• Using more delta-8 than you planned

• Finding it hard to stop using delta-8

• Feeling anxious or irritable when you don’t use delta-8

Staying safe

• Start with a small amount to see how it affects you.

• Don’t use delta-8 every day. Take breaks to avoid building tolerance.

• Talk to a trusted adult if you feel like you need delta-8 to feel good.

• Seek help from a healthcare professional if you have trouble stopping.

• If you feel like you can’t stop using delta-8 or need more to get the same effect, talk to a healthcare professional. They can help you use it safely and avoid addiction.

Delta-8 Consumption

There are different ways delta-8 is consumed, and each method has its own effects. These are the most common delta-8 products:

• Edibles and gummies
• Vape carts
• Topicals and creams
• Delta-8 tinctures

Delta-8 Edibles vs. Smoking

There are different ways to use delta-8, and they have different effects.

Edibles

• Time to feel effects: When you eat delta-8 edibles like gummies or brownies, it takes longer to feel the effects. Usually, it takes about 30 to 90 minutes.

• How long the high lasts: The high from edibles can last a long time, often up to 8 hours. The strongest effects are usually felt in the first few hours.

• How it works: Edibles need to be digested by your stomach and liver before you feel the effects. This process makes the high last longer.

• Usage: Edibles are easy to use because you just eat them like regular food.

Smoking

• Time to feel effects: Smoking delta-8, such as using vape carts or joints, makes you feel high very quickly, often within a few minutes.

• How long the high lasts: The high from smoking doesn’t last as long as edibles. It usually lasts about 3 to 5 hours, with the strongest effects in the first hour.

• How it works: When you smoke, delta-8 goes directly into your lungs and then quickly into your bloodstream. This makes the effects start fast.

• Usage: Smoking can be quicker and more immediate, but it requires a vape pen, joint, or other smoking tools.

Both methods have their pros and cons, and their own individual effects. Do not take delta-8 if you struggle with addiction as it is known to cause relapse.

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Delta-8 & Marijuana Use | FAQs

How long do Delta-8 gummies last?

Delta-8 gummies can last for several hours. The effects usually start in about 30 minutes to an hour and can last up to 6 hours. The exact time can vary for each person.

What if I want to stop being high?

If you want to stop being high, try to relax and drink some water. Resting in a quiet place can also make you feel better.

Is Delta-8 stronger than regular marijuana?

No, delta-8 is not stronger than regular marijuana. Delta-8 gives a milder, gentler high than delta-9.

What does a Delta-8 high feel like?

Everyone’s experience with delta-8 can be different, but there are some common effects [6] that many people feel. Most people say that delta-8 makes them feel calm and relaxed.

Get Treatment for Drug Addiction at Gratitude Lodge

If you have been abusing any addictive substance like delta-8, we can help you get back on track at Gratitude Lodge in Southern California. We have luxury rehabs in Newport Beach and Long Beach, CA offering immersive inpatient treatment.

Our medical detox program helps ease the withdrawal process. After about one week, you will move into ongoing treatment at one of our rehabs by the beach.

All addictions are unique, so delta-8 addiction treatment at Gratitude Lodge involves personalized therapies, such as:

• Talk therapy
• Family therapy
• Group therapy
• Counseling
• Holistic therapies
• MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
• Aftercare

Call our recovery experts today at 844-576-0144.

Sources

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3678283/

[2] https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476

[3] https://nida.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/2024/03/delta-8-thc-use-reported-by-11-of-12th-graders-in-2023

[4] https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/5-things-know-about-delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol-delta-8-thc

[5]https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-endocannabinoid-system-essential-and-mysterious-202108112569

[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165951/