How long delta- 8 edibles last in the system depends on many factors, including the potency of the edible and its concentration, the user’s metabolism and body composition, and his frequency of taking delta- 8 products. Generally, edibles can last active for 1- 3 hours, varying from one person to another.
One of the many questions people ask as they incorporate delta- 8 edibles into their regime is how long the products can remain active in the system. This is important since it determines when to take the delta- 8 edibles, especially if one needs them to address particular conditions. It is worth noting that cannabis research is limited and what is known about delta- 8 products is less than what is unknown. How long delta- 8 edibles last in the body depends on many factors, some touching on the edible product and others limited to the user’s intake. Here is everything you want to know about delta- 8 THC edibles.
What Are Delta- 8 Edibles
Before looking at how long delta- 8 edibles remain effective, it is essential to understand what delta 8 THC is. According to Akpunonu et al. (2021), delta- 8 THC is the psychoactive and intoxicating compound in cannabis plants, specifically hemp and marijuana. THC is the psychoactive compound in hemp and other cannabis plants, and according to Schlienz et al. (2018), it is known for the ‘high’ effect. It comes in two variants; delta- 9, known for the steady ‘high’ effect, and delta- 8, which is mild in action but still intoxicating and psychoactive.
Delta- 8 edibles are one of the deliverable methods for delta- 8. This psychoactive but mild compound is not readily absorbed into the body as it is. It is no wonder that delta- 8 brands infuse the cannabinoids into a form or a product that is readily absorbed into the body. Delta- 8 edibles are ingestible items that deliver delta- 8 to the body through the mouth. They include anything from delta- 8 THC chocolates, gummies, crisps, and honey sticks.
Other Delta- 8 Deliverable Methods
It is worth noting that there are many other ways of delivering delta- 8 to the body other than through the delta- 8 edibles. To understand this, you need to grasp how the cannabinoid comes from or how the items are featured. You can have delta- 8 delivered to the body through;
Sublingual Administration
Delta- 8 can be sublingually administered to the body through delta- 8 tinctures and oils. They allow for increased bioavailability and faster absorption but may feature the earthy taste of the cannabinoids in delta- 8.
Topical Application
If you don’t want delta- 8 to interact with the bloodstream but still want the body to benefit from it, you may opt for delta- 8 topical products, including creams, serums, lotions, and massage oils. While they may be good for the external parts, their bioavailability is significantly reduced.
Ingestion
Delta- 8 edibles like chocolates, gummies, and treats are ingestible products taken through the mouth. Most are flavored to mask the earthiness in delta- 8 products.
Inhalation
You may want to take delta- 8 THC through inhalation as this ensures the cannabinoid is delivered to the body fast. This allows for faster absorption and increased effectiveness. Delta- 8 vapes, as in vape cartridges, pens, and tanks, and delta- 8 cannabis flowers are administered through inhalation for faster results.
How Long Do Delta- 8 Edibles Last?
You should know how long the products last in the system if you are new to or anticipate starting a delta- 8 edible regime. This is critical since it helps you know when to take the edibles and plan yourself to carry them on the go. You can expect the edibles to remain effective for 1- 3 hours, but Kruger & Kruger (2022) acknowledged a great knowledge gap in the delta- 8 field, and much remains unknown about the cannabinoid. This means that there is no exact time delta- 8 edibles remain effective for all users. Still, many other factors come to play in determining how long the ‘high’ effect lasts, as explained below.
The Potency of the Delta- 8 Edibles Matter
In the cannabis industry, potency denotes the concentration of a cannabinoid per unit volume, that is, per ml. It is calculated by finding the quotient of the entire cannabinoid concentration by the total volume. For instance, a 1000 mg delta- 8 tincture in a 40 ml bottle is 25 mg/ml potent. The potency of delta- 8 determines how long it lasts in the system. More potent products remain active in the body for longer, and the reverse is also true.
How Much Delta- 8 You Take Matters
Other than potency, the total dosage of delta- 8 also influences how long the effects last. For instance, if you take 50 mg delta- 8, the effect might last longer than 20 or 10 mg of the edibles, especially when the potency remains the same. Therefore, if you enjoy delta- 8 edibles but do not want the effects to last longer, cut down how many edibles you take.
Body Factors and Tolerance Come to Play
Body factors and tolerance also affect how long CBD stays active in the system. People with high metabolic rates have the delta- 8 in the edibles get to the system fast, and the effects may not last long. Contrastingly, low metabolic rates mean you need time for the body to metabolize the cannabinoid, and the effects may last longer when they finally surface. How tolerant your system is to delta- 8 products also determine how much of the cannabinoid you can take, further impacting the effects.
Conclusion
Delta- 8 edibles are many people’s favorite picks in the delta- 8 industry since they are great for masking the earthiness in cannabis extracts. How long the edibles stay effective in the system helps one anticipate when next to take them. However, there is no exact time they remain effective for every delta- 8 THC user. It depends on many factors, including the potency and the dosage of the edibles and a person’s body factors.
References
Akpunonu, P., Baum, R. A., Reckers, A., Davidson, B., Ellison, R., Riley, M., … & Gerona, R. (2021). Sedation And Acute Encephalopathy In A Pediatric Patient Following Ingestion Of Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol Gummies. The American Journal Of Case Reports, 22, E933488-1. Https://Www.Ncbi.Nlm.Nih.Gov/Pmc/Articles/Pmc8594112/
Kruger, J. S., & Kruger, D. J. (2022). Delta-8-THC: Delta-9-THC’s Nicer Younger Sibling?. Journal Of Cannabis Research, 4(1), 1-8. Https://Jcannabisresearch.Biomedcentral.Com/Articles/10.1186/S42238-021-00115-8
Schlienz, N. J., Lee, D. C., Stitzer, M. L., & Vandrey, R. (2018). The Effect Of High-Dose Dronabinol (Oral THC) Maintenance On Cannabis Self-Administration. Drug And Alcohol Dependence, 187, 254-260.Https://Www.Sciencedirect.Com/Science/Article/Pii/S0376871618301844
Anastasia Filipenko is a health and wellness psychologist, dermatolist and a freelance writer. She frequently covers beauty and skincare, food trends and nutrition, health and fitness and relationships. When she’s not trying out new skincare products, you’ll find her taking a cycling class, doing yoga, reading in the park, or trying a new recipe.
