Any Texas Sober professional knows to stay away from marijuana before a drug test. Plus, it’s crucial to understand the impact of these products on your body. How long do hemp-based products, like a Delta-8 seltzer, stay in your system?

How long it stays in your system depends on your frequency of use, health conditions, metabolism, the type of test, and more. 

Quick Takeaways

• Delta 8 is a compound in cannabis with similar effects to traditional THC (Delta-9). 
• The similarity of these compounds makes it possible to test positive on a drug test, according to the ADLM. 
• For occasional users, delta-8 can stay in your system for 2-5 days, increasing with the frequency of use. 
• Currently, the 2018 farm bill determines the legal status of delta-8 THC products in the United States.

What Is Delta 8 THC?

Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a chemical found in cannabis plants. Along with delta-9 THC and CBD, it is a cannabinoid. Unlike these other cannabinoids, cannabis plants only produce a small amount of THC. 

This cannabinoid works similarly to D9 THC but has a less potent high according to many users. You can learn more about D8 in our guide.

How Long Does Delta 8 Stay in Your System?

Delta-8 stays in your system from a few hours to a few weeks, according to this study from StatPearls. Ultimately, it depends on how often you take it, how long you’ve been taking it, and how your body processes it. 

Your body stores cannabinoids in fat cells and slowly releases them over time. Regular use results in a buildup of these cannabinoids. There isn’t as much research into Delta-8 THC, but the similar structure to Delta 9 THC suggests it stays in the body for the same amount of time. 

• Occasional users: 2 to 5 days
• Regular users: up to 15 days 
• High amount of body fat: up to 30 days

However, these are all estimates. Other factors that change how long Delta-8 stays in your system include:

• Metabolism rate
• How much you consume
• Frequency of use 

All these factors influence how long Delta-8 is detectable in your system.

Do Drug Tests Screen for Delta-8?

Because Delta-8 THC has a similar chemical structure to traditional THC, frequent use may result in a positive drug test. More evidence is necessary to definitively state that a marijuana test detects other cannabinoids, and most current drug tests cannot tell the difference between CBD, Delta-8, and Delta-9 THC. So, a positive test only shows THC, not whether it is from hemp or marijuana. 

Types of Drug Tests

Different types of drug tests:

• blood tests
• urine tests
• saliva tests
• hair tests

Some screen for cannabinoids, which will definitely detect Delta-8 THC. 

Other tests target THC and look for Delta-9 THC specifically. However, the similar chemical structure means you are likely to test positive with Delta-8 in your system. Your body also breaks these cannabinoids down into the same compound, which drug tests also attempt to identify. 

The Bottom Line

How long Delta-8 stays in your system depends on several different factors. Infrequent users may have it in their system for a few days. Frequent users can have it in their system for weeks. However, this is all an estimation based on the similar chemical structures of Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC.