Delta 8 THC has become an increasingly popular cannabinoid thanks to its mild euphoric and relaxing properties. But if you’re new to delta 8 products, you may be wondering – how long do the effects actually last?
The duration of delta 8 effects can vary substantially depending on:
- Method of consumption
- Dosage
- Your tolerance
- Metabolism
This guide will break down how long you can expect delta 8 effects to last based on these key factors.
Delta 8 Administration Methods
The way you ingest delta 8 will impact not only how long it takes to kick in, but how long the effects persist.
Inhalation
Vaping or smoking delta 8 results in the fastest onset of effects – usually within 10 to 15 minutes. However, the overall duration is shorter than other methods, lasting around 3 to 5 hours.
Peak effects: 30 minutes to 2.5 hours
Sublingual Use
Sublingual tinctures (placed under the tongue) take 10 to 30 minutes to kick in. Effects typically last up to 3 to 5 hours depending on how long you retain the oil in your mouth.
Peak effects: 30 minutes to 2 hours
Ingestion
Edibles and capsules have the longest onset time of 30 to 90 minutes on average. But they result in the lengthiest effects – up to 8 hours.
Peak effects: Anywhere from 2 to 6 hours after ingestion
Topicals
When applied to the skin, delta 8 creams or salves will not produce a high. Rather they provide localized effects by interacting with cannabinoid receptors in the skin.
Dosing & Tolerance Considerations
Your unique body chemistry also plays a large role in how long delta 8 lasts and how intensely you feel its effects.
- People with faster metabolisms will process delta 8 more quickly, shortening its duration. Those with higher body fat may retain delta 8 metabolites for longer.
- Frequent users end up building a tolerance over time, which can diminish effects.
- Higher doses lead to more powerful and longer lasting delta 8 experiences compared to microdosing.
- Interactions with medications or other drugs can also prolong effects.
As such, it’s smart to start with low doses of 2 to 5mg until you understand how specific products affect you and your system.
The Delta 8 Timeline
While delta 8 duration depends on the factors above, most users can expect effects to last 3 to 8 hours on average.
To better understand what you may personally experience, here is an approximate timeline of delta 8 effects after taking a 10mg dose*:
0:00 Hours – Ingested dose
0:15-1:00 Hours – Initial onset of effects
1:00-3:00 Hours – Peak “high” effects
3:00-5:00+ Hours – Gradual wearing off
5:00+ Hours – Back to complete baseline/sobriety
*Timeframes based on average edible onset ranges
The key is that even once the pronounced effects wear off, delta 8 can still be influencing your body and mind to some degree. Be sure to dose safely by not taking more for at least 3 to 4 hours.
The Bottom Line
Delta 8 can be a fun and therapeutic cannabinoid. But understanding factors that impact its duration in your system is crucial. Start low and slow with new products to learn how they specifically affect you over time. And when in doubt, consult your doctor, especially if combining delta 8 with other medications or supplements.
FAQs
How long does Delta 8 stay in effect?
Delta 8 effects typically last around 3 to 8 hours on average. However, the timeframe can vary substantially based on method of consumption, dosage, tolerance levels, metabolism, and other factors. Residual effects may persist even once the primary “high” wears off.
How do you stop Delta 8 effects?
There is no way to immediately stop or reverse delta 8 effects once they kick in. You simply have to let the cannabinoid metabolize and pass through your system over time. This process can be sped up slightly by drinking water to stay hydrated. However, delta 8 must run its course. Taking more to combat effects is never advisable.
Does Delta 8 make you feel weird the next day?
Most delta 8 users do not experience adverse “hangover” effects the next day. However, if you take very high doses you may feel residual brain fog, fatigue, or grogginess after the main effects wear off. As with alcohol, staying hydrated and getting good sleep can minimize next-day impacts.
Can Delta 8 cause permanent damage?
There is no evidence that delta 8 THC causes long-term or permanent damage with responsible use. Short-term side effects like dry mouth and red eyes are possible. But delta 8 is not associated with lasting issues around brain function, physiology, or body organ damage. As with any substance, moderation is key as is avoiding delta 8 if you have underlying mental health disorders.
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