Delta 9 THC is the world’s most popular cannabinoid. Known simply as THC, many enjoy its euphoric effects and health benefits. But how long does Delta 9 stay in system? You may wonder how long Delta 9 THC stays in your system if you are due for a drug test or for health reasons. However, the answer is not so simple.
The amount of time Delta 9 THC will stay in your system varies depending on biological factors, how much you consume, the type of drug test you take, and other factors. It’s a complex subject, but not to fear! We will address various factors that affect Delta 9 THC’s duration and give you all the information you need to help flush it out of your body.
What is Delta 9 THC?
Delta 9 THC (Delta 9, D9 THC, D9, or THC) is one of the most abundant cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. It is abundant in marijuana and is present in amounts of 0.3% or less in hemp. Delta 9 produces euphoric or, as many call it, “psychoactive effects” that produce deep cerebral stimulation and provide various potential health and wellness advantages.
The compound is related to other THC cannabinoids such as Delta 8 THC and Delta 10 THC. However, it varies from those compounds regarding their chemical structure, directly influencing their effects and potency. Delta 9 THC has a double bond on its 9th carbon chain atom, varying from Delta 8, which has a double bond on the 8th carbon, and Delta 10, which has a double bond on the 10th carbon.
The structural differences are slight, but they greatly impact how the cannabinoid interacts with the receptors in the endocannabinoid system. This system helps regulate several key biological processes important to your daily health. These include mood, memory, appetite, and sleep.
Delta 9 has a strong bonding affinity with the CB1 endocannabinoid receptor, which is present mostly in the brain and central nervous system. The CB1 receptor is linked to various aspects of mental health. Its interactions with the receptor lead to euphoric effects, changes in perception, appetite stimulation, and other outcomes.
Delta 9 THC also interacts with the CB2 receptors, which are linked to several components of physical health. It binds with this receptor to reduce the body’s negative response to environmental stress and eases physical discomfort.
How Long Will Delta 9 THC Stay in Your System?
Delta 9 THC typically stays in the system for 7 to 30 days. The amount of time it lingers will vary depending on how often you use cannabis, the strength of the dose, how quickly you metabolize THC, the method of consumption, and other factors.
If you are trying to prepare for an upcoming drug test, you should also be aware that different tests have different detection windows. For example, urine tests will detect THC metabolites for up to thirty days. Blood tests have much shorter detection windows. We’ll go into more detail about the various drug tests later in this article.
What Is Delta 9 THC’s Half-Life?
Everyone’s THC half-life is different depending on metabolic rate, frequency of use, and other factors. However, research indicates infrequent consumers may experience a THC half-life of 1.3 days while frequent consumers will have a half-life ranges from 5-13 days.
Delta 9 THC’s half-life refers to how long it takes the body to metabolize and reduce the concentration of THC metabolites by half. An individual’s body will continue breaking down cannabis content by half over a given time until they eliminate THC.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the factors that affect how long Delta 9 THC will stay in your system.
Frequency Of Consumption
If you consume Delta 9 THC often, it will stay in your system longer. Infrequent consumers will eliminate THC faster. Here are some estimates to consider.
- Occasional consumers will eliminate THC metabolites in a few days.
- Moderate consumers who take Delta 9 THC every few days may take a few weeks to eliminate THC.
- Frequent consumers who take Delta 9 THC every day may take a month or more to detox.
Potency
Potency also matters. If you take highly potent THC, it will stay in your system longer than weaker cannabinoids. The more THC you consume, the more it will linger; it’s as simple as that.
Age Factor, Metabolism, and Genetics
- Age. Your age and metabolism are tied together. Metabolism tends to slow down as you age. Therefore, older people also have longer detection windows.
- Metabolism. People with faster metabolisms will process THC metabolites quickly, so they leave their system sooner. People with slower metabolisms store THC in their system for longer durations.
- Genetics. Your genes also play a role. People with average or above average enzyme counts will break down Delta 9 THC and other chemicals efficiently so they don’t stay in your system as long. Enzyme counts are inheritable and closely tied to genetics.
BMI (Body Mass Index)
Body mass index (BMI) is a simple number that helps determine if someone’s weight is healthy for their height. BMI also affects how long Delta 9 THC will stay in your system. THC metabolites bond to body fat. So, if you have high levels of body fat, THC will stay in your system longer.
Ways to Consume Delta 9 THC
There are several ways to consume Delta 9 THC, and the consumption method may affect how long Delta 9 THC stays in your system. The popular opinion is that edibles will stay in your system longer than smokable products. This is because edibles go through your digestive system and linger in the body.
However, there are no clinical trials to prove this; if there is a difference, it’s negligible. It is best to judge the likelihood of a positive drug test on other factors such as frequency of use, dosage, and biological factors.
Here are several of the most popular ways to consume Delta 9 THC:
- Delta 9 THC Flower. THC flower is a versatile product. It can easily be added to pipes, bongs, and joints. It’s ideal for social situations. As a smokable product, it may not stay in your system as long as it is edible.
- Delta 9 THC Tinctures and Oils. These liquids offer a convenient way to consume Delta 9 THC. The liquid is administered orally by direct consumption or sublingually by under-the-tongue placement. Delta 9 from tinctures and oils passes through the digestive tract before entering the bloodstream and making its way to the brain. D9 also passes through the digestive tract and may stay in the system longer than a smokable product.
- Delta 9 THC Vapes. Portable vaporizers are a discreet cannabis consumption method as they are easy to stash in a purse or pocket. They are available in various flavors which serve a dual purpose by disguising the smell of cannabis. The inhalable formula means they may exit the body sooner than edibles.
- Delta 9 THC Carts. Vape carts contain cannabis e-liquid. They are used to replace used-up carts in non-disposable vape products. They offer an inhalable cannabis experience. Only use carts that are made with all-natural ingredients to ensure safe consumption.
- Delta 9 THC Gummies. These soft chews are edible products that offer convenient dosing and delicious flavors. Each gummy contains a predosed amount of Delta 9, so you know exactly how much you get. Be warned that edibles can take a while to hit, and when they hit, they hit hard. Go slow when consuming this product. Additionally, as edible products, they may stay in your system longer than smokables.
How To Detect Delta 9 THC Metabolites
Delta 9 THC can be detected in urine, hair, blood, and saliva. Various drug tests are used to detect THC throughout the body, and each has varying detection windows. Let’s examine each type of drug test and determine their detection windows.
Detection in Urine Tests
A urine test is the most common method of drug testing. It is typically used in business environments. Employers may test employees when they are first hired. They may also conduct random or scheduled tests throughout the employment period.
Frequent consumers can expect detection windows of up to 30 days. However, if you don’t use cannabis often, you may get a negative test if you abstain from cannabis for just a few days or weeks.
Detection in Blood Tests
Blood tests are a less common method of drug tests. They are often used by law enforcement as police can force draw blood to determine intoxication if a suspect is uncooperative. A blood test will only detect THC for 12 to 24 hours after the last use.
Detection in Saliva Tests
Saliva tests involve the technician swabbing the inside of a person’s cheek to detect THC. The presence of Delta 9 THC is only detectable in saliva for a few hours after use. Also, unlike blood tests and urine tests, it will not detect how much cannabis a person consumes.
Detection in Hair Tests
Hair tests have the longest detection thresholds of all drug tests. They can detect cannabis in hair for up to three months. However, these tests are not that reliable because they may not detect Delta 9 THC in infrequent consumers. And like saliva tests, they will not show THC concentrations.
Ways To Get Delta 9 THC Out of Your System Faster
If you are facing an upcoming drug test, and fear a positive test, there are ways to get THC out of your system faster. Here are four ways to affect how long THC stays in your system.
Hydration
Any hydration can be beneficial, but water is recommended as it purifies and flushes your system. Hydrate as often as possible to ensure you are ready for your drug test.
Sleep
Sleep supports the detoxification process. You may be anxious about your upcoming drug test but try to get at least 8-9 hours of sleep to help flush cannabis out of your system. Oh, and don’t use cannabis as a sleep aid!
Fibrous Foods
Fiber helps eliminate waste from your system and detoxifies the body. Eat plenty of high-fiber foods to ensure you don’t test positive. Leafy greens, whole grains, beans, and nuts are recommended.
Detox Kits
Several detox products on the market do not provide the therapeutic benefits they advertise. Ironically, some contain toxic ingredients. However, if you use products with all-natural ingredients, you will stay safe. You can also use food products known as detoxifiers such as Grapefruit and green tea.
Final Thoughts – How Long Does Delta 9 Stay in System? [Discover 4 Secrets to Influence Duration]
Delta 9 offers its share of therapeutic benefits and euphoric effects. However, if you have an upcoming drug test, you may wonder, how long does Delta 9 THC stay in system? The amount of time Delta 9 THC stays in your system depends on several factors, such as frequency of use, biological factors, potency of dosage, and consumption methods.
However, if you are about to take a urine test, the most common type of drug test, it’s best to play it safe and abstain from cannabis for at least 30 days. Doing so will greatly reduce your risk of a positive drug test. To help flush D9 out of your system, try drinking lots of water, getting adequate sleep, eating high-fiber foods, and using natural detox kits or detoxifiers. We wish you luck in getting negative results!