How Long Does Delta-8 Last?

July 21, 2024

How Long Does Delta-8 Last?

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Since the rise of hemp-derived cannabinoids, Delta-8 has become a staple for many cannabis enthusiasts. Due to its more moderate and body-focused effects, it has become a favorite for those seeking relief from physical discomfort or a solid night of shut-eye.

But if you're asking yourself, "How long do the effects of Delta-8 last?" or "How long does Delta-8 take to wear off?" You've come to the right place because we will cover all that and more.

Let's begin.

Understanding Delta-8 Effects

Before we answer questions such as "How long do Delta-8 gummies last?" or "How long does Delta-8 take to wear off?" we'll first need to review how Delta-8 works.

Delta-8 is a form of THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, a family of psychoactive cannabinoids that naturally occur in the cannabis species. For many years, the term "THC" was synonymous with the compound delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as "Delta-9" for short. However, due to the innovation of the hemp industry, more and more natural variants of THC have emerged in quantities that can offer psychoactive effects for enthusiasts.

All variants of THC are molecularly similar to a compound known as "anandamide," a chemical messenger in the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system, or just "ECS" for short, is a network of chemical messengers and receptors located throughout the body that help regulate functions such as:

Mood
Appetite
Memory
Inflammatory responses
Sleep
Reward centers
Pain perception
Blood sugar
Emotional processing

Because Delta-8 resembles anandamide, it can bind to the CB1 receptors in the central nervous system and deliver effects such as:

Relaxation
Euphoria
Laughter
Sleepiness
Relief from physical discomfort

Those familiar with Delta-9 or the "traditional THC" may notice that the effects of Delta-8 are not as prominent. This disparity is because Delta-8 has a weaker binding affinity to CB1 receptors than its more well-known sibling, Delta-9 THC.

Learn More >>> Delta-8 or Delta-9: Which Form of THC is Stronger?

Although it has a weaker binding affinity, Delta-8 has a special place in many cannabis and wellness enthusiasts' hearts. Many have found that its more moderate, body-focused effects are better suited to relieve physical discomfort and get a good night's rest.

Factors Affecting The Duration of Delta-8’s Effects

Various factors can determine how long Delta-8 lasts. One factor includes the endocannabinoid system mentioned in the previous section. Everyone's endocannabinoid system is different, which affects how many milligrams one should consume to achieve the desired effects and duration.

Another factor that can come into play is what someone just ate, which comes into effect when consuming edibles. Fullness can factor into the general onset of effects; however, if someone consumes food high in fats, such as peanut butter, the duration, and potency may be boosted since fats and oils significantly improve the bioavailability of Delta-8 THC.

However, the most significant factor affecting the duration of effects for Delta-8 THC is the medium, which, in short, means how one consumes it. For example, Delta-8 flowers have different duration effects than edible and sublingual administrations.

So, what is the approximate duration of effects for these various mediums? That's what we'll cover next.

Typical Duration Range: How Long Delta-8 Lasts

man administering a tincture from a dropper bottle

When considering the duration of Delta-8's effects, it's best to remember that there is no certain time frame. THC products affect everyone a bit differently, with duration estimates ranging from 2 to 12 hours depending on the method of consumption.

Here is a rough ballpark of durations for different methods of Delta-8 consumption.

Inhalables:

Onset: ~2-10 min
Duration: ~2 hours

You can expect this onset and duration of effects for our Delta-8 flower and Delta-8 vapes, generally.

Edibles:

Onset: ~30 - 60 min
Duration: ~8-12 hours

These time frames are applicable to products like our Delta-8 gummies.

Tinctures:

Onset: ~15 min
Duration: ~2-3 hours

Our Delta-8 THC oil tinctures will roughly adhere to these estimates when adminstered sublingually.

Nano Delta-8 Capsules:

Onset: ~15 min
Duration: ~2-4 hours

Products made with nano-THC technology, like our Rest Capsules, will have these sort of effects.

Remember, these are just general estimates. Results can vary from person to person depending on various factors.

We recommend not consuming Delta-8 before driving or operating heavy machinery or if you have any important obligations that day. Please do not use these to indicate when it's safe to drive or operate heavy machinery again.

Tips for Managing Effects

Our best tip for managing the effects of Delta-8 relies on the "low and slow" approach. You only consume a small amount of Delta-8, wait for a period (usually an hour or even longer) for the effects to set in, and then decide whether you want to consume more. For example, if you're consuming a Delta-8 gummy, cut off a quarter (or even less than that) and then wait a while before deicing if you want to up your serving amount. For an inhalable, this means taking a brief, slight pull.

If you have accidentally consumed too much Delta-8, there is very little you can do besides just waiting it out. Remember that you're not in danger; you're just a bit overwhelmed, and this feeling will pass. If or when you're in this situation, the best thing you can do is lie down, sip on some water, and distract yourself with some comfort TV, your favorite movie, or listen to music.

Potential Benefits of Longer-Lasting Effects

Consuming Delta-8 products such as edibles or swallowing a tincture (versus sublingual administration) will yield a longer duration of effects. Delta-8 effects last longer when consumed orally because the human body converts Delta-8 into 11-hydroxy-Delta-8, a molecule with greater potency and a longer duration.

The main benefit of this route is that you only have to consume it once. For example, a Delta-8 vape will yield a faster onset; however, the effects will wear off sooner, meaning you may have to periodically take more pulls to maintain the same degree of impact.

Consuming a product with longer-lasting effects is an excellent option for events and spaces where you may not be allowed to inhale Delta-8. This quality makes edibles a great choice if you're looking to relax before a long flight or want one less thing to carry while going out to a concert or social event.

Safety Considerations

At Hometown Hero, we make premium lab-tested Delta-8 products for responsible enjoyment by adults (21+) so people can better enrich their lives. However, one must consider several safety factors before consuming Delta-8 or taking Delta-8 for the first time.

These precautions include:

Talking to your doctor before trying Delta-8 products
Avoiding Delta-8 products if you're pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
Not driving or operating heavy machinery after consuming Delta-8 products

Generally, however, there is little threat of physical harm from consuming Delta-8.

If you feel overwhelmed after consuming Delta-8, keep in mind that this feeling is only temporary. That's why we recommend taking the "low and slow" approach, which means consuming a small amount of Delta-8 and waiting at least one hour for the effects to set in before deciding to consume more or stay where you are.

Final Thoughts

In short, Delta-8 is a compound that has properties very similar to its more well-known cousin Delta-9, or just "THC," but to a lesser potency that's better suited for body-focused effects. A wide range of factors can contribute to the duration of effects, ranging from an individual's endocannabinoid system to how much or what they ate (if they're consuming a Delta-8 edible).

There are approximate durations of effects depending on the medium. Still, you should take them with a grain of salt because, as stated earlier, everyone's endocannabinoid system is a bit different. While the threat of physical danger is very low for Delta-8, there are some safety precautions you should consider before trying such products.

Until next time, happy exploring and Mind Your Mind.

FDA Disclaimer: The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.