Delta-9 or commonly known as Delta-9 THC is a psychoactive substance in cannabis and one of the 113 cannabinoids present in the plant. THC is shorthand for tetrahydrocannabinol and is a lipid that attaches to the cannabinoid receptors in the Central Nervous System and the immune system.
But, how long does Delta-9 stay in your system? To tackle such a topic and analyze Delta 9 products, their structure, effects, duration in your system, and the possible benefits, we’ll focus on the in-depth usage of cannabis and its products.
What is Delta-9?
THC is an organic terpene, a hydrocarbon produced by conifer plants. Due to the absence of nitrogen in the molecule, THC is considered a pseudoalkaloid. This molecule is oxidizable which can transform and isomerize into cannabidiol with anti-inflammatory effects and turns cannabinol into a psychoactive substance. This isomerizing is seen in the Delta-8 THC, a fat-soluble molecule that binds to the CB1 and CB2 receptors.
How Long Does It Stay in the Body?
When it comes to using THC products or hemp-derived Delta and marijuana products, the effect and duration of those products will depend on various factors. For example, determining how long Delta-9 stays in your system depends on your metabolism, how often you use cannabinoids and how much you use.
The hemp-derived Delta can cause intoxication and is stored in the fats and organs. When the substance reaches the liver, it breaks down into 80 metabolites that can be identified in urine testing, hair sample tests, blood testing, etc.
You might fail a drug test, even though this depends on the type of drug test performed and how long it’s been since you’ve consumed Delta 9.
-THC in Urine
The THC levels in the urine can clear up in the system quickly and for the majority of people there won’t be any traces of the substance within 2-4 days.
For those who consume THC products regularly, the metabolites of Delta 9 THC are detectable for up to 30 days or more. The length that THC stays in detectable in your urine also depends on the type of product you consume since some may remain in your system for longer.
-THC in Hair
The THC metabolites can stay in your system for up to 3 months if examined in a hair sample test.
-THC in Blood
If the cannabinoids are tested via a blood sample, then Delta 9 is usually detectable within 24 to 48 hours after consumption. However, it can be detected for a longer period in those who use it regularly, and it varies from person to person.
-THC in Saliva
The recent Mayo Clinic study has shown that cannabinoid metabolites can be detected in saliva for 1 to 3 days after its last use.
THC Forms
Delta 9 gummies are a form of Delta 9 that are available for consumption and can remain detectable in your body for 3 days after your last use, according to a recent study by the Mayo Clinic. Nevertheless, this accounts for occasional use of 3 times per week, so if you’re using in moderate amounts, it can remain detectable for up to a week, while daily usage can show up on a drug test even after 30 days.
Drug Testing
If you have an upcoming drug test, it is best to avoid the consumption of any cannabinoid products. And if you’ve been using THC recently, it might be time for a detox.
Tips to help you clear up your system:
- Drink a lot of water;
- Exercise;
- Eat a balanced diet;
- Stop using Delta 9 THC at least 8 weeks before the test;
The Benefits of THC
According to Dr. Dave, the wellness benefits identified in people who’ve consumed THC are best described below:
“Small amounts of THC (Δ9-THC) are associated with increased feelings of pleasure and happiness (euphoria), along with reduced pain and anxiety. We primarily get these benefits by THC (Δ9- THC) stimulating the endocannabinoid system (ECS), our own internal cannabis system. Stimulating the ECS can help control inflammation and balance an over-active nervous system, so THC (Δ9-THC) is a powerful tool to help achieve those goals.
THC (Δ9-THC) is also most researched constituent in cannabis. Studies have shown it can be powerful. There are studies that show is can help with nausea, provide stress support, help inflammation and discomfort."
Furthermore, the effects of Delta 9 THC on the human body are still under research, however, one common finding in many studies is that Delta 9 THC helps with:
- Appetite;
- Quality of life;
- Reduces nausea and vomiting;
- Relieves temporary pain from exercise;
- Insomnia;
- Anxiety;
- Muscle spasticity;
- Obstructive sleep apnea;
What’s ECS - EndoCannabinoid System?
We’ve mentioned earlier the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and the effects of cannabis on our body and mind. Many of us have heard about the terms sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system, which allows us to respond to external and internal triggers.
This is when ECS comes into play. It’s a network of cellular receptors and chemical signals that are located in our brain and body.
The CBI receptors, also known as cannabinoid receptors, control the activity of the neurotransmitters and regulate temperature, hunger, alertness, thinking, planning, learning, emotions, etc. So, our bodies produce endocannabinoids to stimulate the CBI receptors. These molecules have a similar structure to the molecules in the cannabis plants.
The endocannabinoid system can be found in the bloodstream, gut, brain, skin, and immune cells.
In Conclusion
We hope you have a better understanding of how long Delta 9 stays in your system, and how it can show up in different drug tests. Even though its duration is debatable, most people will have it in their systems for 30 to 90 days, depending on the usage, metabolism, and type of product consumed.
By taking into consideration these factors, you are be able to determine an estimate of how long you would have the metabolites in your system. This will help you determine more accurately when to use cannabis and hopefully, pass a drug test.
