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How long does Delta-9 stay in your system?

  • November 25, 2024
  • |
  • Ahmed Iftikhar

When you light up a joint or munch on potent edibles to let relaxation vibes in, Delta-9 is the substance behind them. It’s responsible for soothing and energizing waves hitting you for minutes or hours. But how long does Delta 9 stay in your system after the vibes peter out? Knowing the answer can save you from unwanted surprises when it’s time for a drug test or planning your next session.

A cannabis experience may seem like a quick trip, but cannabinoids actually stick around for a long time. Besides your central nervous system, they make their presence felt in the bloodstream and organs, so it takes time to kick them out of your body. 

How long does Delta 9 stay in the system when the effects are gone?

This is a variable factor. How long D-9 hangs out in your system depends on a mix of things unique to you and your favorite cannabinoid-containing product. The 3 main aspects to consider are your condition, the type of cannabis goodies you’re indulging in, and how often you take them out of your pocket.

Individual considerations

Your weight, metabolism, age, and existing ailments can affect the ’length of stay’ of cannabinoids. These factors play a huge role in how your body processes marijuana chemicals, akin to the process of eliminating alcohol or nicotine compounds.

Think of your metabolism. If it’s fast, you’ll get rid of D-9 easier than someone whose body takes it slow. Similarly, if you carry a bit more body fat, you’re more likely to keep cannabinoids for longer than thinner users. The reason is that Delta-9 has a way of piling up in body fat.

Product considerations

Now, let’s talk about what you’re consuming. Whether you prefer fruity D-9 gummies or classic pre-rolls, mind how much you take and how strong it is.

The trick is that certain cannabis products – like buds or e-liquids – evade the organs and bloodstream in a flash once inhaled. This also means that the high hits quicker and disappears sooner.

Finally, the more you consume, the longer cannabinoids play with your mind and body. A handful of gummies will stick around for a while, but with a single piece, you’ll be clean in a few days.

Frequency of usage

Here’s a question you should ask yourself: How long does Delta 9 THC stay in your system if you do your puffs on a regular basis?

If you’re a newbie who enjoys one joint during a weekend party, D-9 may only be traceable for around 3-4 days. But if you toke up several times a week, that period stretches to 5-7 days or more.

Daily smokers or those who often mix potent marijuana products may see cannabinoids in tests for approximately 30 days after the last use. If you’ve been pampering your cannabis receptors frequently and for a long time, Delta-9 THC is likely to build up in your tissues. It will then take its sweet time leaving your system.

What does it have to do with drug tests?

Prepping for a drug test is why you must be curious about your D-9 accumulation disposition. Without further ado, it does show up on those tests. The good news is that the cannabinoid ‘moves into’ different parts of your body for different periods.

So, how long does Delta-9 stay in the system based on what test you’re up to?

  • Saliva. Depending on your experience, D-9 may be spotted in your saliva for 3 to 29 days. If you indulge in your goodies occasionally, you have nothing to be afraid of. But a die-hard fan will have to wait nearly a month to clear out the last D-9 traces from their saliva.
  • Blood. Delta-9 stays in your blood for pretty much as long as in the saliva. If you do not hit it daily, the detectable period may be limited to 7 days. Savoring cannabis more frequently results in your blood being filled with cannabinoids for an average of 25 days.
  • Urine. Cannabinoids are observable in heavy users’ pee for up to 6 weeks. In non-regular use cases, they are usually detectable for up to 3 days. Most of those who spark up 1-2 times a week can obtain a clean test result just a few days after their last sesh.
  • Hair. This is the worst test type if you’re dreading detection. D-9 may linger in your locks for up to 90 days after you’ve indulged in your favorite mind-altering treats. Luckily, hair tests are pretty rare. If it’s up to you to choose a screening method, steer clear of this one.

If you can’t imagine your day without a joint, your odds of failing a drug test are higher since Deltas build up in your system over time. Additionally, different tests have their own detection windows, so even a casual hit could trip you up.

The consumption method matters

Inhalable cannabis products reach your bloodstream way quicker than edibles. So yes, how long Delta 9 stays in the system also depends on the fuel you use for your psychedelic or therapeutic ride:

  • Smoking, dabbing, and vaping. No matter how you inhale, D-9 dives straight into your bloodstream through your lungs. You’ll feel the effects almost instantly, peaking within 30 minutes to an hour. But since it’s processed so fast, Delta-9 usually bounces out of your system quicker, too.
  • Edibles. Gummies and cookies take their time to slip through your digestive system and unleash their powers. As a result, the high lasts longer, and you carry D-9 in your body for nearly a month.
  • Oils and tinctures. Usually taken under the tongue, these let cannabinoids glide into your body like edibles. Their effects hit faster yet are eliminated slower than inhalable products.

Your key takeaway is that D-9 should bounce out in about a week for the casual consumer, while dedicated weed fans might need up to 30 days to clear it out. To make sure you’re cannabinoid-free, keep in mind all the factors that can affect your test results.