24th Jan 2023
Does Delta-8 Show Up On A Drug Test?
People are flocking to delta-8. It's not surprising. It gives you the euphoria associated with being high, without the negative effects such as anxiety and paranoia.
It is a cannabinoid and has potential health benefits. Double win!
It's natural to wonder how a new cannabis product will perform on a drug test. A failed drug test can be detrimental to your education or job. This is not something you should gamble with.
Knowledge is power. Gather 'round to learn all you can about delta-8 and drug testing.
What is Delta-8 THC?
Delta-8 THC (aka delta-8, D8, or delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol) is a member of the family of cannabinoids found in cannabis.
It is closely related to delta-9 THC, the organic compound that produces the psychoactive effects of marijuana. Delta-9 can be described as "regular THC''.
Delta-8 vs Delta-9
The main difference between D8 and Delta-9 is age. When delta-9 THC degrades over time, you get delta-8 THC. You get a cannabis edition like a fine wine that gets better with age.
Scientists are able to extract D8 from delta-9 THC and CBD, making it easy for us to have this cannibal-delicacy.
One quick note about Delta-8 laws. The legal ability to make D8 using CBD is a breakthrough. Products derived from industrial hemp, such as CBD and D8 made from it, are now federally legal thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. However, there are laws in some states that regulate delta-8. Make sure you read the fine print before buying.
The main difference in intensity is from an experiential perspective. You've probably tried delta-8 THC or delta-9 THC. D8 is a more relaxing experience. However, it still packs a punch!
You can see that there are clear differences between delta-8 and delta-9. There are also some commonalities.
D8's chemical structure is similar to delta-9. They work in the body's Endocannabinoid System (ECS) in the same way.
Both can lead to a failed drug test. Here's how it works.
How drug tests detect THC
Drug tests should be able to tell the difference between cannabinoids. They aren't as accurate as they should be. Different types of drug screenings, such as urine tests vs. hair sampling, can be more sensitive than other kinds.
Drug tests are not designed to look at what is in your body; they examine how it is being processed.
The body will produce THC metabolites after ingesting THC in any form. These metabolites are what determine the result of the test.
Drug tests do not measure THC levels. They check for its presence. CBD containing small amounts of THC may sometimes fail drug tests.
So while delta-8 may not "show up" in a drug test, the THC found in it might be detectable.
One day, drug testing technology may catch up to advances in CBD and cannabis. In the meantime, you can educate yourself about CBD and THC goodies.
Can You Pass A Drug Test After Consuming Delta-8?
Delta-8 contains less potent THC than Delta-9, especially if you have D8 made from CBD. Good news: THC is slower to build up in your body if there's less of it. Drug tests, as we have already mentioned, look for any THC in your system.
When you are preparing for a drug screening, time is your friend. You can also do other things to increase your chances of passing the test.
How long does Delta-8 THC stay in your system?
Science has shown that THC can remain in your system for between 3 and 30 days from any source. This is quite a range. It's a fact.
THC can stay in your system for up to 30 days if you consume it regularly. It will be gone in a matter of days if you have only used it once.
Remember that THC can also be detected on drug tests for other reasons.
- THC Content. Delta-8 can contain different amounts of THC. You may be able to reduce your THC levels by using a hemp-derived Delta 8 product. Pro tip: To see the exact THC content, look for the Certificate of Analysis. Ours are listed on the lab tests webpage.
- Product Formulation. How you prepare your delta-8 can also have an impact. Vaping and smoking THC tends to cause a faster dissipation than ingested THC.
- Dose Size and Frequency. How often you take D8 can affect how quickly your body absorbs and excretes it.
- Physical Activity. THC clings to fat cells, so how you move and burn fat plays a part.
- Metabolism. Your metabolism is responsible for the production of THC in your body. THC can be more prevalent in older people because the metabolism slows down with age.
Keep in mind, however, that THC traces can be retained by different tissues at different times. For example, THC could be detected in saliva for several days, while it might be in blood for around a month.
How to Pass a Drug Test after Consuming Delta-8
Let's suppose you have been taking your Delta-8 every day and that a drug test is coming up sooner than you would like.
First, don't panic! You can support your body's natural process of saying sayonara to delta-8. There are many things you can do. No pills, no gimmicks.
To find out where you are, get some home drug tests. It's time for you to act if THC is detected.
- Exercise and sweat. Help your body to burn THC-associated fats and increase your metabolism. Research indicates that exercising on the day of the test could release THC and result in a false positive.
- Enjoy good food. Consider your diet a detox. Avoid junk food and eat your fruits and vegetables.
- Keep hydrated. Water is vital for bodily functions. Take eight glasses of water per day and hydrate on the day of your test.
- Get enough sleep. It is essential for detoxification.
Treat your body as a temple!
There is no room for guesswork in a drug test. As you approach your official test, it is important to take multiple tests. If you still come up positive, you may be able to reschedule. Although it may not be the best option, it will be better than failing a test.
D8 Detection
Delta-8, like any other product that contains THC, can lead to a failed drug test. If you are regularly tested for THC, this is something to think about.
Abstinence is the best way to avoid failing a drug test after taking D8. You can still help with detox by adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Delta-8 is a good choice if drug testing is part of your reality. However, you should avoid hemp-derived products with high levels of THC to lower the chance of a negative drug test result.