Does Delta-8 Show Up On A Drug Test?

Folks are flocking to delta-8. Is it any shock? It brings the euphoria of being stoned, minus the undesirable effects like anxiety and paranoia.

Plus, being a cannabinoid, it packs the potential wellness benefits. Double win!

With any new cannabis product, it’s only natural to wonder about how it shows up on a drug test. After all, a failed drug test could be detrimental to your job or education. That isn’t something to gamble with.

We believe knowledge is power, so gather ‘round for all the facts on delta-8 and drug tests.

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’s closely related to delta-9-THC, the cannabis compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana. You can think of delta-9 as “regular” THC.

CBD is in the same cannabinoid family as D8 as well.

Delta-8 vs Delta-9

The key difference between D8 and delta-9 is age. When delta-9-THC degrades over time, you get delta-8-THC. Like a fine wine, better with time — cannabis edition!

Scientists can extract D8 and replicate it in mass quantities, so we have easy access to this canniba-delicacy. And they’re able to extract it from THC and CBD. Is your mind blown yet? Ours is!

A quick note on Delta-8 laws: The ability to make D8 from CBD is groundbreaking from a legal perspective. Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, products derived from industrial hemp — like CBD (and D8 made from it) — are federally legal. That said, some states do have specific laws about delta-8, soread the fine print before you buy.

From an experiential standpoint, the main difference is intensity. If you’ve tried delta-8-THC and delta-9-THC, you know D8’s a mellow ride in comparison. It still has a kick, though!

As you can see, there are some clear differences between delta-8 and delta-9. But there are also some similarities.

D8 has a chemical structure that’s similar to that of delta-9. Their molecules work the same way in the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).

And, both can cause a failed drug test. Here’s the how and why.

How Drug Tests Detect THC

In a perfect world, drug tests would know the difference between all of the cannabinoids and their origins. They simply aren’t that accurate. And, different kinds of drug screenings (e.g., urine test vs hair sampling) can be more sensitive than others.

Instead of looking for what went into your body, drug tests look for signs of your body processing it.

After ingesting THC in any form, the body produces THC metabolites. The presence of these metabolites determines the outcome of the test.

Be aware that drug tests don’t measure the amount of THC. They only check that it’s present. This is why CBD that contains small amounts of THC can sometimes result in a failed drug test.

So, while delta-8 doesn’t “show up” on a drug test, the THC in it may be detectable.

Hopefully, someday drug test technology will catch up with advancements in the CBD and cannabis industry. All you can do in the meantime is educate yourself about your choice of CBD and THC goodies.

Can You Pass A Drug Test After Consuming Delta-8?

Delta-8 has less THC than delta-9, especially if your D8 was created from CBD. The good news is that less THC means it takes longer to accumulate in your system. But as we covered above, drug tests are looking for the presence of any amount of THC.

Time is your best friend when you’re prepping for a drug test. There are other things you can do to improve your odds of passing a test, too.

How Long Does Delta-8 THC Stay In Your System?

Thanks to science, we know that THC from any source can stay in your system for 3-30 days. Yes, this is a wide range. But it’s a fact.

The chances of THC sticking around for 30 days are higher for those who consume it in considerable amounts daily. If you’ve only taken it a few times, it’ll be out of your system within a few days.

Keep in mind that other factors play a role in how long THC is detectable on a drug test, such as…

• THC Content.Delta-8 products can contain varying amounts of THC. A hemp-derived D8 product may help reduce the amount of THC in your system. Pro tip: Look for the Certificate of Analysis to see the exact THC contents. We list ours on the product page.
• Product Formulation. The preparation of your delta-8 has an impact, too. For example, vaped and smoked THC tends to dissipate from your system faster than ingested THC.
• Dose Size & Frequency.The amount of D8 and how often you take it can play a role in how fast your body absorbs and eliminates it.
• Physical Activity.THC clings onto fat cells, so how much you’re moving and burning fat plays a role.
• Metabolism.Your metabolism is what helps your body process THC. Since metabolism slows with age, THC may be present for longer in older folks.

Also, keep in mind that different types of body tissues can retain THC traces for different periods of time. So, for example, THC may be detectable in saliva for a few days whereas it could be detectable in your blood for about a month.

How To Pass A Drug Test After Consuming Delta-8

Let’s say you’ve been taking your delta-8 daily, and you’ve got a drug test creeping up on the calendar sooner than you’d like.

First, don’t panic! There’s a lot you can do to support your body’s process of saying sayonarato delta-8, naturally. No pills, no gimmicks.

Start by picking up some home drug tests and take one to see where you’re at. If THC is present, it’s time to take action.

• Sweat and exercise. In the days or weeks before the test, help your body burn the fat the THC is partnered up with, and help your metabolism process it. Don’t exercise the day of the test though, as research suggests this might release THC into your system and cause a false positive.
• Eat good food. Think of your diet as detox support. Eat your fruits and veg, lay off the junk food, and avoid foods that make you feel crummy.
• Stay hydrated. Hydration is essential to bodily functions. Drink your eight a day, and don’t forget to hydrate well the day of the test.
• Sleep well. Good sleep is crucial for your body’s detoxification process.

Basically, treat your body like the temple it is!

A drug test is no time for guesswork. Test yourself several times as you get closer to your official test. If you’re still coming up positive, see if you can reschedule. It may not be the best look, but it’ll be better than a failed test.

D8 Detection

Like any product that contains THC, delta-8 can cause a failed drug test. This is something to consider if you’re tested regularly for work, sports, or school.

The best way to avoid a failed drug test after taking D8 is abstinence. Although, you can help the detox process along with healthy lifestyle choices.

If drug tests are a part of your reality, but you want to use delta-8, go for a hemp-derived product with the least amount of THC possible to reduce the risk of an unfavorable drug test result.

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