Delta 8 THC, also known as delta 8, is one of the most popular cannabinoids in the cannabis industry.
This famous cannabinoid is probably something you’ve heard of if you’re a regular cannabis user. It’s less potent and more accessible than delta-9 THC, depending on where you are.
It is also legal, at least in theory, on a federal level.
Given the information listed above, many people are making the switch from Delta-9 to Delta-8 THC.
But there is one question in particular that comes with the rise in popularity of this cannabinoid. Is delta 8 THC detectable on drug tests?
Can Delta 8 THC cause you to fail drug screenings?
We provide a clear answer in this article.
Two Faces of the Same Compound: Delta 8 and Delta 9
Delta 8 THC is one of what are known as ‘minor cannabinoids’ found in marijuana and hemp plants. There are not any high delta-8 THC cannabis strains. This compound is actually a byproduct of delta 9 THC degrading over time.
Delta 8 THC is less potent and more stable when it comes down to its intoxicating effects. You get high but it is nowhere near the buzz of delta 9.
Lower doses of delta-8 THC may have stimulating and slightly elevating effects, while high doses can have a mildly sedating impact.
Read all about what delta 8 is in depth here.
Euphoria Without the Paranoia
With delta 8 THC, there is little chance of anxiety or paranoia. This is why so many people are making the switch.
Some Quick Chemistry
We know this isn’t a chemistry class so we will make this as brief and simplified as possible.
However, this information can help you to better understand the formation of this compound and what truly makes it different than delta 9 THC.
Delta 8 THC can be considered an analog compound. It has a chemical structure that is nearly identical to delta 9 THC. However, they have different arrangements of their atomic bonds.
Delta 8 THC has a double bond at the 8th carbon chain. While delta 9 THC has this bond 9th carbon chain.
This subtle difference in delta 8 THC makes it half as powerful as delta 9. So you’d need to consume twice the amount of THC to feel the same kind of high.
People claim that delta 8 has similar benefits to delta 9 THC such as helping with nausea, anxiety, easing pain and inflammation, enhancing focus and improving overall mood.Â
Drug Tests: How Do They Work?
When you ingest a substance either for medicinal or recreational purposes, your body will metabolize it. This process is what allows you to feel the effects of whatever substance you have ingested.Â
As your liver breaks these substances down and metabolizes them, residual metabolites remain in your bloodstream, urine, saliva, hair, lungs, and sweat.
Even after the noticeable effects of Delta 8 THC have disappeared, its ‘track’ remains and can be detected during drug testing.Â
Workplace drug screenings are intended to identify metabolites of illegal substances. If you are a recreational cannabis user, these drug screenings can lead to some sleepless nights.
Drug screenings can easily detect delta 9 THC.
Can Delta 8 Show Up In A Drug Screening?
The short answer is yes.
Delta 9 and delta 8 are molecularly composed very similarly. Simply put, delta 8 is just a less potent version of delta 9.
Both are intoxicating and can be detected on drug tests. This is simply due to the fact that the human body processes them similarly.
As of now, urine tests are not advanced enough to detect the difference between delta 8 and delta 9. In addition, urine tests do not decipher the legality between these two substances. Since delta 9 continues to be federally illegal, anything resembling it that shows up in a drug test will get you into some trouble.
The short version is that delta 8 THC can show up in a drug test after recent consumption.
Depending on what kind of test you are taking, Delta 8 can stay in your system anywhere from 2 days to a few months.
Fun Fact:
Drug tests can also detect metabolites from other cannabinoids such as CBG and CBN. This is why professional athletes can only use CBD isolate if they do not want to be disqualified.
As a Delta 8 User, Here’s What You Need To Know To Pass a Drug Test:
If you are trying to speed up your body’s metabolization of delta 8, regular intake of large amounts of water can help.Â
However, to err on the safe side, avoid using delta 8 if you have a drug test coming up.
It is believed that delta 8 THC should leave your body within 3-4 weeks. But, as we mentioned, your metabolic rate and lifestyle will determine how long delta 8 THC stays with you.
To Conclude
Delta 8 can and most likely will show up on a drug test. It would be best to abstain from delta 8 prior to taking a drug test.Â
In the meantime, try a CBD isolate product. CBD isolate is federally legal and very medicinal. You won’t get high, but you will pass your drug test.Â
