Delta-8 THC is a new player in the world of cannabis, and being the latest cannabis in the market, it’s generating a lot of buzz and turning heads. With its potential benefits and unique effects, it’s no wonder people are clamoring to try it out.
But if you’re subject to regular drug testing – before you take the plunge, you may wonder, “does Delta-8 show up on a drug test?”. After all, you don’t want to jeopardize your job or reputation because of being high or euphoric (using a cannabis product).
These days, many people choose delta-8 (D8) over delta-9 (D9) THC products. Numerous distinct cannabinoids are present in cannabis plants. Each of these substances affects the human body differently. Among various cannabinoids available today, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the most popular for their unique effects.
In this blog post, you’ll explore what Delta-8 THC is, what it does, its legal status, and drug testing to be prepared for any circumstances you may face. So, let’s jump in and uncover the truth about Delta-8 THC and drug testing.
What is Delta-8 THC?
Let’s start with a little bit of chemistry. Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, or delta-8 THC, or just D8 is a natural compound of a cannabis plant structure. These compounds are called cannabinoids. Nowadays, there are more than 100 different cannabinoids discovered. You may already be familiar with some of these, including THC, CBD, CBN, and CBG.
It’s chemically similar to D9 THC, the cannabinoid responsible for the plant’s psychoactive effects, but with some key differences. Unlike cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9 THC, cannabis plants contain delta-8 THC in very small amounts.
Almost all of the delta-8 THC found in products is synthetic. It is created by using chemicals on CBD from hemp. These substances transform CBD’s structure into delta-8 THC. You may encounter the term “diet weed” or “weed light” used to describe D8 THC because it functions similarly to D9 THC but does not appear as potent in terms of the “high” you get when you consume it.
What’s its history?
The complete synthesis of delta-8-THC wasn’t accomplished until the 1960s, despite its discovery in the 1940s. Scientists were then intrigued by the many substances present in the cannabis plant and their possible therapeutic applications.
Raphael Mechoulam, an Israeli organic chemist widely referred to as “the father of cannabis,” is said to have completed the whole synthesis of Delta-8-THC in 1965.
Due to cannabis prohibition, research on delta-8-THC was put on hold in the United States in 1970, but it was still conducted elsewhere around the world. In recent years, delta-8 THC has gained renewed interest due to its psychoactive properties and the fact that it is less potent than delta-9 THC.
Why is the popularity of Delta-8 THC growing so fast
D8 compound is a fascinating cannabinoid that’s gaining popularity in the world of cannabis and is available in various forms, including gummies, tinctures, and vape cartridges.
Because of Delta-8’s milder psychoactive effects than Delta-9 THC, it is very popular among people who want to experience the benefits of weed without geting high being marketed as a powerful remedy for the treatment of various health conditions, including pain, anxiety, and insomnia.
Delta-8 THC is currently regulated under the 2018 Farm Bill. It makes it legal to use and sell Delta-8 THC and other hemp-derived cannabinoids. This has made it easier for people to access and purchase D8 (Delta-8) products, leading to increased interest and demand.
Though on a federal level, Delta-8 THC is legal, it’s important to note that most drug tests are designed to detect Delta-9 THC. If you’re using D8 products containing Delta-9 THC (possibly), it could appear on a drug test. However, this largely depends on the drug test used and its sensitivity. If you’re subject to regular drug testing, it’s essential to research and be prepared for the testing.
Can Delta-8 THC Make You Fail a Drug Test?
Yes, it might. Although D8 is legal through hemp, having it in your system could cause you to test positive for drugs. How?
It’s critical to understand how THC is detected in drug testing. The majority of people believe that the tests search for delta-9 THC metabolites. Since Keystone can distinguish between delta-8 and delta-9, it frequently happens that people who test positive for D8 also test positive for delta-9.
For instance, urine tests can identify THC-COOH, the primary inactive metabolite of delta-9 THC. These metabolites are retained in your fat cells and can be found after use, particularly in the urine.
Most drug tests currently available aren’t quite that advanced. However, new drug tests are being created to check for D8 THC due to its wide availability in OTC products. It prevents people from using this type of THC to get out of court-ordered drug tests.
Therefore, if you’re going to be drug tested, the National Drug Court Institute advises that you can not use delta-8 products.
How Long Does Delta-8 Stay In Your System?
There are many factors that define how long Delta-8 THC stays in your system. Those include the dosage, frequency of use, and individual metabolism. Even though D8 is a less potent form of THC, it is still a THC. Therefore, it has the same long-lasting effects on the body as other THCs. THC may linger in your urine for 2 to 5 days, even for first-time users.
After being consumed, cannabinoids are first stored in the fat cells of your body before being gradually released. As a result, they can collect with continued use over time. Because of their similar structural characteristics, D8 and D9 THC are anticipated to have an identical duration of action in the body.
Factors affecting how long delta-8 stays in your body
Although there hasn’t been much research on what influences how long delta-8 stays in your system, we know that several factors affect how long delta-9 stays in your body. The same conditions might be true of delta-8.
These factors may include the following:
- How you consumed the product: Depending on how you used the product, such as edibles or tinctures, delta-8 may stay in your system longer than if you had smoked marijuana.
- Frequency of use: It will take longer to exit your system if you use larger doses more often than if you use lower amounts less frequently.
- Your metabolism: If you have a lot of body fat, the drug may linger in your system for up to 30 days. However, because other factors affect how long THC stays in your system, this differs from person to person.
So, how long will Delta 8 stay in your system?
| Drug test type | Detection time after a single use | Detection time after regular use |
| Urine Drug Test | Approx. 3 days | Approx. 30 days |
| Saliva Drug Test | Approx. 24 hours | Approx. 72 hours |
| Blood Drug Test | Approx. 12 hours | Approx. 30 days |
| Hair Drug Test | Approx. 90 days | Approx. 90 days |
Delta 8 vs. Delta 9: What’s The Difference?
D8 and D9 THC are cannabinoids that occur naturally in cannabis plants, but they have some key differences regarding their chemical structure, production and consumption, psychoactive effects, and legal status.
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Chemical Structure
Chemically, Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC are very similar, with only a slight variation (shifting of the location of one of the double bonds) in their molecular structure. However, this difference can significantly affect their potency and psychoactive properties.
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Production & Consumption
Delta-9 THC in flower (bud) form can be smoked or vaporized without extraction, although edibles, topicals, and other preparations do. Contrarily, almost all products containing delta-8 THC are created (synthesized), extracted, and refined from CBD derived from cannabis.
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Psychoactive effects
D9 THC is known for its potent psychoactive effects, which can include feelings of euphoria, altered perception, and impaired coordination. In contrast, D8 THC is believed to have a milder psychoactive effect, which may produce a more relaxed and clear-headed “high.”
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Legal status
From a legal standpoint, Delta-9 THC is considered a substance with a high potential for abuse under federal law in the United States, meaning it’s illegal to produce, distribute, or possess. However, the legal status of Delta-8 THC is somewhat unclear, and it may be subject to change in the future.
While Delta-8 THC is not explicitly listed as a controlled substance under federal law, some states have banned its sale and consumption, while others have allowed it to be sold as a legal wellness product.
How To Pass a Drug Test If You Are a Delta-8 User
Many people search ‘how to pass a urine drug test for weed.’ Well, if you’re a Delta 8 user and need to pass a weed drug test, there are several methods that you can try to help detox your body and eliminate any traces of THC.
To help your body metabolize D8 more quickly, several online forums and sellers claim you can enroll in a cannabis detox program. However, no substantial evidence supports the claim that consuming delta-8 after doing so will help you pass a drug test.
Here are some of the most common methods for passing a THC drug test:
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Natural detox process
One of the most effective ways to detox your body and eliminate traces of Delta-8 THC is by allowing your body to undergo its natural detox process.
This involves staying hydrated, eating a healthy and balanced diet, and getting regular exercise. Drinking plenty of water and consuming foods high in fiber can help flush out THC and other toxins from your body.
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Exercise
Exercise can be a great way to help speed up the detox process and eliminate THC from your body. Cardiovascular exercises like running, cycling, or swimming can help to burn fat, which is where THC and other toxins are stored in your body.
This can help to speed up the detox process and reduce the amount of Delta-8 THC in your system.
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Synthetic urine
Using synthetic urine can be an option if you need to pass a drug test quickly. Synthetic urine is a laboratory-created substance that mimics the chemical composition of real urine, making it an operative way to give a THC drug test.
However, synthetic urine can be risky, as it’s illegal in some states and can lead to severe consequences if caught.
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Home remedies
There are several home remedies that people claim to pass drug tests, such as drinking vinegar, cranberry juice, or niacin supplements.
However, the effectiveness of these remedies is questionable, and they may not work for everyone. It’s essential to be cautious when trying home remedies and to do your research before trying any unproven methods.
Popular THC Detox Pills and Drinks
When it comes to passing a THC drug test, various detox pills and drinks on the market can come in handy to help flush Delta-8 THC and other toxins out of your system. These drinks usually contain a combination of vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements that work to speed up the detox process and help you pass a drug screening with flying colors.
Two popular brands of detox supplements are Toxin Rid and Detoxify Mega Clean.
Toxin Rid
Toxin Rid is a line of detox products that include pills and drinks. These products are designed to help flush toxins out of your system and are particularly effective for eliminating THC.
The Toxin Rid program typically lasts between one and ten days, depending on the length and frequency of your Delta-8 use. The supplements contain a combination of herbs, vitamins, and minerals that work together to accelerate the detox process and help you pass a drug test.
Detoxify Mega Clean
Detoxify Mega Clean is a drink supplement designed to help flush toxins out of your body. It is typically used as part of a one or two-day detox program and is especially popular for passing urine drug tests.
The drink contains a special blend of herbs, vitamins, and minerals believed to help detox your body and eliminate THC. The manufacturer claims that the supplement can help to remove all traces of toxins from your system for up to five hours after consumption.
While Toxin Rid and Detoxify Mega Clean are popular detox supplements that have helped many people pass drug tests, it’s important to note that they may not work for everyone. The frequency and amount of Delta-8 use, body weight, and metabolism can all impact the effectiveness of these supplements.
Types Of Drug Tests
An increasing number of employers are already acknowledging the significance of drug testing at work. Employers must know that there are various ways to conduct drug tests to check if their employees are clean of drugs.
According to Quest Diagnostics Drug Testing Index Analysis, the positivity rates for marijuana and cocaine in urine post-accident testing in the general U.S. workforce in 2021 were 63.4% and 266.7% higher, respectively, than in pre-employment tests.
Several types of drug testing methods are used today, each with its advantages and limitations.
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Urine drug test
One of the most common types of Delta-8 drug tests is the urine drug test. Those are easy to administer and provide quick results, making them a popular choice for many employers, healthcare providers, and government agencies.
Urine drug tests can detect many substances, including Delta-8 THC, Delta-9 THC, opioids, amphetamines, cocaine, and benzodiazepines. Typically, it can identify cannabis usage up to 30 days after the last use.
While urine drug tests are quick and easy to administer, they have some limitations. For example, they can be susceptible to false positives or negatives, and the accuracy of the test can be influenced by factors such as the hydration status, pH level of the urine, and the specific drug being tested for.
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Saliva (Mouth Swab) drug test
Merely because it is less invasive, saliva testing is becoming increasingly popular. However, to achieve accurate outcomes, saliva drug tests can only be used to identify recent drug use.
THC can still be detected 24 hours after intake. A 2020 study with cannabis smokers discovered that THC was still detectable in saliva 72 hours after consumption.
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Blood drug test
It is an expensive and invasive test – but the costly and most invasive drug testing techniques also happen to be the most precise. It detects the presence and metabolites of the drug in the blood. Only recent cannabis use—the last 2 to 12 hours—can often be detected.
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Hair drug test
These tests are effective because, following cannabis usage, cannabinoids pass through blood arteries to the hair follicles. Drug metabolites enter the blood arteries in the scalp, where the hair filters them and are preserved as a permanent record of an individual’s drug use. THC can be found in hair follicle tests up to 90 days following consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Is Delta-8 safe and legal?
The fact is that delta-8’s legal status in the U.S. is unclear. The 2018 U.S. Farm Bill defines hemp as a plant with less than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight. Hemp is now legal to buy, sell, and grow.
Therefore, a D8 product is technically safe and lawful as long as the primary material is CBD derived from hemp.
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Will Delta-8 THC get you high?
D8 products contain stimulating and psychoactive properties, just like D9 THC. Therefore, while Delta-8 can cause euphoria and get you high, its effects won’t be as strong as those of other cannabinoids.
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Will Delta-8 test positive?
Mostly, yes! Delta 8 can lead to positive drug test results and indicate that you used D8. As a result, you should refrain from using products that contain this drug if you are scheduled to undergo testing.
However, exercise some detoxification methods or use THC Detox Pills and Drinks (particularly Toxin Rid and Detoxify Mega Clean) to assist you in passing a weed drug test.
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How long does Delta-8 stay in your urine?
The dosage, frequency of use, and individual metabolism are just a few variables that might affect how long D8 THC lingers in your urine or is detectable. However, typically THC can stay in your urine for up to five days, even for first-time users.
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How to clear Delta-8 from your system?
Natural detoxification is the best way that’ll clear your system of Delta-8 THC. This involves staying hydrated, eating a healthy and balanced diet, and getting regular exercise. Drinking plenty of water and consuming foods high in fiber can help flush out THC and other toxins from your body.
However, you can also use THC Detox Pills and Drinks, preferably Toxin Rid and Detoxify Mega Clean.
Conclusion
Delta-8 THC is a new form of THC that has gathered popularity in the last few years because of its reported mild psychoactive effects and therapeutic benefits. However, D8 is still a THC compound and can show up on a drug test.
If you are a Delta-8 THC user and need to pass a drug screening, several options are available. From natural detox methods to detox pills and drinks, different strategies can effectively clear the Delta-8 THC from your system.
Before buying any D8 products, please ensure they are legal in your area to avoid unpleasant experiences. It is also important to follow dosage guidelines and consult with a healthcare professional before using any new supplement or product.