Does Delta 8 Show Up on Drug Tests? What You Should Know

Does Delta 8 Show Up on Drug Tests? What You Should Know

Ever thought if your favorite delta-8 product could get you in trouble during a drug test?

Delta-8 THC is getting more popular, making this question important for many.

The answer might surprise you and isn’t as simple as you think.

Delta-8 THC is a relative of delta-9 THC. It gives a milder high but can still show up on drug tests.

This worries many, especially those who have to pass drug tests for work or legal reasons.

Delta-8’s legal status is unclear. It’s legal under the 2018 Farm Bill but over 15 states have banned or regulated it.

With no clear rules on production, you might get more than you expected in your delta-8 products.

A 2021 study looked at delta-8 vape pens and found some scary results.

None of the 27 products were correctly labeled, and 11 had unknown substances.

This makes us wonder not just about drug tests, but also about what’s in our products.

Key Takeaways

  • Delta-8 THC can cause you to fail a drug test
  • Its legal status varies by state and is federally ambiguous
  • Many delta-8 products are mislabeled or contain contaminants
  • Delta-8 can stay in your system for days or even weeks
  • New drug tests are being developed to specifically detect delta-8 THC

What is Delta-8 THC and How Does It Differ from Delta-9 THC

What is Delta-8 THC and How Does It Differ from Delta-9 THC?

Delta-8 THC is a type of cannabinoid found in cannabis plants.

It’s becoming popular in the US cannabis market.

With over 100 cannabinoids in cannabis, delta-8 THC is getting attention.

Let’s look at its unique traits and how it compares to delta-9 THC.

Understanding the chemical structure of Delta-8 THC

Delta-8 THC’s chemical structure is similar to delta-9 THC but with a key difference.

The double bond is on the 8th carbon chain in delta-8, but on the 9th in delta-9.

This small change affects how they work in the body.

Comparing the effects of Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC

Delta-8 THC products have effects like delta-9 THC but are usually milder.

You might feel pain relief, better sleep, and less anxiety with delta-8. It’s less strong than delta-9, known for its stronger effects.

Both can cause side effects like dry mouth and a faster heart rate if used too much.

Legal status of Delta-8 THC under the Farm Bill

The 2018 Farm Bill made delta-8 THC’s legal status unclear.

It legalized hemp products, which some say includes delta-8 THC.

But, delta-8’s legality varies by state.

In Texas, it’s legal since 2019.

Always check your local laws before using these products.

Characteristic Delta-8 THC Delta-9 THC
Potency Less potent More potent
Legality Gray area, varies by state Federally illegal, legal in some states
Main Source Hemp-derived CBD Marijuana plant

Can Delta-8 THC Show Up on Drug TestsCan Delta-8 THC Show Up on Drug Tests?

Yes, delta-8 THC can show up on drug tests.

This is important to know if you’re thinking about using delta-8 products and you might have to take a drug test.

Delta-8’s chemical makeup is similar to delta-9 THC. So, it can be found in many drug tests.

Types of Drug Tests That Can Detect Delta-8 THC

There are several drug tests that can find delta-8 THC in your system:

  • Urine drug tests
  • Blood tests
  • Saliva tests
  • Hair follicle tests

Urine tests are the most common.

They can find delta-8 THC metabolites for up to 30 days after use, especially in heavy users.

Blood and saliva tests can detect it for a shorter time. Hair follicle tests can find it for up to 90 days.

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

How long delta-8 THC stays in your system varies.

For people who use it now and then, it might be gone in a few days.

But if you use it a lot, it could show up in tests for weeks after your last use.

Test Type Detection Window
Urine Up to 30 days
Blood 2-12 hours
Saliva Up to 72 hours
Hair Up to 90 days

Factors Affecting Delta-8 THC Detection in Drug Tests

Many things affect how long delta-8 THC stays in your system:

  • How often you use it
  • The amount you use
  • Your metabolism
  • Your body fat percentage
  • How hydrated you are

It can be hard to pass a drug test while using delta-8.

The effects of delta-8 and how it interacts with drug tests are still being studied.

If you’re worried about drug tests, it’s best to avoid delta-8 altogether.

Will Using Delta-8 Products Cause You to Fail a Drug Test?

Using delta-8 products can lead to failing a drug test.

Drug screenings look for THC metabolites in your body.

These are made when you use cannabis or synthetic cannabinoids.

Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol makes similar metabolites to delta-9 THC.

This makes it hard for tests to tell them apart.

Understanding Drug Test Results for Delta-8 THC

Drug tests can detect delta-8 THC in different ways.

Urine tests may show THC for up to a week after use.

Blood tests can find THC in your system for one to two days.

Saliva tests detect recent use within 48 hours.

Hair follicle tests can reveal drug use for several months.

Possibility of False Positives from Delta-8 Use

Delta-8 THC can cause you to test positive on a drug screening.

Current tests can’t tell the difference between delta-8 and delta-9 THC.

This means using delta-8 products, even if they contain less than 0.3% THC, might make you fail a drug test.

Comparing Test Results: Delta-8 vs. Delta-9 THC

Delta-8 and delta-9 THC are very similar in structure. Both can make you test positive for THC.

The main difference is that delta-8 is less potent than delta-9.

But when it comes to drug tests, they’re treated the same.

Factor Delta-8 THC Delta-9 THC
Potency Less potent More potent
Detection Time (Urine) Up to 10 days Up to 10 days
False Positive Risk High High
Legal Status Gray area Illegal federally

How to Avoid Failing a Drug Test When Using Delta-8

How to Avoid Failing a Drug Test When Using Delta-8

Delta-8 THC can be found in drug tests because it’s similar to delta-9 THC.

If you’re scared of failing a drug test, don’t use delta-8 products.

Many places like transportation and healthcare have strict drug tests.

Best practices for Delta-8 use and drug testing

Here are some tips if you use delta-8 THC:

  • Stop using delta-8 products at least 30 days before a scheduled drug test
  • Drink plenty of water to help flush your system
  • Exercise regularly to boost metabolism
  • Be cautious of detox products – they’re often ineffective and can be harmful

Remember, delta-8 can make you fail a drug test for weeks.

How long it lasts depends on how often you use it and your metabolism.

Alternative cannabinoids that may not show up on drug tests

Looking for something else?

ry these options:

Cannabinoid Likelihood of Detection Effects
CBD Low Relaxation, pain relief
CBN Very low Sleep aid, mild relaxation
CBG Very low Anti-inflammatory, mood boost

These alternatives are less likely to cause a failed drug test.

But, always check the THC content on product labels.

Some CBD products might have trace amounts of THC that could show up on sensitive tests.

Legal Implications of Delta-8 THC Use and Drug Testing

Legal Implications of Delta-8 THC Use and Drug Testing

The legal status of delta-8 THC is complex and changes across the U.S.

Some states allow it, while others ban or limit it.

This makes it hard for users to know if it’s legal.

Workplace Drug Testing Policies and Delta-8 THC

Many employers test for drugs at work to keep the place safe.

Delta-8 THC can show up on drug tests like delta-9 THC.

So, using delta-8 could lead to a positive test, even if it’s legal where you live.

Test Type Single Use Detection Chronic Use Detection
Urine Up to 3 days Up to 30 days
Hair Up to 90 days Up to 90 days
Saliva Up to 24 hours Up to 72 hours
Blood Up to 12 hours Up to 30 days

State and Federal Laws Regarding Delta-8 THC

Delta-8 THC’s legal status is changing.

The 2018 Farm Bill didn’t mention delta-8, but it made it legal in 24 states and Washington, DC.

Some states now control or ban delta-8 products.

It’s safer to avoid delta-8 if you’re unsure about the laws or have to pass drug tests at work.

Police can’t easily tell delta-8 from delta-9 THC.

Even if delta-8 is legal, having it might still be risky.

Always look up your local laws and work rules before using THC.

Risks and Side Effects of Delta-8 THC Use

Risks and Side Effects of Delta-8 THC Use

As delta-8 THC becomes more popular, knowing its risks and side effects is key.

It has benefits, but use it with care.

Potential health effects of Delta-8 THC consumption

Delta-8 THC can make you feel high, like delta-9 THC does.

But, it’s not just fun.

Data shows 55% of bad reactions needed medical help or a hospital visit.

Also, 70% needed a doctor’s check-up, and 8% had to go to the ICU.

Delta-8 THC can show up on drug tests, like delta-9 does.

It might make thinking and speaking hard.

Some people feel confused, anxious, or see things differently.

Sadly, 66% of bad events came from eating delta-8 THC products, so be careful with edibles.

Comparing side effects: Delta-8 THC vs. CBD

Delta-8 THC can make you less able to think clearly and might affect other medicines.

Unlike CBD, it can make you feel high, but it’s said to be less strong than delta-9 THC.

We don’t know much about its long-term effects or safety yet.

So, talk to a doctor before using delta-8, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, or on other meds.

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