In recent times, sales of products containing delta-8-THC have been consistently rising. The main reason for such a rise is the federal legality (due to certain loopholes) and pretty similarity of delta-8 to delta-9 THC. Delta-9 THC is a substance in the cannabis plant that produces a “high”. The honeyroot delta 8 online retailers ensure to deliver quality products to their customers.
But with the increase in delta-8 consumption, there has been a common question among its users “how does delta-8 THC influence drug tests? It is a valid question, especially after legalizing Delta-8 and classifying it as a hemp derivative. This question is vital for legal and employment matters, as the result of tests can profoundly impact one’s career or life.
Therefore, this article will answer the question, “Does delta 8 show up on a drug test?”. And also help you figure out how long Delta-8 THC remains in your system and how to prepare for the drug test. But before answering the above queries, let’s discuss important facts about Delta-8 and how drug tests work.
1. What is Delta-8?
Delta-8 THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is a psychoactive compound in the Cannabis Sativa plant. It is one of the 100 cannabinoids produced naturally by the cannabis plant but in a small amount. Thus, a concentrated amount of delta-8 THC is manufactured from CBD (Hemp derived Cannabidiol). Delta-8, like delta-9 THC, can produce feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and potential pain relief but with lower potency. For people who don’t want to experience a striking “high,” using a delta-8 THC may be a benefit.
2. Is Delta-8 Legal?
In 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp products with less than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC. It means there’s a loophole in the bill for products containing higher amounts of delta-8 THC, as long as they don’t have more than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC. However, delta-8 doesn’t occur naturally in large amounts and is made from CBD or delta-9 THC synthetically, which is illegal.
3. What is the difference between Delta-8 And Delta-9?
Both delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC are derived from the cannabis plant and are fundamentally psychoactive compounds. But despite having similar potential benefits, there are quite a few differences. The most significant difference between the two is the intensity of their psychoactive effects. Consuming delta-9 THC can make your experience a more potent high compared to delta-8.
Delta-9 THC can be smoked or vaporized in flower form without requiring extraction. On the other hand, delta-8 THC products are synthesized, extracted, and purified from CBD.
4. How Do Drug Tests Work?
Drug testing is a process that screens for current or prior drug use. Initially, the participants provide samples from their bodies, such as urine or hair. Then through the various testing procedures, specific substances or chemicals are screened for related to a particular drug. If the chemical is detected, your test is deemed positive.
Drug testing accuracy varies by the test used, and the substance tested. For example, tests for marijuana are standard and most accurate. There are many forms of drug testing; some of them are
- Hair Follicle Testing
- Urinalysis
- Breath Testa
- Saliva Screening
- Blood Tests
- Sweat Drug Screenings
5. How Long Does Delta-8 Remains in Your Body?
Delta-8 THC can stay in your system in detectable concentrations from 2 to 30 days. Depending upon the variant, the time needed for delta-8 to be completely flushed from your system can vary. Hair follicle testing can detect delta-8 for the most extended duration of up to 90 days. Although, the results from hair follicle tests are often inaccurate and are rarely used as a reliable testing method.
The times delta-8 THC remains in your body depends on numerous factors, including:
- Age
- Consumption Method
- Frequency Of Use
- Body’s Metabolic Rate
- Administered Dose
- Reaction With Medications and Supplements.
6. Does delta 8 show up on a drug test?
In contrast to delta-9, delta-8 THC won’t likely lead to a positive result on a drug test unless the test specifically screens for the delta-8 THC compound. But, if the delta-8 THC products contain some amount of delta-9 THC, a drug test may detect a positive result for THC.
Recently, with the increase in the use of delta-8 THC products, some commercial laboratories have added confirmation analysis for delta-8 THC to drug tests.
To cut a long story short, it is impossible to say that delta-8 THC won’t show a positive result on drug tests as it depends on the quality and contents of the specific delt-8 THC products used and the variety of drug tests conducted. Also, drug tests don’t differentiate between different versions of the THC molecule.
7. How to Prepare for a Delta-8 Test?
Imagine you consumed a delta-8 THC product, and a drug test is coming up. You might be feeling nervous and wondering what if I fail the test or how I can pass the test. Don’t worry. Luckily, numerous methods may help you to pass the test. Some of them are:
Avoid Delta-8 Before Test
The first and most sensible thing to do before the drug test is to avoid consuming delta-8 THC products. Depending upon your body’s metabolic rate, THC can remain in your body for an extended period.
Exercise and Hydrate Yourself
Exercising and staying hydrated is another method to increase the possibility of passing a drug test after consuming delta-8 THC. Working out, burning fat, getting healthy, and staying hydrated before the testing day are some ways that might increase your passing rate.
Flush Urine on Morning of Drug Test
On the morning of a drug test, make sure you pee and clear out the THC compound that has built up in your body. After this, you can also drink coffee or cranberry juice, which might help you in the test.
Hydrate As much As Possible A Few Hours Before the Test
Ensure you hydrate yourself as much as possible a few hours before the test. It will cause the test to be invalid because of too much hydration. In turn, this will give you a chance to postpone the test.
Conclusion:
Now that you know all aspects of delta-8 THC in detail, you can prepare well for the drug test. Follow the advice mentioned above. Remember, it is not the end of the world to have delta-8 in your body, and a drug test needs to be taken. There are always numerous options around failing THC tests.