Delta-8 THC: Does it Show Up on a Drug Test?
Delta-8 THC is one of the most talked-about cannabinoid recently making waves on the marketplace. Due to its perception as a less potent, more stable, federally legal substitute for delta-9 THC, people are resorting to delta-8 THC. With so many people expressing interest in delta-8, one frequently asked question by first timers is "Does delta-8 THC show up on a drug test?" or "How long does delta-8 remain in your body?"
People are unsure of the legality and safety of using delta-8 due to its resemblance to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) aka delta-9 THC, one of the major psychoactive compounds in marijuana that can result in sensations of euphoria. Typically, the euphoric effects of THC wear off within a short period of time. THC metabolites, however, persist in your body for days or even weeks following your most recent THC consumption.
In this article, we will discuss whether delta-8 THC will show up on a drug test or not. Additionally, we'll provide probable THC detection time for traditional drug tests so that you can get an idea of when to expect a negative result and how to consume it safely if you choose to do so!
Delta-8: What exactly is this amazing cannabinoid?
Delta-8 THC, aka ∆8-tetrahydrocannabinol, is a minor psychoactive cannabinoid present in the Cannabis sativa plant. Among minor cannabinoids produced naturally by the cannabis plant, delta 8 shows intoxicating and psychoactive properties similar to that of delta 9.
Since manufacturers started selling delta-8 THC products in 2019, they are now freely accessible throughout the United States. Consumer sales grew quickly in 2020 and will likely continue to do so in 2022, prompting one market analyst to call delta-8 the "fastest growing segment" of hemp-derived goods.
∆8-THC contains the same psychoactive properties as marijuana's more prevalent cannabinoid ∆9-THC and can produce additional effects like euphoria, relaxation, happiness, and certain health benefits.
To be more precise, people usually refer to delta-9 whenever they mention THC. Despite being an isomer of delta-9, delta-8 THC is less strong, more stable, and more laid-back than ∆9-THC.
Related: What is Delta 8 THC?
Will Delta-8 THC Show up on a Drug Test?
One of the most common questions that pop up in beginners mind: Will delta-8 THC make you fail a drug test? The brief answer is YES, delta-8 THC and its metabolite might appear on a drug screening in the same manner that delta-9 THC does. Now, let us briefly go through why delta-8 might come out positive in a drug test:
- Although delta-8 and delta-9 are nearly identical in terms of molecular structure, delta-8 THC is essentially a weaker counterpart of delta-9. Our body's digestive system metabolizes them similarly, and during the metabolizing process, our liver breaks down THC (∆8 or ∆9) into distinct metabolites through a particular enzyme known as the P450 system. Standard drug tests typically search for these metabolites. Sadly, a conventional test may not distinguish between delta-8 and delta-9 items if you consume both because drug tests often can't tell each THC metabolite apart. So, it is possible that taking delta-8 will make you positive in drug screening.
- It's necessary to comprehend how THC affects drug testing. Drug testing generally searches for THC (delta-9) metabolites as opposed to any particular cannabinoid. After ingestion, delta-8 THC releases a marijuana metabolite in your system that is comparable to the one created after cannabis usage. As a result, people who consume ∆8 will likely give positive results for cannabinoids, whether from the ∆8 metabolites or additional cannabinoids contained in the products.
- If the product containing delta-8 THC is not sufficiently pure, drug test findings may be much more baffling. The drug screening findings may return as positive if there are different concentrations of delta-9 THC present inside the product as a contaminant. So, surely you will fail a drug test if you ingest delta-8 items that exceed the federally permitted level of 0.3% delta-9 THC.
- Traditional drug tests currently used aren't quite that sophisticated. For instance, a urine test will identify both compounds (∆8 and ∆9) since they yield a similar metabolite (THC-COOH). The bottom line is that delta-8 THC if recently taken, will show up on a drug test.
After Intake, How Long Does Delta-8 THC Remain In Your System?
Any consumption of delta-8-containing products, including tinctures and distillates, gummies, and vapes, has the potential to cause you to fail a drug test. So, it's important to know how long delta-8 THC stays in your bloodstream so you can prepare in advance.
The manner in which you take delta-8 THC might also influence how long it remains in your body.
| Types of Delta-8 THC Products | Edible Products (Cookie, Brownie) | Inhaled Products (Vape Cartridges) | Tinctures and Distillates |
| Onset Time | 15-90 Min | 5-6 Min | 30-90 Min |
| Effect Peaks (after intake) | 60-120 Min | 60-120 Min | 60-150 Min |
| Overall Effects Duration | 3-6 Hours | 3-6 Hours | 4-5 Hours |
No matter how you ingest the delta-8, you will start to feel the effects of THC after a few minutes, and the effects will ultimately wear off over the course of the following 5 to 6 hours. However, this does not imply that the compound has entirely left your body once its effects have worn off.
A journal published in 2012 states that the human body removes most (80–90%) of the THC from your bloodstream within 5 days. Prior to the total eradication, the remainder (10-20%) may persist for additional 5 days.
Therefore, you may expect THC to be detectable in your system somewhere between 5-10 days after first consuming it.
Related: How Long Does Delta 8 Stay in Your System?
Factors influencing how long delta-8 remains detectable in your system
Several factors can play a role in how long delta-8 THC remains traceable in your body, and they are as follows:
- Potency (THC strength) of delta-8 products
- Frequency of delta-8 intake
- Drug test types (Urine, Blood)
- Method of administration (Tinctures, Gummies, Vaping)
- Your body fat percentage and age
- Any previous medical issues
- Genetic and Metabolism
Therefore, it is crucial to becoming familiar with these factors in order to eliminate THC from your body as quickly as possible.
First-time versus long-term consumers of delta-8 THC
If you're a first-time user or ingest delta 8 THC once or twice, you may expect delta-8 to linger in your body for up to 2-7 days.
However, if you take delta-8 quite often or in significant doses, it may take a minimum of 90 days for your system to become completely THC-free. Still, some people who ingest delta-8 frequently and have a high tolerance might quickly get through a drug screening.
Comparison: Delta 8 vs. Delta 9 THC vs. CBD
In terms of its ability to cause intoxication, delta-8 THC is less strong and more steady. Although it makes you feel euphoric, the sensation is nothing compared to the buzz that delta-9 produces.
Continue reading to find out more about the differences that exist between delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, and CBD, as well as their legal status, whether or not they may cause you to become "high," any possible side effects or perks, and more.
| Name of the Cannabinoids | Delta-8 THC | Delta-9 THC | CBD |
| Will show up in a drug test? | Likely | Yes | No |
| Will Get You "High"? | Yes | Yes | No |
| Legal Status in U.S.A |
★ Legal at the Federal Level ★ Legality differs from one State to another |
★ Federally Illegal ★ 34 States now permit its use for Medical or Recreational purposes |
★ Legal at the Federal Level ★ Fewer Regulations at the State Level |
| Potential Health Benefits |
✯ Pain Relief ✯ Heightened Appetite ✯ Exhilarating or Happy Feelings ✯ Improved Sleep Quality ✯ Decreased Inflammation |
✯ Relaxation ✯ Reduced Anxiety ✯ Heightened Appetite ✯ Exhilarating or Happy Feelings ✯ Pain Alleviation ✯ Increased Sensory Awareness |
CBD might help with the following health conditions: ✯ Migraine ✯ Anxiety ✯ Insomnia ✯ Neurological Disorders (Epilepsy, Alzheimer's, Schizophrenia) ✯ PTSD |
| Potential Risks |
⍟ Hallucinations ⍟ Mouth Dryness ⍟ Anxiety ⍟ Vomiting ⍟ Disorientation ⍟ Increased Heart Rate |
⍟ Paranoid Delusions ⍟ Mouth Dryness ⍟ Vomiting ⍟ Hypotension ⍟ Abdominal Pain ⍟ Dysphoria ⍟ Erratic Heart Rate |
⍟ Decreased Appetite ⍟ Liver Damage ⍟ Indigestion Drowsiness ⍟ Dry Mouth ⍟ Changes in Weight ⍟ Changes in Mood |
Guidelines on How to Pass a Drug Test for THC
Worry that you won't pass the forthcoming drug test at work! Do not lose any sleep. You may easily undergo a drug test if you prepare ahead of time. The information you might need to know is as follows.
Prior to using delta-8 THC, become knowledgeable about the factors that play a role in how long it lingers in your system. Secondly, acquaint yourself with the different drug tests you might need to undergo in your workplace.
Last but not least, carefully comply with the recommendations provided below to eliminate the traces of THC as quickly as you can from your body.
Familiarize yourself with several types of drug testing
Your upcoming drug test type is the next crucial factor to take into account. For instance, although a hair follicle test might identify THC in your hair up to 90 days after consumption, other tests might only do so within a few hours after ingestion. Knowing what kind of test you'll possibly take will therefore allow you ample time to get ready. Therefore, you may correspondingly restrict your intake of delta-8.
The table below shows the detectable time frame of delta-8 using different commonly used drug tests.
| Types of Conventional Drug Tests | Time It Takes to Detect Delta-8**(probable) |
| Urine Test | from 3 hours up to 48 days |
| Blood Test | from 3 hours up to 25 days |
| Hair Follicle Test | up to 90 days |
| Saliva Test | from 1 day up to 7 days |
| Sweat Test | up to 7 days |
**The times given for each test type are estimates, which might change a little depending on how much delta eight you've taken.
It's essential to keep in mind that even if THC (in any form) is legal in a given state, corporations might nonetheless establish their own drug policies. So, it's usually a good practice to find out your company's policy before you undergo a drug test.
Pro Suggestions: How to Flush Out the Traces of Delta-8 THC Quickly from Your System
The world isn't going to end if you consume delta-8 THC and are about to encounter a drug test. There's no reason to freak out! If you are aware of an upcoming drug screening, all you need to do is refrain from using delta-8 THC until you are confident that you are safe.
In order to flush out the cannabinoid from your system as soon as possible, follow these handy suggestions:
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat healthy, low-fat foods
- Exercise regularly
- Stay clear of alcohol and THC consumption
- Avoid sleep deprivation
- Keep emotional stress at bay
- Avoid despair and anxiety
- Using detox products (Cranberry juice, Green Tea, Baking Soda)
Hopefully, being aware of this insight might help you unwind when ingesting delta-8 THC. Furthermore, if you experience any unfavorable side effects, address them with your physician.
How Long Do You Need to Wait to Pass a Drug Test After Taking Delta-8?
The kind of drug test you're taking and how rapidly your body flushes out the traces of THC metabolites from your system will determine whether you pass or fail a drug test.
Blood, urine, saliva, or sweat test is simpler to ace. Due to the fact that THC might remain in your hair follicle for up to 90 days, it is difficult to get through a hair follicle test.
For first-time and regular users, urine test has a detection window of up to 3 days and 5-10 days, respectively. As a result, it is advisable to abstain from all kinds of THC products at least 10 days prior to a planned drug screening.
However, according to experts, those who are chronic users of delta-8 may have THC metabolites present in their urine for 30 to 60 days. This range, nevertheless, may differ depending on the individual.
Related: CBD Drug Test: What You Need to Know!
FAQs About Delta 8 THC & Drug Screening
Can delta 8 make you fail a drug test?
The answer is YES; delta-8 THC might lead you to test positive on a forthcoming drug test. This is because both (delta-8 and delta-9 THC) have pretty much identical molecular structures, making it impossible for conventional drug tests to differentiate between them.
The only way to determine whether or not you have consumed delta-8 instead of delta-9 is by using a qualitative test like GC/MS (Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry) or IA (The Immunoassay) test that would detect the presence of any cannabinoids.
How to pass a drug test if you're a delta 8 THC user?
What should you do if you're a delta 8 user and you're about to face a drug test at work? THC might be traceable in your system for up to three months; therefore, if you really wish to pass a drug test, it's best practice to avoid all consumption of delta-8 products altogether.
For further information regarding how to pass a drug test and when to consider taking your test, review the recommendations we provided above.
Is Delta 8 detectable in urine tests?
If you are to take an instant urine test today and consume delta-8 products within the last few hours (or days), you would probably test positive for both delta-8 and delta-9 in your urine sample! Whether you're a chronic or heavy user, THC might remain detectable in your urine for up to 30-60 days. However, the outcome could vary depending on the individual.
Does delta 8 make you high?
The brief answer is YES. Delta-8 THC possesses intoxicating and euphoric properties; therefore, when ingested, it produces a potentially more pleasurable and milder high.
What else can you consider in place of delta 8 THC?
Thankfully, you have choices! You would be better off choosing our Full-Spectrum CBD products, which are entirely legal (less than 0.3% THC) and won't make you feel intoxicated. However, if you take them repeatedly over a long period of time, they might appear on a drug test.
Additionally, if you are subject to frequent drug screening, you can go for our Premium Broad Spectrum CBD or THC-Free CBD products.
Related: CBD for Beginners: An Extensive Guide for New Shoppers
Final Thoughts: Does Delta-8 THC Show up on a Drug Test?
Delta-8 THC is an intriguing new cannabinoid in the cannabis industry with many positive effects. It produces a gentler high, typically has lesser adverse effects, and is federally permissible anywhere in the USA, thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill.
So, does delta 8 THC show up on a drug test? Long story short, YES, delta 8 THC, if recently used, might be detectable on a drug screening. Even though delta 8 THC is permissible in your State, it still has the potential to yield a false positive for delta 9 THC, resulting in a drug test failure. Nevertheless, additional research is still necessary to fully understand how delta 8 influences drug testing.
Whether you're looking for authentic, reliable, potent, THC-free CBD items or credible brands, you should keep an eye out for a trustworthy & top-tier brand like MEDOSI. Would you like to know more in-depth information on other popular cannabinoids? Have a peek at our often updated blog page. We at Medosi, strive to give precise, factual, and up-to-date info that you can rely on.