Delta 8 THC, often simply referred to as Delta 8, has surged in popularity due to its milder psychoactive effects compared to Delta 9 THC, the primary intoxicating compound found in cannabis. It’s gaining traction as an alternative for those seeking a more blissful-like experience. However, with its growing presence in the wellness and recreational markets, many users are wondering: does Delta 8 show up on drug tests? And so, whether you’re considering Delta 8 for recreational purposes, medical use, or simply curiosity, it’s essential to understand how it may affect you when it comes to workplace drug screenings, athletic testing, or other situations that require drug testing.
Delta 8 THC 101
Delta 8 THC is a cannabinoid that exists in cannabis plants, but it is found in much smaller concentrations than the more well-known Delta 9 THC. Delta 8 shares a similar chemical structure to Delta 9 but with a slight difference in the placement of a double bond on the carbon chain, which leads to its milder effects. While Delta 9 THC binds strongly to the CB1 receptors in the brain, Delta 8 has a weaker affinity, resulting in less intense psychoactive effects.
Delta 8 is often produced through the conversion of CBD (cannabidiol) extracted from hemp, utilizing chemical processes that rearrange the CBD into Delta 8. Because of this, Delta 8 products are widely available, as hemp-derived CBD is legal under the U.S. 2018 Farm Bill, and Delta 8 made from hemp is legally considered a “legal” cannabinoid in many states, though its legal status is rapidly evolving.
The Role of Drug Tests: How They Detect THC
Drug tests, especially those used by employers, law enforcement, or sports organizations, are designed to detect the presence of THC metabolites in your system. THC is broken down in the liver into various metabolites, with the primary metabolite being THC-COOH, which can be detected in urine, blood, and hair follicle tests.
How Delta 8 THC Metabolizes in the Body
Since Delta 8 THC is chemically similar to Delta 9 THC, it is metabolized in the body in much the same way. When you consume Delta 8, whether through smoking, vaping, or ingesting edibles, your body processes it by breaking it down in the liver, where it is converted into various metabolites, including THC-COOH. This metabolite is the key marker detected in most drug tests.
Although Delta 8 is less potent than Delta 9, its metabolite THC-COOH remains present in the body in similar concentrations, and the test would not distinguish between the two. This is an important point because it means that Delta 8 will likely trigger a positive result on a drug test that is designed to detect THC metabolites, regardless of whether it came from D8 or D9.
Will Delta 8 Show Up on Drug Tests?
Yes, Delta 8 can show up on a drug test, and here’s why:
- Metabolite Similarity: Both Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC are processed into the same metabolite—THC-COOH. Drug tests don’t differentiate between Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC because they look for this single metabolite. The chemical difference between Delta 8 and Delta 9 is negligible when it comes to how the body breaks them down.
- Detection Windows: The detection window for THC metabolites varies depending on several factors, including:
- Frequency of use: If you use Delta 8 regularly, THC metabolites can stay in your system longer, potentially showing up on drug tests for weeks or even months after consumption.
- Metabolism and body fat: Since THC is fat-soluble, it can accumulate in fat cells, particularly in those who have higher body fat percentages. The more fat you have, the longer THC metabolites may stay in your system.
- Type of drug test:
- Urine tests: These are the most common type of drug tests, and they can detect THC metabolites for 3 to 30 days, depending on usage patterns.
- Blood tests: Blood tests are typically used for immediate detection, such as in roadside DUI checks, and usually detect THC metabolites for up to 1-2 days.
- Hair follicle tests: Hair tests can detect THC for up to 90 days but are less commonly used in casual drug screenings.
- Cannabis Products: Delta 8 is often consumed in forms like vapes, edibles, tinctures, or flowers. Regardless of the method, the body’s breakdown process remains the same, and THC metabolites will be present in the system after consumption.
- Legal Hemp-Derived Delta 8: While hemp-derived Delta 8 is legal in many areas, its legality does not influence the body’s metabolization process. A legal Delta 8 product may still show up on a drug test in the same way that Delta 9 THC would.
How Long Does Delta 8 Stay in Your System?
While there is no exact formula for how long Delta 8 stays in your system, we can draw from general information about how THC is processed. For the average person, Delta 8 may remain detectable in the body for:
- Occasional users (one-time use): 3 to 7 days
- Regular users (multiple times per week): 7 to 30 days
- Heavy users (daily use): 30 days or more
These estimates are based on typical urine tests. Other factors like body composition, metabolic rate, and hydration can influence the actual detection period.
Drug Testing Methods: How Sensitive Are They?
The sensitivity of drug tests varies, but most are designed to detect THC metabolites specifically, not the strain or type of THC consumed. The standard 50 ng/mL cut-off in a urine test can detect THC metabolites from both Delta 8 and Delta 9.
- Immunoassay Tests: These initial screening tests are sensitive to THC metabolites at a cutoff of 50 ng/mL. While they are fast and inexpensive, they are not specific to Delta 8 or Delta 9, meaning both types of THC will likely show up the same way.
- Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS): If the initial test is positive, this confirmatory test is much more specific and can detect lower levels of THC metabolites. However, it still won’t differentiate between Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC metabolites.
- Saliva Tests: These are less common but are increasingly used by law enforcement. They tend to have a shorter detection window, usually within 24 hours of consumption, but they may still detect THC metabolites from Delta 8 if used recently.
Strategies to Avoid Delta 8 Showing Up on a Drug Test
If you’re concerned about Delta 8 showing up on a drug test, there are a few precautions you can take:
- Avoid Consumption Before Testing: If you know you have a drug test coming up, the safest approach is to avoid using Delta 8 for several weeks in advance, depending on your usage frequency.
- Hydration: Drinking plenty of water may help flush out metabolites from your system more quickly, though it’s not a guaranteed solution.
- Use Detox Products: There are detox drinks and supplements marketed to help cleanse your system, but there is no scientific guarantee they will work to eliminate THC metabolites effectively in time for a drug test.
- Opt for CBD Products: If you’re seeking the benefits of cannabis but want to avoid the risk of drug test failure, non-THC products like CBD might be a better option. CBD doesn’t show up on drug tests, as long as it contains no detectable levels of THC.
Final Delta 8 Drug Testing Thoughts
Delta 8 THC has become popular for its milder psychoactive effects, but it is chemically similar to Delta 9 THC, which means that it can show up on drug tests. Whether you’re using Delta 8 for recreational purposes or as a part of your wellness routine, it’s crucial to understand that drug tests are designed to detect THC metabolites like THC-COOH, which result from the breakdown of both Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC. So, if facing a drug test, the safest route is to avoid using Delta 8 for a period of time prior to the test. There are no foolproof ways to ensure that Delta 8 will not show up, so it’s essential to be prepared and mindful of the legal and employment implications.
While Delta 8 may be a legal option in many states, it’s important to weigh the risks of drug testing with its use. Always stay informed about both the legal status and the impact on drug tests to make well-informed decisions.
Please Note: This information is only valid as per December 2nd, 2024.
