Yes, Delta 8 THC can make you fail a drug test. There is a scientific reason behind this which we will tell you in this article.
Many people wonder, will Delta 8 show up on a drug test? Can Delta 8 be screened by a drug test? In this post, we are going to answer your queries relating to Delta 8 THC and explain how the good herb might cause problems for you.
So let’s get started!
Delta 8: What Happens on A Drug Test?
To understand why Delta 8 THC might show up on a drug test, we need to know how drug tests work. What kind of substances do drug tests show? And how long will D8 THC stay in your system?
Delta 8 THC on a drug test
Delta 8 has a potent cousin, Delta 9 THC. They have similar intoxicating properties and both will show up on a drug test.
But why is it so?
This happens because the tests that are used right now for drug testing can not tell the difference between a Delta 9 THC molecule and a Delta 8 THC molecule. The human body process both of these famous molecules in the same manner.
Now you must be thinking, why can’t they be made advanced enough to differentiate between Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC?
The answer to this is that drug tests test for the end product of metabolism. In the case of Delta 9 and Delta 8, in both cases, it is the same metabolite (THC-COOH). Therefore, the drug test will find it and come positive.
Why is Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC almost the same?
Delta 8 THC is a member of the minor cannabinoids family naturally found in trace quantities in hemp and marijuana plants. You can’t look for specific strains that have a high percentage of Delta 8 THC. It occurs as a natural byproduct of the degradation of Delta 9 THC.
Delta 8 is intoxicating, gives a buzz, and is mildly potent, but the effects it has can not be compared to that of Delta 9. It has a lower risk of paranoia as compared to Delta 9. And it can be uplifting or sedating, depending on the dosage.
It has structural similarities with Delta 9. To an experienced eye, the structures of both the compounds will look almost identical But, a good chemist will point out the difference in a jiffy.
The difference comes from where the double bond carbon exists. In Delta 9, it is at the 9th carbon chain, whereas on Delta 8 it is at the 8th chain. This small difference results in Delta 8 being half as potent and strong as Delta 9.
What about the other cannabinoids?
Drug tests can also come positive if you have consumed CBG, CBN, and CBC. Therefore, if you are using CBD, it would be best for you to use ONLY CBD isolate powder. That does not contain any trace cannabinoids.
Different tests have different methods of detecting Delta 8 THC. Usually, the lower cut-off mark is 30ng per millilitre.
How do drug tests function?
Anything that you consume needs to be metabolized by your body in order for its effects to show. It is like buying raw material and cooking it for consumption. Similarly, our body ‘cooks’ whatever we consume for it to be absorbed by the body.
After this metabolization is done, whatever remains is present in a number of things, such as your blood, urine, saliva, sweat, etc. And this is why these things are often used in drug tests.
Drug tests look for metabolites of certain scheduled drugs. It doesn’t check for THC levels in your body at the moment.
What are the different types of Delta 8 THC drug tests?
Drug tests can test for illegal substances through urine tests. There are two primary tests that can be done:
- Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) – This test requires more time but is more precise. It uses gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.
- The immunoassay (IA) Test is a faster variant of a biochemical test. It checks for any macromolecules in the urine. It is fast but inaccurate.
For how long will Delta 8 THC show up on a drug test?
Metabolites stay in your body for quite some time. In the case of D8 THC, the metabolite, THC-COOH status in the body for days and weeks after the time you had it. And if you’re a regular user, it will stay there for longer.
But why is it so?
This is because Delta 8 THC dissolves in fats as it is a fat-soluble and not a water-soluble compound.
It really depends on which drug test you’re taking; the variance is large, from 2 days to a few months.
Users with heavy consumption of Delta 8 THC will be in the urine of the user for 30 to 60 days! The factors that affect this are age, weight, metabolism, frequency, level of hydration, etc.
FAQs
1. Is Delta 8 THC safe?
Yes, Delta 8 THC is safe to use substance if you aren’t diagnosed with any specific medical condition. You’re always best advised to follow a doctor’s advice.
2. Is Delta 8 THC a safe-for-work drug?
No, Delta 8 THC is not a safe-for-work drug. You should not drive or operate heavy machinery while on Delta 8 THC.
3. Is Delta 8 THC legal?
Yes, Delta 8 THC is legal right now in about 30 states of the US. You can check online if it is legal in a specific state.
4. What is the difference between Delta 8 and CBD?
Delta 8 is a psychoactive compound, whereas CBD is not.
5. Will CBD show up on a drug test?
It will not show up on a drug test if you have taken a CBD isolate.
