Delta 8 THC and Drug Tests: Will It Show Up on Your Screening?

In an industry full of new products and new information, it is important to make sure to keep up with any new education that arises.  Delta 8 THC – the newly popular cannabinoid, is no different. There is so much new information to learn about this newly emerging cannabinoid.  Delta 8 has sprouted its roots all over the nation and has excited users about the new ‘high’ inducing legal product. “Does Delta 8 THC show up on a drug test?” “Is there a Delta 8 THC drug test?” are just some of the many questions asked by consumers and potential customers alike.

What is Delta 8 THC?

Before answering if there is a Delta 8 THC generic drug test, let’s dive a little deeper into this cannabinoid that’s causing some noise.  Delta 8 THC is a cannabinoid found in Cannabis and Industrial Hemp. It is also an analog cannabinoid to Delta 9 THC.  Delta 9 THC is the more known cannabinoid that is found in high concentrations of marijuana.  Delta 8 THC, similarly to Delta 9 THC, has psychoactive effects as well as other therapeutic effects that may include better sleep, relaxation, and pain relief. Delta 8 products come in a variety of different types such as gummies, pre-rolls, carts, and more.

Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC are very similar – they are both THC analogs and have similar double bond compounds that cause the “high” sensation.  However, Delta 8 THC has been shown in studies and user reviews to have milder high sensations and fewer negative effects than Delta 9 THC.  Nonetheless, these are both cannabinoids, and when inhaled or consumed, enter into our Endocannabinoid system.  

Drug THC Testing

If you have ever worked for a company that required you to do mandatory drug testing, you have seen all the substances that may or may not show up.  While the list is long, it’s also not very specific when it comes to cannabis use or more specifically THC. 

While drug testing allows companies to assess potential employees ‘extracurriculars’ and can be a sign of a good employee, however when it comes to impending drug test for cannabis use – it seems a bit unfair.  Cannabis has become more socially and medically available and has been fully legalized in many states.  Many medical professionals even recommend the use of hemp and marijuana to help their patients.  When it comes to Drug screening and cannabis, there is much controversy – especially as now it is being used, advertised, and recommended as a health and wellness product.

Does Delta 8 THC show up on a drug test?

All drug tests work regarding cannabis and are looking specifically for THC Metabolites.  There are many different forms of THC (Delta 7, 8, 9, 10 THC), and all of these different THC cannabinoids produce the same Metabolites during the breakdown process by our bodies.  This means that any usual workplace drug test will test positive for THC if you use any form of THC, not just Delta 9.

So, will delta 8 THC fail most drug tests? Yes, it is highly expected to be present on a drug test. We talk about this more in our post going over how long does delta 8 stay in your system.

Is there a specific Delta 8 Drug Test?

If there is a Delta 8 THC Drug test out there, it’s highly unlikely that it would be used by your typical workplace drug testing facility.  All testing, whether it be urine tests, hair tests, saliva tests, or blood tests looks for THC Metabolites, so no matter if you have been using Delta 8 THC or Delta 9 THC, all typical drug tests will test positive for THC.

If Delta 8 THC is legal, why am I still getting Delta 8 Drug Tested?

2018 was the year that hemp became federally legal. Hemp and any cannabinoids that are extracted from industrial hemp are federally legal under the farm bill, this even includes trace amounts of Delta 9 THC.  This means that Delta 8 THC, when derived from an industrial hemp plant is federally legal – good news to consumers.   While Delta 8 and Delta 9 have different legal standings- there is still no drug testing that tests exclusively for Delta 8 THC.  Any THC drug test, even if you have only been using Delta 8 THC, will test positive.  So we counsel you to not use Delta 8 THC if you have to pass a drug test. 

How long does Delta 8 THC stay in my system?

Delta 8 THC stays in your system longer or shorter depending on what type of drug testing is performed. This 2014 study of how THC metabolizes breaks down each type of test and how long a THC metabolite will stay in your system.

Delta 8 THC lasts in the blood from 10-12 hours, and during this time, the blood test may be positive. In a saliva test, it will detect THC for up to 48 hours.  In a hair follicle test, Delta 8 THC could be present for as long as 90 days.  The most common THC drug testing is through urine samples (urine test), in which THC metabolites will last up to 3 – 48 days.  It’s important to note that these tests are variable, with several internal and external factors that could elongate the metabolites staying in your system.  Each human body is unique, and every product has a different influence on the user’s body.  Circumstances that will vary a test may include;

• How often a person consumes THC
• How much a person eats or vapes THC
• What type of product they are using
• Age, weight, and health status

These are all factors that could vary in a Delta 8 drug test.

How Can I Pass a Delta 8 THC Drug Test?

While there isn’t a specific Delta 8 THC Drug test, if you have consumed, smoked, or vaped any type of THC (Delta 8, Delta 9, etc) and you need to pass a drug test, there are a few successful methods.  

If you need to pass a drug test, Stop using Cannabis products at least eight weeks before your testing date.  This is the only way to know if you will pass.

Another thing to know is that THC Metabolites link to your fat cells, so drinking plenty of water and exercising could help decrease metabolites – but may not purge them entirely. 

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