Delta 8 THC Drug Tests: Will You Fail A Test?

If you’ve been thinking about embracing the new Delta 8 THC trend, you’re in luck, as this cannabinoid is more widely available than ever before.  The hemp industry has widely embraced delta 8, and as a result, the market offers loads of vapes, gummies and other products infused with this unique cannabis compound.  

But it’s understandable that not everyone is fully comfortable making delta 8 THC products such as Delta 8 vape carts and Delta 8 softgel capsules part of their daily routine.  After all, we know that this cannabinoid, unlike CBD, is psychoactive.  Further, many are unsure as to whether or not delta 8 would have a detrimental effect on taking a drug test.

In short, YES Delta 8 THC will trigger a drug test, and you will likely fail. However, in order to provide useful information on this topic, we’ll first need to explain the difference between delta 8 THC and its big sister compound, delta 9 THC.

To buy Delta 8 THC Products Click Here

Delta 8 THC vs. Delta 9 THC

So, what exactly is delta 8 THC, and what does it do?  Most of us are familiar with the concept of cannabinoids.  These cannabis-derived compounds are unique from others that occur in nature, as their most notable characteristic is their effects on the body via the endocannabinoid system. 

The endocannabinoid system is made up of cannabinoid receptors which are present in every system of the body, with different receptors creating different responses that play a role in our physical and mental wellbeing.  Cannabinoid receptors receive cannabinoids from cannabis, which results in a binding process that regulates functions of the body.

CBD is the dominant cannabinoid in hemp, as there’s more cannabidiol than any other in the plant’s chemical makeup.  There’s anywhere from about 15 to 20 percent CBD in any given strain of the hemp plant.  Meanwhile, there’s about 0.1 percent delta 8 that naturally occurs in hemp.

Delta 8 THC is, technically speaking, is similar to Delta 9 THC, but is one isomer off.  Delta 9 THC is, of course, the controversial cannabinoid that is responsible for marijuana’s complicated legal status across the United States.  Delta 9 is psychoactive, and present in high levels in marijuana, but only in trace amounts in hemp.

Delta 8 THC comes from CBD isolate that undergoes a safe chemical conversion process to then become Delta 8. This means Delta 8 THC is hemp-derived, not marijuana derived. The experience of Delta 8 THC includes a high 50-70% of Delta 9 THC, except without the negative side effects. In terms of benefits Delta 8 THC offers potentially useful properties much like all cannabinoids, thanks to its regulatory effects on the body.  Delta 8 binds with CB1 receptors in the nervous system, which play a role in pain, mood and more.

Delta 8 is, on a molecular level, remarkably similar to delta 9.  After all, it’s aged delta 9 THC.  Further, delta 8 is an isomer of both delta 9 and CBD, which means that molecularly, the makeup is the same, except the molecules are arranged in a different manner. 

Now, if you’re taking a full spectrum hemp product, or using pure flower, you’re already consuming the amount of delta 8 that naturally occurs in the plant.  This extremely trace amount is basically undetectable in any way.  But, now the industry offers delta 8-specific products which are based on a delta 8 extract that has been concentrated, allowing the user to experience very high levels of the cannabinoid.

Drug Tests: Do They Pick Up On Delta 8 THC? 

So, what does this mean if you’re someone who has to take a drug test?  Standard urine tests, which are most commonly used for work and sport, do test for THC usage.  But, these tests do not pick up actual THC.  What they pick up is a metabolite that the body produces as a result of THC exposure.  This metabolite, known as THC-COOH, is stored in the fat cells of the body, and these cells retain the metabolite for a long period of time.  This is why a urine test can pick up on marijuana use days after a person last consumed it.

We know that how often one uses THC determines how long one must be “clean” in order to pass a test.  While those who only use THC on rare occasions likely need a couple of days to clear the metabolites from the system, heavy users may have detectable levels of these metabolites for weeks after their last smoke.  But does this apply to delta 8 as well as delta 9?

Can Taking Delta 8 THC Products Fail A Drug Test?

Now, we come to the main question: does delta 8 usage lead to a failed drug test?  In short, yes. Delta 8 THC will pick up similarly to Delta 9 because at the end of the day it is still THC. However, let’s make one thing clear: there have not been any studies done on delta 8’s effects on a drug test.  Delta 8 is simply too new, and still isn’t used as widely as delta 9.  

Furthermore, there hasn’t been much anecdotal evidence out there yet either, again because of the fact that delta 8 is still quite an “underground” cannabinoid. In fact, Delta 8 THC itself currently lives in a loophole of the 2018 Farm Bill. Regardless of this, we have found from our resources that it would trigger a drug test. 

This is because there is good reason to believe that delta 8 will have similar effects on a drug test as delta 9.  Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC are so similar on paper, so to speak, that it’s safe to assume that the same metabolites associated with delta 9 are created due to delta 8 exposure.  

Unfortunately, because of this we have found that Delta 8 shows up as “THC” on a standard urine test. THC does not react in the body the same, that is why the benefits and effects of Delta 8 THC is different than Delta 9. But it will show up on a drug test all the same. 

Factors that May Trigger A Positive Delta 8 THC Drug Test

There are some factors that may influence the likelihood of delta 8 usage causing a failed drug test. 

Factor #1: When You Last Used Delta 8 THC

Of course, when you last used delta 8 will play a role.  The longer ago it was that you used it, the less chance there is that there are THC metabolites in your system.

Factor #2: How Much Delta 8 You Use

We said that heavier cannabis users will need a longer period of time for the metabolites to clear out of the body.  In all likelihood, the same rules apply to delta 8 use.  This means that if you use delta 8 daily, you’ll likely need at least a couple of weeks before you can get a clean test.

Factor #3: Your Metabolism

The way your body metabolizes THC will play a role, but of course, there’s no way to know how efficiently your body breaks down THC compared to someone else.  

Factor #4: Strength

Finally, the milligram strength of the delta 8 product you use determines how much detectable THC may be in your system at the time of a test.

How To Buy Delta 8 THC Products: Vape Cartridges, Softgel Capsules, Tinctures, Gummies

You can find Delta 8 THC products such as vape cartridges and more on our website here! Or you can search “Delta 8 THC” at the top header of our website. We carry Delta 8 THC vape cartridges such as Sour Diesel, Tangerine Haze, Lemon OG options and more. Both Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid. You can choose your regular THC favorites with our Delta 8 THC vape cartridges. 

Delta 8’s THC Legality

To find out if Delta 8 THC is legal in your state, click here: Many, understandably, wonder whether or not delta 8 is actually legal.  Well, according to federal law, it is.  The federal law states that hemp is legal, as are all of its derivatives, including individual cannabinoids.  Being a hemp-derived cannabinoid, delta 8 is, therefore, technically protected by federal law.

Of course, each state can choose to come up with their own laws when it comes to cannabis.  Also, a small handful of states have gone out of their way to outlaw delta 8 specifically.  Still, the majority of states allow it.  Therefore, we do recommend that you check with your state’s laws prior to investing in a delta 8 product.  Remember that we are only talking about products marketed as “delta 8,” which are made with a delta 8 concentrate, as flower and full spectrum products that contain only the naturally occurring trace amount do not count as “delta 8 products.”

Our Final Verdict

As of now, because of its striking similarities to delta 9 THC, you should assume that Delta 8 THC use will result in a failed drug test.  After all, it is better to be safe than sorry, and for many, a failed drug test could have some pretty hefty negative impacts on lives.  

To Buy Delta 8 THC Products Click Here