Will Delta-8 THC Make You Fail a Drug Test? Your Most Burning Question Answered

Delta-8 and drug testing

Will delta-8 make you fail a drug test? The rise of this cannabinoid brought the question of delta-8 and drug testing. We have some answers.

If you want to try delta-8, you are probably wondering whether it will pop dirty on a drug test. THC’s euphoric effects fade quickly — usually after a few hours following inhalation or ingestion. But, THC’s metabolites typically stay in the system for weeks after last use. Let’s try to solve the biggest mystery surrounding delta-8.

Can delta-8 make you fail a drug test?

What is Delta-8 THC? 

The hemp plant contains over 100 different chemical compounds known as cannabinoids. Delta-8 THC is a minor cannabinoid naturally present in cannabis plants in trace amounts (less than 1%). Similarly to cannabinol (CBN), delta-8 is a byproduct of THC, produced when the hemp plant is exposed to oxygen during storage. According to the National Cancer Institute, delta-8 displays anti-anxiety, pain-relieving, antiemetic (prevents nausea and vomiting), appetite-stimulating, and neuroprotective properties [1]. 

Delta-8 THC is different from traditional delta-9 THC — or the main form of THC in cannabis. Pure delta-8 is an analog of delta-9 or a molecule with a similar structure that displays minor but significant differences. Think of delta-8 THC as a delta-9 THC’s sister molecule that features different effects in the body. 

While delta-9 exhibits potent psychotropic effects and gives a more intense “high,” delta-8 doesn’t go as strong. Like all types of THC, delta-8 will get you high, especially if you have low tolerance for cannabis. But, you will experience a mild and pleasant high that keeps you clear-headed — without the anxiety or paranoid feeling commonly expressed by delta-9. The intoxicating effect caused by both delta-8 and delta-9 THC comes from their ability to bind to the CB1 receptors in the brain. These receptors are part of the body’s endocannabinoid system and produce that mind-altering, “stoned” effect. 

Exploring delta-8 THC? Check our comprehensive user guide on delta-8 THC.

Can Delta-8 THC Make You Fail a Drug Test? 

Yes. You will most likely fail a drug test after using delta-8 THC.

Yes. You will most likely fail a drug test after using delta-8 THC. Now, this depends on the type of test being used (urine, blood, hair) and factors like frequency of use, metabolism, gender, etc. It’s important to note that drug tests look for THC’s byproducts (or THC metabolites), rather than the cannabinoids themselves. Because THC’s metabolites are stored in our fat cells, they can be detected in the body for a longer period of time, especially in urine. 

Let’s say we’re talking about a standard workplace urine test. The standard urine test is the most common type of workplace screening. And, enzyme immunoassay (EIA), or a dipstick test, is the most common type of urine drug screening. An IA test “uses antibodies to detect the presence of selected drugs and/or their metabolites based on a predetermined cutoff threshold.” THC urine tests are optimized to detect delta-9 THC’s primary inactive metabolite 11-nor-delta-9-THC-COOH (also known as THC-COOH or carboxy-THC)

But, here’s the thing. Urine tests also detect other cannabinoid metabolites present in the urine, a phenomenon known as “cross-reactivity.” Cross-reactivity, in a general sense, indicates the sensitivity of the test to compounds with a similar structure to the one the test is designed to detect. In this case, manufacturers design most urine tests to detect THC-COOH, delta-9’s primary inactive metabolite in urine. 

However, because cannabinoids and their metabolites have an extremely similar structure, the enzymes that detect delta-9 THC’s metabolites in urine also recognize other cannabinoid metabolites (other forms of THC). This is also known as a “false positive” cannabis drug test. 

Let’s explain this further. A 2020 report published in The Journal for Applied Laboratory Medicine investigates cross-reactivity in THC immunoassays (urine drug tests that detect THC’s main inactive metabolite THC-COOH). The authors of the report screened four different cannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), cannabichromene (CBC), and cannabigerol (CBG). Out of all cannabinoids tested, the researchers noticed a significant cross-reactivity with CBN, which is a product of THC degradation, similarly to delta-8 THC. The study showed that when CBN and THC were together in a urine sample, the test led to a larger result than having THC by itself [1]. 

Due to extreme structural similarities, the delta-8 THC molecule is very likely to cross-react with urine tests designed to detect delta-9’s metabolite. In fact, this report on Emit II Plus Cannabinoid Assay — one of the most common urine immunoassays that detect THC metabolite — lists cannabinoids that, in a certain concentration, produce an approximately equivalent result to the THC-COOH cutoffs. One of the metabolites listed is delta-8 THC’s metabolite 11-hydroxy-delta-8-THC [1].

It’s worth noting that some standard urine tests do detect delta-8’s presence in urine. For example, this 6-panel urine test detects marijuana metabolites, with the main one being 11-nor-delta-9-THC-COOH at a cutoff level of 50ng/mL. But, it also detects delta-8’s metabolite 11-nor-delta-8-THC-COOH at a lower cutoff level of 30 ng/mL. 

The cutoff level of urine drug test is measured in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) and represents the level necessary for positive detection of cannabis. That said, a negative sample doesn’t indicate a drug-free individual, but that the concentration of the drug is lower than the set cutoff. In the above example, the cut off levels for delta-8 (30ng/mL) are even lower than for delta-9 (50ng/mL). Meaning, the test can detect lower levels of delta-8 metabolites compared to delta-9.

Further reading: Delta-8 vs. delta-9: what’s the difference between these two cannabinoids? 

The cross-reactivity of urine tests means that these tests detect “total cannabinoids” rather than THC-COOH only. However, that’s why this procedure is called screening, as every “false positive” THC test requires a more accurate confirmation test. Typically, the next step is the gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GC/MS) test. A GC/MS test detects only a specific compound, and it will look for delta-9’s metabolite THC-COOH. If the GC/MS test doesn’t look for delta-8’s metabolites specifically, it won’t detect them, and the initial “false positive” test will be negative for THC. 

This is why it’s important to consider the purity of your delta-8 THC products. If there is a small concentration or trace amounts of delta-9 THC in the product, the likelihood of testing positive for THC increases. 

How Long Does Delta-8 THC Stay in Your System?

Delta 8 and drug testing

THC’s metabolites linger in the body for much longer than the duration of effects. THC’s byproducts remain in the urine roughly four to eight days after one-time use

Cannabis use between two and four times a week can be detected in urine 1-3 weeks after the last consumption. Although we don’t know exactly how long delta-8 THC’s byproducts linger in the urine, daily cannabis users may test positive for 30 to 60 days or longer. 

The body metabolizes THC rapidly. THC is detected in the blood in a timeframe that stretches between two hours and one to two days after single use. 

Let’s clarify this with an example: You’re an avid delta-8 user and need to take a THC drug test at your workplace. You’ve also stopped consuming delta-8 and delta-9 THC products a month before the drug screening. Will you still get positive results on your delta-8 drug test? 

The short answer is: It depends on the frequency of consumption and type of test being used. Each test detects THC metabolites in your body within a different detection window.  

  • Standard urine tests can detect marijuana metabolites in urine samples for approximately 3 to 30 days after use. 
  • Saliva tests can detect marijuana metabolites for approximately 24 hours after use. 
  • Hair follicle drug tests (or hair tests) are the most sensitive and can detect THC for up to 90 days after use. The main downfall of this test is that it tests the oil in the skin that transfers to hair — which may lead to false-positive test results. Therefore, if you’re in a room with a person who smokes or vapes THC, you could theoretically test positive on a hair test. 

The amount of time that has passed since you’ve last used a cannabis product or consumed delta-8 also influences the result. Therefore, the frequency of use plays a significant role — because THC’s effects are cumulative. 

Consuming delta-8 THC several times over several days means that the person has used a higher dose than a person who smokes or vapes once. And so, a person who uses D-8 THC more frequently is more likely to test positive. Say you use THC moderately, or up to 4 times per week, you’re likely to test positive 7-14 days after last use. 

The body stores THC’s metabolites in the fat cells, so people with higher body fat concentrations may metabolize them more slowly than those with less body fat. In general, females have more body fat than males, which may metabolize cannabis slightly more slowly. 

THC testing depends on multiple factors, which means there’s no definitive answer to whether a person will test positive or not. But, in general, heavy users test positive even after 30 days from the last time they’ve used. 

How accurate are home drug tests at measuring detectable THC compared to lab tests?

At-home testing (IA test) is generally considered less accurate than laboratory tests because they are more likely to show a false-positive result. This drug test looks for any presence of a category of drugs in the specimen. On the contrary, a lab-based test can screen for any drug and is more rigorous and accurate. 

Is delta-8 THC addictive? 

Yes. Like any chemical that affects brain and body functions, overuse of delta-8 THC can also cause drug addiction. The most distinctive sign of an addiction is compulsive use despite negative effects. Compared to delta-9, delta-8 is mildly intoxicating and has fewer adverse effects, so many believe it’s also less addictive. However, there’s no indication that this cannabinoid is less addictive than delta-9 THC.  

Can You Avoid Testing Positive for THC? 

The single most critical factor in avoiding THC metabolites from showing on cannabis drug tests is the time from the last use to the time of testing. Aside from this period of time, there are two main strategies to “avoid testing positive.” Those are proper hydration and speeding up the metabolism.

If the person is dehydrated — and is on the border between positive and negative —  dehydration may increase the chances of a positive result. Although there’s no reliable way to speed up the metabolism, proper nutrition and exercise (but not too close to testing time) may help. 

Where to Buy the Best Delta-8 THC Products?

Where to Buy the Best Delta-8 THC Products?

Mr. Hemp Flower is the nation’s most reliable supplier of high-quality hemp-derived delta-8 THC products. Our delta-8 vape cartridge and high THC flower are made from organically grown cannabis plants sourced directly from licensed U.S. growers. You will notice that all of our delta-8 THC products come with a Certificate of Analysis displayed on our website. 

We also offer a line of high-grade, lab-tested full spectrum CBD oils, CBD gummies, and different types of CBD products — like balms, salves and softgel capsules. All our hemp-derived products are made in North Carolina, so when buying from us, you’re buying directly from the maker. 

Our highly effective line of delta-8 THC hemp products features a natural taste. If you want to try hemp flower with a kick, our Delta-8 Flower Stormy Daniels or Elektra Delta-8 Hemp Flower are perfect. These two strains are sticky and stinky, coated in delta-8 oil, and naturally loaded with cannabinoids and terpenes. If you avoid rolling your own hemp flower, our Delta-8 Flower Pre-Rolls – Stormy Daniels are a must-try. The best part is, they are proven to work for pain, nausea, headaches, anxiety, and sleep. THC vapes have increased in popularity, so if vaping is your thing, check our Delta-8 Vape Carts

Before buying, you probably want to know the legal status of this compound both federally and on a state-by-state level. Is delta-8 THC legal in your state? Check out our updated list of D-8’s legality in the United States here

FAQ

Delta-8 produces a mild “high” without the anxiety and paranoia caused by delta-9 THC. 

Yes. You are most likely to test positive if consuming delta-8 THC frequently.  

Studies show that delta-8 THC helps with pain-relief, loss of appetite, anxiety, lack of sleep, prevents nausea and vomiting, and is a neuroprotectant.

In the U.S., synthetically made delta-8 THC is illegal, while hemp-derived delta-8 is legal. 

THC’s byproducts can be detected in urine within a timeline of a few days to a few weeks, depending on frequency of use, dosage, and metabolism.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Crypto Payment by 2themoontech.com
Shopping cart
Your cart is empty
Let's start shopping!
Start shopping
0