If you want to know, “does delta 8 show up on a drug test?” you’re not alone. Delta 8, a well-liked cannabinoid derived from fully legal hemp, has recently started gaining popularity because it’s legal to purchase in many states. Because of this, newbies and experienced users alike enjoy using it as a good alternative to delta 9 THC.
However, if you have a drug test approaching, there are some other factors you will need to consider before consuming it.
Let’s take a look at what drug tests are looking for, how long delta 8 stays in your system, and whether or not it will make you fail a drug test.
Key Takeaways:
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Not all drug tests are the same. However, most detect THC.
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How long delta 8 remains in your system depends on several factors, including your consumption habits.
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The quality of your cannabinoid product may affect whether you pass or fail a drug test.
What is Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 is a type of THC and cannabinoid that exists in cannabis plants. Unlike delta-9 THC (the cannabinoid in marijuana associated with being “high”), delta 8 is more mellow. It produces less intense effects that people often describe as clear-headed, relaxing, and cerebral.
Because of its less potent, delta 8 is growing in popularity among those who want to enjoy the many benefits of THC without harsh adverse side effects.
Plus, delta 8 often comes from the hemp plant, which means it’s legal in many states because of a legal loophole.
How Delta 8 Affects the Human Body
Many people consider delta 8 an excellent alternative to many other cannabinoids because of how it affects the body. When consumed, it can offer a sense of calm and clarity. It may also help with nausea, pain relief, and appetite stimulation. However, further research and studies on humans are needed to confirm these findings.
How delta 8 impacts you will depend on several factors, including your weight, tolerance, and the method of consumption.
Additionally, you can consume delta 8 in various ways, including smoking, vaping, and tinctures. Your ingestion method will affect how long it takes for the effects to kick in. For example, if you smoke it, you’ll feel the effects almost immediately. In contrast, if you take it in tincture form, it may take up to an hour to notice any potential health benefits.
Once consumed, delta 8 works by binding to the cannabinoid receptors in the body located throughout the endocannabinoid system.
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
Each and every one of us has an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that helps our bodies maintain homeostasis.
The ECS contains numerous cannabinoid receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids. Like phytocannabinoids from cannabis like delta 8, endocannabinoids may regulate things like pain, stress, and mood.
The ECS is responsible for many things, including:
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appetite
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sleep
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memory and more
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regulating mood
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pain perception
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inflammation
The Difference between Delta 8 vs. Delta 9 THC
Now that we know a little bit more about delta 8 THC, let’s compare it to its more recognized counterpart: delta 9 THC.
The main difference between the two is their potency. Delta 9 THC is much more potent than delta 8 and produces more intoxicating effects on the body and mind. It also occurs in naturally high quantities in cannabis, unlike delta 8 THC. Check out our delta 8 flying monkey products.
Although delta 8 and delta 9 have similar chemical structures, the potency contrast between the two makes all the difference.
Another difference between the two cannabinoids is their legal status. Delta 9 THC is illegal under federal law, while delta 8 is federally legal. This is due to the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized the cultivation and use of hemp plants and their derivatives. The federal legal limit for THC in hemp is 0.3% percent.
However, it’s important to note that in some states, delta 8 is not legal and is treated like recreational drugs. Therefore, it’s always best to check your local laws before purchasing or consuming it.
How Long Does Delta 8 Last?
The duration of delta 8 THC’s effects will depend on various factors, including your weight and the method of consumption.
For example, taking a delta 8 edible will prolong its effects and potential health benefits for much longer. This is because your body must digest it before it’s absorbed into the bloodstream.
Delta 8’s psychoactive properties generally last anywhere from two to six hours. However, it’s also important to note that delta 8 affects everyone differently, so the duration of its impact may vary.
If you’re new to delta 8, it’s always best to start with a low dose and see how you react to it. Then, after a week, you can increase the dosage if necessary.
How Long Does Delta 8 THC Stay in Your System?
The amount of time delta THC stays in your system will depend on how often you use it and your body chemistry. For infrequent users, it can remain in your system for up to three days. However, for regular users, it can stay in your system for up to two weeks.
Since your body stores THC in your fat cells, drug tests can detect it for up to two weeks or even several months.
If you’re unsure whether your drug test will be positive, refrain from using hemp-based products or cannabis for as long as possible.
What Are the Risks of Taking Delta 8 THC?
Although delta 8 THC is typically safe and well-tolerated, some risks are still associated with its use. However, most of these side effects can be avoided by not overusing products and listening to your body.
The most common negative side effects of delta 8 THC include:
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dry mouth
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red eyes
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fatigue
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anxiety or paranoia
For the most part, these adverse effects are minor and will go away on their own. However, if you experience any concerning or severe side effects, stop taking it and consult a medical professional
It’s important to note that delta 8 can interact with other medications. Therefore, if you’re taking any medication, it’s always best to speak to your doctor before using it.
How Do Drug Tests Work?
To understand how drug tests work, we first need to know how our bodies process THC. After we smoke or ingest THC, it’s stored in our fat cell
Drug tests can detect THC for up to two weeks or even several months. This is because drug tests don’t test for delta 8 or delta 9 THC specifically. Instead, they look for THC and THC metabolites like THC-COOH. So no matter the source, you will fail a drug test if any type of THC is in your system.
All of these tests have a detection window, which is the amount of time after consuming a drug that can still be detected.
Why Do Some People Need to Pass a Drug Test?
There are a variety of reasons why people may need to pass a drug test. For example, many employers require urine tests and drug screening during the hiring process and throughout employment.
In some cases, people take them for legal or medical reasons. For instance, if you’re on probation, you may need to take regular drug tests. Or, if you’re in a car accident, you may be drug tested to see if drugs or alcohol played a role.
In general, drug test administrators use them to detect the presence of illegal drugs or prescription medications. However, they can also test for the use of legal substances, such as alcohol or tobacco.
Different Types of Drug Tests
There are a few different types, but the most common ones used in drug testing are blood tests, hair follicle tests, and urine tests.
Blood test
These are the most accurate type of drug test, but they’re also the most invasive. A medical professional typically administers them during a physical exam or for legal issues.
Hair follicle test
These are less accurate than blood tests and are also less invasive. Depending on the length of your hair, they may detect delta 8 THC much further back in time than urine drug tests.
Urine test
Inquiring minds often ask, "Does HHC show up in urine tests?" It's a valid question, given the widespread use of urine drug tests. To address this, we need to understand that many factors influence these tests' results, including the specific substances they're designed to detect and individual physiological factors such as hydration levels. The answer largely depends on the sensitivity of the test and the metabolites it is set up to identify.
A urine test is standard for probation and drug testing in the workplace.
Saliva test
A rarer type of drug test, saliva tests are less intrusive than others and produce results quickly. However, they’re not as accurate as other drug tests and can only detect the use of drugs within a two-day period.
Can You Take a Drug Test After Taking Delta 8 THC?
Since delta 8 THC is derived from hemp, most people mistakenly believe it won’t appear on a drug test. However, this is not the case, unfortunately. Most drug tests cannot detect the difference between types of THC and whether it came from hemp or marijuana. As a result, it's essential to remain alert and informed when using substances like delta 8 or HHC.
In particular, if you're wondering, "Can you pass a drug test with HHC?" the best course of action would be to disclose your consumption to the test administrator, particularly if there are legal obligations involved. They may provide guidance or suggestions on how best to navigate the situation.
What’s the Best Way to Avoid a Failed Drug Test?
If you have a drug test coming up, it’s best to refrain from consuming any type of THC until afterward.
The potential for will hhc test positive result from delta 8 THC usage is a risk that carries serious repercussions, including potential job loss or other undesired consequences. The period during which delta 8 remains detectable in your system is influenced by factors including your frequency of use and physiological makeup, hence, habitual users should tread with extra caution. Importantly, it's crucial to note that the consumption of HHC, like delta 8, may also yield a positive drug test result, an outcome that is certainly not worth the gamble.
Different Types Of Delta 8 THC Products
As mentioned before, the type of product you use can affect how long you feel the effects of delta 8 and how quickly your body metabolizes it.
Here are some common types of delta 8 THC products.
Vape cartridges
These are one of the most popular ways to consume cannabinoids because of how fast they work. The effects of delta 8 THC can be felt within minutes and typically last for a few hours. However, this method is not recommended for people with medical conditions affecting their lungs or respiratory system.
To use a vape cartridge, you will need a vape pen or e-cigarette. Vape cartridges come in many flavors, and you can purchase them at most dispensaries or online.
Disposable vapes
Disposable vapes are similar to vape cartridges, but you cannot refill them. Once you finish using the disposable vape, you can throw it away. This option is ideal if you have a limited budget or are interested in trying a new flavor and want to mix it up.
Tinctures
Tinctures are usually taken sublingually (under the tongue), but you can also add them to food or drinks. The effects typically take around 30 minutes to an hour to kick in and can last several hours.
Since many people don’t like the taste of hemp-based products, many manufacturers offer tinctures in different flavors.
Edibles
Edibles are a great choice for those wanting a fast and precise way to consume delta 8 THC. They can be made with a variety of recipes and can include not only food but beverages as well.
If you choose to take delta 8 edibles, be sure to always keep your products out of reach from children and pets.
Delta 8 THC gummies
Gummies are one of the most popular types of edibles because they’re easy to make, come in many flavors, and are a portable option. They’re also discreet and easy to use.
Baked goods
Infused baked goods are generally well-liked. However, dosing can be a bit tricky. With baked goods, start with a small bite and wait a few hours to see how you feel. Then, if you need more, you can always have another serving.
Remember, you can always eat more but can’t take less once you’ve already consumed it.
Delta 8 candy
Candy is another popular option, especially for those who don’t like the earthy taste of cannabis. Plus, delta 8 candy can be a nice treat throughout the day if you have a sweet tooth.
Candy like lollipops and hard candy tend to last longer since your body slowly absorbs them. They also take effect much more quickly because the cannabinoids are absorbed through the lining of your mouth.
Delta 8 beverages
A relatively new product, delta 8 beverages are becoming more popular as people learn about their existence. You can find them in both THC-infused and CBD-infused varieties. Many also have a combination of different cannabinoids so that you can get the best of both worlds.
Beverages offer a convenient way to consume delta 8 THC, especially if you’re on the go constantly.
Finding High-Quality Delta 8 Products
With low-quality cannabinoid products, you run the risk of not only accidentally failing a drug test but also experiencing more intense side effects.
To avoid this, only purchase high-quality products from reputable manufacturers who use third-party labs to test their products for purity and potency. This way, you can ensure you’re getting what you paid for. All-natural ingredients should also be a priority when choosing delta 8 products.
When in doubt, ask the company questions about its manufacturing process and what goes into its products. A respectable company will be more than happy to answer any of your questions.
Some questions you can ask include:
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Where do you source your hemp from?
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How long have you been in business?
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How long have you sold delta 8?
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Do you use third-party labs to test your products?
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What ingredients do you use?
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What’s your extraction method?
If a company cannot or will not answer these questions, it’s best to find another option. You can also search for customer reviews to see what others have said about the company and its products.
What’s the Best Alternative to Delta 8?
Whether you’re undergoing a drug test or not, there are plenty of alternative options to delta 8. New cannabinoid products using HHC, CBN, and THCV are created daily.
Many cannabis users like to consume CBD instead of delta 8 THC because it doesn’t produce the same psychoactive effects. It also has many potential health benefits undergoing current studies by researchers.
CBD is also legal in many places, and drug testing likely won’t detect it if you use CBD isolate. Therefore, it’s a much safer option for people who need to take drug tests for work or other reasons. However, if the CBD you’re using has other cannabinoids or if you’re unsure of its purity, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and refrain from using it before a drug test.
THC Free Products
There are many delta 8 THC-free options on the market, so you’re sure to find one that works best for you. For example, CBD isolate is a popular THC-free product. But since it’s isolated from other beneficial cannabinoids that work synergistically with CBD, it may not be as effective.
Broad-spectrum CBD oil is a good alternative because it contains cannabinoids and terpenes that may work together with CBD to produce what’s known as the entourage effect.
Thankfully, with how quickly the cannabis industry is moving, we’ll soon have many cannabinoid isolates free of THC.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve used delta 8 and want to know, “does delta 8 show up on a drug test?” Chances are, the answer is yes. Therefore, if you have a drug test soon, refrain from using any type of THC or marijuana until after you’ve tested. This includes delta 8 THC.
Delta 8 will typically leave your system within two weeks to a month, but if you’re a heavy user of THC or have a slower metabolism, it could take several weeks to leave your system.
Fortunately, many alternative options to delta 8 can still give you beneficial effects without worrying about failing a drug test. Do your research and always purchase your products from a reputable company to ensure purity and potency.
At Burning Daily, we offer a variety of Delta 8 products that have been third-party lab tested for purity and potency. Check out our selection of delta 8 THC products today.