One of the many questions Delta-8 newbies ask is, “Will Delta-8 THC show up on a drug test?” This is a valid question and one that deserves a bit of explanation. While Delta-8 isn’t necessarily new, in the overall world of cannabis, CBD, and THC in general it is newer than its counterparts. A lot of people aren’t even sure if Delta-8 THC is legal where they live. If you’re one of them, we have some insight from one of our blogs that might help clear it up. Still, depending on your occupation and your individual circumstances, you may be subject to drug testing. Here’s what you need to know if you’re concerned about Delta-8 THC showing up on a drug test.
What to Know About Delta-8 THC
Delta-8 THC is known by many as Diet Delta-9 or Delta-9 Lite for the less potent, milder effects it has when compared to its counterpart. Delta-8 THC comes in many forms, including edibles, Delta8 infused hemp flowers, dab sauces, and even Delta-8 tinctures. People enjoy Delta-8 for its relaxing, euphoric effects, and because many say it helps them bypass the paranoia that may come with Delta-9 THC products.
Is Delta-8 THC Legal?
While Delta-8 THC is considered legal on the federal level (because of the fact that it is derived from the hemp plant as opposed to the marijuana plant), it is not legal in all 50 states in the US. This means that there’s still the possibility of facing criminal prosecution if you are found in possession of Delta-8 in certain states. In order for any cannabinoid to be legal, it must be sourced from hemp; that way it can be regulated in the same manner as CBD products that have a THC concentration of up to 0.3%.
Drug Tests and Delta-8 THC
Now that you have some basic information on Delta-8 THC, it’s time to get to the heart of the matter: will Delta-8 show up on a drug test? In other words, will you fail a drug test if you have Delta-8 THC in your system?
The answer is not as definite as you may have hoped because 1) it depends on the type of drug test and 2) it depends how long it’s been since you’ve consumed the Delta-8.
Urine drug tests come in two forms:
- The Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) test, which uses gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to deliver accurate results. The downside to using a GC-MS test is that it takes longer to get the results.
- The Immunoassay (IA) Test, which is a biomechanical test that checks for macromolecules in a urine sample. While this is quicker, it often yields inaccurate results
There are also hair follicle drug tests, blood tests, and saliva tests that may be used to test for illicit substances.
Unfortunately, Delta-8 THC will show up on urine drug tests in the same way that Delta-9 THC shows up because modern urine tests are not advanced enough to tell the difference between the two.
If you’re taking a blood test, Delta-8 THC may not show up unless you consumed it just a few hours before taking the test. The best way to pass a drug test and have Delta-8 THC not show up is to abstain from using it for at least 30 days. Keep in mind, however, that some drug tests may detect Delta-8 for up to 90 days. While we are certainly proponents of always enjoying high quality Delta-8 THC, we also recognize the importance of staying responsible in the face of a drug test.
Find the Delta-8, Delta-9, and CBD products you want and need online when you shop with us at Black Tie CBD today!