If you’ve been using delta 8 and have an upcoming drug test, you’ll want to know a couple of things.
First - Does delta 8 make you fail a drug test?
Second - How long will delta 8 stay in my system?
If you’re concerned, we have you covered in this article. We’ll go over all you need to know about delta 8 and drug tests, including the following:
What is Delta 8?
Is Delta 8 legal?
Will I fail my next drug test after using Delta 8?
How long to wait before taking your drug test
How long does it take to kick in?
What about using a Cannabis detox?
What Is Delta 8?
Delta 8 is a form of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the compound responsible for making you “high.” One of over 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis, THC is famous for its psychoactive properties. Because Delta 8 THC is not found in large amounts in the cannabis plant, manufacturers usually extract it synthetically from hemp-based CBD (cannabidiol).
Many users enjoy the “mild high” they claim Delta 8 offers vs. the more intense high of traditional THC of marijuana. A recent study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research asked Delta 8 users about their Delta experiences in an online forum setting. The results found the following:
71% reported a “great deal of relaxation.”
68% euphoric feelings
55% experienced pain relief
Benefits Delta 8
Like all cannabinoids, Delta 8 may have many health benefits. The CBD-based drug Epidiolex, for example, was recently approved for treating seizures. Other THC-based drugs are used for treating patients dealing with nausea from AIDS or Chemotherapy. Other potential benefits include:
Insomnia relief
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-nausea
Increased appetite
Neuroprotection
Side Effects: Delta 8
While many enjoy the mild high Delta 8 offers, there may be some side effectsto look at. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that Delta 8 may produce some serious side effects, including:
Delta 8 products are not FDA-approved, meaning little oversight.
Delta 8 THC is psychoactive, which may make you high.
Some adverse effects of Delta 8 have been reported to the FDA.
Some manufacturers might use harsh chemicals to extract Delta 8.
FDA urges to keep Delta 8 away from children and pets.
How Does Delta 8 Work?
Like all cannabinoids, Delta 8 works by interacting with your ECS or Endocannabinoid System. All mammals have an ECS, which dictates almost every bodily function - from organ tissues and skin health to our mood and cognitive abilities. Once Delta 8 is ingested, it works by sending signals to your ECS through cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2.
The CB, or cannabinoid receptors, play a vital role in how your body receives the “information” it needs to properly dictate the terms of treatment. For example, CB1 is located primarily in the hippocampus and other vital brain regions. Because this part of the brain controls many cerebral functions, this receptor is responsible for many of the therapeutic benefits of cannabis from a cognitive perspective.
Is Delta 8 Legal?
Here’s where it can get a little tricky. But the bottom line is Delta 8 is legal, for now, thanks to the Farm Bill Act. That’s because Delta 8 is sourced from hemp, the legalized form of cannabis. Delta 8 users, from a federal standpoint, are legally entitled to use this form of THC - as long as it’s under 0.3% THC.
State laws, however, may differ on the usage of Delta 8. Delta 8 is currently listed as legal in 16 states and banned in fourteen states. If you live in one of the following states, keep reading to find out how to properly screen yourself for Delta 8 before your next drug test.
List of states where Delta 8 is banned:
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
Colorado
Delaware
Idaho
Iowa
Kentucky
Mississippi
Montana
New York
Vermont
Rhode Island
Utah
Does Delta 8 Show Up On Drug Tests?
Bottom line - Yes, it’s safer to assume Delta 8 will show up on your drug test. Delta 8 is very similar to Delta 9 - a much more intense psychoactive THC compound. Even though Delta 8 is much less restricted than its more potent Delta 9 cousin, drug tests don’t always know the difference.
There is no such thing as a specific delta 8 drug test. Most drug tests simply look at THC levels and don’t distinguish between the specific THC compounds. Additionally, your Delta 8 product may exceed the legal limit of 0.3% - putting you at greater risk of failing that next drug test. A 2021 report from the U.S. Cannabis Council found some Delta 8 products containing up to 7700% over the legal THC limit.
How Is Delta 8 Detected?
Most drug tests use urinalysis to detect THC in your system. If you have an upcoming urine drug test, Delta 8 will most likely show up. If you’re tested through blood screening, Delta 8 is undetectable within 24 hours of use.
To be safe, keep reading below to determine how to use Delta 8 and pass your next drug test properly.
How Is Delta 8 Broken Down In My System?
All cannabinoids, including Delta 8 THC, are metabolized through liver enzymes called P450. After ingestion, metabolization first takes place in your digestive system before being further broken down into metabolites, which work their way into your liver.
When you look at a typical drug test, metabolite markers will show whether you are positive for THC or not. Most drug tests won’t differentiate between Delta 9 and Delta 8, meaning if you test positive for THC, you’ll fail that test.
How Long is Delta 8 in Your System?
Delta 8 THC can stay in your system for several weeks, depending on several factors. Because metabolites are fat-soluble, it may take some time to eliminate all trace amounts of THC. Most tests won’t show THC in your body for one week or so, but some tests, like hair follicle, can show THC for up to three months.
Of course, how long Delta 8 stays in your system is based on several things, including the following:
Your Metabolism
As we age, our metabolism slows down. If you’re 25, for example, you may need as little as three days to clear THC from your body. Someone in their 60s, however, may take as long as a week to ten days to clear Delta 8 from their system.
Frequency of Delta 8 Use
First-time Delta 8 users will have a much easier time passing a drug test than chronic users. Delta 8 takes longer to leave your system the more you ingest it. Over time, THC builds up in fat cells, which are excreted through the urine as metabolites.
While newbies can expect to pass a urine test in as little as one week, chronic users may have to stop taking Delta 8 up to 90 days before that next drug test.
Method of Delivery
How you ingest your Delta 8 greatly affects how it’s metabolized.
Vapes: Deliver the fastest effects; also leave your body the quickest.
Sublingual: Bonds to fat cells longer; stays in the system much longer than vapes.
Food and Medications
If you’re taking Delta 8 with food, especially if it’s high in fat, it will take longer to expel from your system. Most medications, along with Delta 8, are metabolized through the liver, producing enzymes to break down compounds further. If you’ve eaten a heavy meal along with Delta 8, your liver will “trap” the THC much longer than a vape.
Medications are also processed through the liver. Depending on the type of medication you’re taking, Delta 8 THC may take longer to process. Genetics can also influence how long it takes for THC to be entirely eliminated from your system.
How Long After Usage Will Delta 8 Test Positive?
Even after your body expels Delta 8, some THC metabolites may remain in your body based on some factors - which could lead to a failed drug test. As discussed, it’s easier to pass a blood test than a urine test. A good rule of thumb is to wait three months, especially if hair follicles are testing you.
The FDA regulates all drug testing devices and looks for the performance of sample collection and accurate results. Below is a list of different testing methods and how long before you should stop using Delta 8.
Blood Testing
Delta-8 THC moves out of your blood quickly, usually within two days after ingestion. Most blood tests won’t detect Delta 8 after one week, but some reports have shown in chronic users up to 25 days after ingestion.
Saliva Testing
Saliva tests can detect THC up to one week after ingestion but may show up 30 days for heavy users. Occasional Delta 8 users may be clear of THC in as little as three days after use.
Hair Follicle Testing
Hair follicle testing is the most accurate THC screen available on the market. So it’s no surprise it’s the most challenging test to pass. Trace amounts of THC remain in the hair for up to 90 days, thanks partly to the hair’s slow growth rate.
Urinalysis
By far, the most common test is a urinalysis screening. Typically used to look for marijuana, among other illegal substances, urine tests will show whether or not you’ve recently ingested THC. Depending on how often you use Delta 8, typical urine tests will show THC for the following timeline.
No more than 1x week: 3 days
4-5 x week: 7 days
Daily use: two weeks
Chronic use: 30 days
Does A Cannabis Detox Work?
There is no such thing as a “cannabis detox,” but there may potentially be ways to help move THC through your body faster.
Debunked detox remedies include the following:
Baking soda
Bleach
Cranberry juice
Goldenseal
Green tea extract
Ways To Potentially Move THC Through System Faster
There is no ideal way to remove THC except time. That said, certain functions, like speeding up your metabolism through exercise, may inhibit how long THC stays in the system. Other methods that may help you eliminate Delta 8 faster include the following:
Low Fat Diet
Choose high-fiber, low-fat foods to help detox your body potentially. Fiber helps move food waste and other substances out of your body faster. Conversely, a high-fat diet holds on to fat cells - where THC is stored.
Practice Daily Exercise
Getting 30 minutes of daily exercise helps speed up your metabolism. As mentioned, as we age, metabolism slows down - thus influencing how long Delta 8 is stored in your system. By exercising for 30 minutes or more every day, you may be able to speed up your metabolism and pass your next drug test faster.
Stay Hydrated
By getting plenty of water, around 100 ounces a day, you help eliminate toxins from your body. THC is stored in your liver as metabolites. The primary way to eliminate them is through urine. So by getting plenty of water, you may be able to eliminate THC faster.
Bottom Line: Delta 8 and Drug Tests
If you’re trying to figure out how to pass a drug test for delta-8, the best method is abstinence for up to 90 days. While potentially beneficial, especially for nausea relief, THC and Delta 8 are still very new to the market and not well regulated. You may wind up with a product far exceeding the legal limit of 0.3% THC.
In a perfect world, and probably in due time, Delta 8 will be appropriately labeled and used for its “mild high” effects. So far, many have reported the benefits of Delta 8, including less anxiety and paranoia than traditional THC or Delta 9. Some adverse events have also been reported, but that may be because Delta 8 is so unregulated.
Whether you’re a first-time user or have used Delta 8 every day, these tips will help you pass that next drug test easier. But, remember, there’s no easy way around testing positive for Delta 8, as it has to be entirely eliminated from your system before you can safely pass your drug test.
*These statements have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any illness. Any medical advice should be taken from a medical professional.
All of the articles on this site are written by 3rd party content providers, expert bloggers, or doctors not directly affiliated with EHDelta.
Individuals should learn the risks and side effects prior to taking any Delta products. Make sure to always check with a medical professional before starting any new Delta treatment or medication that is not FDA-approved.
