Does Delta 8 THC Show Up On a Drug Test?

For a lot of people, enjoying Delta 8 products brings up an important question: does Delta 8 show up on a drug test? Is that a cannabinoid that can make you fail?

You need to know what delta 8 THC means on drug tests.

Table of Contents:

• What is Delta-8 THC?
• Is Delta-8 Legal?
• Does Delta-8 Show Up on Drug Tests?
• How Long Does Delta-8 Stay In Your System?
• What’s the Difference Between Delta-8 and Delta-10?
• What Factors Affect How Long Delta-8 Stays in Your System?
• How Long is Delta-8 Detectable via Drug Testing?
• Is There Anything You Can Do to Metabolize Delta-8 Faster?
• How Does Delta-8 Affect the Body?
• How Long Does It Take for the Effects of Delta-8 to Kick In?
• What Are the Various Forms of Delta 8 Products Available Online?
• How Long Can the Effects of Delta-8 Last?
• Final Thoughts

What is Delta-8 THC? 

Let’s begin by defining delta-8 THC. Cannabinoids like Delta 8 are abundant in the cannabis plant, but their presence is so minor that they are classified as minor cannabinoids.

The delta 8 cannabinoid is very closely related to delta 9 THC, and both are psychoactive. However, delta 8’s potency is said to be much more gentle than D9, making it a good option for those with lower tolerances. 

Even though scientists have known about the D8 cannabinoid for a while, the industry wasn’t able to truly utilize—or enjoy—it until the legalization of hemp with the 2018 Farm Bill. Now, you can find Delta 8 products in so many different forms: delta 8 edibles, gummies, distillates, and more.

However, it’s worth noting that because delta 8 THC is present in such small amounts, professionals cannot naturally extract it and use it in other products. Instead, the delta 8 you see on the market today is all synthetically made in the lab.

Using hemp plants as a source of CBD cannabinoids, professionals make delta 8 THC. Then, using a process called isomerization, the chemists are able to manipulate the cannabinoid’s molecular structure and change it from CBD to delta 8 THC. This is what is infused into the cannabis products themselves.

The delta 8 THC you see on the market does not come directly from the plant, though it is a naturally occurring compound.

Related Article: What is Delta-8 THC? 

Is Delta-8 Legal? 

The legality of delta 8 THC is complex, to say the least. At the federal level, delta 8 THC and products like delta 8 gummies and delta 8 vape cartridges are legal as long as they follow certain guidelines. The products cannot contain more than 0.3% delta-9 THC by weight, and they must be made from hemp, not marijuana.

At the state level, however, things are different. Delta 8 THC’s legality per state varies depending on the location. Many places across the US have either strictly regulated or banned delta 8 THC outright, making it illegal in several states. Some places only allow it to be sold in dispensaries, while others have no regulations on it whatsoever.

Because of this, it’s important to double-check the laws in your area regarding delta 8 THC or THC isomers (as D8 is a THC isomer). If delta 8 THC is illegal in your area, you will not be able to buy products online and have them shipped to your home. 

Related Article: Is Delta-8 Legal? 

Does Delta-8 Show Up on Drug Tests? 

Many people wonder if delta 8 THC will show up on a drug test since it is a derivative of THC. And yes, it will make you fail. Let’s explain.

Most drug tests aren’t going to be able to pick up the different cannabinoids in the system. Instead, they are looking for one specific metabolite—THC-COOH—that comes from THC and THC isomers. If this metabolite is present in the system, then the test automatically says you’re positive for marijuana.

The THC-COOH metabolite is released from cannabinoids like delta-9 THC, HHC, THC-O, THC-P, and, you guessed it, delta-8 THC. This means that when delta 8 THC breaks down in the body, the cannabinoids turn into THC-COOH: the exact metabolite that drug tests are searching for.

That being said, you want to make sure to avoid consuming delta 8 THC products too close to a drug test. You have to give yourself ample time to rid the system of the compound before you’ll be able to pass.

How long does delta 8 THC take to leave your body? That depends. 

How Long Does Delta-8 Stay In Your System? 

Delta 8 THC stays in your system depending on factors such as dosage, frequency of consumption, metabolism, and even your body chemistry.

If you’re someone who enjoys lower potency products, the delta 8 THC is likely going to leave your system quicker than someone who buys high-potency ones. Also, if you have a quicker metabolism and a lower percentage of body fat, the compounds aren’t going to stay as long as in someone with a slow metabolism, and so forth.

However, typically, the biggest contributing factor here is the frequency of consumption. Delta 8 THC will take longer to leave the body the more frequently you consume it. This is because frequent consumption allows for the buildup of delta 8 over time, but if you rarely consume the cannabinoid, then it’s going to leave your body quicker.

Very infrequent consumers are likely to have the cannabinoid present for about 48-72 hours max. If you consume the cannabinoid once a week or so, you may have to wait closer to a week. But, if you enjoy Delta 8 products daily, then you’re going to have to wait for several weeks to clear your body entirely of the cannabinoid. 

What’s the Difference Between Delta-8 and Delta-10? 

When talking about cannabinoids, especially THC variants, it’s important to be able to differentiate between them all. Specifically, what are the differences between delta-8 THC and delta-10 THC?

Delta 8 and delta 10 THC have very similar chemical compositions. However, their slight differences in chemical structure also result in slightly different sensations in the body.

People often find delta 8 THC to provide a more relaxed, clear-headed high, while delta 10 THC may provide a more energetic, creative high. In terms of potency, delta-8 THC tends to produce slightly more powerful effects than delta 10 THC, though both are good for milder highs than delta-9.

Both delta-8 and delta-10 are federally legal but more strictly regulated state-side; they are also both therapeutically beneficial depending on the person.  

What Factors Affect How Long Delta-8 Stays in Your System?

There are several factors that affect how long delta 8 THC stays in the system; these include body fat, metabolism, frequency and amount of use, diet, and tolerance. 

We’ll break down each of them below: 

• Body Fat: Cannabinoids like delta-8 THC are fat-soluble, which means they can easily stay stored in your body fat. People with higher levels of body fat, then, may retain THC for longer periods of time than someone with lower body fat. 
• Metabolism: People with quicker metabolisms are able to process THC quicker, as well. Slower metabolisms may cause the delta-8 THC to stay in your system for much longer than someone with a quick metabolism. 
• Frequency and Amount of Use: Delta 8 THC stays in your system longer the more frequently you consume it. This is because the THC accumulates over time, causing it to be detectable in the body for a while, even after stopping consumption. 
• Hydration and Diet: It’s important to realize that food and water aren’t going to flush the D8 out of your system; however, they can help to maintain better metabolic rates, which does influence how quickly the compound stays around. 
• Tolerance: Consuming delta 8 THC regularly increases the possibility of developing tolerance. This leads to THC being able to stay in the body for longer periods of time.

As a whole, it’s important to remember that these factors interact differently with every person, and there tends to be a significant variation in how long delta 8 THC stays in the body.  

How Long is Delta-8 Detectable via Drug Testing?

How long delta 8 is detectable via drug testing is going to highly depend on the type of drug test conducted (as well as the factors we discussed above). 

The Delta 8 cannabinoid itself is less commonly detected by urine tests than its metabolites. In casual consumers, these metabolites may be present up to about two weeks after use. But for those more frequent consumers, they could be present for 30 days or even longer.

In a blood test, which is much less common but still used, they can find THC and its metabolites for a shorter period of time; usually, they can detect consumption up to a week after use. These tests are usually used to determine cannabis consumption at that moment, such as after a car accident or crime. 

Hair tests are another type of drug test, but they can detect delta 8 THC for a much longer period—up to about 90 days after consumption. These types of drug tests are not very common because they’re expensive, but they’re great for seeking long-term use.

Saliva drug tests may also be required. These tests can detect THC for about 24-72 hours after consumption.  

Is There Anything You Can Do to Metabolize Delta-8 Faster?

Unfortunately, there is no way to actually accelerate the metabolism of delta 8 THC in the body. But certain lifestyle choices can potentially aid in your body’s natural detoxification process of the cannabinoid. 

In spite of this, these methods are not foolproof, and their effectiveness varies from person to person.

Here are some main tips and tricks:

1. Drink Plenty of Water: When you drink a lot of fluids, particularly water, this helps to aid your body’s detoxification process. However, do keep in mind that drinking excess water can be harmful, so don’t overdo it. 
2. Eat a Healthy Diet: A good diet that is rich in fiber can help with digestion and speed up the excretion of THC metabolites. 
3. Exercise: Exercising is vital to ridding your body of cannabinoids and even boosting your metabolism. Sweating is also a good way to flush out the system. 
4. Stay Away from THC: Of course, make sure you stay away from any THC cannabinoids during this time. You don’t want to consume any products that have any amount of THC in them; otherwise, you may put yourself at risk of failing your test.   

How Does Delta-8 Affect the Body? 

Delta 8 THC affects the body in a few different ways, all of which stem from the compound’s interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Throughout the body, the ECS is a complex system of cell signaling. These receptors, called CB1 and CB2, help regulate the body and ensure everything is well-balanced.

Delta 8 THC, then, interacts with both the CB1 and CB2 receptors, though it binds more strongly to the CB1s. This is what creates the primary psychoactive effects that people enjoy when consuming the D8 compound. 

The exact effects that you experience from delta 8 THC in the body are going to vary from person to person. So, while someone may find one result from delta 8, others may feel something completely different. Experience Delta 8 for yourself to find out how it works for you!

How Long Does It Take for the Effects of Delta-8 to Kick In? 

The consumption method largely determines the time it takes for delta 8 THC’s effects to kick in.

For example, if you turn to a Delta 8 disposable vape pen, vape cartridge, or even Delta 8 pre-rolls or flower, you are going to experience effects almost instantly. Any method of inhalation is going to produce nearly instant results, which is great for those who want rapid effects. 

However, if you’re consuming delta 8 THC in edible or tincture form, it’s going to take longer for the effects to kick in due to the need for digestion and metabolization. If you consume delta 8 edibles, you’re likely going to need to wait about 1-2 hours for the effects to kick in, maybe even later. This is going to have similar results for Delta 8 capsules, too.  

Sublingual consumption of a delta 8 tincture, though, will result in quicker effects: usually lasting about 15-30 minutes. You can consume your delta 8 distillate this way as well.

Finally, if you happen to have a delta 8 topical, you’re going to experience effects within a few minutes, typically. However, you’re not going to feel any psychoactive results—only supportive ones.

Remember: these are general timelines, and they can vary significantly based on personal factors and your individual tolerance. Starting with a lower dose and seeing how your body reacts is crucial, and then you can go from there.

What Are the Various Forms of Delta 8 Products Available Online? 

Both online and offline, delta 8 THC products can be found in a variety of forms. If you’re looking online, you will be able to find Delta 8 gummies, Delta 8 vape cartridges, Delta 8 disposables, Delta 8 distillate, and so much more. You can even purchase pain salves if you’re interested in topicals. With CannaAid, you can find some of the best Delta 8 products available. Whether you’re looking for D8 distillate syringes or tasty edibles, we have the online product selection for you. 

Don’t forget that you can view all of our products’ third-party lab-test results online before purchasing, so you can see exactly how pure and quality your brand-new Delta 8 product is. 

How Long Can the Effects of Delta-8 Last? 

How long the effects of your delta 8 THC last depends on the product and the method of consumption.

• Oral Consumption: Edibles or tinctures have to first be digested, which means the effects take much longer to kick in, but this also means they last longer. You may find your edible high to last anywhere from 4-8 hours. 
• Inhalation: The effects from inhaling delta 8 THC kick in quickly and fade quickly; most people find the effects to last anywhere from about 30 minutes to an hour. However, those with lower tolerances may feel their high last longer. 
• Topical Application: If you apply your delta 8 THC product typically, you may experience the effects for several hours at a time. 

Once again, these are rough estimates, and every person’s delta 8 THC experience is unique.  

Final Thoughts

In summary, delta 8 THC is going to make you fail a drug test—bummer. Unfortunately, this is the case with all THC variants and THC products, so if you’re a regular cannabis consumer, a tolerance break may be in your near future. But once you’ve passed your test and are cleared for consumption, you’re able to enjoy the best of the best Delta 8 products from CannaAid.

With CannaAid, you can buy a wide selection of Delta 8 products and have them shipped right to your door, ready for consumption. Just make sure you’ve already passed your drug test. We can’t think of a better way to celebrate.