As CBD is booming in popularity, its enthusiasts want to explore every option the cannabis plant offers. D8 THC is a rising star amongst cannabinoids, and products containing this compound started showing up at numerous stores. Although it’s different from delta 9 THC – the superstar of cannabinoids and the psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant, Delta 8 THC is an analog of it, so many consumers wonder if it can show up on a drug test and possibly ruin their plans as people are afraid you can find traces of it in your blood and how long it can stay in your system.
What is Delta 8 THC, and how it’s different from THC?
Before we answer the question it is important to note that THC, short for tetrahydrocannabinol, is a well-known cannabinoid known for its psychoactive and mind-altering effects. It’s how Marijuana gets users’ high’ as it contains up to 30% of this compound. However, Marijuana’s cousin plant – hemp, features only trace amounts of THC and doesn’t cause a feeling of high or impairing effects given how potent it can be. The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp and derivatives of cannabis with only trace amounts of THC (up to .3%) from the definition of Marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). As a result, hemp-derived products became available to millions of Americans, and CBD – another famous compound in the cannabis plant, became part of their wellness routines.
Now people are wondering if other elements in hemp are safe to consume and try. Delta-8 THC is now emerging on the scene, and many CBD retailers have already started selling products containing the compound given its benefits. The new cannabinoid has raised many concerns and questions because THC is illegal, right? Not quite so. The law limits delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content in products, which indeed is a psychoactive compound. However, THC has several variations that can differently affect the human body. These are:
- THCa – a precursor of THC in the acidic form
- Delta-9 THC, the popular psychoactive compound
- Delta-8 THC, a less psychoactive and very rare compound in cannabis strains
After storing for an extended time, Delta 9 THC degrades into delta 8 THC; it is a rare and unique THC type that can reach concentrations of only 1% in strains of cannabis. Manufacturers extract Delta 8 is from hemp, and although it shares many standard features with Delta-9 THC, it has a much lower psychoactive potency. The 2018 Bill made all hemp-derived products legal as long as they don’t contain more than .% of Delta 9 THC. According to federal law, Delta 8 THC is lawful when it derives from hemp. However, some states may criminalize delta-8 THC as some may decriminalize Marijuana, so it’s essential to check state laws regarding cannabis compounds.
Can Delta 8 THC be a Reason for Failed Drug Test?
Although legal, many consumers want to ensure they are not running into the risk of failing drug tests and want to know if Delta 8 THC can cause problems.
There are different types of specimen collection and tests your employer may request. These are:
- Urinalysis is the most common type of test used to determine the use of Marijuana.
- THC Saliva test.
- Hair Follicle Drug Test.
Urinalysis is currently the only approved drug-testing method for workplaces covered by federal guidelines, so it’s also the most common way for employers to test applicants and employees. THC Saliva test can detect use that has been too recent where urine tests can determine if THC has passed through your system within 60 days. Hair follicle drug test is the rarest way of testing, and it looks for signs of marijuana use during the 90 days preceding it.
Instead of looking for THC in your body, all tests look for its byproducts, indicating a person used THC. The question is, does Delta-8 THC produce the same metabolites as Delta-9 THC? And if so, what you can do to avoid false positive drug testing.
Delta-8 THC does produce the same byproducts as Delta-9 THC and can lead to false-positive testing, but technically so can the smoke you inhale when others smoke Marijuana, certain medications you take, or even foods you eat. So, does it mean you should keep yourself away from the rising star? Not really. Like in any other situation, it’s essential to find solutions so you can keep your wellness routine and avoid false-positive testing for Marijuana.
Things to Consider for Avoiding Testing Positive for THC
As Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC produce the same byproducts in the human body, It’s safe to assume that Delta-8 users need the same time to get rid of THC metabolites as marijuana users to pass the drug test without testing positive for THC. Occasional users of Marijuana will typically give the urine test after 1-5 days. Regular light users will take about 1-3 weeks to get clean. Regular heavy daily users require 4 to 6 weeks to get rid of metabolites.
One of the obvious ways is to go on a Delta-8 ‘diet’ before the scheduled drug testing and stop using the products until metabolites flush out of your system. As mentioned above, most people take about 1-6 weeks, depending on the dose and regularity. However, keeping away from your favorite products isn’t any less daunting than depriving yourself of foods you love, so there are other methods to consider.
An excellent way to speed up getting rid of THC byproducts is by keeping a healthy and nutritious diet – it will help speed up your metabolism. Moreover, it’s essential to hydrate, and drinking water can help flush out metabolites.
When the big day comes, make sure you visit the restroom before providing your urine test, as your body may have built up metabolites in sleep, and it’s essential to get rid of them before you produce the sample.
For THC saliva testing, consumers can pass the test without an issue 1-5 days after consuming Delta-8 THC.
So, Can Delta-8 show up on your drug test? Yes, it can, but technically so can the smoke you inhale while others smoke Marijuana, certain medications you take, or even foods you eat. Employers shouldn’t make assumptions from an initial result from a positive test and consider recent supplement use amongst other factors before making any decisions. You aren’t breaking the law by adding Delta-8 to your wellness routine, so talk to your employer before screening for THC.
Ready to give Delta-8 THC a try? You Can Conveniently Shop Online for Pure Products at The Hemp Doctor
The demand for D8 THC has been rising. Many retailers started offering products featuring the rising star, but not all provide the same quality. At The Hemp Doctor, America’s Premier Hemp & CBD Dispensary, you can find the top-grade hemp-derived D8 THC that derives from the best quality hemp. All D8 THC products sold by The Hemp Doctor will always comply with the law.
All our products are:
- Hemp-derived, from hemp plants grown in the United States under strict farming standards
- Organic
- 100% Farm Bill compliant
- Processed using the most advanced methods
- Third-party lab tested to prove their quality and purity, with lab reports made available to you for your comfort and peace of mind.
- Non-GMO
- Gluten-free and certified kosher
When you are ready to give Delta 8 THC a try, you can get started on our online store and choose from Delta-8 vaping products, edibles, and tinctures. If you need help, we are happy to assist you in selecting the perfect product and support you on your wellness journey!
