Delta-8 THC is a synthetic THC that is also federally legal and legal in most states. Due to the Federal Farm Bill of 2018, products manufactured from hemp-based cannabis are legal at a federal level. CBD and other CBD-derived products like Delta-8 are, therefore, also legal federally and in any state that has not made specific legislation against Delta-8.
The passing of the Federal Farm Bill of 2018 has been great news for many cannabis users in non-legal states who would like to enjoy the effects of THC but only have access to CBD products. Delta-8 is considered to have similar psychotropic effects but does not fall under the federal Schedule I substance restriction. So you can buy it legally in smoke shops and convenience stores in the right places. However, that does not mean you are safe from a drug test.
Does Delta-8 THC show up on a drug test? Yes, and we will tell you why, how long, and how to deal with it.
What is Delta-8 THC?
Delta-8 THC is synthetic THC derived from CBD, making it federally legal but very close in experience to THC, which is only permitted in cannabis-legal states and often only with a medical card.
Delta-8 is similarly psychotropic but often described as about 80% in strength compared to normal Delta-9 THC. It can be found in vaping and products where the isolate has been included as an ingredient. Delta-8 flower is usually only CBD hemp buds rolled in Delta-8.
What is the Difference Between Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC?
Delta-8 is a rearranged CBD molecule made as close to Delta-9 (normal) THC as possible It is called Delta-8 because THC has a carbon ring with a double-bond on the ninth position, and Delta-8 is identical except its double-bond is at the eighth position on the carbon ring. Resulting in Delta-8 having a very similar experience to typical THC, but at a slightly lower strength and with a small variance in personally experienced side effects like sleepiness or dry mouth.
Delta-8 Poses Problems for Drug Testing
You really want to know whether Delta-8 THC can appear on a drug test. The problem is that because the molecules and your experience are so similar, you also metabolize Delta-8 the same way you do typical THC. Your body breaks both down using the same enzyme (P450) in your liver. Traces of that enzyme are used to test for the presence of THC in the body during drug testing.
Can Delta-8 Make You Fail a Drug Test?
In short, yes. Because your body metabolizes Delta-8 and Delta-9 the same way, it will show up as the same result on a drug test. Like normal THC and most cannabinoids, it takes Delta-8 time to leave your body. One-time use may metabolize fully in a few hours. However, using it a few times a week can take a full week to fade, and using it daily can take up to two weeks to dissipate.
Heavy or regular Delta-8 use, like normal THC, can take up to 30 days to process. The best thing you can do is exercise and drink plenty of water, which is used for flushing THC from your system if you have a looming drug test. You can also test yourself to know when the legal synthetic THC is no longer detectable in your body.
Effective and Reliable Drug Testing in Omaha
You don’t have to wait in anticipation of your Delta-8 drug test results. You can get yourself tested right away with no hassle. ACRpoint Labs of Omaha has a conveniently central location, abundant parking, and no one waits more than 10 minutes in the waiting room.
We prioritize patient and customer comfort, and we value your time. If you need to know whether your perfectly legal Delta-8 THC use will be a problem with your employer or upcoming legal proceedings, we can tell you if it’s still in your system quickly, efficiently, and with respect. Contact us today to schedule a drug test for yourself.