With the rise in usage of Delta 8 as well as the widespread belief by some people that it does not have psychoactive effects, it has become increasingly important to shed the correct light on this subject.
To answer this question simply, yes, Delta 8 THC does show up on most existing drug tests, and we will explain why.
The most common methods that are used for screening methods are not able to distinguish between delta 9 THC and delta 8. This is both because the structure of the two is very similar but also because the tests cannot distinguish between THC that’s present in Delta 9 and that from Delta 8.
Drug tests work by testing collected samples for banned substances such as opioids, alcohol, marijuana, nicotine, methamphetamines, and cocaine.
We will discuss the different drug tests and their response to delta 8.
Different Drug Tests and How They Work
1. Swab test
Swab tests are the most common form of screening for police, athletic boards, and employers. The collected saliva sample is mixed with an indicator that shows whether the substance they are testing for is present. Because of the resemblance between Delta 8 and Delta 9, delta 8 will show up on this test.
Though swab tests are relatively easy to carry out, they are a little safer because they will not indicate usage if it is stopped a few days or weeks after the test, especially for a user who is not frequent.
A test may still provide a positive result up to 30 days after the last use for a more regular user.
2. Urine Tests
Will delta 8 show up in a urine sample? The answer is yes.
Delta 8 THC shows up as “THC” in a urine test. Like a swab test, it is safe to keep off Delta 8 for at least 30 days if you are due for a urine test to allow for it to clear from the system.
3. Blood Tests
As with the other tests, Delta 8 THC shows up in blood samples. Luckily the period needed for delta 8 to stop showing in a blood test is much shorter. For infrequent users, it takes just two days to clear. Blood tests are not often administered and might be encountered in sports, athletics, and the Olympics.
4. Hair follicle Tests
Will Delta 8 show up in a hair sample?
Yes!
Now, this is the test that is most dangerous as it can detect use up to three months after consumption, especially for regular users. If you have taken just a dose or two, have no fear. It is not likely to show up in your hair follicle test.
This test is usually used by the military to test whether their potential recruits have been using drugs.
With hair follicle tests, a false positive is almost a guarantee if you have used it within 3 months. This, unfortunately, applies to both heavy and infrequent users.
When are Drug Tests Used?
Can you fail a drug test for Delta 8? There are many reasons to test a person’s drug use, but the most common is the possibility that it might inhibit or impair their ability to do a job or pose a safety risk to themselves or others.
As we briefly mentioned at the start, drug tests are commonly administered by:
- Law enforcement
- Licensing authorities for driving, machinery, commercial sailing, etc
- Military
- Customs & border enforcement
- Employers
- Rehabilitation as well as mental health services
- Athletics & Sports organizations
What happens if you fail a drug test?
Depending on the reason the test was administered in the first place, the consequences of failing a THC drug test could range from mild to severe. If the test was for employment, you could miss out on the job opportunity or get fired. If the test was ordered in a probation case, you could get sent back to jail or receive different kinds of sanctions. You could also pay fines, lose your license, or be required to attend rehabilitation.
How do you detox from delta 8?
There are a number of ways in which you can detox in preparation for a test if you have recently used delta 8. The kind of approach you need to take is largely dependent on the kind of test that will be administered to you although the general steps might be the same.
As we have already discussed the rough amount of time THC will stay in your sample for the different tests, you can gauge the amount of time you need to excrete it from your system in time for the test.
In the event that you do not have sufficient time before your test, what do you do?
Detoxing or “cleansing” your body before the test helps your body eliminate traces of THC faster than would naturally.
We will discuss some methods you can use to detox before your test.
1. Detoxing With Home Remedies
You can use some home remedies to flush out the THC from your body on short notice. Some of these home remedies are:
- Water with a dash of lemon or mint
- Cranberry juice
- Apple cider vinegar in small amounts added to water
- Milk thistle extract
- Globe artichoke extract
- Frequent exercise
2. Detoxing Kits
You can purchase detox kits online or on Amazon. These kits usually contain minerals, herbs, as well as other compounds which facilitate or speed up liver metabolism, lipolysis and urine production leading to faster elimination. Detox kits also advise drinking plenty of water and exercising.
3. Shaving Your Head
If you are about to take a hair follicle test, you should consider shaving your head bald. This might sound extreme and may even raise some eyebrows but it is actually very effective.
4. Using Fake Urine
Can you fail a drug test for delta 8? Why? People have been using fake urine to beat drug tests since time immemorial. Though fake urine can be ordered online, we do not recommend it. Instead, we advise that you use urine from another person carried in a dispenser. This can be strapped up your leg and you can provide it at the point of testing. For men, get one that has an “anatomically-inspired” nozzle, which is likely to go undetected in case anyone is watching.
Does Delta 8 THC Show Up On Drug Tests?
Delta-8 will definitely show up on all existing drug tests that detect delta-9. While there might be a legal loophole surrounding delta-8 usage, it is impossible to differentiate with THC and its presence might land you in trouble. If you are due for a test, lay off delta-8 for a minimum of 90 days to be on the safe side.
FAQ: Can Delta 8 Make You Fail a Drug Test?
Answer: Delta 8 THC is a cannabinoid that is known to contain trace amounts of Delta 9 THC. Depending on the sensitivity of the drug test, this trace amount of Delta 9 THC may be detected, causing a person to fail a drug test.
Answer: Delta 8 THC is not typically tested for on a drug test, but because it contains trace amounts of Delta 9 THC, it is possible for it to show up on a drug test.
Answer: It is possible for Delta 8 to be detected in a urine sample if the drug test is sensitive enough to pick up trace amounts of Delta 9 THC.
Answer: Yes, Delta 8 products are legal in most states, though some states have prohibited their sale. It is important to check the laws in your state before purchasing Delta 8 products.
