TL;DR
Delta 8 can show up on drug tests, potentially leading to a positive result. Most drug tests detect cannabinoids or their metabolites, and Delta 8 often falls into that category. While there are ways to speed up its elimination, a break before testing is the safest strategy.
Main Points:
- Delta 8 is similar to Delta 9 THC but legally distinct.
- It can cause a positive result on standard drug tests.
- Delta 8 metabolites are often indistinguishable from other cannabinoids.
- Frequent users may take longer to eliminate Delta 8 from their system.
- Exercise, hydration, and detox drinks might help reduce detection time.
Will Delta 8 show up on a drug test? In other words, will this cannabinoid (and similar ones) lead to a positive result on a drug test? The simplest answer is “it can.”
Some drug tests aren’t sensitive enough to differentiate between Delta 8 and other cannabinoids. Other drug tests look for metabolites of cannabinoids. No matter what kind of cannabinoid you use, the metabolites can be similar enough to cause a positive result.
Let’s take a closer look at Delta 8. Then, we’ll dive deeper into Delta 8 and drug testing. We’ll review how long Delta 8 can stay in your body, if you can speed up the elimination process, and more.
What is Delta 8?
Delta 8 is the common name for delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as delta-8-THC. Delta 8 is very similar to, but chemically distinct from, Delta 9 THC.
Delta 8 is a cannabinoid — a psychoactive chemical found in cannabis and hemp plants. It’s one of many similar chemicals that are either found in these plants or have been discovered through research.
These cannabinoids are all distinct in a technical sense — they have different chemical structures. However, the differences are often very minor. That’s a key point to keep in mind as we start looking at Delta 8 and drug tests later on in this blog.
Delta 8 Legality
Commercially available Delta 8 is generally sourced from hemp plants, not cannabis plants. The 2018 Farm Bill included language legalizing commercial hemp production. The one major limit put in place was a restriction on Delta 9 content. Legal hemp plants can only contain up to 0.3% Delta 9 THC by dry weight.
Hemp-derived Delta 8 (along with hemp-derived Delta 9 and similar cannabinoids) are legal federally. These cannabinoids are created in labs by converting more prevalent chemicals found in hemp, like CBD. That means they don’t conflict with the Delta 9 plant content limit.
However, individual states and municipalities may have stricter laws in place. It’s always a good idea to check up on laws that apply to you before making a purchase.
Delta 8: Effects, Side Effects and How It’s Used
Delta 8 was one of the first hemp-derived cannabinoids to be widely available. It comes in a wide variety of preparations. Examples include Delta 8 gummies, vapes, flower and pre-rolls, and oils and tinctures.
Delta 8 has effects similar to many other cannabinoids. Users tend to report feelings like elevated mood, an increased tendency for laughter, and a sense of increased creativity. Some people use it to support better sleep and to make aches and pains seem less bothersome.
Compared to Delta 9, Delta 8 isn’t quite as strong in a direct comparison. That can make it easier to control your experience and avoid feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated. When you want to relax but don’t want a very intense experience, Delta 8 can be the right choice.
Side effects of Delta 8 exist but are generally seen as mild. Dry mouth, drowsiness, and dry eyes are a few examples. Delta 8 and other cannabinoids can interact with prescription medication, however. If you have any active prescriptions, be sure to speak with your doctor about using Delta 8 while taking them.
Will Delta 8 Come Up on a Drug Test?
Will Delta 8 test positive for THC? Will Delta 8 test positive in saliva? There are plenty of questions about Delta 8 and positive drug tests. And there’s no simple answer.
Our best guidance is to say that Delta 8 can and often does test positive in drug tests. In other words, it can lead to a failed drug test. As GoodRX explains, some drug tests look for any type of cannabinoid. They aren’t sensitive enough to identify specific cannabinoids.
Delta 8 falls into the category of cannabinoids that can lead to a positive result on such tests. Despite Delta 8 being federally legal, some drug tests don’t differentiate between it and other cannabinoids.
Other drug tests look for metabolites of cannabinoids. These chemicals are the result of your body processing Delta 8, or any other cannabinoid, after consumption. While Delta 8 is chemically distinct, its metabolites are the same as those of other cannabinoids.
Will Delta 8 make you fail a drug test? The easiest way to answer this question is to say, “It can.”
Advanced testing can distinguish between Delta 8 and other cannabinoids. But, for the most common types of tests that people regularly encounter, Delta 8 will often lead to a positive result (a failed drug test).
Will Delta 8 test positive in hair? It’s not an absolute guarantee that a hair test will show a positive result for Delta 8. However, it is a real possibility that’s important to keep in mind.
Will Delta 8 gummies make you test positive? Yes, the gummies themselves and their metabolites can lead to a positive test result.
The increasing popularity of Delta 8 also means tests for it specifically are starting to emerge. There’s no gray area here — Delta 8 will definitely return a positive result for this kind of drug screening.
How Long Will Delta 8 Stay in My System?
The frequency with which you consume Delta 8 influences how long this cannabinoid stays in your system. So do other factors such as your age, metabolism, and how much Delta 8 you tend to use.
Someone who only uses Delta 8 occasionally — once or twice a month, for example — doesn’t have as much to worry about. They may be able to eliminate it in as little as 48 hours. If you use Delta 8 very frequently, it can take 30 days or more for it to leave your system.
What can you do to speed up the process? There isn’t a perfect solution, unfortunately. However, these recommendations can reduce the amount of time you’ll test positive for Delta 8:
- Regular exercise. Exercise can help your body clear out cannabinoid metabolites by boosting your metabolism. Regular exercise is a good idea in general, so this could be some unconventional motivation to start if you live a more sedentary lifestyle.
- Drinking lots of fluids. Steady consumption of water and other liquids may help you move Delta 8 out of your body. Be careful not to drink too much water, and remember that too much water in your system could lead to a drug test being re-administered.
- Detox drinks and similar products. Detox drinks may promote faster elimination of Delta 8 from your body. These drinks aren’t guaranteed to work, but some users have reported positive results.
Ultimately, the best way to avoid Delta 8 testing positive on a drug test is to take a break. If you know you have a test coming up, a short break up to that point can help you avoid a positive test. As a side benefit, a break can make your next experience with Delta 8 that much more fun. Think of it as something to look forward to!
Delta 8 Resellers is committed to delivering high-quality, independently lab-tested cannabinoids to all of our customers. We’re committed to helping you stay informed, too. We hope this guidance about Delta 8 and drug testing helps you make more informed decisions.
Ready to keep enjoying everything Delta 8 has to offer? Check out our selection of Delta 8 products!
