Does Delta 8 Show Up on Drug Tests?

Delta 8 is the hottest trend in the cannabis world, and for good reason. It gives you all the benefits of THC without the unpleasant side effects. Plus, it's legal almost everywhere in the United States. 

But what happens if you get drug tested after you consume Delta 8? Even though marijuana legalization is finally happening all over the United States, you could still get in trouble if THC shows up on a drug test. 

We're going to give you the lowdown on everything you need to know about Delta 8 and drug tests so you can use THC responsibly and have the best experience. We'll also break down how delta 8 differs from delta 9 and other common types of THC. 

By the end of this guide, you will understand why delta 8 is quickly becoming a favorite in the cannabis industry and medical community. Let's get started. 

What Is Delta 8?

Delta 8 THC is not just another new synthetic THC. To really understand delta 8, we have to have a little chemistry lesson.

The most common type of THC is delta 9. Delta 8 is similar to delta 9, but the difference is in the placement of the chemical bonds. Delta 8 is just one step removed from the structure of delta 9; however, this small variation makes a big difference in how you experience the THC. 

Another key difference between delta 8 and delta 9 is that delta 9 is typically only derived from marijuana cannabis plants. Delta 8, on the other hand, can be derived from both the marijuana and hemp plants. This actually makes it rarer than delta 9, however, since both plants only produce small amounts of delta 8.

Let's look at how the effects of delta 8 differ from delta 9 before we move on to whether or not it shows up on a drug test.

Effects of Delta 8

Delta 8 has risen in popularity because you can experience all of the uplifting effects of delta 9 THC without anxiety and paranoia. This is due to the fact that delta 8 is less potent than delta 9. However, that doesn't mean that you still can't get the enjoyable feeling you love from THC when you consume delta 8.

In fact, because delta 8 is so well balanced, consumers have reported they feel clear-headed and more focused when you use it instead of groggy and out of it. Your energy levels will likely also remain rather normal instead of feeling drowsy. 

The reason you can react so differently to delta 8 is that it binds to different receptors in your body than delta 9 does. In fact, delta 8 binds to receptors in a similar way that CBD does, which is why it's often called a blend of CBD and delta 9. 

Like CBD, delta 8 bonds to cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which are all over your body. It binds with both CB1 receptors, which are primarily in your brain, and CB2 receptors, which are in your immune and digestive systems.

Another thing that makes delta 8 unique from delta 9 is that it binds to CB2 receptors more than CB1 receptors, which is how you get the physical effects without sometimes-intense psychoactive downsides like anxiety and paranoia. 

However, the eighth carbon chain of delta 8 has a double bond, which is what gives it all of the positive aspects of other common types of THC. Because of its cleaner euphoric effects and medicinal benefits, delta 8 is a favorite among recreational THC users and the medical community alike.

Does Delta 8 Show Up on Drug Tests?

What happens if you get drug tested after you consume delta 8? Drug tests are most likely to take place by your employer or law enforcement, so you can't always predict when you'll get tested.

Drug tests look for for THC metabolites, which is the chemical that all types of THC break down to when your body metabolizes it. Since all types of THC break down into metabolites, a drug test doesn't know the difference between delta 8 and delta 9 metabolites. 

Unfortunately, this means that delta 8 can make you fail a drug test. However, one good thing is that delta 8 has smaller amounts of THC than delta 9.

If you know that you will have a drug test within the next month, you should probably stop consuming delta 8 THC a few weeks ahead of time so it doesn't show up in the results. If you don't have that much time, you can use the same types of detox products available for detoxing from Delta 9 THC quickly. 

Benefits of Delta 8

Even though delta 8 can show up on a drug test, the benefits of this THC compound tend to outweigh the negatives. 

Essentially, delta 8 is a "lighter" version of delta 9. You still get an enjoyable psychoactive experience, but it won't be as intense. However, this also means that the negative parts of the delta 9 THC experience may also minimized. 

Another huge perk of delta 8 THC is that it's legal almost all over the country, unlike delta 9 THC over 0.3%, thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. 

If you use marijuana to relax, you can still achieve relaxation from delta 8 as well.

If you're looking for all the benefits of THC without the psychoactive side effects, brain fog, or added anxiety, delta 8 might be right for you.

Should You Use Delta 8?

You might be amazed by how clear-headed you will feel on delta 8, but you'll still experience that pleasurable feeling you love and look for from THC products.

If you have a drug test coming up, keep in mind that delta 8 can cause you to fail. Stop consuming any cannabis products about four weeks before your next drug test.

Using delta 8 is an amazing way to consume cannabinoids responsibly. Not only should you have a great experience without the paranoia, but you'll love the sense of wellbeing you get as well.

These statements above have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. CBD product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

CBD should not be used if you are pregnant or nursing. Consult with a physician before use if you have a serious medical condition or use prescription medications. A doctor's advice should be sought before using CBD and any supplemental dietary product.