Delta 8 THC is the newest hemp compound to burst onto the scene, offering effects quite unique from the other hemp-derived cannabinoids that we are used to, including cannabidiol (CBD). Delta 8 THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid, although its intoxicating effects are about 30% milder than those of delta 9 THC, the dominant compound in marijuana.
Delta 8 is federally legal, in all but eleven states have allowed it to remain legal to adults. Because of this, the cannabinoid is quickly growing in popularity and is more sought out than ever before in its various delivery methods.
While it may be federally legal, and legal in most states, many understandably wonder what impact it would have on a standard urine drug test. After all, delta 8 and delta 9 are both forms of tetrahydrocannabinol and have very similar compound compositions. If you’re someone who is tested regularly for work, it is understandable that you may be concerned about taking Delta 8 THC. In this article, we will cover various topics in regards to drug tests and Delta 8 THC.
What’s the Difference Between Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC?
Delta 8 and delta 9 are both forms of THC or tetrahydrocannabinol. Delta-8 forms about 0.1% of the hemp plant, while delta-9 forms about 0.3%. Because the naturally occurring levels of these compounds are so low in the hemp plant, using CBD flower or a full spectrum hemp product won’t get you high, or result in a failed drug test.
But now, companies have isolated the delta 8 compound and concentrated it to give us its effects more potently. As a result, we can take a high dose of pure delta 8 whenever we want. So, how does delta-8 differ from delta-9?
Well, in short, delta 8 is just degraded delta 9. As the plant ages, the delta-9 compound naturally breaks down within the plant’s chemical composition, transforming into delta-8 and losing some potency along the way. Structurally, however, they are extremely similar.
Can Delta 8 THC Cause a Failed Drug Test?
Delta 8 THC is very new, and so we don’t have any studies out about its qualities that can affect a drug test. Ultimately, there is no delta 8 drug test, but there is one for delta 9. What we can say is that it’s likely that delta-8 can result in a failed drug test. This is because the THC compound is metabolized by an enzyme known as THC-COOH. Standard urine tests are not looking for the actual THC compound, but for the presence of this enzyme in the body. Hence, it is likely that THC-COOH breaks down both delta8 and delta9 and cannot distinguish between both.
What this means is that if you take delta 8, the chances are very high that THC-COOH would appear on a drug test result. Because delta-8 is milder than delta-9, it’s possible that the THC-COOH levels in the body would be lower, but ultimately, we don’t know for certain whether or not this is the case.
What Can Increase the Likelihood of Failing a Drug Test Due to Delta 8 THC?
If you have recently taken delta 8 THC and you are worried about an upcoming drug test, know that there are some factors that can influence the likelihood of testing positive.
Factor 1: How Frequently You Take Delta 8
We know that with delta 9 THC, or marijuana, the likelihood of failing a drug test has a lot to do with how frequently you take it. Casual users have lower THC-COOH levels in the body than those who use it daily. The same would apply to delta 8. In short, if you have been taking it daily for weeks, THC-COOH could still be present in the body up to two weeks after your last dose. But, if you only took it every few days, two weeks could possibly be enough for THC-COOH levels to clear out by the time you take your test.
Factor 2: When You Last Took Delta 8
It goes without saying that the last time you took delta 8 could play a role in the likelihood of failing a test. Of course, if you took it the night before the test, you could be in trouble. If it’s been over a week, and you weren’t taking it daily, you may possibly be safe. The problem is that everyone’s body is different and breaks down THC differently. So, there is no exact timeline as to when the enzyme clears out of the body before a drug test is taken.
Factor 3: The Dosage You Take
The dosage also plays a role, as higher doses lead to higher levels of THC-COOH in the body. Taking one puff of a delta 8 vape cart in a day, for instance, is different from taking 4 puffs 3 times a day. The lower the dose, the more easily and quickly THC-COOH levels can decrease before a drug test is scheduled.
Factor 4: A Product’s Milligram Strength
Finally, the milligram strength counts as well. Delta 8 products come in various milligram strengths, determining the actual amount of delta-8 in the product. Taking a low-strength product, like a 5mg gummy, is quite different from taking, say, a 40mg gummy. The lower the strength, the less THC-COOH your body produces, and therefore the faster it will leave the system.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to drug tests, we still do not have a definitive answer about the effect that delta 8 THC can have. But, because drug tests can determine your employment, it may be best to stay on the side of caution and avoid delta 8 if you know that you’re getting tested in the near future. We know enough about delta-8 to believe that it can result in a failed test, due to the probable way in which it’s broken down by the body, which is similar to that of delta 9 THC.
If you are looking for pure and potent Delta 8 Products online, we recommend taking a look at the Royal Remedies product line. All of the products on Royal Remedies have been third party laboratory tested to ensure both potency and purity.
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