Delta-8 products have become so popular recently that they’re threatening to push delta-9 supplements out of business. Although both compounds can provide near-similar therapeutic benefits, delta-8 stands out because of its mellower psychedelic effects.
But if you’ve been using delta-8 for some time and have a drug test coming up, you might be wondering if this chemical will show up in the test. To help answer that question, we’ve prepared a comprehensive guide to delta-8, with a special focus on whether you can fail a drug test with this compound in your bloodstream. Read more on delta 8 & drug test detection, including what you can do to prepare for that career-defining drug test.
What is Delta-8?
Delta-8, whose full name is delta-8 THC, is one of the numerous natural cannabinoids in marijuana.
The compound is best known for being an isomer of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive substance in cannabis. This is where you should learn more about hhc vs thc o come in handy.
What Are The Benefits Of Delta-8?
Delta-8 THC provides the same therapeutic benefits as tetrahydrocannabinol.
Delta-8 is commonly used for pain relief. The compound treats pain by activating the pathways preventing pain signals from relaying to the brain.
Delta-8 THC might also fight stress and anxiety. That’s due to the compound’s positive interactions with ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine.
Some studies indicate that you can also administer delta-8 supplements for inflammatory conditions. When consumed, this cannabinoid attenuates inflammation by blocking the release of cytokines and chemokines, chemicals that stimulate inflammatory responses.
Last but not least, delta-8 can be remarkably stimulating. Therefore, products formulated with this compound can help combat physical and mental fatigue.
Other common ailments you can treat with delta-8 supplements include insomnia, nausea, seizures, and erectile dysfunction (ED).
Will Delta-8 Make You High?
As already indicated, delta-10 exists primarily as a tetrahydrocannabinol isomer, and THC is marijuana’s most powerful psychoactive chemical. That automatically means that delta-8 will also get you high.
However, delta-8 is often contrasted with delta-9 in terms of its intensity of effects. Although both THC isomers can trigger mind-altering effects, delta-8 is easier on the psyche than the more potent delta-9. According to some users, delta-9 can be up to 70% more concentrated than delta-8.
Because Delta-8 has milder effects on the psyche, it is less likely to get you intoxicated than Delta-9. Besides, the compound presents lower risks of side effects. And that explains the growing interest in delta-8 products.
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Will Delta-8 Show Up In A Drug Test?
Most cannabis-related drug tests usually screen for the presence of delta-9 in the bloodstream. So, technically, there’s no cause for worry if you’ve been using delta-8 products. But the situation isn’t as black and white as it sounds.
First, it isn’t easy to find delta-8 products that are 100% pure. Despite the advancements in extraction technology, delta-8 compounds will always contain traces of delta-9 and other cannabinoids. And that means there’s a decent chance of failing a marijuana drug test.
But even if you don’t factor in the potential contamination with delta-9, delta-8 might still show up in drug tests. It all depends on the specific chemicals the test is aimed at detecting.
Law enforcement authorities may pay more attention to delta-9. But other agencies, such as private organizations and sporting confederations, might administer comprehensive screenings to uncover whether their clients have been using cannabis in various forms.
Will You Get Arrested If You Fail A Delta-8 Drug Test?
The repercussions of failing a delta-8 drug test mainly depend on the agency doing the screening and the overall intent. The now-operationalized 2018 Farm Bill only legalizes cannabis products containing no more than 0.3% of delta-9 THC by weight in the United States.
As a result, if law enforcement administers a delta-8 drug test, you may be arrested if your blood levels exceed the recommended delta-9 levels. The penalties will vary depending on your actual charge sheet.
But arrest and prosecution aren’t the only risks of failing delta-8 drug screenings. Sometimes, these tests are administered as part of job recruitment procedures. Failing the tests would then knock you off a recruiter’s merit list.
Last but not least, failing a delta-8 drug test can have you fired from your job. That’s especially if you work in industries where routine drug screenings are mandatory, such as athletics, construction, and truck driving.
Preparing For a Delta-8 Drug Test
According to the National Drug Court Institute, the best way to prepare for a delta-8 drug test is to avoid using the compound altogether.
The conventional wisdom is to cut out on delta-8 about three weeks before D-Day. However, this will depend on the specific test samples required.
Urine is the most common sample used for marijuana tests. A 2017 review found that cannabis metabolites can stay in urine samples for between 3 and 30 days, depending on the frequency of use. Blood tests generally detect cannabis use within 2 – 12 hours for moderate users.
Saliva tests are effective for up to 24 hours, while hair tests show evidence of cannabis use to 90 days after the last dosage.
Wrap Up
It’s generally easy to pass a delta-8 drug test because most cannabis screening procedures do not target this compound.
However, that doesn’t discount the importance of preparing yourself adequately for these tests. We hope you can use this article as your guide the next time you have a delta-8 or other marijuana-related drug test coming up.
