CBD, Delta 8 and Drug Tests: Everything you Need to Know

If you’re wondering about CBD, Delta 8 and drug tests, we’re here to clear up your confusion. But first, an explanation. Delta 8 is the newest cannabinoid compound to hit the market. The substance has a similar chemical structure to delta 9 THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, but the former is less psychoactive than the latter. So, since it’s less potent than THC, and since CBD is also a non-psychoactive cannabis extract, you may be wondering whether either will impact the results of a drug test. Not to worry: this article provides information on what you need to know about CBD, delta 8 and drug tests.

What Is Delta 8?

The cannabis plant has over 100 different cannabinoids that affect the human body. They are called phytocannabinoids and play a role similar to what endocannabinoids play in the human body. The human body produces endocannabinoids, and they bind with various receptors in the brain and body to maintain balance and homeostasis. Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the most commonly occurring cannabinoids in the cannabis plant.

There are minor cannabinoids like delta 8, CBG, and CBN that occur in lesser amounts in the plant. Even though delta 8 seems to contain psychoactive properties, they occur in much lesser amounts compared to delta 9 or THC. Because of this, the legality of delta 8 is still in a gray area. Meaning, the legal status of the substance is not entirely clear up to now. Some states have taken the lead to ban the use of delta 8 in their states and others may follow. Hence, you should be cautious when purchasing or using delta 8 in your state. The most important thing is to check the legality of the substance in your state before you decide to purchase it.

Is Delta 8 Federally Legal?

Delta-8 is legal at a federal level as long as manufacturers extract the substance from industrial hemp and not marijuana. The reason is marijuana contains more than 0.3% THC while industrial hemp contains less than 0.3% THC. For any cannabis substance to be legal at a federal level, it should contain less than 0.3% THC. But delta 8 isn’t legal in all states. In fact, there are many states that have legalized delta 8 only for medical use. You should possess a medical marijuana license to purchase delta 8 in such states. On the other hand, there are some states that criminalize the use of Delta 8, and if you happen to live in such a state, you should avoid purchasing or using delta 8 THC.

CBD, Delta 8, and Drug Tests: Is Delta 8 Legal In Your State?

Even though there are many states where delta 8 THC is currently legal, laws can change at any time. The substance is currently legal in states such as Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, & Washington, D.C. These states allow the sale of delta 8 only if manufacturers extract the substance from industrial hemp. The main requirement is the product should have less than 0.3% THC to use the substance in these states.

What Are The Potential Health Benefits Of Delta 8?

The latest studies reveal that the substance helps stimulate your appetite. It also helps in lessening nausea and vomiting, easing chronic pain, and calming anxiety. Since most of these are animal studies, scientists should do more human studies to confirm the actual health benefits of delta 8 THC.

The Difference Between Delta 8 And Delta 9

Delta 8 and delta 9 have similar chemical structures. Even though both these substances have similar effects on the human body, delta 8 is less potent than the latter. The substance may cause you to feel high at times, but to a lesser degree than delta 9. Since delta 9 is less stable than delta 8, it is more reactive and potent in the human body. Both of these substances react differently with the endocannabinoid system in the human body. The endocannabinoid system or ECS helps maintain homeostasis in the body.

CBD, Delta 8, and Drug Tests: What are The Differences Between CBD & Delta 8?

CBD or cannabidiol is the second-most common chemical compound in the cannabis plant. The main difference between CBD and delta 8 is the former is not psychoactive like the latter. Delta 8 is more similar to THC than CBD in its chemical structure. There are some similarities between CBD and delta 8 in how these compounds provide health benefits to the human body. Both these compounds are effective in easing pain, calming anxiety, and improving the symptoms of insomnia. If you want a cannabis compound that closely imitates the health benefits of CBD without intoxicating effects, then, delta 8 is your best bet. Manufacturers should extract both CBD and delta 8 from industrial hemp for them to be federally legal.

Does Delta 8 Show Up On Drug Tests?

Most drug tests look for regular THC or delta 9 THC. Since delta 8 and THC have similar chemical structures, delta 8 can last in your body for a similar length of time as delta 9. Hence, a drug test may pick up the substance. Whether delta 8 shows up on a drug test or not depends on different factors including the type of body of the user, dosage of the substance, whether consumed as an edible or smoking, and the other types of cannabinoids present in the product. How your body breaks down delta 8 and how long the substance stays in your system is unique to you. But if you are concerned about failing a drug test, the best thing is to avoid taking delta 8 products at least a week or two before the test.

Buying Delta 8 Products In Your State

You can find delta 8 products in your state if the substance is legal there. On the other hand, the substance is available in states where medical or recreational cannabis is legal. You may buy the product online or at a brick-and-mortar store in the area. The most important thing is to read the label of the product before making a purchase. You should know about the ingredients present in the product before you spend your hard-earned money on it. Some unscrupulous sellers may not provide third-party lab tests to prove the THC percentage in the product. If any delta 8 product has more than 0.3% THC, you shouldn’t purchase such a product since it is illegal to do so. You may fall into trouble by purchasing such products either online or offline.

Some delta 8 products have certain ingredients that could cause an allergic reaction in the user. That is why you should make sure you purchase your delta 8 requirements from a reliable supplier or seller – whether you decide to do it online or through a brick-and-mortar store in the area. The most important thing is to avoid using delta 8 products if you are concerned about failing a drug test.