Delta 8 And Drug Tests – What You Need To Know

Are you thinking about taking Delta 8? Are you wondering whether or not it shows up on drug tests? Well, here is what you need to know about Delta 8 and drug tests.

What Is Delta 8?

Delta-8 THC is an abbreviation for Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol. It is a chemical compound, naturally occurring in hemp and cannabis plants. Over the last few years, Delta-8 THC has become very popular. It can be found anywhere in weed dispensaries and store shelves.

Well, you should know that Delta-8 THC has a similar chemical structure to Delta-9-THC. Note that, the latter is the psychoactive compound usually found in cannabis plants and is responsible for giving you a euphoric feeling. Both Delta-9 and Delta-8 are types of THC. However, Delta-8 is known as diet weed or marijuana lite because it doesn’t have the same type of psychoactive effects as Delta-9.

Why Is Delta 8 Called Diet Weed?

Note that, when it comes down to the chemical structure, both Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC are similar. Also, they may have similar effects when ingested. However, Delta-8 THC is less potent than Delta-8. This is the reason why it is referred to as diet weed. Here are a few facts about Delta-8 THC that you need to know before consuming it.

1. Is It Safe For Use?

The FDA is yet to thoroughly evaluate or approve Delta-8 THC products for human consumption. Although these products have become popular in the last few years, they are currently being advertised in ways that may put everyone at risk. Some of the notable concerns about Delta-8 THC products include variations in product labeling and formulations.

Note that, some Delta-8 THC products may be labeled as hemp products. It is quite misleading since most people don’t associate hemp with psychoactive effects. Also, most of these products are marketed for medical or therapeutic uses yet they are not approved for use by the FDA.

2. Are There Any Side Effects?

Yes, the FDA is continuously receiving reports of adverse side effects of Delta-8 THC products. Some of the adverse effects include vomiting, hallucinations, anxiety, confusion, dizziness, tremors and loss of consciousness. Note that, the media reports that Delta-8 THC doesn’t have extreme psychoactive effects like Delta-9 THC. However, the product is likely going to expose people to much higher levels than naturally occurring hemp extracts.

3. How Do Manufacturers Create this Cannabinoid?

According to the FDA, Delta-8 THC relies on the use of chemicals that may be potentially harmful to create the final product. Hemp contains naturally low levels of Delta-8 THC. As such, manufacturers rely on the additional chemicals to convert CBD and other cannabinoids into Delta-8 THC. As such, creating Delta-8 THC relies on a synthetic conversion process.

Keep in mind that some manufacturers may rely on potentially unsafe household chemicals to create delta-8 THC. They also use other chemicals to change the color of the final product. As such, it’s most likely that the final product has a lot of contaminants (harmful by-products) due to the chemicals used in the process. If inhaled, some of these by-products may be quite harmful.

4. Are Pets And Children Allowed To Access Delta-8 THC?

Keep in mind that Delta-8 THC and other products may be packaged in ways that are appealing to children. These include chocolates, gummies, candies, cookies and much more. Since it is commonly referred to as diet weed, these products are available everywhere.

For instance, you may find them online or at different retail stores including gas stations and convenience stores. As such, there is no limit on who may have access to the products. The FDA constantly receives reports on various pediatric patients who have been exposed to these products. Animal poison control centers also receive the same reports. If you constantly consume diet weed, you need to keep it away from children and pets.

Does Delta-8 Contain THC?

Yes, Delta-8 THC also contains D9 THC. However, when ingested it produces a milder intoxicating effect compared to Delta-9 THC. Note that, the latter is very abundant in cannabis and is responsible for getting you high. Delta-9 THC makes you very euphoric and contains numerous side effects such as panic attacks and inability to perform various tasks. On a federal level, Delta-9 THC isn’t legal yet but there are varying state laws on the legality of this compound for medicinal and recreational use.

Keep in mind that CBD shares some of the benefits of Delta-8 THC but doesn’t produce any high compared to both Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC. Some of the known benefits of all these substances include relief from depression, anxiety and chronic pain. They all interact with the endocannabinoid system in the body, known for controlling various functions of the body such as pain regulation, inflammation and much more.

Delta 8 And Drug Tests – Does It Show Up On Drug Tests?

When it comes to Delta 8 and drug tests, you need to know what you are getting yourself into. Yes, it may be produced legally through hemp, you are likely going to fail a drug test if you have the compound in your system. Of course, it may not be for the obvious reasons that you imagine. Keep in mind that it comes down to the type of test, your metabolism, frequency of use, weight, age and gender.

You need to understand Delta 8 and drug tests if you are planning to consume it more frequently. Note that, most people assume that these drug tests are looking for Delta 9 THC specifically. However, drug tests are not that advanced yet. Rather, these drug tests detect any presence of THC. since Delta 8 also contains THC, you will not pass your drug tests.

Note that, urine tests are specifically looking for metabolites found in delta 9 THC, specifically the main one known as TCH-COOH. They are easy to detect after use since they are usually stored in the fat cells. However, if you don’t have Delta 9 THC in your system, you may get a false positive. Additionally, if you are using a Delta 8 THC product containing 0.3% or less of Delta 9 THC, you can explain away the positive drug test.

Are There Alternatives To Delta 8 And Delta 9 THC?

If you are worried about failing a drug test and need to use Delta 8 THC, you need to get the alternatives that produce the same benefits. Failing a drug test for a health appointment or important job is too risky. Well, you should know that there are numerous specific hemp-based products without any THC. It’s a good idea to try out CBD products first that don’t have any THC and enjoy the same type of benefits.

How Long Does Delta 8 THC Stay In Your System?

As mentioned, Delta 8 THC is less potent than Delta 9 but it is still a THC product. As such, it will still linger in your body just like anything else that contains THC. Therefore, you should expect it to stay in your body for 4 to 8 days. If you are a heavy user, you should expect to test positive on your drug tests for at least 30 to 60 days.

Summary

Understanding Delta 8 and drug tests is very crucial if you are applying for a new job or going for a medical appointment. Make sure you try out CBD products before moving on to delta 8 products to avoid positive drug tests. If possible, you should avoid Delta 8 products especially if you are not looking to get any type of euphoric feeling.

References

1. https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/what-is-delta-8
2. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/5-things-know-about-delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol-delta-8-thc
3. https://www.forbes.com/health/body/what-is-delta-8-thc/
4. https://www.ounceofhope.com/will-i-fail-a-drug-test-if-i-use-delta-8/