How Long Does Delta 8 Stay in Your System?
Thanks to the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, better known as the 2018 Farm Bill, production of hemp products is federally legal. This means that in many places throughout the United States, consumers have safe, legal access to cannabinoid products like Delta 8 THC. But, if you remember your middle school social studies classes, you may also know that the Tenth Amendment allows state and local governments to pass their own laws regarding anything not expressly delegated in the Constitution. This means that where you live may not be as cool about Delta 8 as congress is. And the government isn’t the only institution that could be interested in how you have your fun. Your workplace, your school, or some other organization might be wondering what’s inside your body as well. So, when it comes to Delta 8, you’re likely to have a few questions. Will Delta 8 show up on a drug test? What kinds of drug tests are there? How long will it take before the Delta 8 leaves your system? Some of these questions have simple answers, and some are a little more complicated, but this article will break down all you need to know about Delta 8 and drug testing.
How Long Do the Effects of Delta 8 Last?
This is not what this article is about, but if you stumbled on it because you were looking for this answer, I’m happy to help. The length of a Delta 8 high can vary between 2 to 10 hours depending on a variety of factors. On average, though, you can expect to feel the effects of Delta 8 for 3 to 5 hours. Delta 8 has a wide range of recreational and therapeutic benefits. If you’d like to read a more general overview of Delta 8 and what it can do for you, check out our article here.
Will Delta 8 Show Up on a Drug Test?
Yes. This is one of the simple answers, so let’s get it out of the way first. The molecular structure of Delta 8 THC is nearly identical to that of Delta 9 THC, or what most people would consider “regular” THC. The only difference is the eighth carbon atom is double bonded instead of the ninth. Unless you’re a chemist, that probably means nothing to you, and it means nothing to drug tests too. Regardless of whether the test detects the parent compound or a metabolite of that compound, it’s not going to distinguish between the tiny molecular difference between Delta 8 and Delta 9. This is why the National Drug Court Institute recommends avoiding Delta 8 in the days leading up to a test, if you know you’re going to be drug tested.
What Kind of Drug Tests are There?
There are few things we need to consider before we can take our best guess at how long the Delta 8 in your system will remain detectable, and the first one is determining what kind of drug test is going to be used. There are four main kinds of tests that will be used when looking to detect THC. Let’s take a closer look at what they are and how they work.
Urine Testing
When it comes to drug tests issued by employers or by a court, urine tests are the most common. After a THC molecule, including Delta 8, enters the bloodstream, it is broken down into over 100 metabolites that are eliminated from the body. Urine tests measure these metabolites, focusing on the one known as THC-COOH. Because urine tests measure metabolites, they can detect Delta 8 significantly longer after use. We’ll talk more about why that is later.
Saliva Testing
Unlike urine testing, saliva tests seek to detect the parent compound rather than a metabolite. That means they are testing directly for THC molecules present in the mouth. These parent molecules are not detectable for as long as metabolites.
Hair Testing
Hair testing typically involves testing the most recent 1.5 inches of hair growth for THC metabolites. Because of the length of time that it takes hair to grow, the detection window when using a hair test is much longer. Body hair can also be tested, and because most body hair grows slower, this window of detection can potentially expand out even longer.
Blood Testing
Blood testing is the only test in which both the parent compound of THC as well as its metabolites can both be tested for. However, blood tests are typically more expensive, invasive, and difficult to perform. For this reason, blood tests are most often performed in hospitals during investigations in the immediate aftermath of injury or DUI.
If you’re interested in a more thorough, scientific breakdown of drug testing, this article gives a thorough analysis of procedures, collection methods, detection windows, and the instruments used.
How Long Does Delta 8 Stay in Your System?
When it comes to determining how long Delta 8 remains in your system, there are several factors to consider. Because THC is a fat-soluble compound, what cannot immediately be metabolized by your liver is stored in fat cells throughout your body. These stored compounds are no longer psychoactive and are in no way harmful to your body. However, because your body stores these compounds, they are metabolized and eliminated over time. This means that the more frequent and heavier you use Delta 8, the longer it will remain in your system and be detectable on a drug test that identifies THC metabolites. This also means that your height and weight, or body mass index (BMI), will play a role. Simply put, the more fat cells available for storage, the more compounds get stored. Let’s take a closer look at how different levels of usage will affect the detection window of a drug test.
Urine Test
- Single Use: 1 to 3 days
- Moderate Use (four times per week): 5 to 7 days
- Chronic Use (daily): 10 to 15 days
- Chronic Heavy Use (multiple times per day): 30 to 48 days
Saliva Testing
- Single or Moderate Use: up to 24 hours
- Chronic or Heave Use: up to 72 hours
Hair Testing
- Up to 90 days regardless of usage
Blood Testing
- 2 to 12 hours regardless of usage
What Do I Do if I Have to Take a Drug Test?
Random drug tests are not very common practice for employers, so odds are that if you are going to have to take a drug test, you’ll have some time to prepare. It is important to note that we at the Green Dragon cannot promise that any strategy will be 100% effective. There are no guaranteed methods to pass a drug test other than simply not using Delta 8 or any other cannabinoid until your body is rid of the parent compound and its metabolites. We have a great breakdown of how to prepare for a drug test that you can read here, but we’ll go over the basics below.
- Stop using all THC – this one is obvious, do I need to explain?
- Drink lots of water – helps to flush metabolites from the body
- Eat a healthy diet – boosts metabolism and eases elimination of toxins
- Exercise daily – exercise will require the body to metabolize cells more rapidly
- Pee the morning of the test – metabolites concentrate overnight
There are other strategies like using over the counter kits or taking vitamin B12 supplements, but these should not be relied upon as the sole strategy to help you pass a drug test. If you are curious about where you stand, you can purchase a urine test at your local drug store and test yourself at home. If you are smart, and give yourself a long enough runway, a drug test should not be an issue for you.
Don’t Be Shy, Give Delta 8 a Try
Cannabinoids have never been more readily and safely available. The legalization of hemp-based products has allowed for responsibly licensed producers to make well regulated, laboratory tested products. Recreationally, Delta 8 can spark creativity or help you calm down after a long day. It also has a wide range of therapeutic benefits, ranging from anti-inflammatory effects to the reduction of anxiety. So, if you’re curious about trying Delta 8 or any of the wide range of other cannabinoid products on the market, there is no reason to let the prospect of a drug test stop you from seeing what cannabinoids are all about. If you are using Delta 8 responsibly and allow for the right amount of time, it’s simple to make sure you can enjoy the benefits of Delta 8 and still pass a drug test when you need to. If you are new to the game, it’s likely that you still have lots of questions, and we are here to help. Our blog is loaded with helpful information, and our staff is ready and waiting to lend you a helping hand. Feel free to ask us anything in the comment section below, or if you prefer a more private consultation, reach out to us through our contact page. All that’s left now is for you to put Delta 8 THC to the test.
Put simply, it’s THC derived from hemp. It is federally legal since it comes from hemp. Some people describe it as more of a mental euphoria but less of a pure intoxication. You should find it to be powerful but without the anxiety or paranoia side-effects that some experience.
D8 should not be confused with CBD which is a cannabinoid found in hemp that does not produce a high. You may want to try taking CBD gummies with your Delta 8 Gummies to extend and enhance the effect as the cannabinoids work together.
Delta 8 THC products are also federally legal since it is converted from CBD found in Hemp. The Farm Bill of 2018 made all cannabinoids in hemp legal with the exception of Delta 9 THC.
Delta 8 is safe if bought from a reputable source with a certificate of analysis verifying contents. With proper research, knowing how your body reacts to the products, and with correct dosing, Delta 8 can be beneficial to you.
Yes, Delta 8 is a psychoactive substance. You will experience a body and head high, not unlike Delta 9 (weed). It is slightly less powerful, creates less fogginess, but has fewer side effects such as paranoia or anxiety than marijuana.
Yes. When THC of any kind (Delta 8, Delta 9, Delta 10, or others) gets broken down by your metabolism in your body, it all looks the same in small molecules called “THC metabolites”. While they may react differently in your body, they all signal drug tests the same; THC is present in your system.
