Does Delta 8 Show Up on Drug Tests?

Does Delta 8 Show Up on Drug Tests? Here’s What You Need to Know

Delta 8 THC (Delta 8) has become really popular lately, but if you’ve used it, you might be wondering how it could affect a drug test. Delta 8 is a cannabinoid, much like Delta 9 THC, which is the compound in marijuana that gets you high. However, Delta 8 is less potent, offering a milder high with fewer side effects.

Delta 8’s rise in popularity took off after the 2018 Farm Bill was passed, making it legal to produce hemp and hemp-derived products as long as they contain less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC. While Delta 8 is technically legal under federal law, its legal status in Texas is a bit more complicated .

Is Delta 8 Legal in Texas?

In Texas, Delta 8 sits in a legal gray area. The state’s laws follow the 2018 Farm Bill, which allows the sale and possession of hemp-derived products that contain less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC. This technically makes Delta 8 legal because it’s derived from hemp. However, since Delta 8 is so closely related to Delta 9, its legal status could change in the future .

It’s worth keeping an eye on Texas law regarding Delta 8. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has expressed concerns about products that contain Delta 8, and while they haven’t banned it outright, the legal situation could shift .

Will Delta 8 Show Up on a Drug Test?

Yes, it can. This is where things get tricky. Drug tests are designed to detect THC, and because Delta 8 is so similar to Delta 9, most standard drug tests can’t tell them apart. So, if you’ve been using Delta 8, there’s a good chance you might test positive for THC, which can be a problem if your workplace has a strict no-tolerance policy .

How Do Drug Tests Work?

Drug tests, especially urine drug screens (UDS), look for a substance called 9-carboxy-THC, which your body produces after using THC. Whether you’ve used marijuana or Delta 8, your body breaks it down into these metabolites, and that’s what drug tests detect. Because Delta 8 and Delta 9 are so similar, they produce almost the same metabolites, which is why a drug test could show a positive result even if you only used Delta 8 .

What About CBD Products?

CBD is another cannabinoid that doesn’t cause a high and is legal under both federal and Texas law. But here’s the catch: not all CBD products are as pure as advertised. Some contain small amounts of Delta 9 THC, and if you’re using one of these products, you could still test positive on a drug test. A study found that less than a third of CBD products contained the amount of CBD listed on their labels, and 21% had detectable levels of Delta 9 THC . So even if you’re sticking to legal CBD, there’s still a risk.

How Long Does Delta 8 Stay in Your System?

How long Delta 8 stays in your system can vary based on things like how much you use, how often you use it, and your metabolism. Generally, Delta 8 can be detected in urine for up to 30 days, similar to Delta 9. Blood and saliva tests might pick it up for a shorter period, usually up to 48 hours, but if you’re really unlucky, a hair test could show THC use for up to 90 days .

Why Could Delta 8 Cause a Positive Test Result?

Delta 8 might cause a positive drug test because it’s so similar to Delta 9 THC, the compound most drug tests are designed to detect. The tests just aren’t sophisticated enough to tell the difference between the two, so using Delta 8 can lead to a positive result, just as if you had used marijuana. There’s also some evidence that Delta 8 might interfere with certain testing methods, leading to inconclusive or invalid tests. In cases like these, the lab might have to repeat the test, which only adds to the stress .

Can Drug Tests Tell the Difference Between Delta 8 and Delta 9?

Unfortunately, most drug tests can’t distinguish between Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC. Both are broken down into similar metabolites that the tests are designed to detect. While there are more advanced tests, like gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), that can tell them apart, these aren’t commonly used in standard drug testing because they’re expensive and complicated.

If you’re in a situation where you need to prove that your positive THC test is due to legal Delta 8 use, these specific tests might be necessary. But keep in mind, they aren’t widely available and might not be accepted by all employers.

What Happens If You Test Positive for THC in Texas?

In Texas, testing positive for THC can have serious consequences, even if the THC came from legal Delta 8 or a CBD product that was contaminated. Many workplaces here have strict no-tolerance policies regarding THC. A positive test result could lead to disciplinary action or even getting fired, no matter where the THC came from.

This is why it’s really important to understand the risks, especially if your job is at stake. Even though Delta 8 is technically legal in Texas, a positive drug test could still have serious consequences. Under Texas law, THC is classified as a controlled substance, and a positive test could be seen as a violation of workplace drug policies, leading to some pretty heavy repercussions.

How to Pass a Drug Test After Using Delta 8

If you’ve used Delta 8 and have a drug test coming up, here are a few things you can try:

1. Abstinence: The safest bet is to stop using Delta 8 at least 30 days before your test .
2. Hydration: Drinking lots of water might help flush THC metabolites out of your system, but it’s not a sure thing.
3. Detox Products: There are products that claim to detoxify your body of THC, but how well they work can be hit or miss.
4. Time: Sometimes, the best strategy is just to wait and give your body time to clear the metabolites.

FAQ: Delta 8 THC and Drug Testing

How soon after using Delta 8 could it show up on a drug test?

Delta 8 can show up on a drug test within a few hours of use, particularly in urine tests. This quick detection window is important to consider if you’re facing an upcoming test.

Are there any ways to speed up the elimination of Delta 8 from my system?

While staying hydrated, exercising, and maintaining a healthy diet might help your body metabolize and eliminate Delta 8 faster, there’s no surefire method to significantly speed up the process. The best way to ensure a clean test is to avoid using Delta 8 well before your test.

Can Delta 8 THC be detected in a blood test?

Yes, Delta 8 THC can be detected in blood tests. Blood tests are more likely to be used in situations where recent use is suspected, and they can detect THC for up to 48 hours after use.

Are there any employers who might make an exception for Delta 8?

Some employers may consider the legality of Delta 8 and allow an explanation, but this varies widely. Most companies with strict drug policies treat any positive THC result the same, regardless of the source.

Can I ask for a different type of drug test to avoid a false positive?

While it’s possible to request a more specific test that differentiates between Delta 8 and Delta 9, such tests are rare, more expensive, and may not be offered or accepted by most employers.

What should I do if I test positive for THC but only used Delta 8?

If you test positive, you should explain the situation to your employer and provide any documentation about your Delta 8 use. However, keep in mind that many employers may still strictly enforce their THC-related policies.

How does the legal status of Delta 8 differ from Delta 9 across different states?

Delta 8 is federally legal, but several states have banned or restricted its use. Delta 9 remains illegal federally but is permitted for medical or recreational use in some states. It’s crucial to check the specific laws in your state to understand how both Delta 8 and Delta 9 are regulated.

Final Thoughts

Even though Delta 8 THC isn’t as strong as Delta 9, it can still show up on drug tests and cause a positive result because their metabolites are so similar. The legal situation around Delta 8 is still a bit of a mess, especially in Texas, where it’s in a gray area. It’s also worth remembering that some CBD products might contain small amounts of Delta 9 THC, which could lead to a positive drug test result too.

If you’re worried about failing a drug test, it’s important to know that using legal products like Delta 8 or CBD can still result in a positive test. And in workplaces with strict no-tolerance policies, a positive test, no matter the source, could lead to you losing your job. The safest move? Avoid using Delta 8 or any other THC-containing products if you’re regularly drug tested.

This guide is here to help you understand how Delta 8 interacts with drug tests, especially with how things stand in Texas. Whether you use Delta 8 regularly or are just concerned about your job, knowing how it could affect your drug test can help you avoid any unpleasant surprises.

References

1. 2018 Farm Bill and Delta 8 Legal Status:
   • “Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018.” U.S. Department of Agriculture. Link
2. Texas Legal Status of Delta 8 THC:
   • “Delta-8 THC: Why Texas Wants to Ban the Popular Cannabis Compound.” Texas Monthly, May 2022. Link
3. Drug Test Detection of THC Metabolites:
   • Mayo Clinic Laboratories. “Cannabinoid (THC) Metabolite Detection.” Link
4. CBD Product Purity and Contaminants:
   • “Labeling Accuracy of Cannabidiol Extracts Sold Online.” JAMA, November 2017. Link
5. Delta 8 Detection Window:
   • “Delta-8 THC: Safety and Health Concerns.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, May 2021. Link
6. False Positives and Testing Challenges:
   • “Drug Testing and False Positives: How to Protect Yourself.” American Addiction Centers. Link
7. Employer Drug Testing Policies:
   • “Workplace Drug Testing: What’s in It for Employers?” Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Link
8. Delta 8 vs Delta 9 Testing Methods:
   • “Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) in Forensic Science.” National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Link
9. State Laws on Delta 8 THC:
   • “Delta-8 THC State Laws: Why Is It Illegal in Some States and Not Others?” Leafly, June 2021. Link