Our lives are full of ups and downs. But, now and again, the lows get to us, and we want a temporary escape. Fortunately, there may now be a product on the market that can help you with this.
You may have heard about delta-9, a well-known psychoactive drug that has been around for a long time. However, there is another up-and-coming cannabis star, which is a close cousin of delta-9. This drug has similar effects but with a much more mellow and smoother high.
Delta-8 THC is a minor cannabinoid that, in one strain, promotes deep relaxation, while in the other, it delivers sharp cerebral focus. You may have heard of this drug if you are a cannabis enthusiast. Regardless, some people are unsure if it will let you pass a drug test because of its legal status.
To address these questions, we have gathered all of the relevant information. So, read on to learn more.
What Is Delta-8 THC?
Cannabis has hundreds of minor cannabinoids in it. Every part of the plant has been subjected to many studies, and the government has spared no expense in studying it to become aware of its effects on the human body. However, the minor cannabinoids have not been analyzed extensively yet.
Delta-8 is one of these minor cannabinoids, and it is present in all hemp plants. Although this compound has not been studied enough, it demands more research, as it has shown an incline in popularity. This cannabinoid is a hemp extract that further undergoes processing and purification, which leads to the final marketable product. The product is available in tinctures, oils, vape carts, edibles, waxes, and several other variations.
Earlier, we mentioned delta-9, which was more famous than delta-8 previously. However, delta-9 is an extract of marijuana, and its origin causes a more intense high and is also attributed to the higher potency of products. Since delta-8 is a derivation of the hemp plant, it is more mellow and gives a smoother high. Delta-8 only differs from delta-9 based on the placement of a double bond. This bond placement also dictates the way THC will bind to the body’s system.
Ever since delta-8’s legalization, buyers and sellers have been more enthusiastic about figuring this drug out. This is also because the drug offers various intoxicating effects such as serenity, calmness, euphoria, and happiness. All of these benefits come along with keeping your senses intact, unlike some other drugs that can send you into a spiral.
Can Delta-8 Make You Fail a Drug Test?
Are you wondering if you can get away with taking delta-8 and then passing a drug test? Well, think again, because delta-8 is easily detectable. Whenever you ingest any delta-8 product, the compound breaks down and enters your bloodstream. From there, small traces of it enter every cell in the body.
The drug tests have THC detectors that spot the THC metabolites in your body and show them on your drug screening. THC metabolites break down into 80 molecules, which means these many particles can easily be seen on your test.
If Delta-8 Is Legal, Then Why Would You Fail a Drug Test?
The reason behind this question is a bit scientific. When an individual consumes a compound, the substance breaks down into smaller molecules. As a result, delta-8 THC becomes THC-COOH.
Unfortunately for you, delta-9 breaks down in the same way before traveling to the cells. Therefore, when you undergo a drug test, there is no way of knowing whether delta-8 or delta-9 was ingested. Since delta-9 is illegal, the drug test will detect it and even mistake its cousin, delta-8, for it.
Different Types Of Drug Tests
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Urine Test
Urine tests are used to determine what compounds the subject has ingested. For this purpose, two kinds of tests are used.
The first test is the Immunoassay Test, which is the most common one. This test can detect the larger molecules in delta-8 metabolites. The urine tests are specifically sensitive to four kinds of metabolites, which include CBD (cannabidiol), CBC (cannabichromene), CBG (cannabigerol), and CBN (cannabinol). Delta-8 contains CBN, which shows up on drug tests. As a result, this test gives similar results for delta-8 and delta-9.
The second type of test is Gas Chromatography. This is a time-consuming test, although it specifically tests for the presence of delta-8. The test involves gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to test the molecules, so lipid-soluble metabolites are not identified, unless that is the goal of the test.
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Nail & Hair Test
Unfortunately, nails and hair retain ingested substances long after the effects wear off. Because of this, drug testing on nails and hair is trickier than standard procedures. This causes delta-8 to stay in the nail enamel or hair follicle. Nails keep the traces for three months, whereas hair follicles keep them for up to six months.
How Long Does Delta-8 Stay in the Body?
Delta-8 breaks down into smaller molecules that stay in the fat cells, which leave behind traces for a week or more. However, if you are a regular user, the delta-8 metabolites may stay in the fat cells for up to two months.
Body fluids such as saliva, blood, and urine keep the traces of these molecules for a specified time. For instance, blood lets the molecules stay anywhere from two hours to two days. On the other hand, as mentioned already, the hair follicles keep a trace of the molecule for the longest time, lasting up to six months.
What Are the Ways to Avoid Testing Positive For a Drug Test?
If you happen to have a drug test scheduled shortly, the easiest way to avoid failure is to not take any delta-8 products until the test is done. Moreover, it is necessary and suggested to drink lots of water to help this process along more quickly.
However, if you have already ingested the delta-8 product, we advise you to let it pass through your system. The drug traces can remain in your fluids for up to 30 days. If you are taking a nail or hair test, it is best to wait for three to six months for the drug to be completely undetectable in your body.
FAQs About Delta 8
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Is Delta-8 Legal?
You may wonder why there is so much confusion around the legality of delta-8 THC. The hemp plant is legal to grow throughout the state, but when the 2018 Farm Bill passed into legislation, the relevant authorities did not mention delta-8 in either the legal or illegal sections. Therefore, this entire situation puts the legality of the substance in a grey area.
On the other hand, the Farm Bill declared all minor cannabinoids illegal, but delta-8 was given a free pass. The sale of delta-8 products is allowed as long as the delta-9 THC percentage is lower than 0.3%. All brands must abide by this rule, but local vendors and shops are still selling unregulated delta-8.
There are a few states that have opted out of selling delta-8 altogether. If you are currently residing in any of those states, you cannot obtain these products legally. The states which have banned all production and sales of delta-8 include Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Montana, Mississippi, Iowa, Rhode Island, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, New York, Utah, Kentucky, and Vermont.
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What Are the Side Effects of Delta-8?
There are only a small number of studies available on long-term delta-8 use. But, due to the small, legal levels of delta-9 THC, there are not any serious risks involved. However, the worst-case reaction will give you a scratchy throat, which could last for some time.
People have also reported dry mouth, red eyes, restlessness, anxiety, and grogginess in higher doses. On the other hand, scientists have said that regular intake of delta-8 can cause embryo damage and potential liver damage over the years. So as always, be careful before, during, and after consumption, and consult a doctor beforehand just to be safe.
Conclusion: Get Rid Of Delta 8 Appearing On Your Drug Test
Delta-8 THC products is a great relief to have on the days you need to relax and unwind, and similarly, it is a great companion to have when you want to pull an all-nighter as well. There are many benefits to having this drug. Apart from visible effects, you may feel euphoric after consuming delta-8. Moreover, there are a lot of medicinal benefits, including its neuroprotective properties.
Failing a drug test seems like a downside, but we have mentioned plenty of ways to avoid that from happening. Apart from that, we hope to have clarified the murky legality of this drug and the other strings attached to it.
When you decide to experiment with delta-8, remember all of the constraints, and we advise you to trust only the best brands when purchasing this cannabinoid.