Delta-8 THC has become an increasingly popular cannabis product in recent years, thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill that legalized hemp and its derivatives. But how long does Delta-8 stay in your system if you consume it? Specifically, how long will it show up in your urine on a drug test?
What is Delta-8 THC?
Delta-8 THC is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. It is chemically similar to Delta-9 THC, the main psychoactive compound in marijuana that causes a "high" feeling. The key difference is that consuming delta-8 thc typically has less potent psychoactive effects.
Delta-8 thc products can be derived from either hemp or marijuana plants. However, the 2018 Farm Bill made the legal status of delta-8 legal to extract Delta-8 from hemp, as long as the final products contain 0.3% or less Delta-9 THC. This has made hemp derived products widely accessible across the United States.
Delta-8 produces effects similar to Delta-9 THC, including euphoria, relaxation, increased appetite, and pain relief. But many users report the high feeling as being clearer and less anxious. The side effects are also milder compared to Delta-9.
How Long Does Delta-8 Stay in Your Urine?
Like other THC products, Delta-8 is stored in fat cells and metabolized over time. Traces of the Delta-8 metabolite can be detected in your urine long after you've stopped feeling the effects.
But how long exactly? Factors including your age, weight, metabolism and frequency of use impact how quickly it leaves your system.
For infrequent Delta-8 users or those with fast metabolisms, studies show it may be undetectable in urine in as little as 3 days. For most users, Delta-8 will likely show up on a urine test for 7-30 days after last use. In heavy consumers, Delta-8 metabolites have been detected over 50 days after last use.
Delta-8 THC has an elimination half-life of about 3-5 days. This means that each time 3-5 days passes after your last dose, the concentration in your body decreases by 50%. Traces can still be detected at very low levels though.
Will Delta-8 Make You Fail a Drug Test?
Most standard urine drug tests (SAMHSA-5) do not differentiate between Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC metabolites. Instead, they look for the presence of the THC metabolite THC-COOH.
Therefore, if you use Delta-8, you are likely to test positive for THC on a standard urine screen. This could have serious implications for your employment or sports eligibility.
Some drug tests now include an expanded 10-panel screen that specifically tests for Delta-9 THC. However, it's still unclear whether Delta-8 would trigger a positive on these tests. To be safe, it's best to avoid Delta-8 use if you are subject to drug testing.
Tips for Passing a Drug Test After Using Delta-8
If you face an upcoming drug test and have recently used Delta-8, here are some tips that may help you pass:
- **Abstain from further use** - Stop using any Delta-8 products to allow your body to clear the metabolites faster. Avoid second-hand exposure too.
- **Dilute your urine** - Drink plenty of fluids before the test to dilute traces of Delta-8. Don't overdo it though, or the sample may be rejected.
- **Urinate frequently** - Pee several times before taking the test, not just once. First morning urine tends to have the most THC metabolites.
- **Consider detox products** - Detox kits and drinks may help flush your system faster. Look for products that contain ingredients like creatinine to mask dilution.
- **Substitute clean urine** - As a last resort, you can use synthetic or borrowed clean urine. Just ensure it is kept warm to avoid detection.
The only surefire way to pass a drug test is to abstain from any THC product for at least 30 days. For heavy Delta-8 users, even longer may be required. If you anticipate being tested, avoid Delta-8 or confirm the testing methodology to minimize any risks to yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Delta-8 legal?
Delta-8 derived from hemp is legal at the federal level, but some states have banned or restricted it. Check your state laws before purchasing Delta-8 products.
What types of drug tests detect Delta-8 THC?
Standard 5-panel and extended 10-panel urine drug tests will likely detect Delta-8 THC metabolites, causing a failed test. But specialized Delta-9-only tests may not trigger a positive result.
How long does Delta-8 stay in your system compared to Delta-9 THC?
Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC have similar detection windows in urine, ranging from 3 days to over a month after last use depending on dosage and individual factors. Delta-8 may clear slightly faster than Delta-9 for some users.
Can you speed up the removal of Delta-8 THC metabolites?
Abstaining from use, drinking plenty of water, exercising, and taking detox supplements may help eliminate Delta-8 from your system faster. But time is the most important factor.
Will Delta-8 show up on a hair follicle drug test?
Yes, Delta-8 can be detected in hair for up to 90 days. Hair tests do not differentiate between Delta-8 and Delta-9, so avoid Delta-8 for several months before a hair test.
"I smoked Delta 8. How do I pass a urine test?"
The only guaranteed way to pass a urine test after smoking Delta 8 is to abstain from use and allow enough time for the THC metabolites to clear your system. For infrequent users, this may only take 3-7 days, but for chronic users it could take a month or longer.
Drinking plenty of fluids, exercising, and taking detox supplements may help speed up the process slightly. If you have an upcoming test soon, your best option is to substitute or fake a clean urine sample. Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC cannot easily be differentiated on standard urine tests, so you are likely to test positive if metabolites are still present.
"How long do edibles stay in your system for a urine test?"
Edibles can cause THC metabolites to be detected in your urine for 1-30 days after ingestion depending on dosage and individual factors. For occasional users, marijuana edibles may show up on a urine test for up to 7 days.
But for frequent or heavy users, edible THC can be detected for a month or longer after last use. There is no way to precisely predict how long THC from edibles will remain in your system. Abstaining from use for at least 30 days is recommended to ensure all metabolites clear before a drug test. Drinking fluids, exercising, and detoxifying can help accelerate elimination times.
But the only guaranteed way to pass a urine test after taking THC edibles is to allow all remnants to leave your body first.
Avoid all THC use for at least one month before any drug screening to be safe. Be aware that there is a chance of failing urine, blood, or hair follicle drug tests if you use Delta 8.
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The Bottom Line
Consuming any THC product carries a risk of failing an upcoming drug test. For infrequent Delta-8 users, metabolites may become undetectable in urine within 3-7 days. But for heavy users, detection is likely for a month or longer after last use.
Abstaining from Delta-8 use is the only sure way to pass a drug test. Be very cautious with Delta-8 if your job or other obligations require drug screening. Consider your personal timeframe and factors to determine if Delta-8 THC is worth the risk.