Does Delta-8 Show Up On A Drug Test & How to Pass It?

As Charlotte’s Delta-8 experts (along with THC edibles, tinctures and all things cannabis), we get this question a lot. “Does Delta 8 make you fail a drug test”? “How long does it stay in my blood”? “Does a Delta-8 THC drug test even exist”?

Unfortunately – the answer can be a little tricky. Lucky for you, we’re here to break it down.

What Is Delta-8?

Delta-8 THC is also called Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol. Just like Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 is a cannabinoid, which are compounds that occur naturally in cannabis and hemp. 

Delta-8 Effects

The effects of Delta-8 are so similar to that of traditional cannabis that, upon using it, many people will say, “wait…does Delta-8 show up on a drug test at work?” They may even think they accidentally ingested Delta-9 instead of Delta-8.

How Do Drug Tests Work?

If you’re wondering whether Delta-8 in your system is a problem for work, or if Delta-8 can make you fail a drug test, it’s important to understand what drug tests do, along with the type of drug test you’ll likely get for work and the two different types.

When you take a substance, your liver eventually breaks the compound down into metabolites. Different metabolites stay in your system for different amounts of time, and drug tests work by identifying these metabolites.

If the job requires a drug test, a urine test is usually the test of choice as it is fast and economically efficient. Some positions may go more in-depth with blood or hair drug tests, however most people will receive urine tests.

Below are the two different types of urine drug tests people will get when applying for jobs;

Urine Drug Test

Type 1: Immunoassay

The immunoassay urine drug test is quick and relatively cheap. However, it sometimes returns false positives, so if you test positive on the immunoassay, you’ll then be asked to take the second test. 

Type 2: Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS)

The gas chromatography/mass spectrometry urine test takes slightly longer to get results, however it produces far fewer false positives.

Can You Pass A Drug Test With Delta-8?

Yes, Delta-8 and drug tests are still a relatively new thing, and you can definitely pass.

However, there’s another important question to be asking: can Delta-8 make you fail a drug test?

Can You Fail A Drug Test From Delta-8?

Yes. There is not a specific Delta-8 drug test, and because Delta-8 is so close to Delta-9, Delta-8 in immunoassay urine tests will usually cause a positive result. This means, if you have an upcoming drug test, your best bet is to abstain from Delta-8, Delta-9, and all other cannabinoids in order to clean out your system.

Lucky for you, if you do test positive, and have not used any Delta-9 cannabis, there may be a solution.

How To Pass A Drug Test For Delta-8

Ask your employer to use a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry urine test, which specifically looks for Delta-9 metabolites. As immunoassay urine tests often report false positives, there is nothing suspicious in asking for a second, more detailed test.

How Long Does Delta-8 Stay In Your System?

Metabolites from Delta-8 can stay in your system for up to 90 days, however that’s an extreme case. Most urine tests will detect use within 30 days for heavy, chronic users. But if you’re a healthy individual who occasionally ingests Delta-8, your system will likely be clean after a week of no use.

If you have concerns, there are plenty of Delta-8 drug test calculators online to estimate if you’ll pass.

Wrapping Up: Delta 8 And Drug Tests

Let’s recap what we’ve learned so far.

What Is Delta-8?

Delta-8 is a cannabinoid compound that is nearly identical to Delta-9, the main psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana. 

The Effects Of Delta-8

The effects of Delta-8 are nearly identical to those of Delta-9, only they’re less magnified. 

How Do Drug Tests Work?

Drug tests work by detecting the metabolites of compounds processed by your liver. The two main types of urine tests are immunoassay tests (which sometimes produce false positives) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry tests (which rarely produce false positives). 

Can Delta 8 Make You Fail A Drug Test?

Yes, because Delta-8 is so chemically close to Delta-9, Delta-8 can make you fail an immunoassay urine test.

How To Pass A Drug Test For Delta-8

If you fail the immunoassay urine test, ask for a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry test, which specifically targets the Delta-9 metabolite.

Your Go-To Source For Delta-8

For Delta-8 goodies, and all things cannabis in Charlotte, NC, Elev8ted has got you covered. Check out our online shop today and find the perfect Delta-8 solution!