As delta 8 and delta 9, THC looks almost molecularly identical; it takes the same time to clear your system. If you’re an occasional user, one to five days of a tolerance break is likely enough. However, modern urine tests weren’t designed for hemp-derived or synthetic THC. You can expect to fail a test if you consume delta 8 regularly.
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How Does It Work?
As cannabis use continues to surge across the US, so too have hemp-derived delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 8 THC) products. Marketed as a healthier alternative to marijuana, delta-8 THC is sold from gas stations to grocery stores and trendy boutique shops. The delta-8 THC in hemp comes from the same cannabis plant that produces delta-9 THC found in marijuana but differs in a seemingly tiny way: it has a double bond on its eighth carbon instead of its ninth. While the differences might seem small, they greatly impact how delta-8 THC acts in the brain.
What Are the Effects?
Although it produces similar mind-altering effects, delta-8 THC has a weaker bond with cannabinoid receptors. It also seems to have a shorter duration of high than delta-9 THC. Some people use it to achieve euphoric effects, relieve pain, or feel more relaxed without experiencing the intense “high” associated with marijuana.
The most common symptoms associated with delta-8 THC are relaxation, pain relief, and euphoria. There is no known safe or effective amount to consume. The risk of toxicity depends on several factors, such as the amount consumed, your unique metabolism, and your current weight. Since THC clings to fat cells, heavier people will have higher concentrations of delta-8 than lighter individuals.
If you are concerned about failing a drug test because of delta-8 THC, there are steps you can take to help ensure that your urine sample is clean. Begin by consuming plenty of water. The morning of your test, try to pee as much as possible to clear out THC metabolites before the drug testing lab detects them. You can also drink a few cups of coffee or cranberry juice to accelerate detoxification.
If you are struggling with addiction, it is important to seek treatment. Inpatient or residential treatment can provide a secure environment where you can focus on getting clean and overcoming your substance abuse. Outpatient programs offer more flexibility and allow you to maintain your responsibilities while receiving care. Psychotherapy can also be a valuable tool in your recovery.
Can I Pass a Drug Test With It?
Many are still asking for answers about does Delta 8 show up on a drug test. Since Delta 8 THC is metabolized in the same way as THC, it will likely show up on drug tests. This includes urine, saliva, blood, and hair follicle tests. However, it will only be detectable for a few days after consumption.
This is because the body can eliminate half of the consumed molecules every 24 hours. This will keep the levels of Delta 8 THC in your system low enough to pass a urine test, but it will still take more than a week to clear your system completely. If you have a drug test coming up, communicate with whoever is screening you and try to find out whether it will be done on a urine or blood test.
This will help you determine how long you should stop using your Delta 8 THC product to ensure you can pass the test. The length of time Delta 8 THC stays in your system depends on several factors, including your tolerance level, how frequently you consume it, and your current weight. The good news is that you can speed up clearing your system by exercising, eating a healthy diet, and drinking lots of water.
If you have a test coming up, it is best to abstain from using any Delta 8 products at least one month prior. This will give you the best chance of passing the test with a clean result.
Is It Safe?
While delta-8 THC is psychoactive and binds to the same receptor in the brain that causes a high in marijuana, it’s less potent. This is because of the difference in the position of a double bond in the cannabinoid’s chemical structure. Delta-8 THC has the double bond on the eighth carbon atom, whereas delta-9 THC has it on the ninth. Despite its lower potency, delta-8 THC can still produce an intoxicating effect in some people.
The results can range from relaxation and pain relief to euphoria and the munchies. It can even lead to feelings of sedation, which may benefit some people who struggle with insomnia. Many people use delta-8 THC products to help with various health and wellness concerns, including stress, anxiety and depression, chronic pain, and other conditions like nausea and vomiting. However, it’s important to note that using delta-8 THC while in recovery from a substance use disorder can put you at risk for relapse. The FDA is also concerned about the increasing number of adverse events reported to the agency and poison control centers and the lack of oversight and testing in manufacturing these marketed delta-8 THC products, often made from ingredients extracted from legal hemp and cannabis plants. This type of manufacturing can introduce impurities like reaction byproducts and unwanted chemicals into the final product, which is then marketed in forms that appeal to children (gummies, brownies, etc.) and sold in places like convenience stores that don’t require age verification.