Delta 8 is commonly viewed as a middle ground between CBD products and marijuana. However, there is a considerable amount of confusion and misinformation surrounding delta 8 THC products. Before you make your next purchase, it is essential to know more about what you may be buying and how using it could impact your life in various ways.
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What Is Delta 8?
To clearly understand what delta 8 is, you must understand how it differs from CBD and delta 9. CBD is derived from the marijuana plant. However, it contains only a trace amount of THC, which is the compound that creates the high that many people associate with marijuana. Specifically, CBD may have up to 0.3 percent of THC to meet legal requirements. At this level, it will not give you a high, but CBD may offer many of the health benefits associated with marijuana. For example, CBD can alleviate symptoms related to cancer treatment, arthritis, anxiety, general pain, and other issues. While CBD is not legal in all states, it is available for direct purchase through dispensaries in many areas.
The delta 9 products, on the other hand, contain higher levels of THC. THC is also known as tetrahydrocannabinol. This is the compound that is responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana. In fact, delta 9 can cause paranoia, impaired motor skills, mental fog, and other unpleasant effects.
Delta 8 is comparable to delta 9 in many ways. In fact, it has the same compounds, but they are arranged differently at the molecular level. This small difference delivers the same health benefits as delta 9 with less significant psychoactive effects. While delta 8 may not make you feel as high as delta 9, it can still create a high. For those who want to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of marijuana without its psychoactive effects, CBD is still a better option than delta 8.
Is Delta 8 Legal?
In 2018, the Federal Farm Bill was passed into law. This bill legalized hemp and all cannabinoids except for delta 9. As a result, Delta 8 is legal at the federal level as long as the product you are buying contains less than 0.3 percent THC. However, this does not mean that it is legal everywhere. Delta 8 is legal in all states where marijuana use has been legalized. It is also legal in many, but not all, states where CBD is legal. Specifically, delta 8 is currently legal in 31 states.
Be aware that the Drug Enforcement Agency created an interim rule in 2020 that clarified the differences between hemp and marijuana. If this rule is passed as law, it will illegalize delta 8. Laws related to delta 8 at the state and local levels are evolving. With this in mind, staying informed about changing legislation is important.
You should also understand that not all delta 8 products you could find in a headshop, online or in your local convenience store contain pure delta 8. Delta 8 is a synthetic substance that is chemically derived. In some cases, a sizable amount of delta 9 THC is found in these products. If you purchase your delta 8 products from an untrusted source, it is possible that other substances may be in the products as well.
Does Delta 8 Show Up on a Drug Test?
Drug tests are designed to detect a variety of substances. These include alcohol, barbiturates, cocaine, amphetamines, marijuana, and others. Specifically related to marijuana, drug tests can detect the presence of THC in your urine. There are two common types of drug urine tests. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry test, or GC-MS, provides the most accurate results. It is often referred to as a definitive test. However, it also takes more time and deeper analysis. The other test, which is the immunoassay test, is a rapid test that checks for macromolecules. It is more likely to be inaccurate than a GC-MS test. The immunoassay test is often called a presumptive drug test. Be aware that hair follicles, blood, and saliva may also be tested in some cases.
While delta 8 contains small amounts of THC, the level is large enough to be detected through both definitive and presumptive tests. Some of the reasons for this are because of the similar molecular structures of delta 8 and delta 9 and because they are metabolized in the human body similarly. Specifically, both compounds are broken down into the same THC-COOH compound. The tests in use today detect this compound, and they are simply not refined and sophisticated enough to determine the difference between delta 8 and delta 9. This means that if you ingest delta 8 products that may be legal in your area, you may fail a marijuana test.
It is important to note one important fact, however. Delta 8 THC yields approximately 30 ng/ml. The test threshold is 50 ng/ml. The immunoassay urine test is not sensitive to be accurate in this area, but the GC-MS test is. If you fail an immunoassay urine test because of delta 8 consumption, consider asking for a more accurate GC-MS test. Generally, however, it may be best to avoid putting yourself in this type of situation. If you know that you will be applying for a new job soon or if your employer conducts random drug tests, enjoying the temporary high from delta 8 may simply not be worth the risk.
How Long Does Delta 8 Stay in Your System?
The THC in delta 8 may remain in your saliva for a short period of time, but it may remain in hair follicles for more than three months in some cases. However, most drug tests use urine samples. With this in mind, how long does delta 8 show up on a drug test using urine? Each person’s body responds to THC differently, which means that some people will require more time to entirely rid their body of the THC in delta 8. In fact, this range can span from two days to several months.
Remember that the type of drug test used is only one of the factors that will impact your test results. For example, a one-time user will usually be able to rid his or her body of THC more efficiently and effectively than a long-term, frequent user. Heavy users have failed drug tests for up to 60 days after ingesting delta 8. Factors like your body’s rate of metabolism as well as your age, your weight, and even how hydrated you are also play roles.
You understandably may not like the answer when you ask how long delta 8 shows up on a drug test. The best way to ensure you pass a drug test is by avoiding delta 8 and all other drugs. However, what can you do if you have already used delta 8 and have a pending drug test? You may consider increasing your water intake if you do not have the luxury of waiting a few weeks for the THC to naturally leave your system. Remember that you can also purchase a drug test kit for home use. These tests are presumptive, immunoassay urine tests. While they may not always be accurate, they can help you to determine if you are more or less likely to pass your upcoming drug test.
Do You Have an Issue with Addiction?
Drug addiction can impact all aspects of your life. From impairing your ability to maintain employment to damaging personal relationships, and exposing you to legal issues, addiction is a serious matter. It can be difficult to break an addiction and maintain freedom from substance abuse without treatment. Contact Long Island Interventions today to make a positive impact on your life!
Published on: 2022-04-15
Updated on: 2024-08-15
