Introduction
Cannabis-derived products like Delta-8 and CBD gummies have gained popularity for their potential health benefits, such as reducing anxiety, relieving pain, and promoting relaxation. But as more people incorporate these products into their daily routines, one question keeps coming up: Will Delta-8 or CBD gummies show up on a drug test?
This is an important question, especially for those who are subject to routine drug tests at work or in other professional settings. In this blog, we will explore the relationship between drug testing and the consumption of Delta-8 or CBD gummies. We will break down how drug tests work, how cannabinoids are detected, and whether you should be concerned about Delta-8 or CBD gummies affecting your test results.
How Do Drug Tests Work?
Before we dive into the specifics of Delta-8 and CBD, it’s important to understand how drug tests work.
Common Types of Drug Tests
Drug tests are typically designed to detect specific substances or metabolites in the body. The most common types of drug tests include:
- Urine Test: The most widely used drug test, this looks for the presence of drug metabolites in your urine. Employers favor urine tests because they are cost-effective and can detect drugs even days after use.
- Blood Test: This is less common and primarily used in situations where very recent drug use is suspected. Blood tests can detect active compounds in the bloodstream.
- Saliva Test: This method is gaining popularity for its convenience and ability to detect recent drug use. However, it has a shorter detection window than urine tests.
- Hair Follicle Test: This type of test can detect drug use over a longer period (up to 90 days) by analyzing hair samples for drug metabolites.
What Do Drug Tests Look For?
Most standard drug tests, such as the ones commonly used by employers, are designed to detect THC (Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound found in marijuana. These tests do not generally look for CBD (cannabidiol) or other non-psychoactive cannabinoids. However, since Delta-8 THC is chemically similar to Delta-9 THC, there is a chance that it could be detected.
Will Delta-8 Show Up on a Drug Test?
What Is Delta-8?
Delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid found in small amounts in the cannabis plant. It is similar to Delta-9 THC but is considered less potent, offering a milder high. Delta-8 is typically derived from hemp (which is legal under the 2018 Farm Bill) and is commonly found in products like gummies, tinctures, and vape cartridges.
How Drug Tests Detect THC?
Most drug tests, particularly urine tests, do not specifically look for Delta-8 or Delta-9 THC. Instead, they screen for THC metabolites, particularly THC-COOH, which is a byproduct of THC processing in the body. Because Delta-8 and Delta-9 are so chemically similar, Delta-8 can trigger a positive result for THC on a drug test.
Even though Delta-8 is derived from hemp and is federally legal in most states, it can still lead to a positive drug test because most tests are not sophisticated enough to differentiate between Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC.
Factors Affecting Delta-8 Detection
Whether Delta-8 will show up on a drug test depends on several factors, including:
- Frequency of Use: The more frequently you consume Delta-8 products, the higher the likelihood of it showing up on a drug test. THC metabolites accumulate in the body with regular use.
- Metabolism: Individuals with faster metabolisms may clear THC metabolites from their system quicker than those with slower metabolisms.
- Dosage: Higher doses of Delta-8 increase the concentration of THC metabolites in your system, making it more likely to trigger a positive result.
Detection Window for Delta-8
The length of time Delta-8 remains in your system depends on how often and how much you consume. Typically, Delta-8 THC can be detected in a urine test for up to 30 days after use. However, for infrequent users, the detection window is usually 1 to 5 days.
Will CBD Show Up on a Drug Test?
What Is CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is another cannabinoid derived from hemp, and unlike THC, it is non-psychoactive, meaning it won’t get you high. CBD has gained immense popularity for its potential health benefits, including pain relief, anxiety reduction, and sleep improvement. Products like CBD gummies are particularly popular for their ease of use and delicious taste.
Does CBD Show Up on a Drug Test?
Most drug tests do not look for CBD, as it is not considered an intoxicating substance. However, CBD products may still contain trace amounts of THC, particularly if they are full-spectrum CBD products. Full-spectrum CBD includes all the cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, including trace amounts of THC (0.3% or less, as per legal limits).
While these trace amounts of THC are unlikely to cause any psychoactive effects, they can accumulate in your system over time and potentially result in a positive drug test, especially if you are using large doses of CBD regularly.
Types of CBD Products and Their THC Content
- Full-Spectrum CBD: Contains all the cannabinoids found in hemp, including up to 0.3% THC. While legal, full-spectrum products may still pose a risk for a positive drug test result.
- Broad-Spectrum CBD: Contains multiple cannabinoids but has the THC removed. Broad-spectrum products are less likely to result in a positive test than full-spectrum, but there’s still a slight risk if the product is not properly processed.
- CBD Isolate: Pure CBD with no THC content. This type of CBD is the safest option for those concerned about drug testing, as it contains no THC whatsoever.
Factors Affecting CBD Detection
While CBD itself will not show up on a drug test, there are some factors that could increase your chances of testing positive for THC after using CBD products:
- Product Type: Full-spectrum CBD products contain trace amounts of THC that may accumulate in your system.
- Dosage and Frequency: The more often you use full-spectrum CBD, the higher the risk of THC building up in your body.
- Lab Testing: If a product is mislabeled or poorly regulated, it may contain more THC than the legal limit, increasing your risk of a positive test result.
How to Minimize the Risk of Failing a Drug Test
If you regularly use Delta-8 or CBD products and are concerned about passing a drug test, here are some tips to minimize your risk:
1. Opt for CBD Isolate or Broad-Spectrum Products
If avoiding THC entirely is important to you, choose CBD isolate or broad-spectrum CBD products from a trusted source like NexZen Extracts. These products have little to no THC, reducing the likelihood of failing a drug test.
2. Buy Lab-Tested Products
Always purchase your Delta-8 or CBD products from reputable companies that provide third-party lab test results (Certificates of Analysis). Lab testing ensures that the THC content is within legal limits and gives you peace of mind about the purity of the product.
3. Limit Your Delta-8 Use Before a Test
If you know you’ll be taking a drug test, consider reducing or eliminating your use of Delta-8 products in the days or weeks leading up to the test. This will give your body time to clear any THC metabolites from your system.
4. Stay Hydrated and Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Staying well-hydrated and maintaining a healthy diet can help your body metabolize and eliminate THC more quickly. Regular exercise can also speed up the process by promoting fat burning, where THC metabolites are stored.
5. Disclose Your CBD Use
If you’re using CBD for medical purposes, consider disclosing your CBD use to your employer or the entity administering the drug test. In some cases, having documentation for medical CBD use may help protect you in the event of a positive test.
What to Do If You Fail a Drug Test
If you fail a drug test after using Delta-8 or CBD, it’s important to remain calm and understand your options:
- Request a Retest: In some cases, you may be able to request a retest, particularly if you believe the initial test was flawed or you were using a legal product.
- Provide Proof of Legal Use: If you were using a legal product, such as a CBD tincture with trace amounts of THC, providing documentation (such as a Certificate of Analysis) might help clarify the situation.
- Consult with a Lawyer: If a positive test leads to legal or employment-related consequences, you may want to consult with an attorney who specializes in cannabis law.
Conclusion: Will Delta-8 or CBD Gummies Show Up on a Drug Test?
In summary, Delta-8 THC can show up on a drug test, as most tests are designed to detect THC metabolites and cannot differentiate between Delta-8 and Delta-9. If you use Delta-8 products and are subject to routine drug tests, there is a significant risk of testing positive.
On the other hand, CBD gummies are less likely to cause a positive drug test result. However, full-spectrum CBD products contain trace amounts of THC, which could potentially accumulate in your system and lead to a failed test, especially with frequent use.
