Drug tests are more common than we’d think, and contrary to some beliefs, it’s not illegal for employers to require them from their employees. In fact, the United States is one of the only countries that holds mandatory drug tests for common jobs, not just jobs that require sobriety, like driving.

For this reason, many consumers have opted for Delta-8 THC over regular Delta-9 THC, believing that the former won’t show up on a drug test since it’s not classic THC. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.

If you have an upcoming drug test or simply want to learn more about the length in which Delta-8 THC remains in the body, we’ve created this guide for you. Read on to learn more about Delta-8 THC and what to expect before a drug test.

Delta 8 THC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid in cannabis and hemp plants. It can also be made by altering the molecular structure of CBD, the non-psychoactive cannabinoid that’s taking the medical marijuana world by storm.

It’s slightly different from Delta-9 THC in its molecular structure and effects. The double bond on the carbon chain is on the 9th carbon chain for Delta-9 THC, whereas it’s on the 8th carbon chain for Delta-8 THC (hence their names).

Because of this slight difference, Delta-8 THC is slightly less potent than its powerful cousin Delta-9 THC. Delta-8 is kind of the loophole component within most legislations that prohibit cannabis and its by-products since it can be extracted from hemp plants instead.

The effects might be different than other cannabinoids, but it will still make you fail a drug test if you’ve taken it in the past 14 to 30 days.

That’s right, THC can still remain in your system even after a full month. And yes, this includes Delta-8 THC. That’s why some sites (including us, obviously) have tutorials that explain how to pass drug tests safely.

Emphasis on the safety part because people can go to extreme and dangerous lengths to fake their results and can damage their bodies far more than if they used lab-tested methods like Pass Your Test.

This way, they can offer you the best solution, and although they’re not exactly holy products, they include safe ingredients that will help your body flush out any residue before you have to pee in any cup or have a blood sample drawn.

Tolerance

Unfortunately, if you’re not the most regular user of cannabinoids, they stay longer in your system, so don’t get too cocky if you think that a three-day juice cleanse is enough to leave you in the clear. Beginners and those with lower tolerances will take longer to completely free themselves of THC, whereas those with higher tolerances can do it quicker. However, high-tolerance individuals also have a buildup of THC metabolites in the body, so that’s food for thought.

Consumption Method

How do you consume cannabis? If you’re a smoker, dabber, or vaper, you might be in luck. Because these consumption methods produce effects the fastest, they also leave the body faster than others. On the other hand, products like edibles take longer to kick in, their effects last longer, and the THC remains in your system for longer as well.

Body Fat Percentage & Metabolism

It’s not just external factors that have to do with how long Delta-8 THC lasts in the body. Turns out, your metabolism and body fat percentage also play a significant role in ridding your body of this cannabinoid. In terms of metabolism, it differs with age, weight, and genetics. The slower your metabolism, the longer Delta-8 THC will last in your system. Furthermore, THC binds to fats like butter and oil, which is why making cannabutter is so popular. With an increased body fat percentage, THC is more likely to stick around longer, considering there’s more fat for it to cling onto.

Product Potency

If your chosen product is absolutely loaded with Delta-8 THC, you’re at a higher risk of failing a drug test. That’s because high-potency cannabis and hemp products contain more cannabinoids, like Delta-8 THC. So, it takes longer for our bodies to detox themselves from that specific compound.

All the Delta’s contain THC, so if you’re having a blast with your vaping device or relaxing with some edibles before bed, then we’re sorry to inform you that those bad boys will rat you out.

Yes, Delta-8 THC will show up on a drug test, regardless if there’s Delta-9 THC in the product or not. As mentioned, Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC are incredibly similar in their molecular structure, so drug tests that look for THC will detect Delta-8 THC.

If that’s a huge letdown, you might want to switch to CBD supplements, like tinctures or gummies, if you need to clear your mind before going to bed or after a long day at work.

We can’t say that CBD or CBN will have the same energizing and focusing effects that Delta 8 does, but it’s always a good idea to test it out, and what better than with products that won’t make you fail a drug test?