Delta 8 vs Delta 9: Do They Show Up on a Drug Test?

Using either Delta 8 or Delta 9 THC could cause a positive drug test. THC products derived from the cannabis plant can be detected in drug tests even when microdosing. Like most substances, how long THC stays in your system depends on a variety of factors, including your metabolism, frequency of use, and the amount you consume.

Delta 8 and Delta 9 are two THC variants. Though Delta 9 THC products have grown in popularity, both compounds have a range of health benefits. Due to their psychoactive properties, drug tests look for these cannabinoids in your system.

The Difference Between Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC

Delta 8 and Delta 9 have slightly different chemical structures. These THC molecules have a double bond in one of their carbon atoms at different places on the chain. Delta 9’s double bond is on the 9th carbon atom, and Delta 8’s double bond is on the 8th carbon atom.

Whether Delta 8 or Delta 9 is better for you depends on the type of experience you’re looking for. The two offer varying health benefits and potency.

Delta 9 THC

Delta 9 THC is a major psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis plants. Well-known for its intoxicating effects, Delta 9 can induce the trademark “high” associated with cannabis at a sufficiently high dose.

Many users choose to microdose THC instead of taking large doses. Microdosing THC has many health benefits and makes the substance more tolerable for users who don’t want to cross the “getting high” threshold. Just 5 mg of Delta 9 can offer slight euphoria without feeling mind-altered.

The most common effects of using Delta 9 are:

• Euphoria and relaxation
• Increased energy and focus
• Pain and inflammation relief
• Improved appetite

All of our Delta 9 edibles have microdoses of quality hemp-derived THC. You can try our Bliss Gummies with just 2 mg of Delta 9 THC for an uplifting, chill experience. Or buy our Euphoria Gummies with 10 mg of Delta 9 THC. No matter what you choose, all of nama’s terpene-rich hemp extracts have been third-party lab tested to ensure you’re getting high-quality, natural ingredients.

Delta 8 THC

Delta 8 THC is considered one of the minor cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. Known as the milder version of Delta 9, Delta 8 could offer psychoactive effects when taken in high doses. However, this cannabinoid should only cause mild euphoria at a lower dose.

Some possible effects of Delta 8 THC are:

• Improved sleep and appetite
• Pain and inflammation relief
• Calm and relaxation
• Reduced anxiety

Delta 8 is known to have half the potency of Delta 9 and is present in small concentrations in cannabis. Delta 8 is commonly synthesized from hemp-derived CBD.

Our Delta 8 Gummies are designed to give you an elevated mood boost, with 12.5 mg of Delta 8 THC in passion fruit and wild peach flavors. All of our products are gluten free, non-GMO and are made with natural ingredients and flavors.

How Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC Affect the Body

Both Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC interact with the body through the endocannabinoid system. This system is a cell-signaling network of neurotransmitters that send messages to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body to activate effects. The endocannabinoid system is responsible for maintaining homeostasis throughout the body.

The endocannabinoid system regulates primary functions such as:

• Memory
• Learning
• Emotions
• Pain
• Sleep
• Immunity

THC enters the bloodstream and goes to the brain, where it is processed through the endocannabinoid system, binding to the CB1 and CB2 receptors. As THC leaves the bloodstream, it’s deposited into the fat cells in the body. From there, THC metabolites form to break down the substance and eliminate it from your system.

Delta 8 vs. Delta 9 Drug Testing

Drug tests can detect both Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC. If you have used Delta 9 or Delta 8 products in the last 30 days, you may see positive test results. Urine testing is the most common form of THC drug test, though saliva, hair, and blood tests could be done to detect cannabis as well.

Testing for THC in the urine is most effective because THC retains higher concentrations for longer periods of time in the urine—and urine collection is a non-invasive process. Saliva tests are most often used by law enforcement during traffic stops, and concentrations start to diminish from the mouth after a few hours. This is similar to blood tests, as there is a rapid decrease of THC concentrations in the bloodstream after 3-4 hours. A hair test can detect THC best in daily users, but is not often used due to unreliability and false positive results.

How Long Does Delta 8 and Delta 9 Stay in Your System?

The amount of time it takes the body to metabolize Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC depends on the person. How much and how often you consume Delta 8 and Delta 9 is a significant deciding factor for how long they remain in your system. Pre-existing health conditions, weight, and genetics could also impact how long it takes to metabolize Delta 8 and Delta 9. The more fat molecules you have in your body, the longer THC takes to leave the system.

The type of testing done will influence the detection window. A guide for how long a urine test detects THC is:

• Minimal use (less than weekly): 3 days
• Moderate use (3-4 times per week): 7-14 days
• Chronic use (daily): up to 30 days
• Heavy users (multiple times daily): more than 30 days

THC can be found in the blood and saliva of light to moderate users for up to 24 hours. For daily users, it can last longer in the system. If you’re concerned that your THC consumption will cause you to fail a drug test, you can also try at-home testing to check your urine. Purchased from your local drug store, taking a test at home could tell you whether you still have THC metabolites present.

Dosing Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC

Dosing THC is different for everyone. Some things you might want to consider before using THC are:

• Your tolerance to the substance
• The reasons for taking THC
• The type of product you use
• Pre-existing health conditions

If you’re just starting to use Delta 8 or Delta 9, it’s best to start with low or microdoses. A little goes a long way. The key is to introduce THC gradually and give your body time to adjust to the substance. Pay attention to how you feel after two weeks before increasing your dose.

Here’s a useful measurement for how to dose THC:

• Microdoses: 1 - 5 mg
• Low doses: 5 - 10 mg
• Moderate doses: 10 - 20 mg
• High doses: 20 - 50 mg
• Macrodoses: 50+ mg

Someone who is microdosing THC for sleep might want to take a different amount than if they’re microdosing THC for pain. But there is no one-size-fits-all dose. Consider your method of consumption to also help you decide how much to take. Different delivery methods have varying effects depending on how they absorb in the body.

The most common ways to consume THC are:

• Edibles and gummies
• Tinctures and oils
• Lotions and topicals
• Vape pens
• Capsules and pills

People who use vape pens and tinctures will feel the effects of the drug quicker because they get into the bloodstream quickly. However, effects will only last around two to four hours. Edibles take longer to kick in, but the effects last much longer. It could take 30 to 90 minutes to feel the effects of Delta 8 and Delta 9, and the benefits could last from six to 12 hours.

The products you use should be accurately labeled with a serving size. At nama, we pride ourselves on being fully transparent with our consumers. All of our vegan CBD gummies have a full ingredient panel, letting you know the ratio of each cannabis blend you’re purchasing. Every product is labeled with a recommended serving size, making them easy to dose.

Are Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC Legal?

Delta 8 and Delta 9 are federally legal substances as long as they are derived from hemp. The 2018 Farm Bill created a legal distinction between hemp and marijuana, making hemp production became federally legal because it contains no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight. However, some states do have their own restrictions on this law. See our guide to individual state legality of Delta 9 for more on this. Marijuana is still a controlled substance and against the law at the federal level, even though some states have made it legal.

Every form of THC in nama’s edibles is a 100% American hemp products made in compliance with the Farm Bill’s regulations. Even our ever-popular THC drinks are made with microdoses of quality hemp THC, offer reliable dosing with minimal taste, and can be added to any drink.

The Buzz on Delta 10

Research on Delta 10 is still in its infancy, but this minor cannabinoid is known to offer an energetic, uplifting experience. According to an animal study, Delta 10’s psychoactivity is considerably lower than that of Delta 9. Like Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC, Delta 10 is considered federally legal as long as it remains in compliance with the 2018 Farm Bill.

The Difference Between THC and CBD

Cannabidiol (CBD) is the major, nonpsychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. CBD is a well-tolerated substance that does not cause mind-altering effects. Since it does not get you high, CBD is not looked for in drug testing.

Some benefits of using CBD include:  

• Improving sleep
• Relieving pain and inflammation
• Reducing anxiety and nausea
• Neuroprotection
• Increasing appetite
• Treating seizures

Aside from their difference in psychoactivity, THC and CBD interact differently with the endocannabinoid system. While THC directly binds to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body, CBD does not. CBD indirectly interacts with the receptors, antagonizing them to trigger their response.

Many believe that CBD and THC work best when taken together. This theory is known as the entourage effect, which hypothesizes that cannabinoids have synergistic effects. It is believed that CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids together will multiply each other’s benefits for longer-term results. Whether the entourage effect is real or not is still being studied, but new research vouches for the scientific validity of the hypothesis.

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