Delta-8 could show up on a drug test if the test detects marijuana and other cannabis products. This is because many drug tests can’t distinguish between different cannabis compounds. However, this depends on how sensitive the test is and how recently you used delta-8.

Regardless of legal status, delta-8 could be hazardous to your health and lead to an addiction. If you are getting your life back together after attending long-term addiction treatment, sober living programs can help. Creekside Recovery Residences provides sober living homes for those in recovery from addiction.

What is Delta-8?

Delta-8 is one of the naturally occurring cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds found in cannabis that act on your brain. In fact, there are over 100 cannabinoids in cannabis.

However, delta-8 is not one of the main cannabinoids. Though there are over 100 total, a vast majority of them occur only in trace amounts. Regardless of the product, most cannabinoids are present and trace amounts of delta-8 can be extracted from other cannabis products.

Delta-8 products are made by extracting delta-8 from legal cannabis products, like hemp. Then, the doses are concentrated in order to affect the user.

What Are the Effects of Delta-8?

Delta-8 only affects you when it is extracted and concentrated because it is not one of the main cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. The two main cannabinoids responsible for the effects of cannabis are delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Delta-9 THC is the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana and cannabis.

But, delta-8 is also a type of THC. Therefore, the effects of delta-8 THC are similar to that of delta-9 THC. The following are some of the effects of delta-8:

• Mild euphoria
• Sedation and relaxing effects
• Anxiety
• Loss of coordination
• Delayed reaction times
• Increased heart rate
• Short-term memory loss
• Potential for addiction

While these effects are similar to delta-9 THC, delta-8 is generally less potent. However, because it is derived from legal cannabis products, delta-8 is often sold alongside legal cannabis products that have no psychoactive effects.

Is Delta-8 Safe?

The safety of delta-8 is not researched as much as the main cannabinoids, delta-9 THC and CBD. However, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning about delta-8 THC. The FDA states the following concerns about delta-8:

• The FDA has not approved or evaluated delta-8 for safety, and products with delta-8 could pose a risk to people’s health.
• The FDA received 104 reports of adverse effects from people using delta-8 between December 1, 2020, and February 28, 2022.
• Delta-8 products have similar intoxicating and psychoactive effects as delta-9 THC.
• Potentially harmful chemicals are often involved in the process of extracting delta-8 and making delta-8 products.

Therefore, the safety of delta-8 is not well known at this time. But, due to a lack of knowledge on the safety of delta-8 products, it could pose a health risk to your health.

Is Delta-8 Illegal?

Laws vary from state to state regarding cannabis products. However, because delta-8 is extracted from legal cannabis, products with delta-8 generally float under the radar. In other words, delta-8 THC is technically legal in most states because it is made from other legal products.

But because a product is legal doesn’t mean that it is safe. People could unintentionally purchase delta-8 assuming that it won’t get them high like illegal marijuana. And, despite being legal, it could also show up on a drug test due to its similarities to delta-9.

Will Delta-8 Show Up on a Drug Test?

Delta-8 could show up on a drug test that looks for marijuana use. Drug tests that look for marijuana use detect delta-9 THC because this is the primary psychoactive compound responsible for getting a person high. Since delta-8 and delta-9 are similar chemical compounds, delta-8 could also be detected.

So, if you are being tested for marijuana use, delta-8 will very likely show up on a drug test.

Sober Living Programs for Drug Addiction

Marijuana and similar products like delta-8 can lead to drug addiction. If you are addicted to delta-8, you might have tried to quit on your own but weren’t successful. Drug addiction can have a negative impact on your daily life as well as your physical and mental well-being.

At Creekside Recovery Residences, we offer the following programs to treat drug and alcohol addiction:

• Sober living homes can help you get back on your feet after long-term residential treatment. We offer programs for men, women, and people in the LGBTQIA+ community. That way, you can feel safe and secure throughout your time in sober living.
• Case management services connect you to the resources you need to continue your recovery from addiction. These services also help you find permanent housing, employment, and medical needs.
• Recovery coaching can support you throughout your treatment program. Coaches offer advice and help you reach your goals in sobriety.
• Sober companions accompany you during the early days of your sobriety. Sometimes, they live with you for the first few days of sobriety. Other times, they can attend triggering events with you, like holiday parties and weddings. Essentially, they help you stay accountable to sobriety.
• Outpatient rehab programs offer you continuing treatment after you leave an inpatient facility. During outpatient rehab, you don’t need to live within the treatment facility. Many people attending outpatient programs choose to reside in a sober living program to fully focus on recovery.

Get Help for Addiction Today

Creekside Recovery Residences can help you overcome addiction to delta-8 or other cannabis products. We also can connect to other valuable resources that will help you remain drug- and alcohol-free.

Contact us today to get help for addiction.