cannabis plant, where marijuana and delta-8 THC are derived

Does Delta-8 Show Up on a Drug Test?

by with No Comment AddictionMarijuana

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.

is delta-8 addictive?

Is Delta-8 Addictive?

by Marijuana

While not everyone develops an addiction, the question “Is Delta-8 addictive?” deserves some consideration. It can be confusing in today’s world to understand marijuana and how it works. The introduction of medical marijuana and legalized use of recreational marijuana in some states can make it seem like using this powerful narcotic must be safe for everyone. A major component of different types of marijuana, it can become a problem for many that leads to a need for professional addiction treatment.

What is Delta-8?

The topic of marijuana usage has become more prevalent in the past several years. Many states have allowed the legal sale of marijuana for recreational use, which invites discussion as to how safe it is. Marijuana is comprised of several chemicals, including THC. THC is the chemical that causes a person to experience a feeling of being high. Delta-9 THC is particularly effective in causing this sensation. 

Delta-8 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is similar to Delta-9 but the effect is not as strong. Delta-8 is considered a psychoactive substance that comes from the Cannabis sativa plant. Delta-8 is a cannabinoid produced by cannabis plants. Because the plant does not produce large amounts of it, manufacturing often comes from hemp-derived cannabidiols.  It is extracted from hemp or cannabis, which are legal, which makes it a legal substance on its own. 

The 2018 Farm Bill allows sales of legalized hemp, which falls under the definition of a cannabis plant that contains 0.3% Delta-9 THC or less. Levels of that amount are considered to be too low to produce a psychoactive effect. However, the Farm Bill does not directly address Delta-8 THC levels. As a result, vendors may legally sell it to people who often consume it as edibles, smoke it, or vape it. The FDA has neither evaluated nor approved products containing Delta-8. This means they have not been determined to be safe. This factors into the question “Is Delta-8 addictive?”

What Effects Does Delta-8 Cause?

Using Delta-8 can cause similar effects to those a person experiences when using Delta-9. A person may feel a sensation of being high. This can include feeling relaxed, euphoric, or sleepy. People often report a reduction in feelings of anxiety or depression when under the influence of Delta-8. When someone ingests this substance in high doses, they may experience things like music and colors in a more vivid manner, similar to drugs like ecstasy. 

Many people who use Delta-8 develop side effects such as red eyes, dry mouth, coughing, and food cravings. When they ingest unusually large amounts, they may develop feelings of anxiety or panic, paranoia, and even hallucinations. Sadly, children and pets sometimes end up gaining access to products containing Delta-8. Both kids and animals are drawn to edibles that appear to be regular gummy bears or other treats and consume them, unaware of the effects they may produce. 

Is Delta-8 Addictive?

Substances that alter how a person feels can be potentially addictive. Just because a product is legal does not mean an addiction cannot develop. These include items like alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine. People can become addicted to marijuana, as well as directly to Delta-8 they ingest in different ways. Addiction may take longer to develop than with other drugs, including opioids or stimulants. Still, the risk for addiction is real. 

The more often someone uses Delta-8, the more their tolerance increases. Delta-8 is a mood or mind-altering substance, which by definition means it contains the risk of becoming addicted to it. Like with any other potentially addictive substance, the person begins to use the drug more often at higher dosages in order to achieve the same effect. Chronic use of Delta-8 causes a person to become at risk of developing physical and or emotional dependency on it. If the person stops using it or greatly reduces the amount they use, withdrawal symptoms often begin. These can include moodiness, anxiety, depression, difficulty sleeping, and a loss of appetite. 

Treatment for Delta-8 Addiction

Someone who has found that the answer to the question “Is Delta-8 addictive” is yes will need to seek treatment. Outpatient programs can help a person understand reasons that contributed to developing an addiction. These programs can be attended while a person lives at home. For many, a more productive approach involves moving into a sober living home while going to outpatient addiction treatment.

Sober living housing provides safe, modern homes in popular neighborhoods. Residents enjoy the peer support that comes with living with others dedicated to staying sober. Sober living homes can provide access to treatment modalities including individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, and recovery coaching. Treatment like this helps the individual to understand how to replace substance abuse with healthy coping skills. When they return home, they find themselves better equipped to face life on sober terms.

Treatment for Marijuana and Delta 8 Addiction

Are you asking yourself “Is Delta-8 addictive?” because you are concerned that you or someone you love needs help? Creekside Recovery Residences understands that addiction comes in many forms. What may seem like legit usage of medical marijuana or using it recreationally in states where it’s legal can turn into a substance use disorder. When this happens, treatment can include choosing to live in a sober living home. We offer luxurious housing that allows you to recover among like-minded peers while having access to outpatient drug rehab services.

If you want to find out more about how we can help you change your life, visit our admissions page now.