Does Delta 9 show up on a urine test? Many people ask this question, especially with the growing use of cannabis products. Knowing how long Delta 9 THC stays in your body and the chances of it being detected can make a big difference, whether you’re facing a drug screening for a job or just want peace of mind. Here’s what you should know about how urine tests work when it comes to Delta 9 THC.
What Is Delta 9?
Delta 9 THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is one of the most common cannabinoids found in cannabis. Recently, it’s been gaining attention due to studies suggesting it might offer natural health benefits. Known for its noticeable euphoric effects, many use Delta 9 to relax, relieve stress, and more.
Under federal law in the United States, Delta 9 THC is legal when derived from hemp and does not exceed 0.3% by weight. However, consuming any Delta 9 product — whether legal or not — can impact a drug test result. It’s important to understand your employer’s policy on cannabis and the relevant state laws. If you’re uncertain, reach out to your HR department. Being informed will help you make the right choice about using Delta 9 products.
Delta 9 and Drug Tests
Drug tests typically check for Delta 9 THC, which has been a controlled substance at the federal level for decades. Only in recent years, with the 2018 Farm Bill, has Delta 9 derived from hemp been legalized. Despite this change, there remains a stigma around THC use, which can impact how it’s perceived by employers. Some still test for Delta 9, believing its euphoric effects might lower productivity.
Drug tests aim to detect Delta 9 THC use, whether recent or from the past. Depending on the test type, you might need to provide a saliva, urine, or hair sample. If you’ve recently consumed Delta 9, there is a strong chance of a positive result, but this isn’t always guaranteed. Factors like the amount of Delta 9 consumed, the frequency of use, and the sample type all play a role in the outcome.
How Do Delta 9 Tests Work?
Delta 9 drug tests are designed to detect THC metabolites left in the body after the liver breaks down THC. The main metabolite these tests look for is THC-COOH. The accuracy of the test depends on the type and amount of samples collected, and its primary purpose is to determine if Delta 9 THC has been used within a certain period.
Because Delta 9 THC is fat-soluble, it stays in the body longer than water-soluble compounds. THC-COOH can remain detectable for several days or even weeks, especially with regular use of Delta 9 products.
What Substances Are Tested for in Drug Tests?
Drug tests don’t specifically look for Delta 9 THC; rather, they aim to detect substances that might indicate illicit drug use or misuse. In some cases, particularly in sports, tests may also check for performance-enhancing substances. Common substances screened in drug tests include:
- Opioids like heroin, morphine, and hydrocodone
- Cocaine
- Steroids
- Amphetamines and methamphetamine
- Barbiturates
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
Before taking a drug test, it’s important to understand which substances will be tested and how the results will be used. If you have any questions or concerns, speak with the test administrator, your healthcare provider, or the organization that requested the test.
Types of Drug Tests That Detect Delta 9 THC
Several types of drug tests can detect Delta 9 THC, and the type of test used will determine how long after consumption a positive result may appear. Each test has its advantages and disadvantages and can identify usage over varying timeframes.
Urinalysis
The urine drug test is the most common method for detecting Delta 9 THC and other substances. It has a relatively short detection window, usually identifying Delta 9 use within the past few days. While it’s common, the test can be manipulated by drinking large amounts of water to dilute the urine, making it harder to detect THC metabolites.
Hair Drug Tests
Hair tests can reveal Delta 9 use over a longer period. A small sample of hair, cut close to the scalp, is sent to a lab for testing. Depending on hair length, these tests can detect drug use over the past 90 days, using methods like enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
Saliva Drug Tests
Saliva tests, or mouth swabs, check for Delta 9 THC in the mouth. A swab is used inside the cheeks or under the tongue to collect saliva. These tests have a very short detection window, often just a few hours to a couple of days, making them less reliable for detecting long-term use.
Hair Follicle Testing
While hair follicle tests can detect drug use over a longer period, they are costly and complex, which limits their use. The U.S. federal government does not currently support hair testing for drugs, but this policy may change in the future.
Each of these tests can be used to detect Delta 9 THC, depending on the timeframe and the specific needs of the test. All of them rely on identifying the same THC metabolite, THC-COOH, to yield a positive result.
What Level of Delta 9 Can Trigger a Positive Result?
A urine test will show a positive result for Delta 9 THC if the concentration in your urine exceeds 50 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). This level can be reached if you have used Delta 9 products within the past three days or are a regular user right up to the day of the test. It’s important to note that while a test can confirm recent use, it typically won’t indicate how long Delta 9 has been consumed outside of the detection window.
Here are key detection windows to keep in mind:
- Urine Tests: Can detect Delta 9 THC up to 3 days after the last use, although this can vary depending on frequency and amount of use.
- Hair Tests: Can detect Delta 9 THC use for up to 90 days, depending on hair length.
- Hair Follicle Tests: Can detect Delta 9 THC use over an even longer period, but they are expensive and not commonly used.
How Long Does Delta 9 Stay in Your System?
Determining how long Delta 9 THC remains in your system can help you understand the likelihood of passing a drug test. The detection period depends on the type of test and individual factors like frequency of use, metabolism, and method of consumption. Here’s an overview of how long Delta 9 can be detected in different types of samples:
Blood
Delta 9 THC can be detected in the blood for about two days after use. However, for frequent users, the detection window can be much longer—up to 25 days.
Urine
Delta 9 THC can be detected in urine anywhere from a few days to up to a month after the last use, depending on usage frequency:
- First-time users: Up to 3 days after last use.
- Moderate users: 5-7 days after last use.
- Regular users: 10-15 days after last use.
- Heavy users: Up to 30 days after the last use.
Saliva
Saliva tests are commonly used for roadside testing due to their ability to detect recent use. Delta 9 THC can be detected in saliva for a very short period—typically within 12 to 24 hours after consumption.
Hair
Hair tests can detect Delta 9 THC for up to 90 days after the last use. However, they are less reliable than other methods, as they can show positive results from secondhand exposure or contact with someone who has handled Delta 9.
Several factors affect how long Delta 9 stays in your system:
- Body Mass Index (BMI): Higher body fat can store more THC, leading to a longer detection period.
- Gender: Women tend to have more body fat than men, which can cause Delta 9 to stay in the system longer.
- Metabolism: People with a faster metabolism may eliminate Delta 9 more quickly.
- Method of Consumption: Edibles and stronger Delta 9 products tend to stay in the body longer than inhaled forms.
Can You Detox from Delta 9 to Pass an Upcoming Test?
If you’ve recently used Delta 9 products and have an upcoming drug test, there is no guaranteed way to pass. However, there are some steps you can take to potentially increase your chances by helping your body eliminate more THC metabolites.
- Stop Using Delta 9: Ideally, stop taking Delta 9 at least eight weeks before your test. This will give your body the most time to clear out THC metabolites.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help flush metabolites from your body and support metabolism. While water helps dilute urine, it won’t remove all traces of Delta 9, which may make it harder for the test to detect the metabolites.
- Eat a Healthy Diet: A balanced diet can help your body break down and eliminate metabolites more effectively.
- Exercise Regularly: Physical activity can help burn fat where THC is stored, and sweating may help expel some Delta 9 metabolites.
Get Informed and Choose the Right Delta 9 Product for You!
Understanding how Delta 9 THC works and how long it stays in your system can help you make informed choices.
If you’re looking for a reliable, potent product, try Uplift CBD‘s Delta 9 Chewables. Each bag contains 2 tasty chews, each with 25mg of Delta 9 THC, for a total of 50mg per bag. Remember, Delta-9 is potent, so start with half a piece and wait at least an hour before considering more.
Available in Blue Raspberry, Strawberry, and Watermelon flavors, these chewables offer a delicious way to enjoy the benefits. UPLIFT your edibles today!
