If you’ve been enjoying the multitude of new cannabinoids on the market, you might be wondering how it affects your ability to pass a drug test. While CBD seems harmless enough, what about THC-O? Surely this cannabinoid with THC in its name will trigger a positive result, right? The truth is—it depends. Read on to find out everything you’ve been wondering and answers to “will THC-O show up on a drug test?”.
What is THC-O?
THC-O is a synthetic analog of Delta-9 THC. It’s not a naturally occurring cannabinoid like HHC or Delta-8, and it is only produced in a laboratory setting. The process of extraction begins with CBD so the starting material for manufacturing THC-O is usually hemp as opposed to marijuana. Once the CBD is extracted and isolated, acetic anhydride is added to the mix, creating a reaction that produces THC-O. Of course, much of the science behind its production is proprietary to the companies that make it.
In addition to the higher availability of CBD, using hemp-derived material means that the end product is protected by the Farm Bill. This law allows for all hemp-derived products to be sold outside of dispensary channels and made available to the public. For people in states without legalized weed, these types of cannabinoids are wildly popular due to their availability.
Another reason why some consumers are drawn to THC-O is because of its potency. Known as a pro-drug, THC-O activates as it is metabolized in the body. As we process it, it becomes incredibly potent. People describe THC-O as being up to three times more powerful than Delta-9 THC, meaning that this legal cannabinoid has the potential to get you really, really high. As a THC variant, that means all of the psychoactive effects are amplified.
For some people, this is a good thing. Medical marijuana patients who use large doses of THC to manage their pain love the price point and easy access to such a potent cannabinoid. However, this is not a great place to start for newcomers to THC. Anyone trying THC-O for the first time should proceed with caution by starting small and increasing your dosage very slowly.
Passing a THC-O Drug Test
Is there such a thing as a THC-O drug test? Not exactly. Standard drug tests are looking for THC metabolites, and they have little discretion. Delta-8, Delta-9, Delta-10, and THC-O can all trigger a positive result for THC. Once the activated THC is metabolized, these metabolites circulate throughout the body and reside in the body’s fat cells until they are eventually purged via urine or feces. To pass a THC-O test, follow the same protocol you’d use to pass any drug test.
How Long Does THC-O Stay in Your System?
The duration of time THC-O remains in your body depends on several factors. First and foremost, consider how much you’ve been consuming. If you smoke, vape, or eat THC-O edibles every day, it will take much longer to detox than if you just smoked once.
Remember that edibles can bulk up toxins quickly because of their heavy concentration of cannabinoids. It’s pretty easy to eat a whole 100 mg edible at one time, but you might not vape that much in one sitting.
A general rule for detoxing from THC is to give yourself 30 days to naturally detox. This applies to moderate to heavy users. Light users who consume only once per week can typically detox in under a week. However, many physical and lifestyle factors play into this. Because THC lingers in your fat cells, people with higher body fat percentages tend to hold onto the metabolites longer. Hydration level, age, and overall health also contribute to your detox timeline.
Ways to Detox from THC-O
If you need to detox before a THC-O drug test, it’s helpful to know what type of test you’re taking. This can help you establish the best plan of action. Here’s what we know about detection times for each type of drug test:
- Urine: Up to 30 days
- Blood: A few hours to a day
- Saliva: Up to 24 hours
- Hair Follicle: Up to 90 days
If you have plenty of time to detox naturally, follow these tips:
- Drink plenty of water. A good rule of thumb is to drink half your body weight in ounces of water every day.
- Get extra exercise, and consider adding fat-burning activities to your regular routine.
- Sleep and rest.
- Avoid troublesome foods like gluten, sugar, red meat, dairy, and alcohol. Focus on eating more leafy green, fresh fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins.
And of course – avoid using any and all cannabis products.
Best Detox Products to Pass a THC-O Drug Test
When you’re short on time, or really need to know that you can pass a drug test, your best bet is a detox kit or detox drink. That’s where PassYourTest comes in, offering a comprehensive range of detox solutions to help you pass a urine, blood, or hair follicle test.
Upon visiting their website, you’ll be prompted to take a quiz based on your consumption habits, weight, and other relevant factors that aid in selecting the most appropriate product for your needs. Their detox options include cleanses tailored to varying levels of toxicity or timelines leading up to testing, including a 5-day detox kit, 10-day detox kit, or same-day cleanser for those last-minute surprise drug tests.
If you’re not sure if you need to detox, you can always try an at-home drug test to determine your toxicity levels. PassYourTest detox kits also come with home tests so you can monitor your progress throughout the program.
What to Buy for THC-O
Just like all cannabis products, THC-O is not suitable for everyone. And yes, THC-O will show up on a drug test. However, many people love its intoxicating effects and euphoria. If you decide to try it out for yourself, remember that you can always take more but you cannot take less. Start small and enjoy the effects before increasing your dosage and remember to detox if you have an upcoming drug test.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. This product is in compliance with section 10113 of the 2018 farm bill and contains <0.3% Delta 9 THC.