February 15, 2022 5 min read

THC-O acetate, or THC-O for short, is quickly eclipsing other hemp-derived THC products thanks to its inflated potency and federal legal status. Of course, the legal THC analog is still new, leaving users with plenty of questions. Most importantly, will THC-O show up on a drug test? And if so, can that be cause for concern even though the natural THC is legal?

If you're subject to drug tests or other work-related or legal restrictions, here's what you need to know before diving into the THC-O experience.

Table of Contents:

Will THC-O Trigger a Positive Drug Test Result?
Positive THC-O Drug Test Results Look Illegal
How Long Does It Take to Get THC-O Out of Your System?
How to Pass a Drug Test After Taking THC-O
Conclusion: Will THC-O Cause a Failed Drug Test?
Buy Legal THC-O Vapes

Key Takeaways

  • THC-O metabolizes the same way that other THC products do, so it’s likely to show up on most drug tests.
  • The amount of time that THC-O is detectable in your system depends on certain biological factors and the type of drug test used.
  • Blood tests may only be able to detect THC for up to 36 hours, while hair tests can detect THC for 90 days.
  • There’s no shortcut to passing a drug test after THC-O use, but staying hydrated and eating well may help speed up the process of clearing THC from your body.

Will THC-O Trigger a Positive Drug Test Result?

The short answer is yes, THC-O will likely trigger a positive drug test result just like traditional THC products. The reason why is simple–drug tests typically look for 11-hydroxy-THC, a THC metabolite created by the body after THC consumption.

A few hemp buds before harvest, the material used to make legal THC-O and other THC products.

Delta-9, Delta-8, Delta-10, THC-O, and all other known THC analogs trigger this same metabolic response in the body. In other words, regardless of what type of THC you consume, 11-hydroxy-THC will be present in your system.

It's currently unknown whether THC-O produces these metabolites at the same rate as traditional THC products. It could possibly produce these metabolites at a higher rate because it binds with the Endocannabinoid System at a higher rate. In other words, if you've consumed THC-O in the last 30 days, there's a chance that you will fail a drug test.

But what does that mean if THC-O is legal? Unfortunately, it could still mean trouble. Here's why:

Positive THC-O Drug Test Results Look Illegal

Although THC-O is federally legal and is legal in most states, a drug test only looks for THC metabolites. In other words, the test doesn't differentiate between THC-O and Delta-9-THC or other types of THC. It all looks exactly the same, and there's no way for you to prove what form of THC you've consumed.

That means that if you are expecting a drug test for work or other reasons, it's best to avoid THC-O in advance.

How Long Does It Take to Get THC-O Out of Your System?

Currently, research has not explored the half-life of THC-O in the human body, so it's difficult to say how long exactly THC-O stays in your system compared to other THC products. However, because of its similarities, it's safe to assume that it lives in the body for about the same amount of time as other THC products.

The amount of time that THC is detectable in the body depends on various factors, like metabolism, body weight, frequency of use, and drug test method. Here are some things to consider:

Metabolism

It may go without saying, but your metabolism affects how long a substance, including THC, will stay in your system. Those with a faster metabolism will test clean sooner than those with a slower metabolism, but the difference is usually negligible, so this is a low-determining factor.

Body Weight

THC metabolites are stored in body fat. Those with more body fat may find that it takes longer to clear their system of THC. Again, the difference in the amount of time it takes for the body to rid itself of THC is small, possibly a few hours or days.

Frequency of Use

For some people, this is the most significant determining factor in how long THC will stay in the body. If you've only used THC-O once or twice, THC may clear your system faster, sometimes in 10-15 days. For those who use THC-O consistently, especially those who partake in daily use, it can take at least 30 days since your last use to clear your system.

A urine sample used to test for THC-O drug testing and other drug tests.

Testing Method

The number one factor in how long THC is detectable in your system is the method used to test for THC metabolites. Some drug testing methods only detect THC for a few days, while others can detect it for several months. Here’s a quick breakdown:

  • Blood tests may only detect THC metabolites for up to 36 hours after the last use.
  • Saliva tests can detect THC for up to 48 hours after the last use.
  • Urine tests can test positive about 15 days after the last use for mild to moderate users, or 30 days after the last use for frequent users. A person who takes only edibles may produce a positive result for around a week.
  • Hair sample testscan detect THC for up to 90 days after the last use.

Read “How Long Does THC-O Stay in Your System” to learn more.

How to Pass a Drug Test After Taking THC-O

Increasing hydration with bottle water can help clear your system of THC-O

There's no perfect method to passing a drug test after using THC-O, although you may find various detox beverages and other miracle methods that claim to help clear your system in just a few hours or days. Be skeptical of these products, as they often contain potentially dangerous ingredients and still may not be as effective as they claim.

If you have a few days before your drug test you should do the following to increase the chances that you get a passing result:

Stop Taking THC Immediately

It may go without saying, but you should immediately stop consuming THC products when you learn about your drug test. The longer you have to detox your system, the better your results will be.

Increase Hydration

In the days before your test, increase your hydration. Typically, you'll get better results if you drink water or other hydrating beverages as opposed to soda and other sugary drinks. Just keep in mind that if you drink too much water on the day of your test, your urine will be diluted. In some cases, this may be a cause for a retest. If you’re testing for legal purposes, such as probation, this may be considered fraudulent.

Eat Hydrating, Detoxing Foods

Some sources suggest that a diet high in antioxidants and fiber can help cleanse your system more quickly than a diet high in trans fats and processed sugars. Try increasing your fruit and vegetable intake during your detox period to help move things along.

Conclusion: Will THC-O Cause a Failed Drug Test?

THC-O very well can trigger a drug test because it creates the same metabolites as other THC products. It's best to avoid THC-O and all other THC products before a drug test, at least 30 days in advance if you were a heavy consumer, or 7-15 days in advance if you used THC lightly. 

If you’ve determined that you aren’t at risk of failing a drug test and are looking for high-quality THC-O vapes you can buy online, check out our Disposable THC-O + Delta-8 Vapes from our Elev8 Collection.

 


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