THC-O acetate or THC-O is a popular drug especially due to its federal legal status and potency. As THC-O is a fairly new compound, it is natural to be curious, leaving you with a bunch of questions unanswered. The most important question however is, will THC-O show up on a drug test?
In this article, we discuss what THC-O is, its potential to show up on a drug test and how you can avoid testing positive. If you’re subject to drug tests, here’s what you should know before taking THC-O.
What is THC-O?
THC-O is a synthesized cannabinoid. It is not naturally derived from hemp and is man-made. This makes it more potent compared to naturally derived compounds. It is made by extracting Delta 8 content from hemp and then combining it with acetic anhydride to create THC-O. The production of this requires advanced equipment and specialized chemicals. According to some studies, THC-O is three times more potent than Delta 9 and is responsible for producing intense psychedelic highs.
THC-O is highly potent than the rest. It is known to produce intense euphoric effects and might also cause hallucinations. Users should be very careful while taking THC-O. THC-O is a potent compound and delivers a euphoric, sedative high. It produces psychoactive effects that help you relax. Some users also experience mild hallucinations and visuals which is why it is sometimes called a psychedelic compound. THC-O is psychoactive in nature, that works with your body and mind.
Will THC-O show up on a drug test?
To simply answer your question, yes THC-O will most likely show up on your drug test. It is a very potent compound, making the screening process very hard to miss any THC content. The reason why THC-O would trigger a positive result is that all drug tests look for 11-hydroxy-THC. THC-O is a metabolite of THC created after consumption. Similar compounds like Delta 8, Delta 9, and Delta 10 are all THC analogs. They induce the same metabolic response in your body. If you consume any kind of drug that contains 11-hydroxy-THC it will show up on your drug test.
However, the rate at which THC-O produces metabolites in the body as compared to THC is still unknown. There could be a possibility of THC-O producing metabolites at a higher rate than THC as it interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This means if you’ve consumed THC-O 30 days before your drug test, you will test positive.
What happens if you test positive?
You’ve taken your drug test and failed it, what now? This could indicate you’re in trouble. Although THC-O is federally legal and most states allow its circulation and consumption, a drug test only looks for THC metabolites. That means it doesn’t care for which compound you’ve taken whether it is Delta 9 or THC-O, they all look the same on the drug test. There’s no way you can prove which compound you’ve consumed, so even if THC-O is legal in your state but some other compound isn’t, it could mean trouble. If you have an upcoming drug test it is best to stay off THC-O or any other compound altogether.
How long does THC-O stay in your system?
There isn’t much scientific evidence on the half-life of THC-O, but there is research available on THC products that are similar in nature. So, it is safe to derive some conclusions about how long THC-O stays in your system.
However, there are some factors that affect the longevity of THC-O in your system from person to person. They include
- Metabolism
Metabolism is the first thing that might determine how long THC-O stays in your system. People with a faster metabolism will remove THC-O content from their system sooner than those with a slower metabolism. This implies people with a faster metabolism will test clean sooner than those with a slower metabolism.
- Body weight
Body weight is another component that affects THC-O content in your body. THC metabolites get stored in your body fat, which means those with a higher body fat percentage will take more time to get rid of all the THC content than those with a lower body fat percentage. However, the difference is small, just a few minutes to hours.
- Frequency
This is a significant factor in determining how long THC-O stays in your system. For new users or who’ve tried it only once or twice, the compound might stay for only 10-15 days later and will clear out sooner than frequent users. Frequent users, especially those who have a daily intake of THC-O, it can take at least 30 days to clear out from your system.
THC-O and drug tests
Testing method is the main factor in determining whether you test positive. Different drug tests produce different results. Some tests determine THC content for a few days while some go way back. It all depends on the type of test you’re taking. They are four main kinds of drug tests:
- Urine test
Urine tests are very common and can detect THC metabolites for up to 30 days. New users can test negative after 15 days of taking THC-O, while frequent users can have THC-O in their system for up to 30 days.
- Blood test
Blood tests are easy to dodge as they only detect THC content for a few hours to a day. Blood tests detect THC drugs for up to 36 hours.
- Saliva test
Saliva tests can detect the traces of THC after 48 hours of drug use.
- Hair follicle test
Hair follicle tests are difficult to manipulate. They can detect drug use up to 90 days and are super accurate. If you have an upcoming hair follicle drug test, stay away from any THC products for at least 3 months.
How to pass a drug test after taking THC-O?
There are a few ways you can successfully pass your drug test. While there are many beverages or detox teas that claim to help you get rid of THC in your system in a few hours, they might not be entirely true. Be careful of these products as they might be dangerous and ineffective. If you have a few days before your drug test follow these tips to pass your drug test
- Do not take THC till your test
While this might seem like a no-brainer, it is important to mention. While prepping for a drug test, you should immediately stop taking any THC products till you pass your drug test. The longer you keep it out of your system, the better will be your results.
- Increase your water intake
Increasing your water intake and hydration through liquids and watery foods is a great way to test negative on your drug test . This method can help you pass your drug tests. Avoid soda or sugary drinks. Be careful to not consume too much water on the day of your test, this can dilute your urine. In some cases, this may be the reason for a retest. If you’re getting a drug test for probation or other legal reasons, this may be considered fraud.
- Detoxing foods
Some studies show that eating foods rich in fibre and antioxidants help you cleanse your system rather than foods like gluten, sugar, red meat, dairy, and alcohol. Increasing your intake of leafy vegetables and fruits can detox your body and help things during a drug test.
These tips help you pass your drug test, but they are not 100% effective, the only full-proof way to pass your drug test is to stay off THC content completely for more than 90 days.
Takeaway
While prepping for a drug test, be mindful of consuming THC-O, as it can trigger the same metabolites as other THC products. It’s best to avoid THC-O and all other THC products before your drug test, for at least 30 days. If you are a frequent user, we recommend staying off THC for more than 30 days. It is especially important for employees or those testing for legal reasons.
References
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Tetrahydrocannabinol-acetate
