Does Delta-9 THC Show Up on a Drug Test?

Picture this: You just discovered the world of legal, hemp-derived delta-9 THC. Maybe you've been enjoying Five's THC gummies — whether that's our 10mg Indica Chill for couch-locking vibes, Daily Buzz gummies for a steady 5mg lift, or a 2mg Microdose to keep things light. Life is good.

Then you get the news: there's a random drug test at work. Before panic sets in, take a breath and read on. Here's everything you need to know about delta-9 THC and drug testing.

The Short Answer

Yes, delta-9 THC can show up on a drug test. This applies whether you're enjoying our Sativa Surge gummies for energizing vibes, unwinding with Knockout Sleep gummies, or anything in between. The more THC you consume and the more frequently you use it, the more likely you are to test positive. Now let's get into the details.

Why Drug Testing Gets Complicated with Legal THC

Here's the thing: delta-9 THC's legality has outpaced drug testing protocols. Hemp-derived THC — the kind in all Five THC gummies — is federally legal thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. But to a drug test, legal hemp-derived THC looks identical to cannabis-derived THC. That's because chemically, it is identical.

Even in states where all forms of THC are legal, many employers still test for it. A positive result can affect your job, career, athletic eligibility, and legal standing. Understanding how testing works helps you make informed choices.

What Drug Tests Actually Detect

Drug tests don't directly look for delta-9 THC. Instead, they detect a metabolite called THC-COOH, which your liver produces when it processes THC.

So whether you've taken a 2mg Daily Microdose gummy for a subtle lift, a 5mg Sour Buzz for full-flavor vibes, or a 10mg Hybrid Vibes gummy for a balanced experience, your body processes the THC the same way. Roughly 95% of ingested delta-9 converts to THC-COOH, and that's what shows up on tests.

Both THC and CBD are fat-soluble, meaning they can remain stored in your body's fat cells for weeks after consumption.

Types of Drug Tests

The most common test is urinalysis, but you might encounter other methods:

• Urine tests — Most common; shorter detection window
• Hair follicle tests — Longer detection window; often used for confirmation
• Blood tests — Longer detection window; used for confirmation testing
• Saliva tests — Typically detects recent use
• Sweat screenings — Less common

If an initial test result is questioned, hair or blood tests may be used to confirm or deny the findings.

How Much THC Does It Take to Test Positive?

A positive urinalysis typically requires at least 50 ng/mL of THC metabolites. If you've consumed an appreciable amount of THC within the past 3-4 days, you may reach this threshold.

Keep in mind that urine tests can't determine when you consumed THC or how much you've been taking over time. They only measure how much THC-COOH is present at the moment of testing.

How Long Does Delta-9 Stay in Your System?

The high from THC gummies typically wears off within a few hours. But THC-COOH can linger much longer — anywhere from 2 to 30 days depending on usage patterns.

Here's a general guide:

• One-time use: 2-4 days with traceable metabolites
• Moderate use: Up to 5 days with traceable metabolites
• Heavy/daily use: Up to 10 days with traceable metabolites
• Very heavy use: Up to 30 days with traceable metabolites

Several factors influence how long THC stays detectable:

Your age: Metabolism tends to slow with age.

Delivery method: Edibles like our THC gummies may stay detectable longer than other consumption methods because of how they're processed through digestion.

Usage frequency: Regular users may have accumulated THC-COOH in fat stores, extending detection windows.

Body composition: Those with higher body fat percentages may retain THC metabolites longer.

Choosing the Right Gummy for Your Lifestyle

Understanding drug testing can help you make smarter choices about which Five products fit your situation:

For occasional, controlled experiences: Our 2mg Daily Microdose gummies deliver a subtle lift without going full tilt — perfect for maintaining functionality while enjoying a low-key vibe.

For your regular routine: Daily Buzz and Sour Buzz gummies pack 5mg of delta-9 THC for a more noticeable experience in flavors like Blue Razz, Redberry, Lemon, and Orange.

For seasoned enthusiasts: Our 10mg mood gummies — Indica Chill (with CBN), Hybrid Vibes (with CBG), and Sativa Surge (with CBC) — deliver dispensary-level effects for those who know how to handle their experience.

For nighttime use: Knockout Sleep gummies (5mg THC + melatonin) or Microdose Sleep gummies (2mg THC + melatonin) are crafted specifically for winding down.

Browse the full THC gummies collection to find your perfect fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the type of gummy matter for drug tests? All THC is processed the same way by your body. Whether it's a 2mg microdose or a 10mg Indica Chill gummy, the THC converts to the same metabolite that tests detect.

Are hemp-derived gummies safer for drug tests than dispensary products? No. Hemp-derived THC and cannabis-derived THC are chemically identical, so they appear the same on drug tests.

The Bottom Line

Delta-9 THC — including the federally legal, hemp-derived kind in Five's gummies — can show up on drug tests. The legal landscape has evolved faster than testing protocols, which means you need to stay informed.

Every Five product undergoes rigorous third-party testing, and all certificates of analysis are publicly available. Our gummies are made from high-quality industrial hemp with federally legal delta-9 THC. But "legal" and "won't show on a drug test" aren't the same thing.

Ready to explore your options? Check out Five's complete THC gummies collection and find the right vibe for your lifestyle.