Does Delta 8 THC Show Up On A Drug Test?

If you live in a state that sells Delta-8 THC, you might have a bunch of questions about it. 

In this article, we discuss what Delta-8 THC is, how it works, how it differs from other cannabinoids and whether or not it can be detected in a drug test. First, let’s start with what Delta-8 THC is. Also known by its full name Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, Delta-8 is similar to Delta-9 THC, the main active chemical in cannabis. Delta-8 and Delta-9 differ mainly in their structures and reported potency.

Delta-8 THC is naturally occurring in hemp in small amounts, but it is often synthetically made to mass-produce Delta-8 products. Delta-8 THC can be made by altering cannabidiol, which you probably know as CBD. 

Cannabis research has led to the discovery of different cannabinoids, and Delta-8 THC is one of the most popular and widely available ones. Delta-8 THC has been thriving ever since it resurfaced and gained commercial notice. But like most cannabinoids, Delta-8 THC was discovered years ago. 

If you consider yourself a cannabis enthusiast, then you are probably most familiar with Delta 9 THC, which is abundantly present in marijuana. Delta-9 THC is not legal in all states, but it can be purchased and is often prescribed in some states that have legalized cannabis use. In contrast, Delta-8 THC is legal in a few more states. Commercially available Delta-8 THC contains no more than 0.3% THC; It binds with the endocannabinoid system similarly to Delta-9 THC. If you have never tried Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC is the first hemp-derived compound that you are trying, additional caution is recommended. Either way, Delta-8 THC is a compound that should be purchased responsibly.

So now that you have an overview of Delta-8 THC, let’s review its main characteristics:

• Delta-8 is a minor cannabinoid produced in cannabis

• The chemical structure of Delta-8 THC is similar to that of Delta-9 THC
• Delta-8 can also be created by converting CBD
• Delta-8 THC contains no more than 0.3% THC
• Delta-8 THC is available in most state

As far as products go, Delta-8 THC is available in a lot of the same forms as Delta-9 THC. This includes Delta-8 gummies, tinctures, Delta-8 bud, vapes, capsules and Delta-8 concentrates.

Delta-8 THC products are available for purchase online and they can be found in CBD shops states that have legalized the sale and use of Delta-8 THC. If you are interested in Delta-8 products, confirm that you can use these products legally by checking with your local state laws.

Table of Contents:

• What Is Delta-8 THC? 
• How do Drug Tests Work? 
• Can Delta 8 Make You Fail a Drug Test? 
• What Substances Do Drug Tests Look For? 
• Different Types of Drug Tests 
• Does Delta 8 THC Show Up On a Drug Test? 
• How to Pass a Drug Test as a Delta 8 User 

Key Takeaways

• Delta-8 THC Basics: Delta-8 THC, similar to Delta-9 THC, differs structurally, derived mainly from hemp, and shares psychoactive traits but has reported lower potency.
• Drug Test Implications: Delta-8 THC can affect drug test results, as it contains THC and may not be distinguishable from Delta-9 THC, potentially leading to failed tests.
• Understanding Drug Tests: Drug tests, ranging from urine to sweat tests, detect various substances, including THC, highlighting the importance of knowing the substances tested for in each method.
• Caution and Compliance: If using Delta-8 THC products, be cautious as they can impact drug test results, necessitating adherence to local laws and employer policies regarding cannabis use.

What Is Delta-8 THC? 

Delta 8 THC, short for delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, is a cannabis compound similar to the well-known Delta 9 THC but has some structural differences. It is a psychoactive cannabinoid, meaning it can produce mild intoxicating effects, though generally reported to be less potent than Delta 9 THC. Delta 8 THC is derived from hemp and can be found in various cannabis products, including oils, edibles, and vapes. Its legal status varies by region, but it’s essential to exercise caution and consult local laws before using any cannabis-derived products.

Related Article: What is Delta 8 THC?

How do Drug Tests Work? 

When it comes to using substances like Delta-8 THC, it is important to consider how these products may impact your drug test results. Drug tests are diagnostic tests often conducted by employers to check for drug use by employees, or as a pre-employment screening. Drug tests can also be used in DOT physicals, legal or forensic investigations, and sports screening.

 A drug test analyzes biological specimens, such as urine or blood to determine the presence or absence of specific drugs. A drug test may be completed as a part of the onboarding process, as a new employee is preparing for employment. In this case, a drug test may be needed especially if the job tasks include operating some type of machinery or job tasks that require certain functions and skills. A drug test may also be requested as a part of the onboarding process as a part of onboarding protocol. An employee may also need to complete a drug test if the employee believes it is necessary for whatever reason. Employers may or may not disclose why a drug test is needed and may not even tell the employees in advance. Ultimately, the request and completion of a drug test depends on the employer’s preference.

Just like there are different reasons a drug test may be conducted, there are different types of drug tests. These tests typically analyze biological specimens, such as urine, breath, blood, hair, sweat or saliva to look for the presence of illegal or prescription drugs. Each of these types of tests require samples of the mentioned biological specimens, which are then analyzed to detect the presence of any illegal substances. 

Can Delta 8 Make You Fail a Drug Test? 

So you may be wondering if Delta-8 THC can be detected in a drug test. It can! Drug tests are designed to detect marijuana, which is abundant with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Delta 8 THC products contain 0.3% THC which may sound like a tiny bit that couldn’t possibly be detected in a drug test but that is not true. 

So does this mean using Delta-8 THC once or taking a small amount could lead to the same failed test results? Potentially! Delta-8 THC is not that much different than Delta-9 THC.  They share very similar chemical structures so they appear the same in a drug test sample. Most drug tests won’t differentiate between the different cannabinoids so it’s best to avoid Delta-8 THC if you have an upcoming drug test. 

What Substances Do Drug Tests Look For? 

Drug tests are used to analyze your urine to detect a variety of illegal drugs and prescribed medications. The most commonly used drug test is the urine drug screen (UDS) although there are other types of tests that may be used for the same purpose. A standard 5 panel drug urine test is the type of drug test most commonly used by government agencies and private employers.

A urine drug screen usually screens for: 

• amphetamines
• methamphetamines
• benzodiazepines
• barbiturates
• marijuana
• cocaine
• PCP
• methadone
• opioids (narcotics)

Different Types of Drug Tests 

There are different methods for detecting drug use. This includes urine, blood, oral, hair and sweat tests. In each of these procedures, a sample of the specimen is collected and sent to a lab for analysis. Each of these drug testing methods are essentially used for the same purpose, however, they may be used in different instances. 

Let’s review each of the different drug testing methods.

Urine Test

Urine drug tests are one of the most established drug testing methods. During a urine drug test, a urine sample is collected, which is then checked for metabolites. Metabolites are byproducts present when the body breaks down a substance. A urine drug test is also used to analyze antigen-antibody complexes. Antigen-antibody complexes form when your immune system releases antibodies in the event a drug substance enters your system. A urine drug tests can detect drug substances for up to 30 days after they have been used. 

The most commonly tested substances include: 

• Alcohol
• Amphetamines
• Benzodiazepines
• Cannabis
• Cocaine
• Opiates

Urine tests are most commonly collected under the direct oversight of an observer, to avoid samples being tampered with or substituted. 

Blood Test

A blood test is typically performed during emergencies, but may also be used to detect drug substances for a pre-employment test. Blood tests are also an integral part of yearly physicals. This type of assessment requires collecting a small amount of blood from the vein. Blood tests can detect substance use that occurred within 2 to 12 hours. 

Hair Test

To complete a hair test, a hair follicle is tested from the face, head, or armpit. It has been said that of all testing methods, a hair test offers the longest window of detection. Hair collected from the scalp can detect drug use from up to three months prior, while a follicle collected from the body has a detection window of up to 12 months. The reason that hair tests can detect substance use from so long ago is because of the drug metabolites present in the hair, which tend to appear after one week of use. A hair test may not be able to detect single use or low-level of certain substances. 

A hair test can detect the following: 

• Amphetamines
• Cocaine
• Opioids
• 3, 4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)
• Phencyclidine (PCP)

Oral Fluid Test

A oral fluid test can detect the concentration of a substance taken orally. During this type of test, your mouth is swabbed to collect saliva. A saliva test can detect same-day use or residual drugs in the mouth. 

Despite being an effective way to measure oral drug use, using drugs may, at times, result in a reduction of saliva in the body. In this case, an oral fluid test may not be effective. A saliva test has a shorter window of detection of 24 to 48 hours after last use. 

Sweat Test

A sweat test is another testing method  that is effective at detecting drug use. During a sweat test, an absorbent pad is placed on the skin for less than 24 hours or a sweat patch is worn for 7 to 14 days. Similar to a hair test, each of these are worn to give insight into a person’s substance use. Sweat specimens are more difficult to tamper with, as a urine specimen may be, so this testing method can be effective and also more affordable than some other methods. 

A sweat test may be used to detect: 

• Amphetamines
• Cocaine
• Opiates
• Marijuana
• PCP

Does Delta 8 THC Show Up On a Drug Test? 

Although Delta-8 THC is a minor cannabinoid and isomer of CBD, it may appear in a drug test. In the eyes of the drug test, Delta-8 is essentially the same thing as regular THC.  Drug tests are not designed to detect the differences between Delta-9 THC and all of its relatives. Instead, it checks for marijuana, which is characterized by the presence of THC. Delta-8 THC is likely to show up on a drug test if it has been used because it contains THC. 

Related Article: Does Delta 8 THC Show Up On A Drug Test?

How to Pass a Drug Test as a Delta 8 User 

If you use Delta-8 THC products and could potentially be asked to complete a drug test, you may be hoping for a way to pass your drug test with flying colors. Unfortunately though, there is no way to pass a drug test if you have been using Delta-8. Delta-8 THC will more than likely show up in your drug test, as the tests are designed to test for THC, the chemical present in cannabis and marijuana.

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