Delta-8 THC has taken the cannabis world by storm, touted as the “nicer younger sibling” of Delta-9 THC, offering similar benefits but with a gentler touch.

 

But before you light up or pop a gummy, here’s a spicy twist to the tale: Delta-8 can and likely will show up on a drug test.

Surprised? You’re not alone. According to a study Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC produce nearly identical metabolites during breakdown. This means standard drug tests can’t tell the difference between the two. Add to this the fact that over 56% of employers in the U.S. conduct drug testing, and you’ve got a recipe for a potential buzzkill.

Even more intriguing? The stats reveals that cannabis-related drug test failures have reached 2 year high in 2022, thanks in part to the increasing popularity of alternative cannabinoids like Delta-8.

So, if you’re relying on the legal loopholes of Delta-8, you might still find yourself in hot water.

Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of how Delta-8 interacts with drug tests, how long it lingers in your system, and what the science says about its detection!

Do Drug Tests Detect THC? The Short Answer

As I said, drug tests detect THC—whether it’s Delta-9 or its chill sibling, Delta-8. These tests are specifically designed to identify THC metabolites, like THC-COOH, which forms when your body processes cannabinoids. Since Delta-8 THC breaks down into nearly identical metabolites as Delta-9 THC, standard drug tests can’t tell the difference between the two.

Additionally, Clinical Chemistry highlighted that drug tests are designed to detect a broad range of THC analogs. So even though Delta-8 has unique effects, its metabolic byproducts share enough similarity with Delta-9 to trigger a positive result.

But here’s the twist: the purity of Delta-8 products can play a big role in your drug test outcome.

The Problem with Impure Delta-8 Products

Delta-8 THC is usually derived from hemp using chemical conversion methods, and let’s just say, it’s not always a flawless process. Many so-called "Delta-8" products on the market contain trace amounts of Delta-9 THC or other cannabinoids due to poor manufacturing standards. In fact, a recent Forbes article revealed that more than 70% of tested Delta-8 products exceeded the federally legal limit of 0.3% Delta-9 THC.

Why You Should Care

When you consume these impure products, you’re likely ingesting more Delta-9 THC than expected, which results in higher levels of THC metabolites in your system. Considering that 90% of workplace drug tests are urine-based, consuming these products can significantly raise your chances of detection.

Pro Tip

Always choose lab-tested Delta-8 products with a reliable Certificate of Analysis (COA). While this reduces the risk, no Delta-8 product is entirely safe if a drug test is looming. When in doubt, avoid cannabinoids altogether before a test.

 

 

How Long Does Delta-8 Stay in Your System?

Here’s a quick breakdown of how long Delta-8 THC might be detectable, depending on usage habits and the type of drug test:

Usage Frequency	Detection Time in Urine	Blood Test	Saliva Test	Hair Follicle Test
Occasional Users	1–3 days	A few hours to 2 days	Up to 48 hours	Up to 90 days
Moderate Users	7–14 days	A few hours to 2 days	Up to 48 hours	Up to 90 days
Frequent Users	Up to 30 days or longer	A few hours to 2 days	Up to 48 hours	Up to 90 days

Factors That Influence Detection

• Metabolism: Faster metabolisms clear Delta-8 THC more quickly.
• Dosage: Higher doses mean longer detection times.
• Product Purity: Impure Delta-8 products may contain Delta-9 THC, which can extend detection windows.

Tip:

If you’ve got a test coming up, abstaining from Delta-8 THC for a significant time is the safest bet, especially given the variability of detection across test types.

Why Does It Stay So Long?

Delta-8, like other cannabinoids, is fat-soluble. This means it’s stored in fat cells and released slowly over time, extending its detection window.n

 

Is Delta-8 Legal? Does That Matter?

Delta-8 occupies a legal gray area in many states. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived cannabinoids containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. Since Delta-8 can be derived from hemp, many argue it’s federally legal.

However, legality doesn’t exempt you from drug testing policies. Employers generally follow federal guidelines, which prohibit any THC metabolites in your system.

 

What Happens if You Fail a Drug Test?

Failing a drug test due to Delta-8 can have serious consequences, that’s why National Drug Court Institute suggest to avoid delta 8 if you expect a drug test. Here are some consequences of failing a drug test:

• Employment Risks: Many employers have zero-tolerance policies for THC, regardless of the source.
• Legal Ramifications: In states where Delta-8 is banned, testing positive could lead to legal issues.

It’s better if you thoroughly read and understand your employer’s drug policy and state laws before using Delta-8. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

 

Tips to Minimize Risk

If you love Delta-8 but need to pass a drug test, here are some strategies to reduce your risk:

1. Take a Break: The only surefire way to pass a drug test is to abstain from Delta-8 well before the test. You can check out the table I mentioned above to know how long you need a break.
2. Home Testing: Use over-the-counter THC test kits to check your status before the real deal.
3. Hydration and Detox: Drink water, exercise, and eat a healthy diet to help flush metabolites from your system.
4. Consider Alternative Cannabinoids: If THC metabolites are a concern, explore non-psychoactive options like CBD isolate, which shouldn’t show up on a test. But make sure you choose CBD Isolate from reliable vendor.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you detox Delta-8 faster?

While drinking water and exercising can help, there’s no magic detox method. Time is the most reliable factor.

Do all drug tests screen for THC?

Not necessarily. Some specialized tests may exclude THC, but these are rare and not the standard for workplace drug testing.

Can Delta-8 users claim legal protection?

While Delta-8’s legal status might shield you from criminal charges, it won’t save you from workplace policies against THC.

 

The Bottom Line: Should You Use Delta-8 If You’re Facing a Drug Test?

Delta-8 THC might be legal in some places, but it’s not risk-free when it comes to drug testing. Its close chemical relationship with Delta-9 THC means it will likely show up as a positive result, potentially jeopardizing your job or legal standing.

If you know a test is coming up, it’s best to steer clear of Delta-8 entirely. However, if you’ve already indulged, understanding how it works and what to expect can help you navigate the situation with confidence.

While Delta-8 offers a unique and enjoyable cannabinoid experience, always weigh the risks before diving in—especially if a drug test is on the horizon.