Does Delta 8 show up on a drug test?

Here’s the thing… While Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC are two different cannabinoids, their chemical structures are quite similar [¹].

So if a drug test is looking for any trace of THC, it’s likely going to notice Delta 8 THC.

You see, when you consume Delta 8 THC, your body actually breaks it down into metabolites. And these metabolites make it hard for drug testers to determine the difference between legal Delta 8 and the illegal (in most jurisdictions) Delta 9 THC [²]. 

Therefore, people who use/consume Delta 8 will unfortunately screen positive for the presence of THC.

Now, there are a few ways drug testers will collect samples to complete an accurate drug test: They include blood tests and urine tests. But urine tests are by far the most common.

That said, some urine tests use gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to help detect illegal drugs [²].

The difference with this method is that in some cases, Delta 8 THC does not result in a positive drug test.

This is also true for drug tests that use liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) [²].

But other testing methods might mistake Delta 8 for Delta 9, which ends up causing a failed drug test.

Now we know we’re throwing a lot of strange words at you, but it’s important to see that drug tests aren’t all the same. And it’s because of this that so many people are nervous to consume Delta 8 THC in the first place.

However, there is some good news…

Delta 8 THC Drug Tests are Evolving

Ok, maybe the drug test itself isn’t actually evolving, but due to the popularity of authentic Delta 8 THC products, there are some commercial drug test laboratories that are starting to offer “confirmation analyses for the Delta 8 metabolite” [²].

Now, notice that we said “authentic Delta 8 THC” above.

You see, if the Delta 8 THC product lacks authentic purity, then you’re definitely rolling the dice on potentially testing positive for THC.

This is especially true if your Delta 8 THC is created using Delta 9.

This is all the more reason to choose a Delta 8 brand that is completely transparent in how they formulate their Delta 8 products.

Delta 8 Drug Tests: The Bottom Line

As of right now, due to Delta 8’s similar structure to Delta 9, many people end up failing drug tests after taking Delta 8.

However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel regarding the methods some drug tests use to distinguish between Delta 8 and Delta 9.

For now, if you know that you need to be drug tested, or you get drug tested often, use caution with any cannabis products.

We highly encourage you to speak with your employer to see what your options are regarding drug screening and consuming Delta 8 THC.

However, when in doubt, just take a break from THC altogether, to ensure you don’t fail a drug test.

And be sure to only buy high-quality Delta 8 THC from reputable hemp brands.

For any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to our Delta Remedys team today. We’re happy to help in any way we can!

Sources:

1. Delta-8-THC: Delta-9-THC’s nicer younger sibling?
2. NDCI: Delta 8 THC and Drug Testing in Treatment Courts