TL;DR:
Yes, Delta 8 THC can cause you to fail a drug test because its metabolites are nearly identical to those of Delta 9 THC. Most drug tests can’t distinguish between the two. To avoid a positive result, abstain from Delta 8 well before testing and consider detox strategies.
- Standard drug tests detect THC metabolites shared by Delta 8 and Delta 9
- Delta 8 is legal federally but still triggers THC-positive results
- Urine tests may detect Delta 8 up to 30 days post-use, depending on frequency
- Hair tests have the longest detection window (up to 3 months)
- Exercise, hydration, and time off Delta 8 improve chances of passing a test
Can Delta 8 THC cause a failed drug test? In many circumstances, it can.
It might be more accurate to say that Delta 8 can lead to a positive test result for THC. That would usually be seen as evidence that someone consumed Delta 9 THC, the most common cannabinoid found in cannabis plants.
Delta 8 is derived from federally legal hemp plants, putting it in a different legal category than Delta 9. Unfortunately, many drug tests don’t make that distinction.
Let’s take a closer look at how Delta 8 can lead to a positive test result for THC and how drug tests work in general. We’ll also review what you can do to avoid a positive result for Delta 8 on a drug test.
Delta 8 and Drug Tests: The Basics
To make sure we’re all on the same page, let’s look at some key facts about Delta 8 and drug tests.
What is Delta 8?
Delta 8 is a cannabinoid (a specific kind of psychoactive chemical) found in hemp and cannabis plants. Common effects reported by users of Delta 8 include pain relief, euphoria, and relaxation.
Delta 8 is related to but distinct from other cannabinoids, like Delta 9 THC. That’s the cannabinoid most commonly found in cannabis plants. It’s the active ingredient largely responsible for the altered state of mind and other effects of cannabis.
Delta 8 has somewhat different effects than Delta 9, although they’re relatively similar in the big picture. Delta 8 is also treated differently in a legal sense than Delta 9, at least in the eyes of the federal government. The 2018 Farm Bill made the commercial production and harvesting of hemp plants containing no more than 0.3% Delta 9 legal on the federal level.
What are the Most Common Types of Drug Tests? How Do They Work?
Drug tests can be administered for a variety of reasons. They’re commonly used as part of the hiring process, on an ongoing basis in certain jobs, and in relation to a legal or criminal justice matter.
The US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration highlights a variety of job-related drug testing programs. Random testing, post-accident testing, and testing as a part of annual physicals are a few examples.
The Cleveland Clinic explains that urine testing is the most common form of drug testing. Other drug test types include hair follicle testing, breath testing, blood testing, and sweat testing. Testing can look for the presence or absence of a specific substance, or a group of them.
Drug tests generally (but not always) look for metabolites. These are byproducts of the body digesting a drug. They indicate the drug was taken in the past.
THC metabolites are often tested for, although that’s not true of every drug test and every situation. As you’ll learn in the next section, detecting metabolites and not specific cannabinoids themselves is the reason why Delta-8 and drug tests often cause problems for users.
Can Delta 8 Make You Fail a Drug Test?
Healthline explains that Delta-8 THC and drug tests don’t pair well together. Delta 8 can lead to interference with drug test results on its own.
Does Delta 8 THC show up on a drug test? Its metabolites are similar enough to those of Delta 9 that they can lead to a positive result. Yes, Delta 8 could make you fail a drug test.
If you have an upcoming drug test, it’s generally a good idea to take a break from Delta 8 to increase your chances of passing. This can have an unintended benefit: lowering your cannabinoid tolerance and making smaller doses more effective after your test is over.
What Type of THC Does a Drug Test Look For?
It’s important to note that there are many types of tests and all kinds of variations between them. With that in mind, it’s reasonable to say that drug tests usually look for THC-COOH, a metabolite of both Delta 8 and Delta 9. This form of THC can be found in the body for significant periods of time after consumption, depending on a variety of factors.
That means Delta 8 doesn’t offer any special advantages when it comes to passing a drug test. Although tests could take different approaches to distinguish between the chemical structures of different cannabinoids, many don’t.
How Can You Avoid a Positive Drug Test for Delta 8?
How Long Will Delta 8 Stay in Your System for a Drug Test?
Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this question. Everything from your metabolism to your history of Delta 8 use and the type of test can have an influence on test results. However, there are some general guidelines to keep in mind as it relates to Delta 8 THC and different types of drug testing:
Urine Drug Tests
These tests largely depend on the frequency of use. If you only use Delta 8 very occasionally, you can pass as soon as two days after your last use. Someone who uses Delta 8 a few times a week could test positive from five to seven days after their last use. Daily use can lead to testing positive up to four weeks following the last use.
Saliva Drug Tests
With infrequent use, you can pass a saliva test in as few as three days. With regular use, it can take as long as 30 days to pass.
Hair Drug Tests
Hair follicle drug tests provide a much longer use history than many other types of testing. Delta 8 can appear in a hair test as long as three months after the last use.
More Questions and Answers About Delta 8 THC and Drug Tests
Does Delta 8 Show Up as THC on Drug Tests?
Not exactly – it’s more accurate to say that key metabolites of Delta 8 are the same as Delta 9, and drug tests don’t distinguish between them. So, Delta 8 generally leads to a failed test for drug tests based on metabolites.
How Long Can Delta-8 THC be Detected in Urine?
Delta 8 use can be detected in urine at a range between a few days for one-time use and a month or more for regular and heavy use. Many factors besides frequency of use affect the exact window during which Delta 8 can be detected, such as metabolism and weight.
Can You be Fired for Delta 8?
Yes, because nearly all states (except Montana) have at-will employment laws, which allow employers to fire employees for any reason except those that fall under protected characteristics. However, employees with contracts, like union contracts, that limit reasons for termination may be protected.
Can you get THC out of Your System More Quickly?
You could potentially reduce the timeline for testing positive for THC through certain activities and choices. Of course, avoiding Delta 8 and other cannabinoids until after your test is your first priority. Exercise and increased water intake can help to flush your system to an extent.
It’s not quite fair that Delta 8 is federally legal but included in drug tests, but it’s a reality we all have to deal with. Do you know that you don’t have any drug tests coming up in your future? Shop our Delta 8 products today!
