Is Delta 8 THC Detectable on A Drug Test? Here’s What I Found

The recent rise in popularity of Delta 8 THC is largely due to the 2018 Farm Bill that allows hemp-derived products in each of the 50 states. Containing less than .03% THC, these hemp-based preparations are widely sold, and with their distribution comes concern about detection in a Delta-8 THC drug test.

In my research, I discovered that the human body breaks down THC into different and unique chemical compounds. These more compact molecules are referred to as THC metabolites. While each metabolite has unique functions, they all carry the same chemical marker pointing to the original processing of THC by the host body.

Keep reading to learn more about Delta-8 THC and everything you need to know about drug tests.

Does Delta 8 THC Show Up on a Drug Test?

The question, “does Delta-8 THC show up on a drug test” is a valid concern for many consumers considering consumption of either THC or CBD products. Employer-sponsored drug testing looms large for many who wonder if testing can identify the milder Delta-8 THC, in the same manner, it identifies Delta-9?

I trust my investigation will help educate readers on the topic. It is well established that current testing protocols readily identify metabolites created by Delta-9 THC. Many then wonder will delta 8 THC fail a drug test?

Delta-8 produces identical metabolites as those produced by Delta-9, meaning it is reasonable to believe that tests identifying Delta-9 may also detect Delta-8. In at least one research piece I read, which reviewed many multi-panel tests, there is at least one test on the market that specifically claims to detect Delta-8 THC use.

How a Drug Test Works

Little has changed in how a drug test is administered. A urine sample is collected and used to detect the use of the previous 1-45 days.

Occasional use can often pass a standard urine test after 1-5 days. More regular, moderate use can often pass after between 1-3 weeks. For those using regularly or daily use, it can take between 4 and 6 weeks to test clean.

Many are of the mistaken belief that urine tests screen for the THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) found in cannabis. This is not the case.

Tests identify metabolites created by the body when THC is consumed. These metabolites are referred to as THC_COOH. As inactive elements, these metabolites are only measured for exposure not for impairment. No form of testing can detect impairment.

Immediately after exposure to THC the metabolite “hydroxy-THC” is formed and then quickly followed by the formation of THC_COOH or “carboxy THC”. THC-COOH is stored in fat cells in the body which tend to cling to the elements much longer than other substances, which can be water-soluble and are more quickly flushed from the body.

What’s in Delta 8 vs Delta 9 THC?

THC or Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol was first discovered around 1964 by the Israeli scientist Raphael Mechoulam. While running tests on hashish he isolated Delta-9 THC and identified it as delivering many of the effects commonly attributed to cannabis use such as deep relaxed states, euphoria, merriment, forgetfulness, and hunger, etc.

Distinctions between Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC extend far beyond the concept that “THC gets you high and CBD doesn’t.”

Researchers should also consider:

• With work underway to identify everything related to Delta-9 THC and how it all worked, the endocannabinoid system was discovered. This system (ECS) is the system in the body that binds certain chemicals to specific cell receptors.


• These then instruct the cells in specific functions. At its most elevated level, the endocannabinoid system is attributed to the control and maintenance of homeostasis throughout the human body.


• Further studies revealed that Delta-9 THC is not the only psychoactive element of cannabis. Its analog, Delta-8 THC produces a much milder version of the same mind-altering effects as Delta-9.


• From a scientific perspective, Delta-8 THC is very similar to Delta-9 THC but with a few extra electrons positioned slightly differently, making Delta-8’s engagement with the cell receptors of the body distinct from the engagement of Delta-9.


• What this means for a consumer is that Delta-8 is less psychoactive than Delta-9 which means it delivers a more gentle or gradual “high” rather than an almost immediate one.


• Another slight difference between the two is that unlike Delta-9 which is present in the cannabis plant in high quantities, Delta-8 only appears in small amounts and must be isolated and extracted.

Research on Delta-8 and most recently Delta-10 has identified many medical benefits that are of great interest. In studies begun in the 1970s, Delta-8 is shown to consistently and powerfully impact the immune system. It has been shown to reduce tumor size and utterly eliminate nausea caused in patients by other medications.

What Are People on Reddit Saying? 

I found Reddit a fascinating resource while researching this topic. Reading entries on Delta 8 THC drug test Reddit was both educational and informative. I’ve inserted some Reddit posts I found interesting. Read them and head to Reddit to follow the growing conversation around this timely topic.

Prominent were posts sharing experiences of successfully passing a standard drug test. When administered to consistent and routine cannabis consumers there are reports of positive tests weeks after the last ingestion.

This can depend on a variety of factors, including the quantities and frequency of cannabis consumption, an individual’s metabolism rate, the delivery system for cannabis, and other individual factors such as prescription medication and kidney or liver diseases.

There does seem to be a consensus around THC testing for work and legal issues. If hemp or Delta-8 THC as wax or in any other form is involved the only guarantee of a negative test result is abstinence.

Here are what some Reddit posters are saying:

Reddit Poster #1

Threads shared experiences of successfully passing a standard drug test. When administered to consistent and routine cannabis consumers there are reports of positive tests weeks after the last ingestion.

This can depend on a variety of factors, including the quantities and frequency of cannabis consumption, an individual’s metabolism rate, the delivery system for cannabis, and other individual factors such as prescription medication and kidney or liver diseases.

Reddit Poster #2

Many threads told stories of experiences of being tested after consuming both gummies, vape, and cannabis delivered through other delivery systems all with the same positive test results. Time and time again the warnings were clear. Complete abstinence is the only guaranteed method for a negative THC test result.

They waxed on about the differences between Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC with many espousing, from personal experience, the belief that Delta-8 should be treated the same as Delta-9 when testing is involved.

Reddit Poster #3

One individual told their story of almost daily drug testing due to some trouble they’d run into in their recent past. They decided to put some of the theories around Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC testing to the test. At different times they consumed both types of cannabis, regularly then underwent their scheduled tests.

They discovered that both Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC triggered positive test results, even when relatively small amounts were present.

Reddit Poster #4

Echoing this individual’s experience but taking a more research-based approach, another Reddit thread dove deep into drug testing for Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC and their metabolites. He seemed determined to find information related to an alternative to Delta-9 for consumers concerned about work or law-related mandatory drug testing.

His research brought him to a website with a published study describing a 12-panel dip drug test. In the description, it stated definitively it can detect both Delta-8 THC but also and a previously unheard-of low cutoff level for Delta-9 THC. It appears to him, at least on paper, that any 12-panel drug test can successfully test for Delta-8 THC.

How to Better Pass a Drug Test After Taking Delta 8 THC

Successfully passing a drug test after taking Delta-8 THC can be supported by a shortlist of simple practices anyone can do.

Here are six simple things to help you pass a drug test:

1. Abstinence – the only guaranteed method


2. Massive hydration – drinking gallons of water for days before a test can help


3. Jumpstart your metabolism – eat a healthy diet filled with nutrients and iron can help increase your metabolism


4. Exercise – can increase metabolism and shrink metabolite storing fat cells


5. Empty your bladder early in the day. Flushing your system can’t hurt.


6. Cheat the Test. Not recommended as getting caught cheating is worse than getting a positive test result.

While abstinence is the only guarantee, if you are faced with a drug test, try some of these suggestions. They may prove helpful.

You Can Still Enjoy Delta 8 THC

Because of its unique elements and properties, Delta-8 THC has many positive uses. When secured from a trusted source such as CBD Genesis you can relax and still enjoy Delta 8 THC.