Does Delta-8 THC Show Up on a Drug Test?

THC, short for tetrahydrocannabinol, is a psychoactive compound found in the two most well-known forms of cannabis: marijuana and hemp. Most of the time, the term “THC” is used in reference to Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or simply “Delta-9” However, there are several types of THC. We're going to focus specifically on Delta-8. 

Delta-8 is an isomer of Delta-9, meaning that the two cannabinoids have the same chemical formula but a different arrangement. Delta-8 has a chemical bond on its eighth carbon chain, while Delta-9 has a bond on its ninth carbon chain. This seemingly trivial detail brings about the distinct effects of each compound.

In general, THC works by binding to the CB1 and CB2 receptors located throughout the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). This intricate network maintains homeostasis (stable conditions) by regulating various biological functions, including metabolism, reproduction, growth and development, and pain perception. 

The body’s natural endogenous cannabinoids, or endocannabinoids, bind to the ECS receptors and affect the transmission of vital hormones (for example, dopamine and serotonin). THC is a phytocannabinoid (meaning it comes from a plant, namely cannabis) that is structured similarly enough to anandamide (an endocannabinoid). This allows it to also bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors and induce various effects. Delta-8 is said to bring about less intense effects than Delta-9, providing a calm, euphoric experience. However, each individual's ECS is unique, so the way one reacts to this form of THC will vary.

Delta-8 occurs naturally only in very small amounts, but its effects can still be experienced to a certain extent in full-spectrum products. So, someone who has smoked marijuana buds has essentially smoked Delta-8, but it's only one of the at least 113 cannabinoids present in the plant. To isolate the effects of this cannabinoid for use in products like Delta-8 gummies or Delta-8 capsules, it is usually synthesized from other natural cannabis compounds.

Due to the 2018 Farm Bill, Delta-8 is federally legal when derived from hemp, which brings us at last to the question- does that mean it won’t be detected in a drug test?

Your body metabolizes (processes) different compounds in different ways. A metabolite is a chemical formed by your body to carry out the process of metabolism.  Drug tests are designed to detect specific metabolites produced by your body after consuming THC from marijuana and other prohibited substances.

Urine tests are the most common type of drug tests, as they can detect specific types of metabolites most quickly. However, they are also known as the least accurate, tending to result in the highest rate of false positives.

Estimates for how long the THC metabolite is detectable in urine samples range from 3 days to 30 days. It is important to note that this data was based on marijuana use rather than hemp. 

Although hemp-derived Delta-8 is legal on a federal level, if a drug test does detect THC, it will not show whether metabolites were used to break down Delta-8 THC from hemp or Delta-8 THC from marijuana. Research has shown that even over-the-counter medications like Ibuprofen can produce metabolites that get flagged in this type of test.

Therefore, it is best to avoid consuming any products containing hemp-derived cannabinoids if there's a drug test in the near future.

Saliva or mouth swab testing is becoming an increasingly customary practice in medicine. If you've ever gotten tested for strep, you're familiar with the way it works: a cotton swab gets brushed against the insides of your mouth, and the sample is then sent to a lab for analysis. This can reveal anything from your genetic makeup to foreign compounds in the saliva.

Some evidence suggests that THC could be detectable in saliva for up to 24 hours after consumption, but this estimate varies based on individual factors like frequency of use, metabolism, and method of consumption. For example, a 2020 study published in the Journal of Clinical Chemistry showed that metabolites of THC were detectable for an average of 72 hours after consumption in frequent cannabis smokers.

Because the consensus on time frame differs, it is best to abstain from Delta-8 or any cannabis products if you anticipate taking an oral drug test soon.

Hair follicle tests are another type of drug test with a wide range of purposes and applications. This routine entails collecting between 100 to 120 hairs from your scalp. To avoid ruining your hair, the tester will generally take these strands from different parts of your head (whew).

The sample is placed in an envelope and then sent to the lab for testing, with results determined within one to two days. A clinical study showed that in 77% of frequent cannabis smokers, THC was detectable in their hair follicle samples for as long as 3 months. This could be because smoking, as aforementioned, allows you to ingest the full spectrum of cannabinoids at unknown concentrations, leading to a higher overall consumption of THC, or because the type of cannabis that the participants smoked was marijuana. It is unclear, also, whether the participants continued to smoke during those 90 days. 

There is little research stating whether this detectability would be similar in regards to individuals who smoke or consume legally compliant Delta-8 from hemp. Therefore, is best to refrain from consuming any cannabis products if you have a hair follicle test soon.