With the increasing popularity and legalization of cannabis products like delta-8 and delta-9 THC, many people are wondering how using these compounds may affect drug testing results. Delta-8 and delta-9 THC are both psychoactive cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, but they differ slightly in their chemical structures and effects. This article will examine whether delta-8 or delta-9 THC is likely to cause a positive drug test result.
Key Points
- Both delta-8 and delta-9 THC are detected by most standard drug tests
- Delta-8 may trigger false positives for delta-9 THC due to chemical similarities
- Drug test detection windows for delta-8 and delta-9 are 1-30 days depending on use frequency
- Delta-8 often requires higher concentrations than delta-9 THC to test positive
- More advanced drug testing can distinguish between delta-8 and delta-9 compounds
Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC Overview
Delta-8 and delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are psychoactive compounds derived from the cannabis plant. Delta-9 THC is the most well-known cannabinoid and is responsible for the characteristic “high” associated with marijuana.
Delta-8 THC is an analog of delta-9 THC with a similar molecular structure. The only difference is the location of a double bond on the carbon chain. Both bind to the body’s endocannabinoid receptors to generate their effects.
Delta-8 THC typically produces milder psychoactive effects compared to delta-9 THC. It may provide users with a lower-anxiety buzz without paranoia or anxiety sometimes caused by delta-9 THC.
Currently, delta-8 exists in a legal gray area. While delta-9 THC remains federally illegal, delta-8 can be derived from legal hemp through conversion of CBD. Delta-8 products have surged in popularity as potentially legal alternatives to standard cannabis.
Differences Between Delta-8 and Delta-9
| Delta-8 THC | Delta-9 THC |
|---|---|
| Double bond on 8th carbon of chain | Double bond on 9th carbon of chain |
| Occurs naturally in low concentrations | Most abundant cannabinoid in cannabis |
| Milder, clearer high | Stronger, more intense high |
| Anxiolytic effects | Can cause anxiety or paranoia |
| Federally legal if derived from hemp | Federally illegal |
Will Delta-8 Show Up On A Drug Test?
Yes, delta-8 THC can and will cause a positive result for THC metabolites on most standard drug tests. Although chemically slightly different from delta-9 THC, delta-8 breaks down into the same metabolite compounds of THC that drug tests screen for.
Standard THC drug testing analyzes urine samples for the presence of THC-COOH – the main metabolite formed when the body processes THC. Delta-8 and delta-9 both convert into THC-COOH once ingested or smoked, so either form of THC will be detected.
It’s important to note that delta-8 THC concentrations in many retail products remain unregulated and untested. Varying delta-8 levels make it difficult to predict if use will result in a positive test. Even small, infrequent doses of unknown potency may trigger a detection for THC metabolites.
Factors That Influence Delta-8 Drug Test Results
- Dose method – Inhaled delta-8 is likely to cause faster drug test interference compared to edibles.
- Frequency of use – Frequent or chronic delta-8 use results in larger accumulations of THC-COOH.
- Delta-8 potency – High purity delta-8 will metabolize into greater concentrations of THC-COOH.
- Individual metabolism – Speed of metabolite excretion varies between individuals.
- Testing sensitivity – Cutoff thresholds affect whether THC-COOH is detected.
Due to these variables, it’s impossible to predict with certainty whether any given delta-8 product or dose will cause you to fail a drug test. To be on the safe side, it’s best to avoid delta-8 use if you’re subject to THC testing.
How Long Does Delta-8 Stay In Your System?
Delta-8 THC typically remains detectable in the body for 1-30 days after last use. Detection windows depend heavily on factors like how frequently and what dose amounts of delta-8 are consumed.
In occasional delta-8 users, studies estimate it is possible to test positive for 1-5 days after last use. For more frequent users, delta-8 THC and its metabolites may remain in the system and create positive tests for 2-3 weeks after ceasing use.
In heavy chronic consumers, delta-8 can linger and cause positive tests for 30 days or longer following last use. THC-COOH in particular accumulates in body fat and is slowly released over time. This lengthens the window of detection for heavy users.
Delta-8 Detection Window By Use Pattern
| Use Frequency | Detection Window |
|---|---|
| One-time or infrequent use | 1-5 days |
| Moderate use (2-4 times per week) | 5-10 days |
| Frequent use (4-7 times per week) | 10-15 days |
| Heavy chronic use (multiple times daily) | 30 days or longer |
These ranges are estimates only, as exact clearance times vary per person based on dosing, body chemistry, and other details. To pass a drug test after stopping delta-8, longer abstinence periods are safer.
Will Delta-9 THC Show Up On A Drug Test?
Yes, delta-9 THC will unequivocally produce a positive result for cannabis on any standard drug screening.
Delta-9 THC is the primary psychoactive ingredient tested for in marijuana drug tests. Any dose of delta-9 THC, no matter how small, has the potential to be detected. Drug tests are designed to be highly sensitive to the presence of delta-9 THC metabolites.
Delta-9 THC converts to THC-COOH once metabolized, which is what urine, blood, saliva, and hair tests look for. THC-COOH can remain detectable in chronic heavy users for over a month after their last delta-9 exposure.
Attempting to “beat” a marijuana drug test after taking delta-9 THC is very difficult. Dilution or detoxification methods may work initially but often backfire. Delta-9 THC should be avoided altogether for a month or more prior to any potential drug screening.
Delta-9 THC Detection Windows
| Detection Method | Detection Window |
|---|---|
| Urine | 1-30+ days |
| Blood | 1-7 days |
| Saliva | 1-10 days |
| Hair | up to 90 days |
As with delta-8, these ranges are variable based on how much and how often delta-9 THC is consumed. Hair testing provides the longest detection windows, while saliva testing is shortest.
False Positives: Can Delta-8 Cause Failed THC Tests?
Yes, delta-8 THC has been associated with false positives for delta-9 THC on initial screening drug tests. This happens because many common immunoassay tests are unable to differentiate between delta-8 and delta-9 metabolites.
These presumptive screening tests use antibodies to detect THC metabolites. But the antibodies also react to similar chemical structures found in delta-8 metabolites. Therefore delta-8 can produce a false positive for delta-9 THC, even if none was consumed.
In studies, urine samples spiked with delta-8 THC have tested positive on immunoassays for THC at levels above 100-200 ng/mL. At higher levels, it is increasingly probable that delta-8 use will trigger false positives on these presumptive tests.
Importantly though, more advanced confirmatory tests like GC/MS or LC/MS can accurately distinguish between delta-8 and delta-9 metabolites. These are used to verify any initial positive screenings.
Avoiding False Positives
To avoid false positives from delta-8 use, it is advisable to:
- Disclose delta-8 use to an employer or drug tester
- Request a more accurate confirmatory test method
- Ensure delta-8 products do not contain delta-9 THC
- Abstain from delta-8 for 2-4 weeks before a drug test
Being transparent about lawful delta-8 consumption can prevent confusion from a false positive screening. Ceasing use well in advance is also wise to allow clearance time before testing.
Do Delta-8 Drug Tests Exist?
Currently there are no commercial drug tests designed specifically to detect delta-8 THC metabolites. Instead, delta-8 will test positive for delta-9 THC on standard cannabinoid screenings.
However, some newer laboratory testing methods like LC-MS/MS can distinguish between delta-8 and delta-9 compounds. These ultra-sensitive techniques quantify different THC metabolites.
In the future, if delta-8 testing became desirable, specific immunoassay screenings could be developed to target delta-8-COOH metabolites. For now, standard THC tests capture both delta-8 and delta-9 use.
Testing for Specific Cannabinoids
Advanced drug testing laboratories can check for and accurately identify multiple cannabinoid compounds, including:
- Delta-9 THC
- Delta-8 THC
- CBD
- CBG
- THC-COOH
- THC-OH
- And more…
This expanded cannabinoid panel gives precise results for specific types of THC like delta-8 versus delta-9. However, standard pre-employment testing still does not make this THC distinguishment.
Can You Fail a Drug Test From Secondhand Delta-8 or Delta-9 Exposure?
It is highly unlikely to fail a drug test from passive exposure to secondhand delta-8 or delta-9 THC smoke. There are no documented cases of employees testing positive from just being around people using cannabis or hemp products.
In rare instances very heavy secondhand exposure over hours in an unventilated room might cause sufficient THC metabolite accumulation to trigger a positive test. But this would require extensive inhalation of sidestream smoke.
Short-term incidental contact with delta-8 or delta-9 users would be extremely unlikely to cause test failures. Workplace exposure limits are set below levels that could feasibly cause a positive drug screening.
However, those with regular close contact to heavy users may want to take precautions. Avoiding enclosed spaces with active consumption occurring can minimize any minute risks.
Workplace Drug Testing Limits
Federal workplace drug testing programs follow these THC metabolite limits in urine tests:
- Initial screening cutoff – 50 ng/mL
- Confirmation cutoff – 15 ng/mL
These cutoff concentrations are set well above what could occur from typical secondhand exposure scenarios at work, school, or home.
Best Ways to Pass THC Drug Tests
The only 100% guaranteed way to pass any THC drug screening is to abstain completely from delta-8, delta-9, and any cannabis or hemp products for at least 30 days.
However, for those who have recently used THC, there are some strategies that may help improve your chances of passing:
- Dilution – Drink extra fluids before testing to dilute urine. B vitamins can add color.
- Diuretics – Take diuretics to increase urination and flush out THC metabolites.
- Detox kits – Use THC detoxification products that claim to cleanse the body.
- Exercise – Work out vigorously to accelerate sweating out THC compounds.
- Avoid fatty foods – Eat low-fat to prevent extra THC release from fat cells.
However, dilution and detox tactics often backfire. Testers can detect dilution, while detox efficacy is questionable. THC has a strong affinity for body fat and tissues.
If facing an upcoming drug test, cease all THC use as early as possible. Be prepared that short-notice abstinence may still result in detection.
Conclusion
In summary, both delta-8 and delta-9 THC carry a high risk of causing failed cannabis drug tests. Although chemically slightly different, they metabolize into THC-COOH which triggers positive results.
Standard drug tests cannot distinguish between delta-8 and delta-9 THC usage. Delta-8 could also produce false positives for delta-9 THC, even if delta-9 was not consumed.
Detection windows for delta-8 and delta-9 range from 1-30 days but vary based on individual factors like dosage frequency. Heavy chronic use of either form of THC may result in positives for over a month after stopping.
Those facing a drug test should avoid any delta-8 or delta-9 products for as long a period as possible beforehand. While some detox strategies exist, abstinence is the only surefire way to pass a THC screening.
