Delta 8 THC and Drug Tests: Will It Show Up on Your Screening?

In the cannabis industry, education is always evolving as new research emerges. While Delta 8 THC is not a brand-new cannabinoid anymore, it continues to generate interest and questions—especially around drug testing. At VIIA, we do not sell Delta 8 products, but we recognize that many consumers still want reliable information on the topic.

One of the most common questions is: Does Delta 8 THC show up on a drug test? Let’s break it down.

What is Delta 8 THC?

Delta 8 THC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in cannabis plants and industrial hemp. It is a structural analog of Delta 9 THC, the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana. Both cannabinoids share a similar chemical structure and bind to receptors in the endocannabinoid system, producing psychoactive effects.

Where Delta 9 THC is well known for its potency, Delta 8 THC is often described as offering a milder “high” with potentially fewer side effects such as paranoia or anxiety. Consumers report benefits like relaxation, improved sleep, and mild pain relief.

Although some brands still market Delta 8 products such as gummies, vapes, or pre-rolls, it is no longer considered a new cannabinoid—it has become a familiar part of the hemp market.

Delta 8 THC vs. Delta 9 THC

From a molecular perspective, Delta 8 and Delta 9 are nearly identical. Both cannabinoids share double-bond structures that contribute to their psychoactive effects. This similarity also means they produce the same THC metabolites when broken down by the body—something especially important when it comes to drug screenings.

Whether you consume Delta 8 or Delta 9, most drug tests cannot tell the difference.

Will Delta 8 THC Show Up on a Drug Test?

Yes. Standard drug tests—whether a urine drug test, saliva test, blood test, or hair test—are designed to detect THC metabolites, not specific cannabinoid types.

That means consuming Delta 8 THC is highly likely to trigger a positive result on a THC drug test, just as if you had consumed Delta 9 THC. Current testing technology does not distinguish between different THC analogs.

Is There a Delta 8-Specific Drug Test?

At this time, there is no widely available Delta 8 drug test. Typical workplace screenings are designed to flag the presence of THC metabolites in general, regardless of whether they came from Delta 8, Delta 9, or even Delta 10 THC.

Even though Delta 8 derived from hemp is federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, this legality does not change how drug testing works.

How Long Does Delta 8 Stay in Your System?

The length of time Delta 8 remains detectable depends on the type of test, your metabolism, and your usage patterns. Research and test results suggest:

• Blood test: Detectable for up to 10–12 hours

• Saliva test: Up to 48 hours

• Urine drug test: Typically 3–48 days, depending on frequency of use

• Hair follicle test: Up to 90 days

Factors such as age, weight, health status, frequency of use, and type of THC product consumed all influence how long metabolites linger.

Can You Pass a Drug Test After Using Delta 8 THC?

If you need to pass a drug test, the only reliable method is to stop using cannabis or THC products well before your screening. THC metabolites are stored in fat cells and can take weeks to fully leave your system. Hydration, exercise, and detox methods may support your body’s process but are not guaranteed solutions.

Key Takeaway

Even though Delta 8 is legal at the federal level when derived from hemp, it behaves like Delta 9 in the body. Both cannabinoids break down into the same metabolites that drug tests are designed to detect.

So, if you are concerned about passing a drug screening, it is safest to avoid Delta 8 products altogether—especially since no cannabidiol (CBD) or hemp product with detectable levels of THC is guaranteed to be drug-test safe.