Delta-8 THC can indeed show up on drug tests. Since delta-8 THC is chemically very similar to delta-9 THC—the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis—most standard drug tests, especially urine tests, detect THC metabolites that do not distinguish between delta-8 and delta-9 forms. This means using delta-8 products can cause a positive drug test result for cannabis

. Key points about delta-8 and drug testing:

• Detection: Standard drug tests look for THC metabolites, which are the same for delta-8 and delta-9 THC, so delta-8 use will likely trigger a positive result

• Test types and detection windows:
  • Urine tests (most common) can detect THC metabolites for days to weeks depending on frequency of use (single use: ~3 days; heavy use: over 30 days)

* Blood tests detect recent use (hours to a day or two)

* Saliva tests detect THC for up to 24-72 hours

* Hair tests can detect THC use up to 90 days but are less common

• False positives and confirmation: Initial immunoassay screening tests detect total cannabinoids and may show positive for delta-8 use. However, confirmatory tests like GC/MS or LC/MS/MS typically target delta-9 THC metabolites and may not specifically identify delta-8 metabolites, potentially leading to unconfirmed or unclear results

• Legal and workplace implications: Because delta-8 can cause a positive cannabis test, it is advisable to avoid delta-8 products if you expect drug testing, especially in legal or employment contexts

In summary, delta-8 THC will generally show up on standard drug tests as cannabis use, and these tests do not reliably differentiate between delta-8 and delta-9 THC metabolites. Avoiding delta-8 is the safest approach if you need to pass a drug screening