Delta-8 THC is a commonly occurring cannabinoid found in most cannabis plants and formed by degradation upon exposure to heat or light resulting in a bond rearrangement of delta-9 THC. It is detected in low concentrations in most cannabis plants with percentages of delta-8 THC to delta-9 THC ranging from 0.1%-2%. Because delta-8 THC is present in such low concentrations in plant material, it is typically synthesized from cannabidiol (CBD) by conversion reactions. After the conversion of CBD to delta-8 THC is completed, it undergoes extraction, isolation, distillation, and refinement processes to produce a more potent and purer delta-8 THC product that is frequently sold in head shops, gas stations, or similar stores legally in many states throughout the U.S.

"A recent increase in delta-8 THC use has caused many challenges for our providers and prompted us to develop an improved marijuana metabolite method. This new method improves the identification and quantification of carboxy-delta-9-THC in human urine and quantitatively detects carboxy-delta-8-THC and 7-carboxy-CBD", according to Dr. James Bourland, Scientific Director of Keystone Labs. "This new test will allow our clients to determine if a patient is using delta-9 THC, delta-8 THC, CBD, or any possible combination of these cannabinoids."

Beneficiaries of delta-8 THC & CBD metabolites testing include organizations that have a zero-tolerance policy for any type of substance such as addiction clinics and recovery centers.