In recent years, Delta-8 and Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), two psychoactive compounds found in cannabis, have become a growing concern in safety-sensitive industries. While Delta-9 THC is well known for its psychoactive effects, Delta-8 THC has emerged as a widely available and often unregulated alternative. Its increasing presence in consumer products has created a significant challenge for employers, regulators, and drug testing programs.
For industries like trucking, where alertness and quick decision-making are critical, the use of these substances can lead to serious safety risks. New data from Psychemedics underscores the urgent need to address this issue, revealing that Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC use is more prevalent in the workforce than previously recognized.
New Findings: The Reality of THC Use in Trucking
Between September 1st and October 31st, 2024, Psychemedics analyzed nearly 8,000 total samples for the presence of the Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC metabolites Delta-8 carboxyTHC (Delta-8 cTHC) and Delta-9 carboxyTHC (Delta-9 cTHC). The results are alarming:
- 302 samples tested reportable for Delta-9 cTHC.
- 139 samples tested reportable for Delta-8 cTHC.
- 64 of these had more Delta-8 cTHC than Delta-9 cTHC.
- 105 suggest the use of a Delta-8 THC product, as Delta-8 cTHC made up more than 10% of total cTHC.
- 35 would have been reported negative if only Delta-9 cTHC was considered.
These findings illustrate a growing issue: traditional drug testing methods may miss Delta-8 THC use entirely, allowing individuals to continue working in safety-sensitive positions while impaired.
Why Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC Pose a Safety Sensitive Threat
The Impact on Cognitive and Motor Skills
Delta-9 THC is the primary compound in cannabis responsible for its intoxicating effects. It impairs cognitive function, coordination, and reaction time – abilities essential for safe driving and operating heavy machinery.
Delta-8 THC, though often marketed as “milder,” is still psychoactive and can similarly impair critical functions. Because it is typically synthesized from hemp-derived CBD, its potency and purity are highly inconsistent, raising concerns about unregulated contaminants and unknown long-term effects.
Regulatory Challenges Leave Gaps in Safety
While Delta-9 THC is a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law, Delta-8 THC exists in a legal gray area due to the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp and its derivatives. This loophole has led to Delta-8 THC products being sold widely in gas stations, convenience stores, and online markets with little to no oversight.
For employers in the trucking industry, the regulatory ambiguity surrounding Delta-8 THC presents a significant challenge. While Delta-9 THC is explicitly prohibited for commercial drivers, Delta-8 THC use remains largely unaddressed in many testing programs.
Hair Testing: A Critical Tool for Risk Detection
Unlike urine or oral fluid testing, which detects recent drug use within a short window, hair testing provides a 90-day detection period, making it the most effective method for identifying patterns of drug use over time.
Psychemedics’ findings highlight the need for hair testing as a critical safety measure:
- 35 cases would have gone undetected if only Delta-9 cTHC was considered.
- 105 cases suggest intentional Delta-8 THC use that standard tests may miss.
- Without comprehensive cTHC screening, safety risks remain hidden.
By utilizing advanced hair testing technology, employers can detect Delta-8 and Delta-9 cTHC at low levels, ensuring workforce safety decisions are based on accurate and reliable data.
A Call to Action for the Trucking Industry
The data is clear: Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC use in trucking is not just a minor concern – it’s a growing threat to road safety. Due to the accessibility of these compounds, industry leaders must take proactive steps to mitigate the risks.
Key Actions for Employers:
- Educate the Workforce: Ensure drivers and employees understand the risks associated with Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC use.
- Implement Advanced Testing Protocols: Adopt hair testing to detect long-term cannabis use and prevent safety-sensitive impairments.
- Strengthen Workplace Safety Policies: Promote a culture of accountability and zero tolerance for impairment on the job.
Driving Toward a Safer Future
The trucking industry plays a vital role in our economy, and ensuring the safety of our roads is paramount. The rise of Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC use presents a challenge that cannot be ignored. With better education and improved testing, we can work together to protect drivers, passengers, and the public from unnecessary risks.