HHC is the new knight in shining armor for many that don’t play well with THC, but a question that eludes most users is regarding HHC and drug tests, does HHC show up on a drug test? It’s a simple question with not so simple answer, and we’re here to make it as simple as possible.
Main Key Points
- HHC is a strongly psychoactive cannabinoid that results in a clear, energizing high.
- Some HHC products containing THC could show on a drug test.
- In theory, HHC products without any THC shouldn’t show on drug tests.
- For some individuals, their bodies could metabolize HHC as THC resulting in a false positive.
- Hemp-sourced HHC products containing no more than 0.3% THC are federally legal.
- HHC products are available online and in stores.
What Is HHC?
Hexahydrocannabionol, also known as HHC, is a hydrogenated form of THC, meaning it has a different molecular structure. HHC is one of the hundreds of hemp-derived cannabinoids naturally occurring in the hemp plant. However, it exists in tiny amounts.
Because of the scarcity of HHC in the plant, HHC products usually come from the hydrogenation process of other cannabinoids, such as THC (a similar technique used to make margarine from vegetable oil.) This process breaks the double bonds of the THC molecule and replaces it with two hydrogen atoms.
So HHC is pretty much a cousin to THC; they’re different but still have a lot in common.
Curious how HHC works as a pain remedy? Check our in-depth article.
Does HHC Show Up On A Drug Test?
It’s a complicated answer, but let us say it depends! Two main factors could affect whether HHC could show on a drug test. Let’s break it down.
The purity of your HHC product
When thinking about HHC and drug tests, the first thing that comes to mind is cross-contamination.
In the manufacturing process of HHC, some companies could have trace amounts of THC as a byproduct, which consequently may lead to a failed drug test.
With more brands hitting the shelf every day, some don’t even bother to perform lab tests to verify the quality of their product, and others withhold the lab results from the end user! Don’t be swayed by ads and labels claiming “No trace amounts of THC” without the lab reports to back it up! See an example of a lab report or certificate of analysis here.
Controlling the quality of your HHC products is something within your control by choosing a product without any THC, such as our 50 mg HHC gummies.
How Does HHC Metabolize in Your Body!
Now, cannabinoids are not a one size fits all! Your body chemistry, body weight, age, and metabolism are factors to consider.
First, let’s understand how standard drug tests detect THC metabolites. Because HHC and THC have a similar chemical structure, the human body could produce HHC metabolites almost identical to that of THC, causing a fake positive on a drug screen.
However, sometimes the body produces HHC metabolites with more apparent distinctions, causing it to pass the drug test normally. Since there isn’t an HHC cannabinoid drug testing, it could be hard to tell whether the standard test picked up on HHC or THC metabolite. (If this made your head spin, it might do the same to the test, too.
Where To Buy HHC Edibles?
You can stroll down to the nearest dispensary or brick-and-mortar shop for some HHC goodies, or you can save yourself the endless search and surrender to the arms of online shopping! That’s where you can verify the brands, read reviews, check the ingredients, and of course, home delivery!
Ready to order? Try our all-natural vegan HHC gummies.
How Long Does HHC Stay In Your System
Same as other cannabinoids, how long HHC remains in your body depends on several factors, including:
- Personal sensitivity to HHC
- Amount of HHC you consume
- Type of HHC product (gummies or oils)
- Frequency of use
- Individual Metabolism
- Drug testing method
Generally, you can expect HHC to stay in your system anywhere from weeks to a few months. Cannabinoids are a personal experience; everybody is different.
Let’s take THC, for example; it can be detected in bodily fluids tests like blood and urine tests for up to 30 days after the last use, maybe even longer, up to 90 days for a frequent user. You can expect HHC to stay in your system for about the same amount of time.
Can HHC Cause a False Positive On a Drug Test?
A false positive means the test shows THC in your system when you haven’t used it.
As we’ve mentioned, standard drug tests look for THC metabolites. HHC has a very similar structure to THC and metabolizes similar but not entirely identical compounds.
Here’s the science:
According to the Harvey and Brown study, HHC metabolizes into compounds with a similar chemical structure to those resulting from THC.
There are two main groups of metabolites resulting from THC in the body Carboxy THC or THC-COOH (11-nor-9-carboxy-THC) and Hydroxy-THC (11-hydroxy-THC). Drug tests usually screen for (11-hydroxy-THC)
When it comes to HHC, the research suggests that HHC metabolizes to 11-hydroxy-HHC, which is very similar to 11-hydroxy-THC. Now putting how similar these two metabolites are into account, it could potentially lead to “false positives.”
Is HHC Legal?
Good news for all! HHC products sourced from hemp, containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC of total dry weight, are federally legal!
And we’re also lucky that most states don’t consider HHC as a THC analog, which means that HHC falls under the legal umbrella, even in No THC states. Try some of our 50 mg gummies with zero THC here.
You can read in detail about the legality of HHC in each state here.
HHC Effects
Many users compare their experience with HHC to that with Sativa. Users describe a euphoric feeling that’s more energetic than sedative, with more focus and clarity, making the perfect daytime cannabinoid.
Give our 50 mg HHC gummies with zero THC a whirl, and get a taste for yourself!)
You can get a more in-depth review of the HHC experience with our review here.
Does HHC Make You High?
Most certainly! HHC is becoming a staple for many because of its potent psychoactive effects, that anecdotal evidence suggests about 80% that of Delta-9 but with a more energetic and clear mind feeling.
Looking for more details? Check out the fully detailed blog about the HHC high.
And don’t miss this neat trick to take your HHC experience to the next level.
Tell Me The Difference Between HHC And THC
Users suggest that Delta-9 has the most potent psychoactive properties, while Delta-8 THC has about half of the psychoactive powers of Delta-9, and Delta-10 is somewhat mildly psychoactive.
According to anecdotal evidence and user testimonies, the HHC high is about 2x more potent than Delta-8 THC and 80% of that of Delta-9.
You can learn more about the differences between HHC and THC in detail here.
Get to know more about this amazing cannabinoid with our full guide
HHC Side Effects
So far, many have converted to HHC gummies as a daytime alternative to the relaxing Delta-8 and Delta-9 without any reported adverse effects. A small percentage showed concern about mild side effects such as red eyes, dry mouth, and nausea in some cases as a result of taking HHC.
Some users with high sensitivity to psychoactive cannabinoids reported increased anxiety with strong potency HHC products in high doses.
Final Thoughts – Does HHC Show Up On A Drug Test?
Considering that the official research is still to decide how HHC metabolizes in the body, and with the lack of HHC drug tests. The theory remains that HHC products without any detectable THC, such as our 50mg HHC gummies, won’t cause positive results on a drug test.
We definitely recommend doing your own personal drug test with a quality gummy without any THC in it.
Visit our website www.BiowellnessX.com and try some of our all-natural, vegan hemp products and get them delivered to your doorstep.
Other Articles Related to HHC
Resources:
- Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hexahydrocannabinol
- The Harvey and Brown Study https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/009130579190359A
- Hardening Vegetable Oils Through Hydrogenation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iKczqO1TiE - A S Bloom, W L Dewey, L S Harris, K K Brosius – 9-nor-9beta-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol, a cannabinoid with potent antinociceptive activity: comparisons with morphine. J Pharmacol Exp Ther, 200, 263-270.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/839438/
Legal Disclaimer:
The efficacy of HHC products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not a substitute or alternative to health care practitioners’ knowledge, especially with prior medical conditions.
Before using any product, consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or complications. The Federal Food and Drug and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.
FAQ About HHC and Drug Tests
Drug tests usually detect THC metabolites. Because there isn’t a specific HHC drug test, you could get a false positive if your product has small traces of THC or your body converts the HHC metabolites into THC metabolites.
Poor quality HHC gummies containing high levels of THC could cause you to test positive, and how HHC metabolizes in your body is also a factor that can lead to the same result. Test it out yourself with a zero THC gummy and your own drug test and see how it works for you.
Yes! When you consume HHC gummies, you will feel strong euphoric effects, similar to those of the Sativa strain, with boosted mood, energy, and focus.
