Does HHC Show Up On a Drug Test?

The big question on your mind right now is, “does HHC show up on a drug test?” Yes, it can, but it’s not guaranteed. Let’s explore why this cannabinoid sits in such a gray area, from how it metabolizes to its potential to trip up traditional drug tests.

What Is HHC?

Hexahydrocannabinol or HHC is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid derived from hemp. It’s often described as the “middle ground” between THC and CBD, offering mild psychoactive effects without the intensity of delta-9 THC. HHC is gaining traction for its legal ambiguity and versatility in products like vapes, gummies, and tinctures.

What makes HHC unique is its stability. Unlike THC, it’s more resistant to heat and light, meaning it retains potency longer. But that durability might also explain its longevity in your system—more on that soon.

Does HHC Show Up on Drug Tests?

Yes, HHC can show up on a urine, blood, saliva, or hair drug test that screens for THC metabolites because HHC molecules resemble THC molecules. So, your typical drug test may flag HHC as THC.

HHC’s chemical structure shares enough similarities with THC to potentially trigger a false positive, especially in standard urine or blood tests. While more advanced tests might pinpoint specific cannabinoids, most workplace screenings aren’t that sophisticated.

How Does Your Body Metabolize HHC?

When you consume HHC, your liver does the heavy lifting, breaking it down into metabolites similar to THC. These metabolites can linger in your body depending on various factors, including:

• Dosage: Higher doses mean more metabolites, which could stick around longer.
• Frequency of Use: Occasional users may clear HHC faster than daily consumers.
• Individual Metabolism: Everyone processes cannabinoids at different rates. Faster metabolism? Faster clearance.
• Body Composition: Cannabinoids are fat-soluble, so they hang out longer in bodies with higher fat content.

HHC metabolites can remain detectable for several days to weeks, depending on these factors and the type of drug test.

Types of Drug Tests

Each drug test has its quirks, and HHC’s detectability depends on the method:

Urine Drug Tests

Urine tests are the gold standard for workplace screenings. They primarily check for THC-COOH, a THC metabolite, which HHC can mimic. Detection time can range from 2–10 days for occasional users and up to 30 days for chronic users.

Blood Tests

Blood tests are less common but highly accurate. They detect cannabinoids circulating in your system, typically within hours of use. HHC could be detectable for up to 48 hours post-consumption.

Saliva Tests

Saliva tests focus on recent use. HHC may show up in your saliva within 24–72 hours, depending on the frequency of use.

Hair Follicle Tests

Hair tests have the longest detection window, often spanning 90 days or more. While there’s limited data on HHC, its metabolites could theoretically be detected in hair, similar to THC.

HHC and Drug Tests

The overlap between HHC and THC metabolites means HHC users may face the same challenges as THC users when it comes to drug tests. While this might not affect every individual, it raises significant implications:

What Does This Mean for You as an Employer?

Employers should be aware that while HHC may be legal in some areas, its use could still create issues with drug testing and workplace policies. Since HHC’s legal status can vary by state, it’s important to take steps to protect your business and maintain a drug-free workplace.

Here’s what you can do:

• Update your drug policies: Make sure your policy includes clear guidelines on what substances are banned, including any state-specific rules about HHC.
• Align testing with legal requirements: Ensure your drug tests are in line with both your state’s laws and your company’s safety standards.
• Communicate with employees: Clearly explain your drug policies to employees so they understand what’s allowed and what’s not.

By updating your policies and testing procedures, you can keep your workplace drug-free while staying compliant with local laws regarding HHC.

What Does This Mean for You as an Employee?

For employees, the takeaway is clear: if you’re subject to drug testing, using HHC carries risks. Be informed about your workplace policies and consider abstaining if a test is on the horizon.

Psychoactives that Don’t Show On Drug Tests

While HHC may or may not show up on a drug test, there are other psychoactives that can avoid detection, such as:

1. CBD Isolate: CBD isolate is a purified form of cannabidiol that contains no THC. Since standard drug tests target THC metabolites, CBD isolate users typically won’t test positive. However, full-spectrum CBD products may contain trace THC, posing a risk.
2. CBG (Cannabigerol): Like CBD, CBG is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that doesn’t metabolize into THC-related compounds. It won’t trigger a positive test unless contaminated with THC.
3. Kratom: This herbal supplement, derived from the Mitragyna speciosa tree, interacts with opioid receptors but isn’t screened for in standard drug panels. Specialized tests are required to detect kratom use.
4. Delta-8 THC Derived From CBD: While Delta-8 THC is psychoactive, it’s metabolized differently than Delta-9 THC. Some users claim they pass drug tests, but others report false positives, especially with highly sensitive tests. Its detectability remains controversial.
5. Kava:  This plant-based drink produces calming effects by interacting with GABA receptors in the brain. Drug tests don’t typically screen for kavalactones, the active compounds in kava.
6. Salvia Divinorum: A potent psychoactive plant, salvia’s effects are short-lived, and its compounds aren’t part of routine drug testing panels.
7. Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): This dissociative anesthetic is quickly expelled from the body and isn’t targeted in drug tests.
8. Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms): Psilocybin breaks down into psilocin, which isn’t detected in common drug tests. However, specialized tests can identify its metabolites if specifically requested.

While the above substances may evade detection, remember that individual tests can vary based on employer requirements, legal mandates, or emerging testing technologies. Learn about other cannabis concentrates like live resin vs. live rosin, distillate vs. live resin carts, and THC diamonds.

Factors That May Influence HHC Detection

• Dosage and Frequency of Use: The more often you use HHC and the higher the dose, the longer it stays in your system, increasing the chances of detection.
• Individual Metabolism and Body Composition: People with faster metabolisms can process and eliminate HHC more quickly, reducing the time it stays in your system.
• Type and Sensitivity of the Drug Test: Some drug tests are more advanced and can detect metabolites unique to HHC, while others may only check for THC, potentially missing it altogether. The sensitivity of the test plays a big role in whether HHC shows up.
• Product Quality: The quality of the HHC product can affect how it’s metabolized and how long it stays in your system. Lower-quality products may contain impurities or higher levels of THC, increasing the chances of detection.

Can HHC Cause a False Positive on a THC Drug Test?

Unfortunately, yes. HHC’s chemical similarities to THC mean it can produce metabolites that tests mistake for THC. While scientific studies are limited, anecdotal reports suggest users have failed THC screenings after consuming HHC. Until more definitive research emerges, the risk of a false positive remains real.

Is HHC Illegal?

HHC is generally considered legal at the federal level due to the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp and its derivatives as long as they contain less than 0.3% delta-9 THC. However, some states have specific restrictions or have banned HHC altogether, such as Colorado, Delaware, and Nevada, while HHC remains legal in states like California, Florida, and Massachusetts.

It’s important to check local laws before purchasing or using HHC to ensure you’re complying with regulations. Always stay updated, as the legal landscape around cannabinoids is rapidly evolving.

Tips for Avoiding Drug Test Issues with HHC

1. Abstain Before Scheduled Tests: When in doubt, skip HHC entirely if you have an upcoming test. If you’re an infrequent user, HHC should clear from your system within 7 days after use. In contrast, frequent/heavy users, may have to abstain for 4 weeks or longer before a test. This is because regular use can cause HHC metabolites to accumulate within fatty tissues. In such cases, you need up to 30 days of abstaining for HHC to leave fat-storing tissues.
2. Explore Alternatives: Non-psychoactive cannabinoids like CBD isolate are safer options for test-conscious consumers.
3. Understand Local Laws and Employer Policies: Legal doesn’t always mean risk-free, especially in workplaces with zero-tolerance drug policies.

How to Clear HHC from Your System

While abstaining, drink lots of fluids, exercise, and eat a balanced diet to speed up HHC leaving your system. These activities support your body’s natural detoxification processes. How? Drinking lots of water helps flush out metabolites through urine, while exercising triggers your metabolism, burning fat where HHC is stored, leading to faster elimination. Eating a balanced diet, on the other hand, ensures your liver and kidneys function efficiently.

However, drinking more water and exercising won’t cause HHC to clear from your system overnight. Time remains the predominant factor in clearing HHC metabolites from your body.

FAQs about HHC Showing on Drug Tests

Can you fail a drug test for HHC?

Yes, HHC can produce THC-like metabolites, leading to a failed test.

Is HHC detectable in urine?

Yes, especially in standard drug screenings targeting THC metabolites.

What drug class is HHC?

HHC is a cannabinoid, similar to THC, but often falls into a legal gray area.

How long before a drug test should you stop HHC?

At least 2–4 weeks, depending on usage frequency and test sensitivity.

What cannabinoids don’t show up on a drug test?

CBD isolate and CBG typically don’t trigger positive results.

How long does HHC take to leave your body?

Anywhere from a few days to weeks, depending on usage and individual factors.

How do you get HHC out of urine?

There’s no quick fix, but drinking lots of fluids and exercising can help speed up its passing.

Does HHC get you high?

Yes, HHC produces mild psychoactive effects, though less intense than THC.

How long does CBD stay in your system?

CBD can stay in your system for 2–5 days, depending on use.

Is HHC legal in the UK?

In the UK, HHC may be considered illegal under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016, even though it is not explicitly named in the legislation.

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