Whether you’re thinking about trying HHC for the first time or you’re already using it, you’ve probably heard stories of HHC being undetectable on a drug test. Is this fact or fiction? Will HHC fail a drug test?
There is no hard evidence to support the claim that drug tests won’t pick up on your usage of HHC, despite a few anecdotal accounts claiming the contrary.
Find out more below, where we share all the need-to-know HHC drug test information you’ve been waiting for.
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HHC Drug Test Facts
If you’re worried about passing a drug test when using HHC, here’s some information you may find helpful.
Drug testing is most often done on competitive athletes and public service workers. But you’ll also find the occasional private company that regularly drug tests employees. Most of the time, companies are testing for evidence of THC use, not HHC. Some tests can detect THC use up to three months after it was used. Yikes.
But hold on a second, why should you panic about taking HHC if drug tests check for THC? Unfortunately, these tests often fail to differentiate between THC and other cannabinoids.
Defining HHC
Hexahydrocannabinol, or HHC, is a cannabinoid derived from hemp that has uplifting effects comparable to Delta 9 with a slightly lower potency. According to estimates, HHC has around 80% of Delta 9’s potency. There are trace amounts of HHC in the hemp plant.
Roger Adams, an American chemist, developed hexahydrocannabinol in 1944. when he hydrogenated Delta 9 by adding hydrogen atoms to it. Via the technique of hydrogenation, he introduced hydrogen molecules to Delta 9, and so HHC was born.
How HHC Works
To understand why HHC may result in a failed drug test, you need to realize that it is very similar to THC.
Inside the body, HHC and delta-9 THC do almost the same things. They interact with and affect the network of receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes that make up the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS’s job is to keep homeostasis and balance in different parts of the body. HHC targets the endocannabinoid system’s CB1 receptors in the brain and central nervous system, making users feel relaxed and euphoric.
It’s also likely that HHC interacts with other receptors to affect how the body makes related hormones. Because there is limited research on HHC, further investigation is needed to understand the interaction between the body and HHC.
What is HHC Used for?
Most users of HHC products do so for the same reasons they use THC, recreational enjoyment. They want to experience the cannabinoid’s distinct euphoric effects. HHC users report wonderfully calming effects, without the brain fog associated with other cannabinoids.
Some people also use HHC because the effects are similar to those of HHC, and they think HHC can’t be picked up by drug testing. You need to be aware of the fact that there’s a chance of it showing up in a drug test. This is because HHC is structurally similar to THC and stays in the body for an equivalent amount of time.
Will HHC Fail a Drug Test?
The question of “Will HHC fail a drug test?” is somewhat tricky. The answer is not as straightforward as yes or no.
How Drug Tests Work
Most drug tests are intended to detect THC rather than HHC. But the possibility that HHC will result in a positive test, however, is high since the test cannot distinguish between the two substances.
The reason why drug tests can’t tell the difference between THC and HHC is simple: The primary markers for detecting THC in saliva, blood, and urine samples are their chemical structure and their main metabolites, both of which are very similar. The outcome is essentially a false positive.
Drug tests check for metabolites, which are the byproducts of the body’s breakdown of molecules or food. The body retains these metabolites far longer than it does the original substance.
The majority of our knowledge and information on HHC and its metabolites is based on research on related cannabinoids and anecdotal accounts since there hasn’t been much study done on them. Because HHC is a THC analog, it is likely that the two are broken down in the body in the same way.
These metabolites are what the THC drug tests are meant to check for. Understanding how HHC is digested can help you determine if it will make you fail a drug test.
Why Will HHC Fail a Drug Test?
There are two main reasons why HHC may produce a false positive result on a drug test:
1. They Produce Similar Metabolites
Based on their similar structures and effects, the liver most likely breaks down HHC and THC in the same way. But there is no scientific proof to show that the metabolites are the same. Some people say they failed a drug test after using HHC, while others claim they passed with flying colors.
But based on what we know about cannabinoids, it’s probable that the metabolites in HHC result in a positive drug test.
2. Trace Amounts of THC May Be Found in Some HHC Products
There is a chance that certain HHC products have a small amount of THC in them. Some brands put together a mix of different cannabinoids to produce their own distinct effects.
There’s also a chance that THC got into an HHC product by accident. But this shouldn’t be a problem if you’re buying from reputable brands, as they often offer certificates of analysis showing the full list of cannabinoids and how much of each one is in the product.
You should only buy HHC products from well-known, trustworthy brands that have their products tested by an accredited third-party lab so you know what you’re actually getting.
How Long Does HHC Stay In Your System
How long HHC stays in your system is a key factor in determining whether you should be concerned about taking a drug test.
Depending on a number of factors, HHC metabolites may be detected in your system between one and 30 days after consumption. These factors include:
How It’s Consumed
The time it takes for cannabinoids to exit the body is influenced by how you consume HHC. If HHC is eaten, it usually stays in the body longer, where it is cleared more rapidly when vaped. Usually, the methods of consumption that quickly take effect also result in metabolites being processed and eliminated more quickly.
Frequency
Another factor to keep in mind is how often you use HHC products. If it’s frequently consumed, the metabolites are detectable for periods of up to 30 days or more. These metabolites are fat-soluble, which makes them harder to excrete.
Metabolism
People’s metabolisms may differ greatly from one another. It is influenced by factors such as genetics, weight, age, the presence of certain liver enzymes, diet, and even physical activity levels. The metabolites break down more quickly with an effective metabolism than with one that is less effective.
Concentration of HHC
The duration of the metabolites depends on how much HHC you consume. Since they take longer to metabolize, larger quantities increase the likelihood that the metabolites will stay in your system longer than smaller amounts.
Age
As you get older, your metabolism slows down. In other words, if you’re older, it takes more time for chemicals to metabolize. How long HHC remains in your system is greatly influenced by your age. For instance, it could take a few days for all the metabolites to vanish in a 30-year-old, yet they might stay for longer in a 60-year-old.
The Verdict: Will HHHC Fail a Drug Test?
The final takeaway on the question, “Will HHC fail a drug test?” is yes, it’s possible. So to be on the safe side, if you know you’re going to take a drug test soon, it’s a good idea to temporarily abstain from or reduce your HHC use since it will probably be detected in the test.
Don’t forget to reward yourself with your favorite HHC product when you pass with flying colors.
DISCLAIMER: THIS ARTICLE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The information in this article, including but not limited to text, images, graphics, and other material contained herein, is for informational and educational purposes only and is solely intended to be used as a self-help tool. The information in this article and website does not substitute for professional medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis. Always seek guidance and advice from a qualified healthcare provider before undertaking a new healthcare regimen.
