Will HHC Show Up On A Drug Test?

Are you one of the many people who has discovered the joys of HHC?  HHC has delighted its users as an alternative to THC.  Federally legal, a little bit less potent, and more shelf stable, HHC certainly has many accolades.  But one question remains: will HHC show up on a drug test?  Keep reading to find out.

If you don’t have an upcoming drug test to worry about, check out our selection of lab tested HHC blunts and prerolls.

The short answer

The short answer is that unfortunately, yes HHC is likely to show up on a drug test.  Below, I’ll cover the basics of HHC, plus why it’s likely that HHC will show up on a drug test.

What is HHC?

HHC is a hydrogenated version of THC.  It was initially synthesized in the 1940s by American chemist Roger Adams.  By adding hydrogen to cannabis-derived THC, Adams created HHC.  The additional hydrogen makes HHC less able to attach to our CB1 receptors.  This means, HHC is less potent than THC.  However, the hydrogen also makes HHC more shelf stable than THC.  As a result, HHC is less susceptible to degradation from light, heat, and oxygen than THC.

The long answer

Drug tests don’t actually look for THC; they look for its metabolites.  Since HHC is structurally similar to THC, it’s possible that its metabolites may be similar enough to those of THC to produce a positive reading on the test.  Unfortunately, more research needs to be conducted in order to definitively say whether or not this is the case.  

Additionally, the hemp-derived cannabinoid market is not subject to the same level of federal regulation as cannabis.  This means, that unless you are consuming reliable, lab tested HHC products, there is a chance that those products could contain THC, delta 8, or other cannabinoids that would trigger a positive test result.

More to consider

Like THC, HHC doesn’t completely leave your system right after the high wears off.  Depending on how frequently you use HHC, traces of the cannabinoid could remain in your body anywhere between a couple of days and a month after your last use.  Currently, there is no test that looks specifically for HHC.  However, it’s possible that HHC will read as THC on the drug test, so it’s definitely better to be safe than sorry.

If you’re a frequent HHC user, there will be remnants of HHC in your body long after your last HHC high.  If you’ve tried HHC once, and haven’t gone back for more, then you will clear it from your system much more quickly than a chronic user.

Type of test

The type of test you’re going to be subjected to determines how long before your test you need to abstain.  Though, again, we’re not 100% sure how HHC will read on each test, we can follow the guidelines for THC testing and timing.

Urine test:  This is the most common form of drug testing.  A urine test can detect THC for 30 days, sometimes longer, since last use if the person uses THC daily.  This time decreases the less frequently you use.

Hair test:  This is by far the least forgiving form of drug testing.  A hair test can detect THC for up to 3 months after last use.

Blood test:  A blood test typically only detects THC for up to half a day post-use; however, that time increases if you’re a heavier user.

Saliva test:  Saliva tests can detect THC for 24 hours after last use.  But, if you’re a chronic user, then that time increases to about 72 hours.

The bottom line

If you have a drug test coming up, then stay away from HHC.  It is extremely likely that HHC will show up on a drug test.  This is due in part to impure HHC products that may actually contain THC or delta 8 (which will absolutely cause you to fail).  Even if you’re using super pure, 100% HHC, it’s unclear how HHC will behave when subjected to a test.  Since HHC is essentially hydrogenated THC, it’s possible that its metabolites will be similar enough to THC to trigger a positive test result.  However, more research needs to be done to confirm this.  If you want to pass your test, definitely stop using HHC as soon as possible.