Derived from hemp, HHC is similar to THC but remains less well-known and understood, particularly in terms of its detectability in drug tests. In this article we will overview whether HHC can be detected in standard drug tests, and will provide essential information about HHC and those concerned about drug testing and legal implications.
What is HHC?
HHC, or Hexahydrocannabinol is a hydrogenated form of THC derived from the hemp plant. First synthesized in 1944 by American chemist Dr. Roger Adams, HHC has been found in trace amounts in high-potency Cannabis Sativa plants. Unlike THC, HHC does not naturally occur in large quantities within the cannabis plant. Instead, it is created through a hydrogenation process when a THC molecule is converted into HHC by adding hydrogen molecules to its chemical structure.
HHC is reported to have psychoactive effects similar to THC, though some users report that HHC effects are somewhat milder. The potency and impact of HHC can vary based on the specific hydrogenation process used and the individual’s body chemistry.
Because HHC is relatively new to the market, research is still limited compared to more well-studied medical cannabis, CBD or THC. Users should approach HHC with caution, considering the current lack of research on its long-term effects and the legal ambiguities surrounding its use.
How does HHC metabolize in the body?
When HHC is ingested, whether through inhalation, oral consumption, or other methods, it enters the bloodstream and is eventually metabolized in the liver. The liver is critical for breaking down substances, and it uses enzymes to metabolize cannabinoids.
When HHC is metabolized, the addition of a hydroxyl group results in 11-hydroxy-HHC. This metabolite is psychoactive and contributes to the effects experienced by the user. In terms of chemical behaviour and potential effects, 11-hydroxy-HHC may mimic 11-hydroxy-THC, suggesting that HHC can produce enduring psychoactive effects similar to edible THC products.
Drug testing basics
Drug tests are a standard requirement in many workplaces and legal settings. Most drug tests tests screen for substances like THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis. Common types of drug tests include urine, blood, hair follicle, and saliva tests, each with different detection windows and substances they are sensitive to.
Drug tests, particularly urine tests, are designed to detect specific metabolites that result from the body’s processing of substances like THC. The most common metabolite tested for THC is 11-hydroxy-THC, which appears after the body metabolizes THC. The question for HHC users is whether this cannabinoid metabolizes into a compound similar enough to THC’s metabolites to trigger a positive drug test result.
Limited studies suggest that like THC, HHC is metabolized in the liver, producing a metabolite similar to 11-hydroxy-THC, known as 11-hydroxy-HHC. This similarity raises concerns that HHC could indeed be detectable by standard drug tests designed to pick up THC metabolites, despite anecdotal claims to the contrary.
Types of drug tests
Urine drug test
Urine testing is the most frequently used method for drug screening because it is a cost-effective option and it has the ability to detect a wide range of substances. Testing a urine sample can detect substances used within the past few days to a week, but can detect some drugs up to 30 days in frequent users.
Blood tests
Blood tests are more invasive but provide accurate information about active substances in the bloodstream. This test has a shorter detection window than urine tests and it can detect active substances for 1-2 days.
Saliva Tests
Saliva or oral fluid testing involves analysing a sample of saliva for drugs and is less invasive than blood testing. Like blood tests, it can detect HHC or THC metabolites for 1-2 days.
Hair follicle tests
Hair testing measures drug molecules and metabolites in the hair samples with a much longer detection window. This test can detect drug use approximately 7-10 days from use and up to 90 days or more, depending on hair length.
HHC and drug tests
Because HHC is very similar to THC, there is a concern that HHC metabolites might trigger positive results in drug tests that are designed to detect THC metabolites. Since some drug tests are sensitive to the broader spectrum of cannabinoid metabolites, HHC consumption could potentially lead to false positives where the test cannot distinguish between THC and HHC derivatives.
The safest approach for individuals subject to drug testing is to abstain from HHC use for several weeks prior to a test, similar to precautions taken with THC.
Factors influencing detection
The detection of cannabinoids like HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol) in drug tests can be influenced by a variety of factors. If you consume a higher dose of HHC, there will be a higher concentration of HHC metabolites in the body, influencing the chances of getting a positive drug test.
Like with THC, regular use may lead to the accumulation of HHC in the fat cells. Individual metabolism varies form person to person, and it may have an effect how quickly HHC is broken down and cleared from the system together with other factors like age, liver function or body fat content.
Tests sensitivity and specificity may also affect whether HHC will show up on a drug test. Some tests may not be refined enough to distinguish between THC and HHC metabolites, but it still may indicate that there is THC metabolites in your system, which would lead to a failed drug test.
Drug test regulations
The 2018 United States Farm Bill legalized the cultivation of cannabis plants and hemp derived cannabinoids, as long as they have less than 0.3% THC. Because HHC can be synthesized from hemp-derived CBD, it is generally regarded as legal at the federal level if the THC content is less than 0.3%. HHC products meet this requirement, however, the legality of HHC can vary in different states, so check your local laws before purchasing any HHC and THC products.
Frequently Asked Questions
DO HHC drug tests exist?
At the moment, no drug tests are specifically tailored to detect HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol). Most standard drug tests target THC metabolites, and given the chemical similarities between THC and HHC, there is a possibility that using HHC could lead to fail a drug test. Those subject to drug testing should consider the risks associated with HHC and drug testing.
What are the different types of HHC products?
As with other cannabis products, HHC is available in various product forms, including HHC gummies, oils, vapes and pre-rolled joints, catering to different preferences and usage needs.
How long does HHC take to leave your body?
This comes down to factors such as frequency, dosage, metabolism, and body fat. HHC can be detected in urine test for several days to a couple of weeks, blood test up to two or three days. The numbers offered originate in parallels to THC, and there are very few studies that specifically analyse HHC.
References:
- Ahmed, S. A., Ross, S. A., Slade, D., Radwan, M. M., Khan, I. A., & ElSohly, M. A. (2015). Minor oxygenated cannabinoids from high potency Cannabis sativa L. Phytochemistry, 117, 194-199.
- Harvey, D. J., & Brown, N. K. (1991). Comparative in vitro metabolism of the cannabinoids. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 40(3), 533-540.
- Nasrallah, D.J. and Garg, N.K., 2023. Studies pertaining to the emerging cannabinoid hexahydrocannabinol (HHC). ACS chemical biology, 18(9), pp.2023-2029.
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