One of the most common questions people have about cannabinoids like HHC is, “does HHC show up on a drug test?” While some users who claim to have passed drug tests after taking HHC just once or twice contend that it won’t show up, others who have failed drug tests after using HHC just once or twice disagree.
If you have an upcoming drug test and want to learn what is accurate, you are at the right place. We will answer your questions in this post with a thorough explanation of HHC and drug testing. Let’s start with the basics.
What is HHC?
Although we often refer to HHC as a more recent cannabinoid, Roger Adams created it first in 1947. The discovery never had an impact until recently, when the demand for goods made from hemp increased. HHC is one of the more than 100 minor cannabinoids contained in the hemp plant. HHC is a THC relative that has long been understood by research, but cannabis users have rarely discussed it, and it is still not widely known.
Hexahydrocannabionol (HHC) is a hydrogenated version of THC obtained by hydrogenation. It is a shelf-stable cannabinoid because it contains no double bonds in its structure. Even less HHC than delta 8 is naturally present in the hemp plant; however, it is often produced significantly in a lab using THC.
Is HHC Legal?
HHC falls into legal limbo, like all cannabinoids generated from hemp. However, it is legal in most states as long as the goods are created using hemp as the primary raw material and the finished product has less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. Despite the Farm Bill’s protection of certain hemp products, some states have chosen to prohibit them.
How Does HHC Work?
Although there are a few minor changes, HHC and delta-9 function similarly inside your body, it interacts with your body’s intricate biochemical network of receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes. This network of receptors is known as the endocannabinoid system, and each element functions in concert to put your body into balance or homeostasis.
Cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors are found throughout your brain and central nervous system, and HHC selectively targets these receptors. It targets the CB1 receptor, which results in a euphoric high in addition to several advantages like anti-inflammation, pain reduction, sleep promotion, and general health and wellness.
How Does HHC Make You Feel?
HHC does indeed cause a high. However, it differs slightly from THC. HHC has substantially softer effects than Delta-9 and is frequently contrasted with Delta-8. Although with a lower affinity than Delta-9, it has five carbon side chains that bind to the CB1 cannabinoid receptors. Many say the high improves mood while only slightly altering the intellect and cognition. With less psychotropic effects than Delta-9, it is typically more energizing than a sedative.
HHC and THC: Are they Different?
The effects of HHC are pretty similar to those of THC. Many users assert that it offers the best of both worlds and is like the love child of delta 9 and delta 8. Because it has psychotropic benefits without adverse side effects, it is considered a preferable alternative to delta 9. Along with the exhilaration and enthusiasm, HHC also has soothing qualities and is a calm, resting cannabinoid. It is closer to delta 8 THC because of this characteristic. Additionally, its adverse effects are far milder than those of THC.
How Does HHC Metabolize?
Generally speaking, HHC should leave your system between a few weeks to a few months, and everybody responds differently to it. So if you are taking a drug test soon, bear in mind that the duration of time HHC stays in your body is influenced by several variables, such as:
How Long Does HHC Last in Your System?
Generally speaking, HHC should leave your system between a few weeks to a few months, and everybody responds differently to it. Like other cannabinoids, the duration of time HHC stays in your body is influenced by several variables, such as:
- Amount Consumed
- Frequency of use
- Method of Consumption
- Metabolism
- Metabolic Competition
- Age
Factors Affecting How Long HHC Lasts In Your System
If HHC has a biological half-life similar to delta 8 THC, it likely has a half-life of about 30 minutes. The biological half-life merely reveals how long a chemical is present in your bloodstream. Several variables affect how long HHC stays in your body’s cells and tissues.
1. Quantity Consumed
Although it may seem simple, the quantity of HHC you consume plays a significant role in determining the result of your HHC drug test. Although your liver can only metabolize a certain amount of HHC at once, it does so fast. Taking twice as much HHC might stay in your system for an hour or two longer, but it won’t make a difference after a day.
2. Frequency of Use
Before taking your drug test, you must understand that it takes longer for your body to eliminate HHC when you regularly use it. The reason is that cannabinoids are fat-soluble, and HHC is removed from fat cells far more slowly than in the bloodstream. If you use it often, your body won’t have a chance to get rid of it, which will cause it to begin building up in your fat cells.
3. Method of Consumption
HHC is quickly absorbed through the lungs and into the bloodstream when inhaled through a cartridge, and this shortens the time it takes for your body to remove it from your system and enables your liver to begin processing it more quickly. Ingestion, in contrast, requires your body to process it twice as long because it must first go through the slow digestive system before it can be absorbed into the blood.
4. Metabolism
HHC concentrations decrease more quickly after use in individuals with fast metabolisms than those with slow metabolisms. The kidneys eliminate HHC from the body once the liver breaks it down. How quickly and effectively your liver and kidneys work impact your body’s ability to break down a complicated substance like HHC.
Your liver uses an enzyme called CYP3A4 to metabolize compounds that resemble THC. HHC is metabolized more quickly in those with higher CYP3A4 concentrations than in individuals with lower amounts.
5. Metabolic Competition
Metabolic competition is a less visible factor. Taking drugs with the same metabolic pathways as HHC can cause your body to process and eliminate both chemicals from your body much more slowly for two reasons. First, HHC will persist in your body, increasing the likelihood that you may fail a drug test. Additionally, your drugs may be more effective because of the slower processing. Although it could seem optimistic, that could be harmful. The best course of action is to avoid or minimize the usage of HHC while taking medicine, especially if a drug test is imminent.
6. Age
People’s metabolisms slow down as they age, making it more difficult for their bodies to handle drugs and chemicals. However, individual differences frequently outweigh age-related variances.
7. Drug Testing Method
Different testing techniques have various detection times. While some drug testing techniques may identify HHC for several months, others can only do so for a few days. Here is a brief explanation:
Blood tests – identifies THC metabolites for up to 36 hours after the previous use.
Saliva tests – THC metabolites can still be found in saliva up to 48 hours after the last use.
Urine tests – for light users, it takes about 15 days after the last use, while for frequent users, it takes about 30 days. A person who only consumes edibles might have positive results for about a week.
Hair sample test – THC metabolites can still be found in hair samples up to 90 days after previous use.
Why HHC Will Show Up on A Drug Test
This debate on HHC drug tests is still up for dispute. But according to research, HHC is more likely than not to show up on a drug test for two reasons.
1. HHC Metabolites Are Similar to THC
With a structure like THC and effects comparable to delta 8 and delta 9, this cannabinoid is a THC analog. The scarcity of investigation also reveals the similarities in their metabolites. Anecdotal data suggests that we are more likely to answer “yes,” although everyone’s opinion differs.
2. HHC Products Often Contain THC
Many dishonest individuals operating in the HHC sector fail to disclose basic product testing and contamination data. If you’re not attentive, you can be taken in by illegal items that contain more delta 9 THC than the legal limit of 0.3%. Only purchase from trustworthy vendors who can supply a thorough Certificate of Analysis like Truemoola.
Is it Possible to Get a False Positive on an HHC Drug Test?
A test returns a false positive means that it found THC even if you hadn’t used it. You might be curious about the likelihood of receiving a false-positive test result. According to the Harvey and Brown study, HHC breaks down into substances with a molecular structure similar to THC-COOH, but this time they contain hydroxyl groups. Another significant metabolite of delta 9 THC found in drug testing is THC-COOH. The body produces carboxy-THC as the second most considerable metabolite after hydroxy-THC. Drug tests detect exposure to this class of metabolites because they are inactive and cause no impairment.
An HHC drug test may identify these metabolites due to their fundamental structural and chemical similarity. Because the tests might not be able to detect the molecule, HHC might not lead you to fail a routine drug test. However, cross-contamination and a false-positive result are highly likely due to the similarities in chemical structure.
Final Verdict
We aren’t sure about whether or not standard 12-panel drug tests would pick HHC’s metabolites since there’s no official research around this question, so we advise you to get tested and see for yourself.
We hope this article has been helpful for more informative blog posts like this or to shop for your favorite cannabis products like prerolls, delta 8 THC gummies, CBD gummies, rechargeable vapes, CBD topicals, and more, visit our online store.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Delta 9?
One important cannabinoid that is prevalent in cannabis is delta 9 THC. Delta-9 THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. Though it is naturally occurring, beyond a certain point, delta-9 THC consumption or smoking usually results in a high.
How is Delta 9 legal?
While it has been made entirely legal in some jurisdictions, the federal government has not yet done the same.
The quick response is yes, some goods made with delta-9 THC are allowed. It’s a little trickier than that, though. Individual THC ratios and the plant from which that THC was derived determine the status of delta 9 gummies and other delta 9 products.
Are CBD gummies like THC gummies?
THC gummies are different from CBD gummies, and gummies with CBD are more expensive yet may benefit from various ailments. Despite being healthy, THC gummies don’t have the same effects as CBD, and they are typically less costly, and finding a high-quality version might be challenging. To get the best THC gummies in the USA, visit our site.
THC pills vs. gummies?
In the USA and the rest of the world, people prefer to buy THC pills for medical purposes because it is simpler to travel with a bottle of capsules rather than bags of gummy candies that could become brittle in hot weather. THC pills make it possible to dose precisely without consuming sweets or liquids. Compared to gummies, CBD capsules are more constant and absorbent, making them ideal for treating particular symptoms. Gummies are made to taste fantastic, despite this.
2 Comments
I hit ice cream sandwich vape 2 times an I have a drug test coming soon. I bought a home test an it popped up dirty for THC how long will this last in my system? I’m not a frequent user
Hey Jamie,
Unfortunately there is no solid answer for that matter. To be on the safe side, especially if the drug test in question is an employment or probationary test, we recommend you NOT to consume Delta 8 THC or any other form of THC. Truemoola doesn’t want you to fail.