Found in vape carts, edibles, and tinctures, HHC is catching eyes for its effects and legal status. But the big question on everyone’s mind is—will HHC show up on a drug test? To get to the bottom of this, let’s break down what HHC actually is and how long it can stick around in your system.
What is HHC?
HHC is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid that comes from hemp, not THC directly. Instead, it’s made by hydrogenating CBD extracted from hemp plants. Hydrogenation is the same process that turns vegetable oil into margarine, which sounds weird but makes HHC more stable and less likely to degrade. Chemically, HHC is similar to THC but has a few extra hydrogen atoms. These tweaks might seem small, but they change how HHC interacts with your body.
In terms of effects, most users describe HHC as a blend between Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC—relaxing but without the heavy couch-lock or anxiety that sometimes comes with regular THC. The high is usually milder, but it’s still psychoactive, meaning it can get you buzzed.
Legally, HHC gets a pass under the 2018 Farm Bill as long as it’s derived from hemp and contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. That said, state laws can vary, and some are already looking to ban or regulate HHC just like Delta-8 and Delta-10. So, checking your local rules is a smart move.
How Long Does HHC Stay in Your System?
The time HHC hangs out in your body depends on several things—how often you use it, your metabolism, body fat, and even how much water you drink. Here’s a closer look:
Frequency of Use
- Single Use: For someone who tries HHC once, it might clear out in 2-3 days.
- Occasional Use: A few times a week could extend that to 5-7 days.
- Frequent Use: If you’re using it daily, HHC can stick around for 2-4 weeks, sometimes even longer.
Metabolism and Body Fat
Cannabinoids like HHC are fat-soluble, meaning they store in your fat cells. People with higher body fat percentages might hold onto HHC longer because it gets slowly released back into the bloodstream. If you’ve got a fast metabolism, your body might break down and flush out HHC quicker.
Consumption Method:
- Vaping: Hits faster but also leaves your system quicker compared to edibles.
- Edibles: Since they’re processed by your liver, hhc edibles can extend how long HHC stays in your system—up to a week longer than vaping.
Hydration and Diet:
Staying hydrated and eating a high-fiber diet can help move things along, but it’s not a magic fix. Fiber speeds up digestion, which might help reduce how long metabolites are detectable in urine. Meanwhile, drinking water helps dilute urine, making it less likely to show a positive result, but this works better for tests that are just around the corner.
Exercise:
Working out can help release HHC stored in fat cells. However, if you’ve got a drug test coming up soon, intense workouts might actually spike metabolite levels in the short term. It’s kind of a double-edged sword.
Types of Drug Tests
Drug tests come in a few different forms, each with its own way of detecting substances. Some are better at catching recent use, while others are like a time capsule, revealing what you’ve used in the past few months. Here’s a closer look at the main types of tests you might run into:
Urine Tests:
These are the most common for workplace screening since they’re cheap and easy to do. Urine tests don’t look for THC itself but for THC-COOH, a metabolite that your body creates after breaking down THC. Since HHC might produce similar metabolites, there’s a decent chance it could trigger a positive result. Detection windows vary:
- Single Use: 2-3 days.
- Moderate Use: Up to a week.
- Frequent Use: 2-4 weeks or even longer.
Urine tests are more about what you’ve used recently rather than what’s in your system right now.
Blood Tests:
These are less common unless you’re dealing with law enforcement or a hospital visit. Blood tests detect active cannabinoids in your bloodstream, making them useful for spotting very recent use—like in the past few hours or days. HHC would show up if you’ve used it recently, but it clears out of blood faster than urine.
Saliva Tests:
Used for roadside checks and some jobs, saliva tests are all about what you’ve used in the past few hours to a couple of days. They detect active cannabinoids, not metabolites. There’s not a ton of research on HHC and saliva tests yet, but if it acts like THC, it could show up for 24-72 hours after use.
Hair Tests:
These are the least common but the longest-lasting. Hair tests can show drug use for up to 90 days since cannabinoids get locked into hair strands as they grow. Even if you’ve only used HHC a few times, it could end up in your hair. Shaving won’t help much either since they can use body hair.
Does HHC Show Up on a Drug Test?
This is where things get a bit messy. Most standard drug tests are built to find THC-COOH, the main metabolite from Delta-9 THC. Since HHC isn’t THC, you’d think it would slide under the radar. But early research hints that HHC might break down into similar metabolites, which could cause a test to flag you as positive for THC.
Some people who’ve used HHC have passed drug tests without a hitch, while others haven’t been so lucky. A lot depends on the sensitivity of the test and how it’s set up. Basic tests might not catch HHC, but more advanced or lab-based tests could. The lack of solid research makes it hard to say for sure, so if you’ve got a test coming up, it’s better to play it safe.
How to Clear HHC from Your System
If you’ve got a drug test on the horizon, getting HHC out of your system fast becomes a priority. While there’s no magic fix, a few tricks might help speed things up:
Hydrate:
Drinking water won’t flush out HHC directly, but it can help dilute metabolites in your urine, making them less likely to be picked up. However, if your urine is too clear, it might raise a red flag and get you a retest. Adding electrolyte drinks can help keep things balanced.
Exercise:
Since HHC is stored in fat cells, working out might help burn off some of that storage. Cardio is especially helpful, but if your test is soon, it could cause a temporary spike in metabolites as they’re released into your bloodstream. Timing matters here—don’t go overboard right before your test.
High-Fiber Diet:
Fiber helps move waste through your digestive system faster, which can indirectly help your body get rid of HHC metabolites sooner. Foods like fruits, veggies, and whole grains are your friends here.
Detox Kits:
There are a bunch of detox kits out there claiming to clear out THC metabolites quickly. Some include herbal supplements, activated charcoal, or even synthetic urine for more extreme cases. While some people swear by them, results can be hit or miss. Make sure to read reviews and understand the risks—especially since some employers test for additives in urine.
Time:
This is the most reliable method, honestly. The longer you wait, the more likely your body will have cleared HHC naturally. If possible, try to give yourself at least 3-4 weeks if you’re a frequent user.
FAQs
Q. Can you fail a drug test for HHC?
Yes, it’s possible. Since HHC might break down into metabolites similar to those from THC, standard tests could pick it up. The risk is higher for urine tests compared to saliva or blood tests.
Q. Is HHC detectable in urine?
Most likely. Even though HHC isn’t technically THC, the metabolites it creates could show up on a urine test. If you’re a frequent user, the chances are higher.
Q. Will HHC show up on an oral drug test?
Less likely but still possible. Oral tests focus on active cannabinoids rather than metabolites, so if you haven’t used HHC recently, you might pass.
Q. Is HHC considered a drug?
Yes. It’s a psychoactive cannabinoid, and while it’s technically legal if derived from hemp, some states have their own rules. So, it’s smart to double-check your local laws before using it.
Final Takeaway
If you’ve got a test coming up, the safest move is to steer clear for a while. With more research needed to fully understand how HHC is metabolized, it’s better to stay cautious. Time, hydration, and a bit of planning are your best bets for getting HHC out of your system.
