Have you recently taken HHC, or are considering taking it, but need to know if HHC will show up on a drug test? Lucky for you, our team of experts has you covered! As we’ve discussed in previous articles, HHC (or hexa-hydrocannabinol) is a hemp-derived cannabinoid that is often compared to THC for its unique, and potentially intoxicating, effects. Since HHC is federally legal in the US, many people lean on it as an alternative to cannabis and THC products in non-legal states. Because of its legal status, many people automatically believe that HHC will not pop positive on a drug test… unfortunately, it just might.
This article explains everything you need to know about HHC and drug testing, including what factors control how long it stays in your system, how it might respond to different types of tests, and how you can cleanse your body of HHC quickly.
Melee Dose creates the most cutting-edge HHC products available online for sale in all 50 states. Our disposable vapes feature two grams of delicious strain-specific HHC oil for your smoking pleasure. Try flavors like Grape Gushers, Strawberry Zkittlez, and more after you learn more about how long HHC might stay in your system.
How Long Does HHC Stay In Your System?
HHC’s effects haven’t been studied enough in humans for us to know for certain how long HHC can stay in your system. However, since the compound appears to have a similar makeup as Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC, it’s safe to use those as a baseline for determining if HHC will show up on a drug test.
Using other hemp-derived compounds as a guide, it is safe to assume HHC will remain in your system anywhere between 2-30+ days based on a few factors, including:
- Age
- Weight
- Potency of product and dose consumed
- Metabolism and other genetic factors
Additionally, the method of testing used may also play a role in how long HHC products (especially those containing trace amounts of THC molecules) are detectable in your body.
Will HHC Pop Positive On A Drug Test?
In order to adequately answer this question, we have to dive into what cannabis drug tests are in the first place. Generally, drug tests screen for THC metabolites present in your system – not THC itself. This is because THC molecules are quickly converted into 11-hydroxy-THC (a metabolite) when consumed. Common drug tests screen for this specific metabolite, which can be present for up to 90+ days after you ingest THC.
Because HHC is not a THC molecule, there is no evidence that it converts to a THC metabolite when consumed. However, because there is limited evidence surrounding it, scientists are still unsure if HHC will show up on a drug test or not.
It has not been ruled out, however, if HHC turns into THC-COOH ( a metabolite formed via 11-hydroxy-THC by cytochrome p450 enzymes which play a key role in metabolizing drugs in the body). THC-COOH is one of the markers used to detect THC in blood, urine, and saliva-based drug tests. It is also possible for this compound to show up in hair follicles, although these types of drug tests are notably less reliable.
There is a lot we don’t know about HHC, which leaves a lot up to the imagination when wondering if HCC shows up on a drug test. There is some anecdotal evidence that HCC is somehow immune to popping on a drug test. Unfortunately, it will be some time before science can back this up. Until then, it’s best to proceed with HHC and other cannabis-like compounds with caution. Especially if there is a chance you will need to take a drug test in the near future.
How Do They Test For HHC?
Even though there is no specific test for HHC currently on the market, some HHC products have the potential to contain THC (or THC-like) compounds that may pop positive on your run-of-the-mill drug test. As we mentioned, each type of drug test can find different levels of THC metabolites in your body.
Here is a quick breakdown of the types of drug tests used, and the standard timelines for finding cannabis compounds in your system.
- Blood Test – THC metabolites can be detected for up to 36 hours after the last use on a blood-style drug test.
- Saliva Test – THC can be detected in your mouth for up to 48 hours after the last use with a saliva-style drug test.
- Urine Test – Results for this test can vary. It is possible to test positive for up to 15+ days for mild/moderate consumers, 30+ days for frequent users, and around a week for edible consumers.
- Hair Follicle Test – This type of test can detect THC for over 90 days from the point of last consumption. A hair follicle test can find small amounts of THC metabolites over the longest period of time.
You may be asking yourself—does it really matter if HHC shows up on a drug test? It’s legal, right? Yes and no. While HHC products are legal, they often contain trace amounts of delta-8, delta-9, or other types of THC that can 100% cause you to fail a drug test. Unfortunately, while hemp-derived THC is legal, it all looks the same on paper—and there is no way to really prove that HHC is to blame. This means that even if you consume hemp-THC and HHC products, you may have a hard time fighting a positive test.
What Can You Do To Cleanse Your System Of HHC Before A Test?
If you’ve already consumed HHC products and are worried about an upcoming drug test there are some factors to keep in mind that may affect how long HHC stays in your system.
- The more often it’s used, the longer HHC will stay in your system.
- HHC metabolizes twice as quickly in younger users. For instance, a dose of HHC may take 3 days to cycle through a 25-year-old body, but it could take a week if you’re 65 years old
- Some people metabolize cannabinoids slower than others.
- Vaping HHC is thought to remain in the body for the least amount of time.
- Consuming higher doses of HHC have the potential to remain in the body for longer.
- Some medications can affect the body’s ability to eliminate HHC, especially if they use the same metabolic resources as HHC. Consult a doctor if you have concerns about potential drug interactions.
As always, staying hydrated helps your body cleans out toxins—including THC, CBD, HHC, and other cannabinoids. If you are expecting to take a drug test in the near future, drinking lots of water can help set you up for success.
Conclusion:
Unfortunately, anecdotal reports of HHC and drug tests show conflicting results. While pure HHC products have the lowest likelihood of causing you to pop positive on a drug test, HHC products that potentially contain trace amounts of delta-8, delta-10, THC-O, and other THC metabolites. Any of these aforementioned cannabinoids will likely cause you to fail. Because there are so many factors that determine if HHC shows up on a drug test, it’s probably smart to proceed with caution
If you have questions about specific Melee Dose products, including our HHC vapes and gummies, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is happy to answer any questions and is eagerly waiting to link you up with the perfect products that meet your needs. We believe in the magic of hemp-derived cannabinoids, and give people safe access to premium options from the comfort of their homes. Visit our online store to find out more information on our HHC product line and the other premium products we produce.
