Does HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol) show up on a drug test? The short answer is yes HHC can show up on a drug test. The long answer is that it’s a maybe. It sometimes can and sometimes cannot show up on a drug test. The variance comes from the amount of use, your weight, height, body-mass index, metabolic cycle, stress levels, health condition, and much more.
Key takeaways
- Although drug tests are searching for 11-hydroxy-THC, it’s still possible that 11-hydroxy-HHC (the chemical compound that’s within Hexahydrocannabinol) will produce a positive result.
- According to Redwood Laboratories, “metabolites of cannabis are usually detectable in urine drug tests from 3 days up to 10 days.” And “heavy users can produce positive tests for 30 days or longer after ceasing cannabis use. The length of time may vary to some degree according to metabolism, quantity, and frequency of use.” The same would apply for any other type of alternative cannabinoid (including CBD, HHC, HXC, Delta-8, Delta-9, and Delta-10).
Does HHC show up on a drug test?
Yes, HHC can show up on a drug test. Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is still considered a cannabinoid. HHC is a hydrogenated derivative of CBD oil. HHC is created by first converting CBD oil and its limited tetrahydrocannabinol (or “THC”) properties into Δ9-THC or Δ8-THC intermediates and then into its final hydrogenated version of the oil (HHC).
According to Redwood Laboratories, “metabolites of cannabis are usually detectable in urine drug tests from 3 days up to 10 days.” And “heavy users can produce positive tests for 30 days or longer after ceasing cannabis use. The length of time may vary to some degree according to metabolism, quantity, and frequency of use.” The same would apply for any other type of alternative cannabinoid (including CBD, HHC, HXC, Delta-8, Delta-9, and Delta-10).
If you’re getting a drug test for work, school, or athletics
The reality is that if you’re getting a drug test for work, school, or an athletics program—you should not consume Delta-8, Delta-9, or HHC. All of these products still are considered cannabinoids. Drug tests mostly search for cannabinoids. They do not search for Cannabis Sativa or Cannabis Indica strains.
Although drug tests are searching for 11-hydroxy-THC, it’s still possible that 11-hydroxy-HHC (the chemical compound that’s within Hexahydrocannabinol) will produce a positive result.
It's legal nature and your drug test
Even though HHC may be legal in your state—it doesn't mean that your employer, athletics department, or school policies comply with that. Recreational cannabis use may also be legal in your state—but the bylaws for which you're getting drug tested against may prohibit that.
Many users mistake the fact that it's "available to purchase over the counter" and thus, should be acceptable to see show up on a drug test. And that's simply not the case.
Why HHC wouldn’t show up on a drug test
A number of factors might play a role in HHC not showing up on a drug test. Including the amount of use, your body-mass index (BMI), and the type of product that you’ve consumed or the consumption method that you’ve chosen.
The 11-hydroxy-HHC compound can be found in your blood-stream for up to 6-weeks after consumption. If there’s any chance that you have a drug test coming up in the near future, you may want to consider stopping consumption altogether.
Stories of HHC not showing up on drug tests
There are stories that surface on Reddit threads of people discussing that HHC didn’t show up on a drug test for them. The reality is that there are people who have more effective metabolic systems than others.
Meaning, they simply metabolize compounds in their system more quickly than others. If you’re considering consuming HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol) before a drug test, know that you’re taking on your own risks of testing positive.
There is no way for a drug test or even a dispute of a drug test to suggest that you’ve consumed HHC rather than typical THC products that employers may not want you to use (according to their bylaws and internal policies).