Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) has emerged as a cannabinoid of increasing interest, particularly due to its unique legal standing in some regions and its reported effects. As HHC products become more widely available, individuals often wonder whether its use could lead to a positive result on standard drug tests. This concern stems from the close chemical relationship HHC shares with more commonly tested cannabinoids.
Understanding HHC
HHC, or hexahydrocannabinol, is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid, predominantly synthesized from cannabidiol (CBD) or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) through hydrogenation. This process adds hydrogen atoms to the THC molecule, altering its chemical structure by removing double bonds, resulting in a more stable compound resistant to heat and ultraviolet light. HHC shares structural similarities with Delta-9 THC, the primary psychoactive component of cannabis, and interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, including CB1 and CB2 receptors. While HHC is reported to have psychoactive effects similar to THC, its potency is generally considered to be somewhat lower than Delta-9 THC. HHC’s popularity is partly attributed to its perceived legal ambiguity in some jurisdictions, as it is often derived from hemp and may not be explicitly banned.
Detecting Cannabinoids on Drug Tests
Drug tests for cannabis typically target specific metabolites produced after cannabinoid consumption, rather than the cannabinoids themselves. For cannabis, the primary target in most urine drug tests is 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-THC, commonly known as THC-COOH. This metabolite is formed when the liver processes Delta-9 THC. THC-COOH is lipid-soluble, allowing it to accumulate in fat cells and leading to a longer detection window compared to the parent THC compound.
The drug testing process usually involves two main stages. The initial stage is typically an immunoassay screening, a cost-effective and rapid test that uses antibodies to detect cannabinoid metabolites. These immunoassay tests identify general cannabinoid presence and can sometimes cross-react with structurally similar compounds. If the initial screening yields a positive result, a more precise confirmatory test, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), is performed. Confirmatory tests are highly specific and can identify and quantify individual metabolites, providing a definitive result.
HHC and Test Outcomes
While most standard drug tests do not specifically target HHC, its metabolites share structural similarities with THC metabolites, which can lead to cross-reactivity in immunoassay screenings. Studies indicate that HHC breaks down into metabolites such as 11-hydroxy-hexahydrocannabinol (11-OH-HHC) and 11-nor-9-carboxy-hexahydrocannabinol (HHC-COOH). This structural resemblance means that HHC metabolites can trigger a positive result on initial immunoassay drug screenings, potentially leading to a “false positive” for THC. However, confirmatory tests like GC-MS are more specific and are capable of distinguishing between HHC metabolites and THC-COOH. The lack of extensive research on HHC’s metabolic pathways and its interaction with various drug tests means that current understanding is still evolving.
Variables Influencing Detection
Dosage and Frequency
The dosage and frequency of HHC use play a substantial role. Higher doses and more frequent consumption lead to a greater accumulation of HHC metabolites, increasing the probability and duration of detection. Individuals who use HHC regularly may have metabolites detectable for a month or longer in urine tests.
Individual Metabolism
Individual metabolism is another important variable. People with faster metabolic rates generally process and eliminate HHC and its metabolites more quickly, resulting in shorter detection windows. Conversely, slower metabolisms can prolong the time HHC remains detectable.
Test Type and Sensitivity
The type and sensitivity of the drug test also matter. Urine tests are the most common and have an extended detection window. Blood tests typically detect HHC for up to 48 hours, and saliva tests detect it for up to 72 hours. Hair follicle tests can detect HHC use for up to 90 days.
Product Purity
Finally, the purity of HHC products can influence test outcomes. Some HHC products may contain trace Delta-9 THC due to manufacturing or cross-contamination, which can directly cause a positive drug test result for THC.