Does HHC Show Up on a Drug Test? Detection Methods & Challenges
It feels like HHC is everywhere right now, from vapes, to gummies, to prerolls… yet most people we’ve asked seem totally sure what it actually is.
So let’s clear things up.
HHC (short for hexahydrocannabinol) is basically THC’s lesser-known cousin.
It does appear naturally in cannabis, but only in microscopic amounts. Most of what you buy today is made from hemp-derived CBD.
Chemically, it’s almost a twin to Delta-9 THC, giving a similar high, though it’s usually described as smoother and less intense.
Because of the similarities, HHC has gotten popular as an alternative to Delta-9 THC and other THC isomers like Delta-8 and Delta-10 — especially in states with tight cannabis laws.
But the real question everyone cares about is simple: Will HHC show up on a drug test?
After all, if it’s not technically THC, is this finally the loophole everyone’s been hoping for — a way for people with mandatory testing to be able to get high without getting caught?
Here’s what the science (and early testing) actually says.[source], [source]
Does HHC Show Up on a Drug Test?
The short answer: probably yes.
There isn’t a test made specifically for HHC, but most standard drug panels don’t care about the fine print. They only care about finding the specific compounds they are built to find, which are THC metabolites like 11-hydroxy-thc and THC-COOH. These are the chemical leftovers your body creates after breaking down cannabinoids.
Because HHC is so structurally similar to Delta-9 THC, your body will create similar byproducts that can trigger a positive result. In other words, the “leftovers” from HHC look exactly the same as the ones you’d have from THC.
Whether it’s for work, sports, or anything else that requires a clean screen, it’s safest to assume HHC can still get you flagged on a drug test. [source], [source]
How HHC Drug Testing Currently Works
Most drug tests don’t look for the exact substance you used — they look for what your body leaves behind after using it. When you consume cannabinoids like THC, your liver breaks them down into compounds called metabolites. These metabolites stick around long after the high fades, which is why drug tests can detect use days or even weeks later. [source], [source], [source], [source]
When you use HHC, your body processes it the same way it processes authentic THC.
It’s metabolized in the liver into HHC byproducts that are structurally similar to the THC metabolites drug tests are designed to detect…which is not good if you’re trying to pass.
Because of that overlap, HHC can trigger a positive result on standard cannabis screenings — even though it’s technically a different compound.
Early lab studies back this up, and some users have already reported testing positive after HHC use. [source], [source], [source], [source]
That said, HHC is still new territory compared to well-researched cannabinoids like Delta-9 THC or CBD. More testing is needed to understand how consistently HHC shows up on drug screens and how long it stays detectable in the body. For now, the safest assumption is that it acts a lot like THC when it comes to a drug test.
And different types of drug tests look for THC (and anything that resembles it) in different ways. Since HHC behaves a lot like THC inside the body, it can potentially show up across all of them.
Here’s how each method works and where HHC fits in:
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Urine Tests:
- Urine tests are the most common drug testing method and are made to find THC metabolites that the body excretes after use. Because HHC produces almost identical byproducts, these tests usually can’t tell the difference — meaning THC and HHC look the same, and will probably get you in the same amount of trouble. [source], [source]
- Saliva Tests:
- Blood Tests:
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Hair Follicle Tests:
- Hair tests look for cannabis byproducts that build up in hair strands over time. Because HHC’s byproducts are almost the same as THC’s, it could be detected here too, though there’s not much research yet. [source]
How Long Does HHC Stay in Your System?
Right now, there isn’t much solid research on how long HHC stays in your body. But based on what we know about THC and other cannabinoids, it’s probably hanging around for a similar amount of time. Factors like how often you use it, your metabolism, and what kind of product you consume all affect how long HHC can be detected. [source], [source]
- Urine Tests:
- Saliva Tests:
- Blood Tests:
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Hair Follicle Tests:
- Hair tests have the longest reach — they can detect cannabis use up to 90 days after consumption. And we might be starting to sound like a broken record here, but because HHC’s byproducts act so much like THC’s, it’s probably traceable for a similar amount of time, though exact timelines still need to be studied. [source], [source]
Keep in mind these are best guesses based on how other cannabinoids behave. As research on HHC grows, these estimates could change — but for now, it’s safest to assume your body treats it a lot like THC.
HHC’s Unique Nature: Chemistry and Effects
Most of the HHC on the market today is made by converting hemp-derived CBD with a process called hydrogenation — basically, adding hydrogen to the molecule to make it more stable. That small change helps HHC last longer on the shelf and hold up better against heat and light.
Because of that process, HHC is known as a “semi-synthetic” cannabinoid — it starts from something natural but gets a little help from science to reach its full potential. When you smoke it or eat it, it interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system, connecting to the same CB1 and CB2 receptors that THC does.
The result is a high that most people describe as smoother than Delta-9 THC but stronger than Delta-8, landing somewhere in between relaxation and euphoria. It can bring on a light buzz, a sense of calm, and mild changes in perception — but without the intensity that some people get from classic THC. And unlike the CBD it’s synthesized from, which isn’t psychoactive, HHC can absolutely produce a noticeable lift in mood and body feel.
Want to see how it really compares to Delta-9? Check out our guide on HHC vs. Delta-9 THC for a deeper breakdown. [source], [source], [source], [source]
HHC’s Complex Legal Status
HHC’s legal standing is tricky…
Like we mentioned earlier, HHC is typically made from hemp-derived CBD, and in 2018, the Farm Bill legalized hemp and all its cannabinoids as long as they contain no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight.
Since most HHC is made from hemp-derived CBD, it technically fits that rule and should be legal.
But because the CBD is changed in a lab to create a more stable compound (HHC), some question whether it truly meets the Farm Bill’s intent. That gray area has left HHC sitting in a confusing spot when it comes to federal law.
Things get even more complicated at the state level. Some states follow the Farm Bill’s definition, while others have started banning or restricting HHC and other hemp-derived THC alternatives altogether. This patchwork of laws means HHC’s legality depends on where you live. That’s why it’s always smart to check local regulations before buying or using HHC. [source], [source]
Navigating HHC’s Drug Testing Challenges
HHC has carved out a name for itself as a legal alternative to Delta-9 THC, but that doesn’t mean it’s risk-free — especially if a drug test might be in your near future. Because HHC breaks down into compounds that look a lot like THC metabolites, most tests can’t tell the difference. So even if you’re smoking something legal, your results might say otherwise.
If drug testing is even a possibility, play it safe and steer clear of HHC for now.
And if you just want something you know is legal, tested, and legit, Cheech and Chong have you covered. Check out their collection of lab-tested, federally legal THCa Prerolls, Delta-9 THC edibles, and THC drinks.
