Does HHC Test Positive for THC? A Closer Look

May 18, 2025

Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is one of the newer cannabinoids that is becoming more popular now. It’s similar to THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), the well-known compound in cannabis that can get you high. However, these two have a different chemical structure. This difference makes HHC more stable and legal in many places, which is a big reason why it’s attracting such attention.

HHC often feels a lot like THC; that’s why so many people are choosing it as a legal alternative to THC. However, the question is: Will using HHC make you fail a drug test intended for THC?

If you’re looking for a new job, or play sports, and need to get tested, you have to know the answer to this question. In this article, we’ll discuss what HHC is, its similarity to THC, and whether HHC could lead to a positive result.

What Is HHC?

HHC is a natural compound found in small amounts in hemp seeds and pollen. It’s a little different from THC, has a similar kind of vibe, but isn’t as strong. It’s seen as a lighter version of THC.

As there’s not much HHC in the plant itself, most of it is made in laboratories. This process is called hydrogenation, where THC is changed by adding hydrogen. This makes HHC more stable and gives it unique effects.

So, does HHC get you high? Yes, but not as much as usual THC can make you feel. It’s about 70-80% as strong, which actually makes it stronger than Delta 8 or Delta 10 (LINK TO THE FUTURE ARTICLE “Delta 8 vs. Delta 10: Which One Is Better for Relaxation?”). As HHC comes from hemp and isn’t synthetic, it’s legal in many places in the U.S., which is one of the reasons for its popularity.

What Is THC?

THC (Delta-9) is the main ingredient in cannabis, and it makes you feel high. It affects your brain and body by creating feelings of happiness, relaxation, hunger, or sometimes anxiety, too, depending on how much you use it.

THC is still illegal under federal law (LINK TO THE FUTURE ARTICLE “Delta 8 Legality State by State: 2025 Update”), but many states have decided to make it legal for medical or recreational use. So, its legality depends on where you live.

Most drug tests want to detect THC in your body, which is why people who use THC or similar products often worry about testing positive.

Does HHC Show Up on a THC Drug Test?

When you take a urine or saliva drug test, it’s not looking for THC itself. Instead, it wants to detect metabolites, which are chemicals your body makes after processing THC. The most common one is called THC-COOH, which can stay in your system for days or even weeks, depending on the amount used.

These tests can’t always differentiate THC and other cannabinoids, like HHC. HHC is very similar to THC in structure and effect; that’s why your body may break HHC down into compounds that look like THC metabolites. This means there’s a chance that using HHC could result in a positive drug test that was meant to detect THC.

If you want to know, ‘does hhc test positive for thc?’ - the honest answer is -  it might. However, more research is still needed for clear answers; early reports and anecdotal evidence suggest that HHC may show up on a drug test just like THC would.

The Chemical Structure of HHC vs. THC

HHC and THC are very similar but have one main difference - HHC has several additional hydrogen atoms. This change happens during the hydrogenation process, which makes HHC more stable than THC.

They’re not exactly the same, but HHC is still really close to THC in looks and effects. That’s the reason why some drug tests might mistake HHC for THC, especially if your body breaks it down in a similar way.

Still, because of the slight difference in structure, HHC doesn’t always show up the same as THC on a drug test. But there’s no guarantee; it might still cause a positive result, depending on the type of test and how your body processes it.

Can HHC Metabolize into THC in the Body?

When you use HHC, your body processes it through the liver, just like it does with other cannabinoids. However, we still don’t know exactly what HHC turns into once it’s processed inside your body.

Some cannabinoids can partly turn into Delta 9 THC (for example, Delta 8), which is what most drug tests look for to detect. There’s not enough research yet to say that the same thing can happen with HHC, too.

Does HHC Result in THC-COOH (The Metabolite Drug Tests Detect)?

Most drug tests look for a byproduct in your body, called THC-COOH, instead of THC. THC-COOH is what your body makes after processing THC, and it’s also what shows up in urine and other drug tests.

Existing research doesn’t give us enough to know if HHC can create the same metabolite. Some people might process HHC in a way that looks similar to THC, and some may not.

Drug tests can’t always detect the difference between cannabinoids, so there’s still a chance HHC could make you test positive, even if you didn’t use regular THC.

The Impact of HHC Dosage on Drug Test Results

How much HHC you take can influence the results of your drug test. If you’re using a high dose, your body will have to process more, and that means it has a better chance of making something in your system that looks like THC. This could trigger a positive test, even if you didn’t use THC at all.

With lower doses, the risk might be smaller. Some people could use just a little and be totally fine, while others might still test positive. It really depends on how your body handles it. The more HHC you take, the more likely it could show up on a test. 

Frequency of HHC Use and Drug Testing

If you use HHC from time to time and not very often, it might not stay in your system very long. But if you’re using it regularly, your body can start to keep its leftovers - metabolites, which can build up over time. Such buildup makes it more likely to show up on a drug test, especially tests that check your urine. 

Factors That Affect Drug Test Results for HHC

Your metabolism and body fat are what define how long HHC stays in your body. If your metabolism is slower, it takes longer for your body to process and clear out HHC. That means it can stay around longer and be seen in a drug test.

Also, like THC, HHC is stored in fat. So if you have more body fat, it may stay in your system longer, even if you haven’t used it for a while. In such cases, it means you’ll most likely test positive.

Type of Drug Test and Its Sensitivity

There are some different types of drug tests, which vary in how good they detect cannabinoids like HHC. 

• Urine Tests - these are the commonly used ones. They look for THC metabolites, but they have a specific detection threshold - if the levels are too low, you might not test positive, even if you’ve used HHC. However, if you’ve used HHC more often or in higher amounts, it could show up.

• Blood Tests - such tests are very sensitive. They can detect cannabinoids in a few hours to a day after use. This means if HHC is in your system, you could test positive.

• Hair Follicle Tests - they can detect drug use in your body even after 90 days. These tests are good for detecting long-term use. While they’re sensitive, they probably won’t detect small amounts of HHC if you’ve not used it very often.

What Can You Do to Reduce the Risk of Testing Positive for THC?

If you worry about testing positive for THC, avoid using HHC products before your drug test. You need to stop using them for at least several days, or even a week, before the test to be safe and sure.

HHC can stay in your system for a while and might result in a false positive test, so you need to give your body enough time to clear out. If you wait some time after using it, you’ll have better chances of passing the test.

Consider Alternative Cannabinoids

If you still want to try hemp but worry about drug tests, you can try CBD instead. This is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, which won’t get you high, and doesn’t show up on drug tests for THC either.

What you need to do is choose high-quality, THC-free CBD products to be safe. They are often labeled as ‘broad-spectrum’ or ‘CBD isolate.’ This way, you can still enjoy the beneficial effects of cannabinoids without the risk of testing positive.

Detox Products and Strategies

Some people choose detox products or home methods to try and get cannabinoids from their system before a drug test. These include cleansing drinks, detox pills, or teas. Others choose natural strategies - drinking lots of water, exercising, and eating clean.

Such methods might seem helpful, but you should know that there’s no guaranteed way to clear HHC or THC from your body quickly. Everyone’s system is different, and what works for one person may not be effective for you or other people.

Conclusion: Should You Worry About HHC and Drug Tests?

So, does HHC test positive for THC? The answer can’t be straight. HHC isn’t exactly the same as THC, however, it’s similar enough that it might show up on a drug test, especially if you’re using it often or in higher amounts. Everyone reacts differently, and most drug tests may not be able to differentiate cannabinoids.

If you need to take a drug test for work or other reasons, it’s safer to avoid HHC for some time. There’s still a lot we don’t know, and it’s better to be careful than risk a result. You should also know your local laws and testing policies, because rules can be different depending on where you live.

Are you interested in trying HHC for yourself? Check out Moonwlkr’s line of HHC products, crafted for quality, backed by transparency, and perfect for people exploring the hemp world responsibly.

FAQ: Does HHC Test Positive for THC?

Can a lab test specifically distinguish HHC from THC?

Most standard drug tests cannot differentiate HHC from THC; specialized labs with advanced testing like mass spectrometry (MS) may detect HHC specifically, but such tests are rarely used in routine screenings.

How long does HHC typically stay detectable in the body?

HHC can remain detectable for 1-4 days in blood, up to 3-7 days in urine for occasional users, and potentially several weeks for chronic users, though individual metabolism and body fat greatly affect this window.

Are there any drug tests that are less likely to detect HHC?

Saliva tests have a shorter detection window (up to 24-48 hours), making them less likely to catch HHC use compared to urine or hair tests, though they are less commonly used in workplace settings.

Could HHC use cause issues with law enforcement roadside tests?

Yes, HHC may trigger a positive result on some rapid roadside drug tests, particularly those targeting THC metabolites, even though it is legal in many states.

Do HHC edibles, vapes, and tinctures differ in their risk of causing a positive test?

No, the consumption method doesn’t change the risk; the dose and frequency matter more for how much HHC builds up in your system and how long it stays detectable.

Does secondhand HHC vapor exposure pose a drug testing risk?

No, passive exposure to HHC vapor is extremely unlikely to result in detectable levels in your system; you would need direct consumption for it to show up on a drug test.

Are there any legal defenses if HHC triggers a THC-positive drug test?

Legal defenses are limited because most drug testing policies prohibit THC metabolites regardless of the source; showing a legal HHC purchase usually does not exempt you from workplace or athletic sanctions.

Can you flush HHC from your system with exercise or hydration?

No reliable evidence shows that exercise or hydration meaningfully accelerates HHC clearance; the body’s natural metabolism and fat storage play the biggest roles.

Do HHC topical products pose a drug testing risk?

No, topicals like creams and balms are unlikely to cause a positive drug test because cannabinoids in these products generally do not enter the bloodstream in significant amounts.

Are there companies developing drug tests that can distinguish HHC?

Yes, some laboratories are working on cannabinoid-specific assays, but these are still mostly in research or forensic use and not part of standard workplace drug panels.

Does the source of HHC (hemp-derived vs. synthetic) affect drug test outcomes?

No, whether HHC is hemp-derived or synthesized, it behaves the same in the body and carries the same risk of triggering a THC-positive drug test.

Is there any reliable home test to check for HHC before an official drug test?

No, current over-the-counter drug tests are designed for THC and don’t reliably detect or differentiate HHC; only specialized lab tests can check for it specifically.