Hexahyrocannabinol (HHC) is making waves in the cannabis community. However, many people don’t fully understand the cannabinoid. They may wonder, what is HHC and how long does it stay in your system? HHC does not have potent psychoactive effects. It is much milder than THC and is reported to produce a less stimulating and more manageable euphoria. Like other cannabinoids, it also offers several potential wellness benefits. It may reduce stress, relieve discomfort, and elevate mood.
But if you are facing a drug test, you may wonder how long HHC will stay in your system. Answers vary depending on the type of drug test you are taking and various biological factors. However, with the right approach, you will eliminate it from your system just in time to receive a negative drug testing result. However, this only scrapes the surface of what HHC is and what it can do. Keep reading as we reveal all you need to know about this elusive cannabinoid, how long it stays in your system, and what you can do to help expedite it from your system.
What Is HHC?
HHC is a naturally occurring and extremely rare euphoric cannabinoid. It’s present in trace amounts in both hemp and marijuana plants. Most of the HHC products you see on the market today are hemp-derived. Although the compound can be found in the cannabis plant, due to its scarcity, it is more often lab-produced via semi-synthetic means.
Scientists typically make HHC from hemp-derived cannabinoids, like CBD (Cannabidiol) from the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa), to ensure it aligns with today’s legal standards. To generate large amounts of HHC, CBD from hemp undergoes a multi-step conversion process to safely convert it into HHC. The result is an abundant amount of HHC used to make several products, ranging from vapes and edibles to tinctures and flower.
Who Discovered HHC and How Was It Made?
HHC may be rising in popularity in the cannabis market, but its discovery dates back several decades. Chemist Roger Adams first discovered it in the 1940s. Adams used the hydrogenation process, a common food industry chemical process (it’s used to turn vegetable oil into margarine), to saturate THC molecules with hydrogen atoms. The resulting cannabinoid was HHC, a hydrogenated version of THC (Delta 9 Tetrahydrocannabinol, Delta 9 THC, D9 THC, Delta 9, or D9).
What Is the Significance of HHC’s Chemical Structure?
HHC is a hydrogenated version of THC. When THC undergoes hydrogenation, the process alters its chemical structure. This impacts how it reacts with the CB1 receptor in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The CB1 receptor, which is present in the brain and central nervous system (CNS) plays a huge role in a cannabinoid’s euphoric effects.
THC interacts heavily with the CB1 receptor, producing potent euphoric effects. HHC products produce a subtler reaction, allowing you to enjoy a milder experience. Both cannabinoids also interact with the CB2 receptor, which is associated with cannabis plant wellness benefits. They may reduce stress, relieve physical discomfort, and elevate mood.
How Does HHC Work in the Body?
When cannabinoids like HHC enter the body, they interact with the endocannabinoid system, a cell-signaling system composed of cannabinoid receptors that mediate several processes important to everyday wellness. The ECS is involved in several bodily functions, including learning and memory, emotion, movement, appetite, and motor coordination.
Cannabinoids like HHC mainly interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system. The CB1 receptor controls various aspects of mood. Hence, HHC, which interacts strongly with the CB1 receptor, produces pronounced euphoric effects and elevates mood, albeit less intensely than Delta 9 THC.
HHC also interacts with the CB2 receptor, which is connected to immune function, several voluntary movements, and involuntary functions like digestion and breathing. As a result of HHC’s interaction with the CB2 receptor, it may help reduce physical discomfort and support relaxation and sleep.
The strength of the interactions between cannabinoids and ECS receptors directly relates to the compound’s chemical structure. Delta 9 THC possesses a double bond on its 9th carbon chain, making it interact strongly with the CB1 receptor. HHC forms a weaker bond with the CB1 receptor due primarily to its unique chemical structure. As a result, the euphoria HHC produces is not as intense and more manageable than Delta 9 THC.
Additionally, HHC is typically produced from Delta 9 THC, which should not be confused with Delta 8 or Delta 10. Delta 8 and Delta 10 have different double bond positioning, leading to milder euphoric effects. They are, for the most part, less potent than HHC in euphoric effects.
How Long Does HHC Stay In Your System?
HHC can stay in your system from 24 hours up to 90 days, depending on the type of drug test and frequency of use. While most drug tests are designed to detect THC, HHC’s similar chemical structure may sometimes trigger a false positive.
HHC can be detectable in saliva and blood tests for only 24 to 48 hours, while it may remain detectable in a urine test for up to 30 days. Blood and saliva tests are rarely used. Hair tests can detect HHC metabolites for up to 90 days, though they’re less commonly used and may yield inaccurate results.
A drug’s half-life is the time it takes for its concentration in the body to reduce by half; for most medications, it’s several hours. However, the half-life of HHC has yet to be well-studied. Like other cannabinoids, HHC is fat-soluble and may stay in your tissues and fat cells to produce a positive result after its initial breakdown.
Read More: Does HHC Show Up On A Drug Test?
Factors That Impact How Long HHC Stays In Your System
How long HHC stays in your system isn’t just determined by the amount you consume and the frequency of consumption. Other factors come into play. Here are the main factors that impact low long HHC stays in your system.
Detection Time Frame
The window of detection depends on the type of drug test you receive. Blood and saliva tests detect HHC for 24-48 hours. A urine drug test will detect HHC for up to 30 days after use. Hair drug tests can detect HHC for up to 90 days but are rarely used due to inaccuracies.
Dosage Impacts Duration
The length of time that drugs stay in your system can vary, especially when it comes to prescription medications, which may remain detectable for different durations based on their type and dosage. This also holds true for HHC. The amount of HHC you consume impacts the time it stays in your system. The more you take, the longer the duration.
Frequency of Use
Similarly, the more frequently you consume HHC, the longer it will stay in your system. If you take it occasionally, it will clear from your system quicker. But if you consume it several times a day every day, expect it to be detectable for several weeks, if not months, after your last dose.
Metabolism and Clearance
If you have a fast metabolism, HHC will leave your body sooner. You can also help clear your system by exercising, drinking water, and eating foods that support metabolism and waste elimination. Whole foods that are high in fiber will help immensely.
Consumption Method Effects
Your method of consuming HHC also affects its duration. If you smoke HHC, it will enter your bloodstream sooner and be eliminated faster. Edible methods absorb into your bloodstream slowly, and drug elimination lasts longer.
Detection of HHC in Standard Drug Tests
If you’re a HHC fan, you might wonder if it will show up on a drug test — and the answer is yes, it most likely will. So, what can you do to minimize its presence in your system? Let’s explore both of these topics in detail.
Does HHC Show Up in Standard Drug Tests?
Yes, HHC will show up on most standard drug tests because it is a THC metabolite. THC metabolites are what most drug tests check for, and these compounds possess a similar structure to THC, which may produce a positive result.
HHC may produce a positive result on any drug test due to its chemical structure being very similar to THC. You may test positive on urine, hair, saliva, or blood tests. However, they have varying detection windows, which affect how long you may have to refrain from using the drug before the test.
Standard drug tests are typically used to detect employee drug use. Although drug testing in the workplace has decreased with increased legality, and testing for cannabis has decreased greatly, testing for illicit drugs is still required for workers who operate heavy machinery. You may also be drug tested if you are undergoing substance abuse treatment for a substance use disorder like drug abuse, alcohol abuse, or the use of stimulant drugs.
How to Potentially Reduce HHC Detection Time
If you are due for a drug test and have recently used HHC or another cannabinoid, some methods may affect how long it stays in your system and help you eliminate it sooner. Here are some you can try.
- Hydrate. Water and other liquids can help flush HHC out of your system, increasing your odds of receiving a negative drug test result.
- Exercise. Physical activity speeds up your metabolism, helping HHC eave your system sooner. It can also reduce body fat, reducing the amount of fat cells that store HHC.
- Follow a Healthy Diet. Certain foods can help flush HHC from your system. For example, high-fiber foods aid with waste elimination. Foods with high water content will hydrate your body. Protein may speed up your metabolism.
- Detox Products. Widely available detox products may help eliminate HHC. However, many of them are made with unhealthy ingredients. Ensure you are using a product that contains ingredients recognized for supporting detoxification.
- Healthy Sleep Routine. You may be lying awake at night worrying about your drug testing results, but sleep can help with HHC elimination. It helps your body eliminate toxins. Aim to get at least seven hours of sleep a night for optimal results.
FAQs on What Is HHC and How Long Does It Stay In Your System?
How Is HHC Different Than THC?
HHC is a hydrogenated form of THC with a chemical structure similar to THC but highly saturated with hydrogen atoms. This saturation reduces its affinity for the CB1 receptors in your endocannabinoid system, resulting in milder euphoric effects. Many people prefer HHC for its more manageable euphoria compared to THC, as well as its ability to relieve stress, ease physical discomfort, and promote restful sleep.
How Does HHC Work in the Body?
HHC interacts with your endocannabinoid system to produce mental and physical wellness benefits. The cannabinoid has a low bonding affinity with the CB1 receptors of your ECS, producing a milder euphoric experience. It also interacts with the CB2 receptors to produce various wellness benefits, including soothing soreness and supporting relaxation and sleep.
How Long Does HHC Stay In Your System?
HHC can stay in your system from 24 hours to 90 days. It is detectable in your urine for up to 30 days, blood or saliva for 24 to 48 hours, and hair for up to 90 days. However, its duration can vary depending on dosage amount, frequency of use, and lifestyle habits.
Does HHC Show Up on a Drug Test?
Yes, HHC will show up on most drug tests because it is a THC metabolite that possesses a similar chemical structure to THC, which is what most drug tests check for. Refrain from consuming HHC before upcoming drug tests if possible to limit the chances of a positive result.
What Factors Influence HHC Detection Time?
HHC detection time can vary depending on the type of drug test you are taking, dosage amount, consumption method, and frequency of use. Certain lifestyle habits, such as hydrating, eating healthy, and exercising, can cause it to pass through your system sooner.
Final Thoughts- What Is HHC and How Long Does It Stay In Your System?
HHC is an extremely rare euphoric cannabinoid that is gaining popularity with enthusiasts. The cannabinoid is a hydrogenated version of THC with a low binding affinity to the CB1 receptor. As a result, HHC produces mild euphoric effects that are more manageable and perfect for relieving anxiousness and stress. The cannabinoid can also help ease symptoms of physical discomfort and help you relax and slowly drift into a night of restful sleep.
If you are facing an upcoming drug test, you may wonder how long HHC stays in your system. The answer varies depending on the type of test you are taking, frequency of use, consumption methods, and lifestyle habits. Generally speaking, HHC can stay in your system for 24 hours to 90 days; it’s detectable in urine for up to 30 days, blood or saliva for 24 to 48 hours, and hair for up to 90 days, with its duration varying based on previously mentioned factors. It’s best to refrain from consuming at least 30 days before drug testing to ensure a negative result on a urine drug test, which is the most common type of drug testing.
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