Emerging Detection of Hexahydrocannabinol in Driver Saliva: Preliminary Data.
European addiction research January 1, 2024 Anne-Sophie Derne, Jean-Yves Jouzeau, Elise Pape et al.
Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), a substance with effects similar to THC, was detected in oral fluid samples from drivers in France after being classified as a narcotic in June 2023. Among 867 samples collected through December 2023, 16 were positive for HHC, all from male drivers aged 19 to 58. HHC always appeared alongside THC, with mean HHC concentration 35 ng/mL and median 10 ng/mL. In 11 cases with high THC-to-HHC ratios, impaired alertness likely resulted mainly from THC, and a linear correlation between THC and HHC concentrations was observed. The findings suggest HHC use may be spreading in the general population.