HHC and driving - allowed or not?
Inhaltsverzeichnis: HHC and driving - allowed or not?
The question of whether you can drive after consuming HHC is closely linked to the question of the detectability and legality of HHC. In this article, we will shed light on why the detectability and legality of HHC are not as crucial for driving as it seems at first glance.
Why should you avoid driving after using HHC?
HHC can produce a psychoactive high in some individuals, and its effects are similar to THC, leading to strong changes in perception and consciousness. There are also certain side effects associated with HHC that make driving dangerous. In short, HHC affects driving ability in a similar way to THC, and it is advisable to refrain from driving after using it. Otherwise, you risk an MPU due to cannabis use or even more serious consequences. It is important to emphasize that accelerating THC depletion is not a safe alternative. Therefore, we recommend leaving the car behind after consuming HHC, especially if a high dose has been taken. If you think you can still drive because HHC is legal, we explain in the following section why legality doesn't matter.
Legality and driving ability
The legality of HHC has little to do with the question of driving ability. Even if HHC is legal, driving under the influence of HHC, especially if you are unfit to drive, is a criminal offense. The Criminal Code (StGB) states that driving a vehicle on the road under the influence of intoxicating substances, including alcoholic beverages, if it endangers the safety of human life or property, can be prosecuted. This can be punished with a prison sentence of up to five years or a fine. Even if there is no risk of an accident, you can be held liable under § 315c of the Criminal Code, which can result in at least a fine, but in the worst case a prison sentence.
How long should I wait to drive after consuming HHC?
The consumption of HHC (hexahydrocannabinol) can impair the ability to drive, similar to other cannabinoids such as THC. The duration of effect and how long you should wait after consumption before getting behind the wheel can vary and depends on several factors, such as:
- The amount of HHC consumed
- The individual's tolerance to cannabinoids
- The type of intake (inhalation, oral, etc.)
- The individual metabolism
Since HHC can have psychoactive effects, it is important to act responsibly and avoid driving while feeling impaired. The effects can last for several hours, and it is advisable to wait a significant period of time after consumption before getting behind the wheel. In many countries it is illegal to drive under the influence of psychoactive substances and this can lead to serious legal consequences.
For an accurate assessment and legal advice, you should contact local authorities or professionals who are familiar with the effects of HHC and the legal requirements. If in doubt, it is always safer to refrain from driving until you feel completely sober and fit to drive.
HHC during a police check
In the event of a police stop during or after driving a vehicle after consuming HHC, road users face a number of challenges. The legal situation surrounding HHC is complex, and although this cannabinoid may be legal in some regions, the ability to drive under its influence remains a critical issue.
If you are caught up in a police stop, it is important to be aware of the fact that authorities can take action to determine whether you are fit to drive. This may go beyond behavior-based testing and could include testing for substances that could impair your ability to drive safely. Although HHC specific tests are rare, broad-based drug tests could indicate that psychoactive substances have been used.
It is crucial to act responsibly and avoid driving after using HHC. Regardless of the legal classification of HHC in your area, safety on the road is paramount. If you are stopped by the police on suspicion of driving under the influence of HHC or other substances, it is advisable to be cooperative and seek legal assistance if necessary.
Knowing the potential risks and legal consequences can help to make informed decisions and ensure the safety of all road users.
What you need to know about depletion and legal consequences
The slow breakdown of THC - or HHC - in the body
Waiting time after using cannabis
When you consume cannabis, it is important to know that THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, is slowly broken down by your body. After a single use, you should wait at least 24 hours before driving again. However, THC is no longer detectable in the body for at least one month after a single use. As we currently assume that HHC has a similar mode of action and degradation to THC, we will report on the cannabinoid THC below. So draw your own conclusions and act responsibly!
Long-term detectability with regular use
For regular cannabis users, it is crucial to understand that THC can remain detectable in their bodies for longer than three months. This means that in the event of an accident after three months of cannabis abstinence, the THC breakdown products in a blood sample can lead to the loss of a driver's license, in addition to penalties such as points in Flensburg, a fine of at least 500 euros and the ordering of a medical-psychological examination (MPU).
Comparison of THC breakdown with that of alcohol
Alcohol breakdown in the body
Compared to THC, alcohol breaks down much faster in the body at a rate of 0.1 to 0.2 per mille per hour. When consuming alcohol, a blood alcohol level of up to 0.49 is permitted as long as there are no symptoms of alcohol impairment. However, as soon as the value rises above 0.5 per mille, the same strict rules apply as for 1.0 nanogram of THC per milliliter of blood serum.
MPU requirements for alcohol and cannabis
Interestingly, an MPU is usually only ordered for alcohol offenses after the second offense. In addition, passing the MPU is more likely for alcohol offenses due to the faster reduction. Nevertheless, only 50.8 percent of participants passed the alcohol MPU in 2020, while 41.9 percent failed and 7.3 percent had to undergo additional training. In comparison, the pass rate for cannabis users appears to be slightly higher at 55.7 percent.
Driving license risk MPU
In any case, the MPU is a major threat to the license: As part of this, the person concerned must prove within three months that they are not a continuous user. This is not as easy as with alcohol, as the psychoactive substance THC contained in cannabis only breaks down very slowly in the body over a period of months - the breakdown products can still be detected in the blood for weeks and in the urine for months. However, the person concerned must prove that they no longer have any THC in their blood - otherwise they will not pass the medical tests, which are the first part of the MPU (only then do the psychophysical performance test and the psychological interview follow). The evidence costs money, as does the MPU itself - an MPU carried out in relation to drug use costs around 750 euros. According to the Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt), only 55.7% of drug MPU candidates passed the test at the first attempt in 2020. 39.1 percent failed and 5.3 percent had to undergo additional training. Since less than 56 percent of those who pass the MPU pass the MPU, there is an approximately 44 percent probability that their driving license will be lost for the time being, with almost 40 percent even for a really long time - this group is then considered permanently unfit to drive a car on public roads due to failing the MPU.
Severe punishment for cannabis at the wheel
Anyone caught behind the wheel by the police with one nanogram or more of THC per milliliter of blood serum faces severe penalties: the first time, the fine is 500 euros, there are two points in Flensburg and the driver's license is lost for a month. The second time, the fine is 1,000 euros, there are still two points and the driver's license goes to the police for three months. The third time, the fine increases to 1,500 euros, but the points and disqualification from driving remain unchanged compared to the second offense.
Know the risks and legal consequences
Important knowledge for drivers
As a driver, it is crucial to know the risks and legal consequences of consuming cannabis and alcohol. While THC is broken down more slowly and is detectable in the body for longer, alcohol is broken down more quickly, which has an impact on the legal consequences and the MPU. This information is important for your safety and legal well-being. Stay informed and make responsible decisions on the road!
Sources
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Tetrahydrocannabinol
Cannabis in road traffic - legal situation in Germany
Related blog posts
- Is HHC detectable in a drug test
- THC vc. HHC - are the cannabinoids really that similar?
- HHC production - how is HHC obtained?
Conclusion
It is essential to refrain from driving after consuming HHC. The possible psychoactive effect of HHC significantly impairs the ability to drive and can have serious legal consequences. We emphasize the responsibility in dealing with HHC and strongly advise against driving under the influence.
