Due to loosening restrictions on cannabis, more research is being done on the plant and its effects on our brains and bodies. Recently, scientists have been able to peer deeper into a complex universe, discovering compounds and cannabinoids never seen before—including THCV. Unknown only a few years ago, it’s now taking center stage.
But what makes it so popular? Why has it experienced a surge of interest? Read on and discover why many cannabis fans are reaching for THCV. Find out its chemical makeup, explore its effects and benefits, and get all your burning questions answered. By the end, you’ll be ready to try some quality THCV-rich strains next time you hit the dispensary.
What Is THCV? An Introduction
If you’ve checked out our cannabis blog, you probably know that cannabinoids can be described as the main “active ingredients” in cannabis. Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is a cannabinoid, just like its famous cousins, THC and CBD. Like CBD, it’s considered non-intoxicating, though some consider THCV to be an appetite suppressant, earning it the popular nickname “diet weed.”
Like all the cannabinoids, THCV interacts with our bodies via a network known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). While doctors have only known about it since the early ‘90s, it’s a hugely important bodily network that helps us control and maintain such functions as:
- Memory
- Immune function
- Pain response
- Sleep
These all-natural plant compounds have an “inside line” to our body’s self-regulatory network, and some of these effects may be useful in specific applications and derived from specific cannabinoids.
THCV vs THC: What’s the Difference?
THCV and THC’s molecular structures aren’t that far removed from one another, though the same could be said for many cannabinoids. However, regarding their subjective effects, the two cannabinoids are worlds apart. The main difference is that, unlike THC, THCV is not intoxicating, so it won’t make you feel high.
As to whether it’s outright psychoactive, it’s hard to be so black and white since even CBD—which isn’t considered intoxicating or euphoric—can still change our state of mind.
THCV Effects and Benefits
THCV is still in its early days. But already, clinicians have identified a few areas of interest. Let’s break them down one by one.
THCV for Weight Loss
As anyone who’s ever overindulged in THC knows, the cannabinoid can easily lead to “the munchies,” which may render us helpless against chocolate chip cookies, potato chips, and other intensely flavored snacks. But as at least one preliminary study suggests, THCV actually has the opposite effect, making us feel fuller and decreasing our appetite.
THCV isn’t the first cannabis compound to have such an effect; there’s evidence that the terpenes humulene (and in particular limonene) display appetite-suppressing qualities as well. But THCV may go beyond this in that it appears—according to a 2013 study—to have a positive effect on the glucose intolerance related to obesity.
THCV for Energy
Just as THCV is sometimes called “diet weed” for its ability to curb the appetite, it’s also sometimes called “weederal” for the way it’s believed to improve focus. But…is this really true?
A study funded by the brand Phylos—a cannabis genetics company—found that THCV had a mostly positive effect on energy and enjoyment levels in a significant proportion of test subjects. A control group that took THC-only gummies also reported that they felt increased hunger, while the THCV group did not.
To be fair, the study has not been peer reviewed or vetted by experts so the jury’s out as to how significant the findings truly are. But they do appear to back up the claim that THCV helps some people increase energy and enjoyment of their daily activities.
THCV for THC-Induced Anxiety
CBD is already a potential ally in this regard, with studies suggesting that at specific doses the compound may reduce the anxiety some people experience when consuming THC. One study by Johns Hopkins suggests that at high doses CBD may actually worsen the side effects of THC.
What about THCV? According to one study that looked at the effects of THC and THVC, THCV was found to inhibit THC-induced increased heart rate in male participants, delivering a relaxing effect. While more research is needed, this study suggests that THCV may temper some of the effects of THC when they are consumed together.
Does THCV Get You High?
No, THCV is not intoxicating on its own. However, while it doesn’t impart the same euphoric high as THC, that’s not to say it isn’t doing something to our bodily state.
As always when working with unfamiliar cannabinoids, it’s best to take things slow and not overindulge until we’ve gotten a handle on a particular cannabinoid’s subjective effects. Not that you’re likely to find a high-THCV strain in the wild. In fact, that’s a perfect excuse to pivot to the topic of which strains contain the cannabinoid THCV.
THCV Strains: A Curated List
While THCV may be attracting attention these days, that’s not to suggest it’s readily available. It’s most abundant in strains classified as “landrace,” which are increasingly hard to find. Strains that do contain notable levels of THCV will still contain relatively little when compared to the plants primary cannabinoid, THC.
So, if you see any of these strains pop up on a dispensary menu, give them a try for yourself:
- Durban Poison: Perhaps the most popular sativa of them all, this strain is known for its sweet smell and energetic effects. Hailing from the South African port of the same name, Durban Poison is beloved for daytime activities.
- Jack Herer: This renowned sativa-dominant hybrid is known for its mental uplift and ability to help calm and relax the body, and has long been a popular choice among medical patients for its diverse cannabinoid profile.
- Willie Nelson: An homage to the country music star and lifelong cannabis advocate, Willie Nelson is considered uplifting with intensely euphoric and creativity-inspiring effects.
Explore Cannabinoids With Green Goods
While it’s a cannabinoid just like THC and CBD, THCV is in a class of its own. For one thing, though it shares three letters with THC, the compound most linked to the cannabis plant’s intoxicating “high,” THCV is considered non-intoxicating.
And while research on the cannabinoid is still in the early phase, some studies suggest THCV may play a role in appetite suppression and boosting our energy state. As with many other cannabis compounds, we’ll likely see a good deal more THCV research emerge in the coming years. But, with so many exciting new developments coming to light every day, what’s stopping you from trying a few THCV-rich strains yourself? Head to the Maryland or Minnesota dispensary closest to you and browse our extensive menus packed with fresh cannabis and so much more.
Want to know more about how cannabis compounds partner with our bodies? Visit our cannabis blog, where you’ll find articles about the endocannabinoid system, how to find your ideal edibles dosage, and other articles about this truly astonishing and all-natural plant medicine!
Have any other questions about THCV, THCV for weight loss, or any other cannabis-related topics? Just ask one of our friendly budtenders or drop us a line. We’re always here to help!
