What is THCV?
Short for THCV, Tetrahydrocannabivarin is a cannabinoid that mostly occurs in Sativa-rich strains. And it is soaring in popularity! After all, its effects are said to be motivating and energizing. This is why most take it in the day as it can enhance energy and creativity, which means a person who has active days may be able to get even more accomplished.
THCV is also shown to lower stress and tension, and even anxiety and panic attacks, per studies held on this cannabis compound. This makes it a strong treatment proponent for neurological issues like PTSD (post-traumatic-stress-disorder). And with neuroprotective properties, it can help treat other issues too, like Alzheimer’s and Parkinsons disease, and even multiple sclerosis. It is easy to see why medical experts are thrilled over its potential!
Note: THCV reduces hunger cravings by suppressing the appetite so it is not fit for those with cachexia or anorexia nervosa. If you deal with one of these, it is best to avoid THCV!
Now, while THCV comes from cannabis, it does not affect mental function or performance unlike some cannabinoids that do, like THC. It will not cause the HIGH that most correlate with THC either, which means it might be fitting for even those who are cannabis-sensitive.
It is also coveted for its distinct properties that, as noted above, suppress appetite and the desire to eat. This is why many call it Diet Weed as it can curb hunger pains and reduce the number of times a person eats daily, which may enable a person to lose even stubborn fat.
This said, the main difference between THCV and THC is the first gets people driven and energized while THC – a psychoactive cannabinoid – is known for its euphoric and relaxing, high-producing effects. The distinct effects of each come as a surprise to many as it has a molecular structure similar to THC, but with a few variations that greatly change it effects!
The reason THCV will not get you high is it does not engage cannabinoid receptors in the same way as THC. For example, in even small doses, THCV is a strong CB1 agonist while THC is a potent engager of the cannabinoid receptor known as CB2, hence why it will get you HIGH and cerebrally elevated. In large doses, though, THCV can engage CB2 as well.
This means if very large amounts of THCV are taken a high-like euphoria can indeed occur.
In fact, while it is praised for its energizing properties, there are reports of people who took large doses of it where they claim to have chillaxing vibes that last for hours. However, it is not clear if these reported effects were due to it being taken alongside other cannabinoids.
What are the effects of THCV?
THCV, a rare and coveted cannabinoid, helps people feel focused, uplifted, and energetic for the day. It supports appetite control as well and is said to put weight loss within easier reach. Here are some others effects and potential benefits of THCV people stand to gain:
- Appetite suppression.
- Lower blood sugar levels.
- Reduced tension/anxiety.
Is THCV Psychoactive?
THCV is an agonist of THC – so yes – it can be psychoactive. But whether or not a trip is had has all to do with the size of the dose taken. This said – it would take a very large amount to achieve an experience that is similar to THC. So do not expect the HIGH of THC-rich weed!
Euphoria
THCV is unlikely to get a person high unless it taken by a sensitive, THC-intolerant person in very large doses. It can create a euphoria in small doses, though, but not a couch-lock euphoria, rather one where a person is more alert, energized, and considerably motivated.
THC-Counter
More studies are needed to say for certain but experts say THCV counteracts THC effects. In some cases, though, a person who does not want too intense a high from THC may find this beneficial; the synergy of the two compounds likely holds more in store than we know!
Milder than THC
THC is the main cannabinoid in cannabis and the one that produces the HIGH and hunger most think of when talking about weed. But when it comes to THCV, such effects will not emerge as it is not a strong stimulator of endocannabinoid receptors that get people high.
Non-Psychoactive
THCV does not engage CB1 receptors like THC so it does not have psychoactive effects, though it may engage CB2 receptors in large doses. And in one study, it had hypophagic effects in animals. If this holds true in people, this means it will reduce appetite and the metabolic rate, and this it likely does as a good number of THCV users report weight loss.
Potential THCV Uses
THCV is utilized by people to:
- Treat PTSD.
- Negate panic attacks.
- Relieve stress and anxiety.
- Resolve multiple sclerosis.
- Regulate energy and glucose levels.
- Address Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
How is THCV Used?
Unlike THC, a psychoactive and sedative-inducing cannabinoid, THCV is energizing and empowers creativity and motivation. This is why people who use THCV products take it during the day or in times where a clear-headed boost to mental function is duly needed.
And speaking of products made with THCV, you can now find it in many forms, including:
THCV Oil Tincture, this is pure THCV infused into oil or alcohol, or glycerin or coconut oil, which makes for a versatile and convenient way to incorporate THCV unto daily routines.
THCV Gummies, as the name implies, these are like gummies you had as a kid only these are infused with THCV. If easy doses are your priority, THCV gummies will not disappoint!
THC + THCV Gummies, the way these cannabinoids work together is still being learned yet many say their synergy improves the experience any more, there is but one way to find out!
Does THC Reduce Hunger
Cannabis has long had a rep of bringing on munchies and late-night trips to the fridge.
But when it comes to THCV, it tends to have the opposite effect as it reduces appetite.
Yet let us clarify that this is based on the result of tests on animals, and not on people.
Though based on current research and anecdotal evidence, it seems THCV can reduce hunger and appetite by blocking the CB1 receptor. This makes sense as this receptor is known to elevate appetite if engaged, so if blocked, the opposite effect is to be expected.
Based on results of one study, in which THCV was given to animals, experts now say THCV can make losing weight easy as the guinea pigs of this study began to eat smaller portions, and less frequently, too. And based on a separate study, it was learned THCV may reduce glucose intolerance as well, expanding its potential medical applications that much more.
THCV has not only been tested on animals but people too. In one human trial, in which five mgs of THCV was taken twice daily for thirteen weeks, improved function of the pancreatic beta-cell was seen in each patient, and this is atop reduced fasting plasma glucose levels.
Note: These results are from human trial patients who are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. It is also worth noting people in this study did not see a change in weight, which is contrary to most people who use THCV, who often say it makes them less hungry. In the end, more research is needed to conclusively say THCV is an effective means to losing or burning fat.
Is THCV Safe to Try?
Like some cannabinoids that only begun to undergo research in modern times, like T9HC and CBD-P, there is still plenty to learn about THCV as the depth of its risks, and benefits and side effects, are still not entirely certain as more studies on it need to be carried out.
But while this is true, there have been a handful of human-patient studies in which people were given THCV on a daily basis. And based on the results of participating patients, whom of which did not have any serious adverse effects, most experts say THCV is safe to enjoy.
The only notable side effect some of the patients had was tiredness. Yes, this is opposite to what was said earlier as many say THCV increases energy levels, which means we can say the effects of THCV can vary from one person to the next. In any case, a person trying THCV for the first time should not drive a vehicle till they know how it will affect them. And too, a novice should only start with little doses, even if they are a long-time cannabis user!
Let us also say it is wise to consult a doctor or healthcare expert before trying it to make sure there are no medical issues or underlying problems that may cause complications. This is good to do before trialing any drug – supplement – or cannabinoid for the first time.
Final Thoughts on THCV
In terms of molecular structure, THC and THCV are very much alike, but the length of their carbon chains make for a stark contrast in their effects. In the end, THC gets people high, while THCV is instead utilized for its potential health and therapeutic benefits. We use the word potential as it is under-studied yet experts learn more about it with each passing day.
Just do not take claims about weight loss to be certain as yes, many people do experience a reduction in fat and weight though research to prove this is still in the preliminary stages.
