What is THCV?

THCV, a variant of THC derived from hemp, has recently become popular.

Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is an analog of THC, meaning these two cannabinoids have very similar structures. The only difference between normal delta-9 THC and delta-9 tetrahydrocannabivarin is an additional chain of atoms at the end of the molecule. Conventional cannabinoids lack this “varin” chain, resulting in a different chemical structure and potentially different effects.

What does the “V” stand for in THCV?

The “V” in THCV stands for “varin,” the suffix at the end of this cannabinoid’s scientific name, tetrahydrocannabivarin. The presence of “varin” in THCV’s name denotes the added chain of atoms present at the end of this cannabinoid molecule. There are quite a few different types of cannabinoid variants that display this chain, and all of them have the suffix “varin” at the end of their names.

Is THCV the same as delta 8?

No, THCV and delta 8 are subtly different. THCV has an added chain of atoms at the end of its molecule, and delta 8 THC is simply missing one carbon bond in its structure compared to delta 9. Chemically speaking, THCV is slightly more different from delta 9 THC than delta 8, perhaps explaining why users commonly report the effects of THCV feel further away from the effects of delta 9.

What are the benefits of THCV?

For the most part, THCV appears to have the same benefits as conventional THC. There are a few seemingly unique aspects of THCV, though, that have caught the attention of cannabis researchers. Most notably, a considerable number of studies have sought to determine if THCV has appetite-suppressant effects, and THCV has also been investigated for its potential usefulness in treating diabetes.

How does THCV work for appetite supression?

Studies have shown that turning off the CB1 receptor—which THCV does—suppresses a number of food-related behaviors. A pharmaceutical anti-obesity diet drug, Rimonabant, was designed to turn off the CB1 receptor and was extremely successful for weight loss. However, Rimonabant, as with many pharmaceuticals, had side effects and caused serious depression so it was discontinued.

Fortunately, this study was carried out on THCV and found that not only does THCV work for appetite suppression by turning off the CB1 receptor, but it creates a significantly lower risk of causing depressive or other negative side effects. THCV therefore appears to have great therapeutic potential for those seeking to reduce their calorie intake, naturally.

This separate study found that THCV alters the connections between areas of the brain allowing people greater control over their food intake.

Meanwhile, this experiment found that combining THC with THCV took away THCV’s ability to suppress appetite. Luckily, the addition of CBD counteracted the THC and allowed the THCV to suppress hunger. It therefore appears that if you’re taking THCV to try to lose weight, you should either take it alone or with CBD. If you regularly take THC, a THCV:CBD blend may be the best option.

Researchers appear to be very interested in determining if THCV supports reduced appetite and weight loss. A 2009 study that found THCV reduced food intake is often cited.

Truth be told, though, we haven’t done enough research into THCV to determine if it reliably reduces appetite. A 2015 study, in fact, found that THCV made certain foods more tantalizing, so the science on THCV and appetite suppression certainly isn’t settled.

Is THCV good for diabetes?

A 2013 study suggested THCV might reduce insulin sensitivity, the main driving factor of diabetes. In 2016, another study investigated the potential usefulness of using THCV and CBD together for diabetes.

These initial studies are certainly promising.

What effects does THCV have?

Most users report that THCV provides effects similar to those of THC. In some cases, though, users indicate THCV is slightly “weaker” than normal THC, leading to THCV becoming dubbed “weed lite.”

If you’re using THCV for the first time, expect the same effects you experience with normal THC but at a lower level of intensity. For a THC-like high that lacks this cannabinoid’s notorious paranoia, users generally recommend delta 8, not THCV.

Will THCV get you high?

THCV is only psychoactive on its own if you take a very large amount of it. However, if you smoke cannabis flower high in THCV, it will also contain THC and the THC will get you high.

A normal dose of THCV alone should offer a clear-headed, stimulating feeling akin to caffeine with less risk of the jitters or upset stomach. People also report feeling less hungry and even forgetting to eat. THCV is therefore NOT recommended for those with anorexia or eating disorders.

Mixing THCV with CBD may offer a mix of clarity with calm relaxation, while also staving off hunger.

Meanwhile, combining THCV with THC creates a clear-headed, euphoric, energetic high. The THCV may reduce some of the hunger associated with taking THC, but its appetite-suppressing effects will not be as effective as when THCV is taken alone or with CBD.

Is THCV safe?

THCV is a natural cannabinoid found in certain strains of hemp. In its natural form, THCV appears to have about the same safety profile as normal THC.=

The vast majority of the THCV on the market, though, is converted from another cannabinoid. It’s possible to perform this process safely, but many producers lack the equipment to get it done. Trust established hemp brands to produce high-quality, reliable THCV products.

Is THCV a controlled substance?

No, THCV is not listed as a controlled substance in the 1971 Controlled Substances Act. The only form of THC specified in this legislation is delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol.

Under the 2018 Farm Bill, THCV is generally classified as industrial hemp, placing it in the same category as CBD and other hemp cannabinoids. When converted from another cannabinoid, THCV can sometimes be considered “modified,” making naturally bred THCV more desirable.

How much does THCV cost?

Some THCV products might cost slightly more than their conventional THC equivalents. The higher THCV products are ranked on the quality spectrum, the more expensive they are likely to be.

What are the best THCV products?

THCV is usually presented in the form of gummies, tinctures, or capsules.

Even though natural THCV remains hard to come by, many hemp users remain convinced natural forms of this THC variant provide the best effects. Whichever product type you end up choosing, inhaling THCV delivers the benefits of this cannabinoid with increased potency and intensity.

THCV is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. This means that, like CBD and THC, it works with the human endocannabinoid system (ECS). Our ECS helps regulate our physical and mental well-being, influencing how we experience stress and anxiety, how we sleep, eat, and even our hormone levels.

THC—the main psychoactive component in cannabis—turns on our CB1 receptor. This causes the release of hunger hormones. By contrast, THCV turns off our CB1 receptor, thereby suppressing appetite.

THCV is a minor cannabinoid, which means that it is not as prevalent in the plant as CBD or THC. However, there are some strains that are higher in THCV that may be able to help you lose weight, PLUS potential benefits of increased energy, enhanced focus, and improved mood. Some of the most popular strains high in THCV include Girl Scout Cookies, Durban Poison, Pine Walker OG and Pineapple Purps.

Studies have found that THCV is actually fantastic for losing weight. Not only does it curb your appetite and help you manage cravings, it also boosts your metabolism, giving you more energy and helping you burn off more calories with your daily exercise and activities.

THCV has some other benefits as well. It may be able to help regulate glucose in patients who have glucose resistance. THCV may be able to stabilize these glucose levels, decreasing instances of type 2 diabetes.

Of course, there is no replacement for old fashioned diet and exercise. A healthy diet and a routine exercise program is the best way to lose weight and keep it off, but you may be able to get better results with the help of THCV.

How to take THCV

If you’d like to see if THCV helps with appetite control, we recommend a pure THCV Oil or gummies THCV Gummies. However, if you want an energizing high, try THCV with THC or hemp-derived Delta 8 THC.

At this point you might start to notice a pattern among THCV products; that they’re mostly formulated for energy and focus, due to the natural cannabinoid response they trigger.

These are a sublime midday treat that allows you to focus and raises your mood in a way that offsets stress almost completely.