There are several phrases used in the cannabis business that have similar sounds but distinct meanings. For example, although you may be acquainted with CBD, you may have never heard of CBG, CBC, and CBN, which are other cannabinoids. You may be well aware of THC, but you may not be aware of the topic of today’s article, which is THCV.
Another cannabinoid generated from the cannabis plant is termed delta 9 tetrahydrocannabivarin, or THCV for short. Even while THCV is not as well-known as THC, its many advantages have led to a rise in discussion about the compound in recent years, despite the former’s far lower public awareness. We’ll address some of the most often-asked questions about this cannabis today, including THCV effects, strains, and product varieties.
THCV: What Is It?
THCV is a complex topic, therefore we thought we’d start with a fundamental first: THCV: What is it? As previously mentioned, the cannabis plant contains the cannabinoid THCV. One of THCV’s numerous benefits (more on that in a moment) is thought to be the ability to reduce hunger, which is why the cannabinoid gained the nickname “diet weed.”
Perhaps you’re wondering, “Does THCV get you high?” When taken in excess, TCHV does exhibit minor psychoactive effects, but they are significantly different from the conventional connotations of the word. Instead, users report feeling driven, invigorated, and euphoric.
Which THCV Effects Are Most Common?
There are several established THCV effects, even though research is still somewhat scarce. The most well-known is perhaps THCV’s capacity to reduce hunger by blocking CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system.
This accomplishment was shown in a 2009 animal research that discovered THCV to be useful in lowering food intake and weight gain1. The function of THCV in reducing obesity-related glucose intolerance was discovered in another investigation. Given that maintaining good blood sugar levels is crucial to preventing diabetes, stroke, and heart disease, this research supports the idea that THCV has a positive impact on overall well-being.
There is some evidence that THCV may be used to treat Parkinson’s disease3, pain4, epilepsy, and several other chronic illnesses, even if some effects are less clear-cut.
Diabetes and Weight Loss
Diet marijuana is a great alternative for anyone trying to lose weight who would prefer not to experience cravings because of its appetite-suppressing qualities.
According to a 2020 article in the Journal of Cannabis Research, tetrahydrocannabivarin inhibits the uptake of fat and glucose by acting antagonistically at the cannabinoid receptors, in contrast to THC. It also has actions that reduce appetite, raise metabolic levels, and give one a feeling of fullness.
Researchers have previously used mice in THCV cannabis experiments to examine the drug’s effects on obesity-related weight reduction. The researchers concluded that THCV may be used to treat obesity-related glucose intolerance because of its effects on hepatocytes and insulin-resistant myotubes. Overall, scientists conclude that while more thorough study is necessary, the findings are concrete signs that tetrahydrocannabivarin is helpful for diabetes and weight reduction.
Mental Activity
The query about psychoactivity often comes when an enthusiast asks, “What is THCV?” And that makes perfect sense. Unfortunately, the answers are not always clear-cut with this cannabinoid since patient stories and scientific findings sometimes diverge.
According to a 2020 article in the Journal of Cannabis Research, THCV’s absence of psychoactive effects sets it apart from THC. The lack of psychotropic effects was explained by the fact that tetrahydrocannabivarin inhibits the CB1 receptors, which are cannabinoid receptors.
The receptors that THC interacts with to produce a high are called CB1 receptors. Because THCV binds antagonistically to these receptors, it is unable to affect patients’ psychoactivity. In several clinical studies, individuals were given tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) before to receiving THC, and THCV was shown to mitigate the effects of THC on short-term memory, paranoia, and psychosis.
On the one hand, scientists observed that THCV may become an agonistic compound at greater dosages and provide a high, similar to THC. However, some individuals claim that even at dosages as little as 0.1g, the chemical gives them an energy high that lasts just a short while. Because of this, some people refer to it as the fast and hyper-velocity sports car of cannabis.
Is THCV Secure?
Diet marijuana is regarded as a rather safe drug. Thus far, no alarming THCV impact that puts patients or recreational users at risk has been identified by researchers.
Nevertheless, you should be aware that different individuals respond to cannabis products in various ways. You must comprehend the effects of a tiny dosage of this cannabis on your body. Some persons become high rather rapidly on the same dosage, while others see 0.1g as a little or negligible quantity. Do not take THCV at doses higher than 0.1g if you have a poor tolerance to THC.
The effects of THCV, which reduce appetite, may also increase your chance of developing an eating problem. Diet marijuana may not be for you if you have ever struggled with an eating issue.
Is That allowed?
There are some complications involved in responding to this query.
The cultivation and marketing of industrial hemp and its derivatives are permitted under the 2018 Farm Bill. Cannabis classified as industrial hemp has a THC concentration of less than 0.3%. Most THCV products are derived from industrial hemp and are supplied by certified producers. Therefore, according to federal law, tetrahydrocannabivarin derived from industrial hemp is theoretically permissible.
Cannabis products containing THCV extracts, or cannabis that has more than 0.3% THC, are prohibited.
Furthermore, where you are matters. If you own a THCV product and your state prohibits the use of marijuana for either medicinal or recreational purposes, you will be breaking the law. You will also be breaking the law if you possess a THCV product without a medical marijuana card in a state where only medicinal marijuana is permitted. When buying and owning a product containing this cannabinoid in a state where it is legal, always make sure you have a medical marijuana card for peace of mind.
As you can see, there are many facets and possible responses to the question “is THCV legal?” Please feel free to get in touch with Elevate Holistics or your neighborhood dispensary to find out whether tetrahydrocannabinol is permitted in your area.
Which Heavy THCV Strains Are There?
THCv Isolate is far less likely to be found in cannabis plants than other cannabinoids like CBD and THC since it is a minor cannabinoid. Nonetheless, substantial concentrations of THCV have been found in cannabis strains from eastern Asia, southern Africa, India, and Nepal, according to the American Journal of Botany6. One strain with a high THCV content that comes from the area is Durban Poison THCV, although other strains from all over the globe, such as Jack the Ripper THCV, have been specially grown to have a similar makeup.
It is also possible to biosynthetically extract THCV from algae. using cutting-edge fermentation methods to synthesize these chemicals from algae to safely and successfully replicate the cannabinoid’s natural effects.
Which THCV Product Types Are Available?
The increasing popularity of THCV has made it simpler than ever to locate THCV products in a variety of delivery systems. For instance, THCV edibles, THCV oil (sometimes called a tincture), and THCV isolate (pure THCV) are all easily accessible.
You should be able to benefit from the entourage effect, which is a phenomenon where the cannabinoids become supercharged due to each other’s presence, enhancing the benefits of the individual cannabinoids, by using an oil or eating an edible that contains THCV and other cannabinoids like CBD. Stated differently, the whole value exceeds the sum of its constituent components.
Any hemp derivatives with less than 0.3% THC are permitted as of 2018 Farm Bill 7. The legal environment around this newly discovered substance is still being established, and as it is used more often, state laws will also change.
