When it comes to cannabinoids, THC and CBD take most of the limelight. However, there are lesser-known options that are just as interesting, beneficial, and potent. Enter THCV, a cannabinoid with potential benefits and effects making a lot of waves. It has become known as the diet cannabinoid, but why? And what is THCV to begin with?
What Is Tetrahydrocannabivarin?
Tetrahydrocannabivarin, or THCV for short, is found in the cannabis plant. More specifically, it’s found in Sativa strains. That means it’s a psychoactive cannabinoid and it’s also related to THC.
While THCV is psychoactive, it’s not intense. In fact, it’s so mild that the psychoactive effects are barely noticeable. Compared to THC, it’s 25% less potent, which means it can suit people who avoid THC due to its intense effects.
Now, THC and THCV are different and that influences the effects they both provide. The main difference is in their composition. Where THC has a pentyl chain of 5 carbons, THCV has a propyl chain of only 3 carbons.
THCV is the kind of cannabinoid you can rely on if you want to feel energized and alert rather than relaxed and laid back. This is why it’s usually consumed during the day or any time when it’s important to stay present and functional.
Granted, the research on THCV is still limited, but so far, it’s known to offer quite a wide range of benefits. The benefits that get the most attention relate to weight loss, which is why THCV is known as a “diet weed”, and diabetes management.
The Potential of THCV and Its Reported Effects
Speaking of benefits, let’s look closer! THCV is linked to many different potential benefits. As mentioned above, the main one is weight loss because THCV helps reduce appetite. Most cannabinoids make people hungry, but THCV is reported to have the opposite effect.
For this reason, it’s considered an alternative to obesity management. According to available research, THCV blocks CB1 receptors, which have a lot of functions, including appetite stimulation. So, by helping people reduce hunger cues, they’re more likely to stick to their diets and lose weight.
Another major potential benefit of THCV is that it shows promise in managing Type 2 diabetes by improving glucose tolerance and stabilizing insulin levels. Research indicates it could be a novel therapeutic agent for glycemic control, potentially benefiting those with diabetes by regulating blood sugar.
Moreover, THCV has the potential to help with pain management, epilepsy, acne, fatty liver disease, bacterial inflammation, psychosis, anxiety, stress management, PTSD treatment, bone protection, and more. Most of these benefits still must be researched and confirmed, but THCV seems to hold a lot of promise.
The reported effects of THCV are mild and they include a sense of euphoria, a burst of energy, and clear-headedness. Of course, this depends on the dose. In low doses, THCV won’t produce a high. In high doses, it will offer a psychoactive kind of buzz, but it won’t last as long as, say, THC’s buzz.
Precautions and Advice on Using THCV Safely
While there’s still a lot to learn about THCV, it’s reportedly safe to consume. There are no major side effects and they can be avoided by taking certain precautions. The main precaution relates to dosage.
It’s very important to start with a low dose to gauge the body’s response before taking more. The maximum dose is 10mg per day, so start with the lowest recommended dose for the THCV product of your choice. Then, you can increase little by little based on your needs.
Additionally, it’s recommended to limit THCV up to 13 weeks. This and any other cannabinoid should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and you should avoid mixing it with alcohol and other drugs.
When it comes to drug interaction, it’s essential to talk to a healthcare professional. This is a step you shouldn’t skip whenever you’re interested in integrating any new supplement into your life. Especially not if you’re on medication for anything at all.
Final Words
The bottom line is that THCV is a very interesting cannabinoid and it’s already getting a lot of attention. Its reported benefits are very attractive and it’s exciting to see what further research will unveil about it.
So far, we know that it’s a mild psychoactive cannabinoid that can suppress appetite, help manage Type 2 diabetes, and provide a nice burst of energy, among many other benefits. As such, it can be an attractive option for a wide range of consumers!
