
Minor cannabinoids have garnered a lot of buzz recently, but the hottest and most sought-after newly discovered cannabis compound is THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin). You might be wondering what could be so enticing about THCV... Is it psychoactive because it contains those recognizable three letters? Are effects similar to THC? Surprisingly, THCV is reported to exhibit effects that are almost opposite to what we’ve all traditionally experienced with regular THC use. Rather than stimulating appetite, THCV is thought to act as a natural appetite suppressant, going so far as earning the nickname “diet weed”. THCV is also said to produce energizing and focused effects, much like the effects of Adderall. Earning it yet another nickname “weederal”. Studies thus far have been limited to animals, but early results are promising and indicate that THCV may have applications assisting with Type 2 Diabetes, Parkison’s Disease, Fatty Liver, Epilepsy, Schizophrenia and other conditions.
THCV EFFECTS & MEDICAL USE
The most pronounced and likely the most appealing known effect of THCV is its ability to suppress appetite, offering a safe and effective option for weight loss. Since obesity has become such a wide-spread issue and causes a host of other health problems, this may be the most useful and medically beneficial application of this cannabinoid. How does THCV reduce appetite? Clinical researcher for biopharmaceuticals Saorise O’Sullivan has stated, “The theory behind this is that THCV can block the CB1 receptor. The CB1 receptor is well known to stimulate appetite, so blocking this receptor could [reduce appetite]”. A 2013 study in mice, found that THCV could be a new potential treatment against obesity-associated glucose intolerance. Another 2009 study identified THCV as a novel compound with hypophagic properties and a potential treatment for obesity. Big pharma is also interested in capitalizing on THCV. In fact, England-based big pharma company, GW Pharmaceuticals is currently developing a cannabis based drug which combines THCV and CBD and aims to lower patients’ blood-sugar levels between meals and also improve insulin production. The hope is that the drug will eliminate insulin injections for diabetes patients.
A study conducted in 2015 reported, “We conclude that THCV has therapeutic potential for ameliorating some of the negative, cognitive and positive symptoms of schizophrenia.” Early results suggest that this is accomplished by enhancing 5-HT1A receptor activation, which results in anti-psychotic effects. Similarly, THCV may also be a useful treatment for PTSD, management of overall stress and reduction of panic attacks.
More recently, studies are being conducted which have shown promise for the use of THCV in the fight against drug abuse and addiction. It seems that we’ve only begun to understand what all this cannabis extract can do.
THCV LEGALITY
As of now, THCV is fully legal in 38 states as it falls under the 2018 Farm Bill and can be extracted from industrial hemp. THCV can still result in a positive result in a THC drug test, as unfortunately tests are not currently sophisticated enough to decipher between D-9 THC and THCV.
THCV PRODUCTION
THCV is costly to produce as it does not naturally appear in high levels of potency in cannabis. There’s only a handful of strains (mostly landrace sativas) that are known to be high in THCV and frustratingly, they are all generally hard to grow, low-yielding plants. A few strains to look out for are: Where’s My Bike, Durban Poison, Dayslayer and Pink Boost Goddess.
THCV PRODUCTS
You’d think, with all the known and potential benefits of THCV (along with the broad legality) that an abundance of products would be available on the market! Limited production and supply chain issues seem to be the culprits for the lack of available options, causing the products that are available to be quite costly. Rare Cannabinoid Co. offers a 500mg tincture for purchase online at $119. Heylo Extracts out of WA State offers a “High CBG Blend” which is also high in THCV. This product is offered in vape cartridges and PAX Pods and varies in price from $45-$60 available in dispensaries in the Northern part of the state. Higher Cultures, a brand out of OR, offers a Full Spec Extract Cartridge called Viva THCV and costs around $50 for one gram.
We’ll be on the lookout for new and exciting products as they emerge and will keep you updated! There’s sure to be more availability as additional research and extraction options are completed.
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