What Is THCV?

We truly live in a golden age of hemp products. It seems each new day brings with it a new cannabinoid for us to try, each with its own unique experiences and effects. One of the most exciting new cannabinoids that has been found is tetrahydrocannabivarin, but its friends simply call it THCV. 

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Though it starts with those same familiar three letters, THCV is a much different type of cannabinoid than THC. If you’re curious about how different it is, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s take a little time to get to know one of the newest options in the cannabinoid world and learn what it is, what it does, and whether it’s right for you. 

What is a Cannabinoid?

Cannabinoids are chemical molecules that occur naturally in a variety of planets and the human body; they can also be synthesized in labs. Hemp and cannabis plants contain hundreds of cannabinoids.

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These compounds interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to help regulate an incredibly wide variety of bodily functions. The ECS consists of the cannabinoids the body produces (called endocannabinoids), the receptors that those endocannabinoids bind to (CB1 and CB2 receptors), and the enzymes that help remove the cannabinoids from the body once they’ve performed their function.

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Endocannabinoids help restore balance to any bodily system that has gone out of whack. Various factors, such as injury, illness, or stress, can cause any number of systems to need support. When this happens, the ECS creates endocannabinoids and sends them to the appropriate receptors. 

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The cannabinoids can either activate (agonize) or deactivate (antagonize) the system to restore it to balance. If you’d like to learn more about the ECS, you can read all about it here. If you’d like to know more about how cannabinoids are converted, you can read about that here.

What is THCV?

Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is one of the hundreds of minor cannabinoids found in hemp and cannabis plants. Minor cannabinoids appear at a far lower concentration than the two major cannabinoids, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). 

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While CBD and THC are prevalent throughout a wide variety of hemp and cannabis strains, THCV is most easily extracted and isolated from cannabis sativa. African sativa strains often contain a relatively large amount.

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Because THCV is found in such low quantities and in a narrow range of strains, it was previously difficult and expensive to extract. However, excitement over its effects has led to an increase in demand.

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Since demand has increased:

• Cultivators have developed more advanced techniques to produce hemp strains with higher levels of THCV. 
• More sophisticated extraction methods have made it easier to concentrate THCV.
• Scientists have discovered ways to naturally synthesize THCV by exposing light and heat to an acid known as THCVA.

Is THCV legal?

Yes. When Congress passed the 2018 Farm Bill, all hemp products were made legal on the federal level so long as they contained 0.3% or less of THC. Because THCV can be extracted from hemp and synthesized from the THCVA (tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid) in hemp, it is federally legal.

Does THCV Get You High?

THCV does have mild psychoactive effects, but these are significantly less pronounced than the psychoactive effects of THC products like Delta 8, Delta 9, and Delta 10. THCV is often blended with those products to pronounce the effect of the high while maintaining its unique benefits.

How does THCV Compare to THC?

Though these two compounds’ chemical structures may look almost identical, the slight differences in their makeup lead to dramatic differences in the ways they affect the ECS. 

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THCV is, in chemistry terms, a homolog of THC. In simpler terms, that means the two molecules are identical except for the difference of one repeating unit. In this case, THC has a 5-carbon side chain, while THCV has only a 3-carbon side chain. This might not mean a lot to anybody without a chemistry degree, but it is this small chemical difference that changes the way the two molecules affect the body. 

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Recall from earlier that when a cannabinoid interacts with the ECS, it can bind with either CB1 or CB2 receptors and have either an agonistic (activating) or antagonistic (deactivating) effect. THC is highly adept at bonding with and activating CB1 receptors, so it is known as a CB1 receptor agonist. 

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It is this powerful agonistic relationship with the CB1 receptors that gives THC its psychoactive, or mind-altering, effects. CB1 receptors also regulate appetite, so by activating them, THC increases appetite, which is why it gives so many people the munchies.

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THCV, however, is a CB1 receptor antagonist. That means that when it bonds with a CB1 receptor, it suppresses the functions of the systems it controls. While THC users often report a relaxing, sedative effect, THCV often leaves users feeling more alert, clear-headed, energized, and focused. It may not be surprising to hear that THCV has also been used as an appetite suppressant. This leads us perfectly to our next discussion of the many benefits of THCV.

What are the Benefits of THCV?

Because of its antagonistic effect on CB1 receptors, THCV has a variety of benefits that we don’t often find in other cannabinoids. It’s these effects that have led some to give THCV such nicknames as “diet weed” and “weederall.” Let’s take a closer look at those benefits and the studies behind them.

Appetite Suppression

According to a study done in 2009, regular dosing of THCV may reduce food intake and weight gain. Scientists are optimistic about the utility of THCV in the management of obesity and diabetes.

Glucose Intolerance

Studies done in 2013 and 2016 (the latter of which was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study) found that THCV had a positive effect on both glucose intolerance in obese subjects and fasting plasma glucose levels in patients with type-2 diabetes. 

Increased Alertness and Focus

Many users of THCV self-report a dramatic increase in energy, alertness, and focus. This is often described as a “tunnel effect,” where the user is able to block out distractions and reach a higher state of attention on whatever task the mind is dedicating its resources to. Users have found this to be a great way to increase productivity when studying, working, creating, or exercising.

Other Potential Benefits

There is a limited amount of research on THCV. However, due to the increased interest in THCV products, many new studies are underway to pursue the potential benefits this molecule may bring. Some of the effects currently being researched include:

• Parkinson’s disease
• Acne
• Liver disease
• Epilepsy

Wrapping it Up

As the demand and the research keep ramping up, we’re sure to learn more and more about this fascinating new option in the cannabinoid world. If you’re curious about the energizing effects of THCV, today’s the perfect day to try one of our many THCV products. 

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The Green Dragon CBD only sources from the highest-quality production facilities and has laboratory results for each product on our site. If you have any questions about our products, contact our staff anytime!