Tetrahydrocannabivarin or THCV is a lesser-known cannabinoid that is primarily found in Sativa strains of cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), and cannabidivarin (CBV). [1] Unlike THC, which is known for its strong psychoactive effects, THCV lacks psychoactive effects unless consumed in excessively high quantities and instead has been shown to reduce appetite, increase fullness and metabolism, making it a potential candidate for improving disease states that impact weight like obesity and type 2 diabetes. [2]
Below, we’ll explore the origins of THCV, what exactly this cannabinoid is, how it works, and how it can potentially be used to help individuals with various medical conditions.
- THCV is a cannabinoid found in some cannabis strains that may support weight loss, improve metabolic health, and reduce anxiety.
- Unlike THC, THCV does not typically cause psychoactive effects unless taken in high doses, and it may counteract THC’s intoxicating effects.
- THCV shows potential therapeutic benefits for conditions like type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and anxiety, but more research is needed.
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What is THCV?
THCV is a less well-known cannabinoid that exerts less psychoactive effects and more substantially impacts metabolism and weight. It interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system differently than traditional THC. [1]
While THC is a weak partial agonist (stimulator) of both CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain, THCV acts as an antagonist (reducer) of CB1 receptors and a partial agonist of CB2 receptors. This means that THCV can counteract some of the psychoactive effects of THC, while still engaging with the endocannabinoid system to produce some therapeutic benefits. [1]
Research has also found that THCV can activate GPR55 and 5HT1A receptors, which may contribute to its potential antipsychotic and neuroprotective effects, making it a possible treatment option for schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. [3]
THCV can also act as a neutral antagonist of CB1 receptors, meaning that it does not affect the constitutive or basal activity level of CB1 receptors but can block the activity of other CB1 receptor compounds. Studies using fMRI have explored THCV’s neural effects, showing that it increases brain activity in response to rewarding stimuli (e.g., chocolate) and aversive stimuli (e.g., moldy strawberries) in brain regions such as the anterior cingulate cortex, caudate, putamen, amygdala, and insula. [1]
THCV has been shown to influence connectivity between brain regions involved in executive control, such as the dorsal medial prefrontal cortex and the inferior frontal gyrus.
Where does THCV come from?
THCV is naturally found in certain sativa cannabis strains. It is synthesized from cannabigerovarin acid (CBGV-A) and undergoes enzymatic reactions to form THCV-A, which is then decarboxylated to produce THCV when heated.
How is THCV used?
THCV can be consumed in various forms including cannabis flower, tinctures, and edibles. It can be accessed by using certain THCV-rich strains of cannabis, in an extract, or isolated THCV products.
THCV flower
Certain strains of cannabis have been found to have higher concentrations of THCV. This includes Doug’s Varin, Durban Poison, and Malawi Gold. These strains largely originate from Africa and are either smoked or vaped to feel their effects.
THCV tinctures
Tinctures are cannabis-infused alcohol or oils administered orally in small amounts usually using a dropper. Tinctures containing CBD or CBN can contain higher concentrations of THCV. These tinctures are taken sublingually (under the tongue) or swallowed for the THCV to exert its effects.
THCV gummies
THCV gummies are a convenient and popular way to consume THCV. They often offer precise dosing and a discreet method of intake. These gummies are often marketed for their potential appetite-suppressing and energizing effects.
THCV legal status
Currently, purified or isolated THCV is not approved for medical use and is not available as a marketed pharmaceutical product. However, it is present in certain cannabis strains and can be accessed through medical cannabis products. Unlike THC, THCV is not as widely regulated or controlled, but its legal status varies depending on local cannabis laws.
THCV vs. THC
While THCV and THC share a similar molecular structure, their effects differ significantly.
THC is largely known for its strong psychoactive effects such as altering thinking and problem-solving, distorting perception, increasing anxiety and sedation, and increasing risk-taking behavior. [4] On the other hand, THCV does not exert psychoactive properties, especially when consumed in low doses. It also has been shown to reduce anxiety and increase energy and alertness. [5]
Most individuals know THC for its appetite-stimulating effects, or what many refer to as the “munchies”. On the other hand, THCV has been shown to have an appetite-suppressing effect, making it a potential supportive treatment for weight loss. [3]
Medically, THCV is being explored for its neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anticonvulsant properties, whereas THC is commonly used for pain relief, nausea control, and appetite stimulation.
Effects of THCV
THCV has several effects, including reducing inflammation, suppressing appetite, and interacting with different transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, such as TRPV2. [1] This interaction may contribute to the pain-reducing, anti-inflammatory, and potential anti-cancer effects of cannabinoids and cannabis extracts. THCV is also linked to reducing anxiety, appetite suppression, weight management, and pain relief. [3][6]
Benefits of THCV
Research has shown that THCV offers a variety of therapeutic applications, making it a promising candidate for the treatment of certain medical conditions. Some of the conditions it has been shown to improve include:
- Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson’s, and Multiple Sclerosis: THCV has been shown to have neuroprotective properties, making it useful for conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. [7] Research has shown in Parkinsin’s disease THCV can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation while potentially delaying disease progression. [7]
- Diabetes and obesity: Because THCV can suppress appetite, studies in rodents have demonstrated that THCV decreases appetite, increases satiety, and enhances energy metabolism. [8] In animal studies, THCV administration resulted in weight loss, increased energy expenditure, and reduced fasting insulin and liver triglyceride levels. [3] Clinical studies have also shown that THCV can significantly decrease fasting plasma glucose, improve pancreatic β-cell function, and enhance lipid metabolism, making it a promising agent for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes. [9]
- Anxiety & PTSD: THCV has been found to reduce stress, anxiety, and panic attacks, making it useful for individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). [10]
- Seizure & epilepsy treatment As an anticonvulsant, THCV has demonstrated potential in managing seizures, including those associated with epilepsy. [11][12]
- Schizophrenia treatment THCV has been shown to interact with 5HT1A receptors, producing antipsychotic effects that could be beneficial for individuals with schizophrenia. [13] THCV has also been reported to activate 5HT1A receptors to produce an antipsychotic effect that has therapeutic potential for ameliorating some of the negative, cognitive, and positive symptoms of schizophrenia.
Negative effects of THCV
While THCV has promising benefits, it also has potential drawbacks. Some users report mild side effects such as:
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Increased heart rate
- Mild anxiety at high doses
Compared to THC, THCV has a lower risk of causing paranoia or excessive sedation, but individual reactions may vary. [5]
Is THCV addictive?
THCV does not appear to have addictive properties. Unlike THC, which activates CB1 receptors and can lead to dependence in some users, THCV acts as a CB1 antagonist at lower doses. This means it may actually help reduce addictive behaviors rather than contribute to them.
Is THCV effective for weight management?
THCV has been studied for its potential role in weight loss and metabolic regulation. Research in rodents has shown that THCV can reduce food intake, enhance energy expenditure, and improve insulin sensitivity. [3]
A 2016 study found that THCV significantly improved fasting glucose levels and pancreatic beta-cell function in patients with type 2 diabetes, indicating its promise in managing glycemic control. [9]
A pilot study evaluating the efficacy of THCV and CBD administered via oral strips over 90 days reported significant weight loss, reductions in abdominal girth, and improvements in metabolic markers among participants. [14]
Although these results are promising, more clinical trials are needed to confirm THCV’s efficacy in long-term weight management.
Conclusion
THCV is a unique cannabinoid with promising therapeutic potential. Whether you're looking for appetite control, neuroprotection, or relief from anxiety and inflammation, THCV offers a range of benefits distinct from traditional THC. As research continues to uncover its full potential, THCV could become an integral part of cannabis-based medicine in the future.
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