For a long time, cannabis users were only familiar with the two giants of the industry, THC and CBD. These components shared the limelight and still rule the hearts of many marijuana fans. However, recent studies and legislation regarding cannabis have raised interest in yet another great cannabinoid, THCV. The most famous question we get more often is “What is THCV?” and can it help you shed those stubborn pounds?

This article will uncover all the details regarding what is THCV? what benefits does it offer? and will it really help you lose some weight? Read on to know all this and much more. 

What is THCV?

Tetrahydrocannabivarin, or THCV, is a compound derived from the cannabis Sativa plant; having unique properties makes it stand out from other more well-known cannabinoids such as delta-9 THC. However, The chemical composition of THCV is similar to that of THC. At first, the chemical structure of both THC and THCV also seems incredibly identical. However, the only difference is a longer hydrocarbon chain on the THC molecule. THCV uses a side chain with 3 carbon atoms, whereas THC has a side chain with 5 carbon atoms. THCV was first discovered in 1964 by Raphael Mechoulam alongside other cannabinoids such as THC, CBD, and CBN, among others. 

THCV vs. THC: What’s the Difference?

THC or delta-9 THC is one of the most raved-about cannabinoids naturally produced by the cannabis plant. THC is often present at levels around 15% in many cannabis strains.

THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) is closely related to THC. As mentioned above, the real difference between both compounds is present in the chemical structure. This seemingly small difference in the chemical makeup of THCV vs. THC has essential discrepancies in how the body metabolizes and utilizes them.

Want to learn more about similar cannabinoids like delta-8 THC and Delta-10? Head to our blog

What is THCV? What are the Health Benefits of this Cannabinoid?

When we talk about what is THCV? The next question that comes to mind is what is THCV good for? Although the available research on the benefits of THCV is limited, it shows promising results. Here we will be discussing a few research studies that back the idea of THCV as a beneficial and unique cannabinoid.

Researchers believe it is reliable for treating many ailments such as chronic pain, epilepsy, etc. let’s find out what other health benefits THCV offers.

Anti-inflammatory

As we know, most cannabinoids have natural healing properties, and THCV is no exception. According to a 2010 study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, THCV reduced pain and inflammation in mice and was declared an effective anti-inflammatory agent. 

Suppresses Appetite and Regulates Blood Glucose Levels

A recent study published in 2020 by the Journal of Cannabis Research showed that THCV is an excellent appetite suppressant and helps maintain blood glucose levels in humans and mice. Because of its appetite-suppressing properties, many people struggling with obesity are turning towards THCV.

Promotes Bone Growth

Another research suggests that THCV is a remarkable cannabinoid that promotes bone development inside the body. THCV might be all you need if you suffer from weak bones or joint problems. 

Elevates Your Mood

You might have wondered why THCV has been immensely popular among cannabis consumers? One of the reasons is its ability to elevate the mood and increase the focus to accomplish the tasks at hand. However, the research in this regard is still in infancy, but many consumers talk about this incredible property of THCV.

What is THCV? What does the Research Say about it?

THCV reduces hunger, makes you feel satiated, and up-regulates energy metabolism in rodent studies. It is a clinically helpful remedy for weight loss and managing obesity and type 2 diabetic patients. 

These same studies also demonstrated the differences between THCV and THC in glycemic control, glucose metabolism, and energy regulation. Also, the effect of THCV on dyslipidemia (blood lipid levels that are too high or low), and glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes showed reduced fasting plasma glucose concentration compared to a placebo group. 

Studies have also demonstrated that THC help reduces some of the adverse effects of THC, such as faster heart rates that may lead to anxiety. People who feel the side effects of THC should try THCV to rip the benefits of cannabis without discomfort. 

Some recent studies believe that cannabis can reduce the occurrence of panic attacks or sometimes even block them. Its neuroprotective properties also play a role in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to medical professionals, THCV is also ideal for treating Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis.

The table below highlights some key differences other than chemical structure between THC vs THCV.

THC	THCV
THC acts as an appetite stimulant.	Research suggests that THCV may suppress appetite.
THC is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in the cannabis plant.	THCV is less psychoactive than THCV.
The boiling point of THC is 155ºC	The boiling point of THCV is 220ºC
THC is mainly used for pain relief.	THCV possesses different physiological effects like controlling blood sugar levels in humans.

Does THCV Get You High?

As a cannabis user, you must know about the high THC produced, therefore when we discuss what is THCV the next you want to know is, is THCV psychoactive?” The simple answer is yes; THCV is a psychoactive cannabinoid that gets you high, particularly when taken in considerable doses. However, research also tells that this cannabinoid tends to produce some physiological effects on the body that differ from the famous stoned feeling you get after consuming delta-9 THC.

What is THCV? Is THCV Legal?

According to the farm 18 bill, THCV is legal as long as it is derived from industrial hemp, which means its Thc content is less than 0.3%. Therefore, make sure to purchase certified THCV products from credible growers. 

However, You should be familiar with your state laws before buying any cannabis product, as some states don’t allow any form of tetrahydrocannabinol. Moreover, THCV is not considered a cannabinoid of concern in many states. As a result, most cannabis vendors sell THCV buds and market these strains as “diet weed.”

Besides, if your state doesn’t declare recreational or medical marijuana legal, using THCV products might also put you on the wrong side of the law. However, we recommend employing a medical cannabis card to be on the safe side in legal states before buying and keeping a product with this cannabinoid. 

Learn how a medical marijuana card in Illinois can keep you hassle-free.

What is THCV? Conclusion

No doubt, with its unique properties and a series of health benefits, THCV has the potential to change the future of the cannabis industry. However, we still need to know more about this new cannabinoid. We wait for the day until more research on what is THCV will come up, and you will see THCV on the shelves. The appetite-suppressing effects of THCV can help you lose weight, so worry no more and get your medical cannabis card to avail the maximum benefits of THCV. 

In most states, including Illinois, you will need a medical marijuana card to use cannabis for treatment in most forms. Cannabis doctors is here to help you obtain your medical cannabis card with our team of qualified individuals to make your cannabis journey smoother.

Get in touch to connect with our certified Cannabis Doctors now!