Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is the latest cannabinoid to create a buzz throughout the community of hemp enthusiasts, once again introducing a plethora of unique properties that make it a compound worth trying. Formulas that center around this compound are just starting to make their way onto the market in various forms. Still, the majority of hemp enthusiasts do not know what THCV is or what it can offer as it’s an extremely new addition to the hemp industry.
What Exactly is THCV?
Tetrahydrocannabivarin is a minor cannabinoid that naturally occurs in the chemical structure of the hemp plant, and its trace presence in the plant material has a lot to do with why it’s largely been ignored by researchers until recently when the hemp plant was finally given the attention that it deserves. THCV is a homologue of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), meaning that it’s extremely similar genetically except for some minor molecular differences.
But, don’t let this fool you into thinking that THCV and THC are practically the same thing. THCV is its own distinctive cannabinoid, therefore having its own individual properties. Tetrahydrocannabivarin has been studied by researchers for its uses that go beyond its psychoactive properties, and as you’ll soon see, it has a lot to offer to individuals seeking out specific effects from a holistic compound.
The History of THCV
Tetrahydrocannabivarin may seem like a brand-new discovery due to its very recent introduction onto the hemp market, but it’s actually been studied for a while, as it was first discovered in 1973. Back then, researchers determined that it wasn’t as important as the more prominent compounds in cannabis, and therefore it never really had its opportunity to shine until now.
THCV is not a synthesized cannabinoid, as it’s completely derived from nature. Certain strains of cannabis, particularly in the Southeast Asian parts of the world, yield naturally high levels of it, although no matter the strain, it’s still present in only very miniscule amounts.
Over the years, THCV has been studied intensively my medical researchers, despite the fact that many cannabis enthusiasts are only discovering it now. This speaks of its unique value that goes beyond its psychoactive properties.
What are the Properties of THCV?
Tetrahydrocannabivarin is a federally legal cannabinoid that seems to offer some extremely valuable properties pertaining to the human body, while also introducing a unique type of high to the user.
#1: Appetite Suppressant
We often associate THC with “the munchies,” as delta 9 THC may be able to increase appetite. Interestingly, THCV seems to have the opposite effect on suppressing appetite. THCV seems to effectively suppress the appetite while it’s active in the body.
#2: Effects on Fasting Insulin
Fasting insulin refers to the level of insulin in the blood after a person has not eaten for several hours. High levels of fasting insulin can indicate Type 2 Diabetes, a disease known for its many complications and risks. THCV has been shown in studies to potentially balance fasting insulin levels, indicating that this cannabinoid works with cannabinoid receptors pertaining to the body’s insulin production.
#3: Effects on Blood Glucose Levels
At the same time, tetrahydrocannabivarin may decrease blood glucose levels in those who are prone to having elevated levels. High blood glucose, like high fasting insulin, can be indicative of diabetes and prediabetic conditions. Therefore, it’s safe to say that THCV has a distinctive effect on the body’s relationship to blood sugar overall, and researchers are extremely excited about what THCV may be able to offer to those who are managing diabetes and prediabetes, along with insulin resistance.
#4: Effects on Blood Pressure
Research has found that THCV may lower blood pressure levels, which is something that it would share in common with THC. Researchers are still trying to determine how this could apply specifically to those who have chronically high blood pressure.
#5: Effects on Inflammation
Like a lot of cannabinoids in the hemp plant, tetrahydrocannabivarin may lower inflammation levels in the body by binding to CB2 receptors in the immune system that control the body’s inflammatory response, which can be responsible for pain, autoimmune symptoms and more.
#6: Effects on Pain
THCV may be a potent analgesic that could be useful to those dealing with physical discomfort. Similar to many other cannabinoids, it may work directly on CB1 receptors that are found in the pain receptors belonging to the nervous system.
#7: Neuroprotectant Properties
Tetrahydrocannabivarin is currently being studied intensively for its potential neuroprotectant properties. Neuroprotectants play a key role in managing the function of the neurological system by stimulating neurogenesis and keeping the neural pathways strong. Neuroprotectants may have an important role in dementia treatment. Presently, researchers believe that THCV’s neuroprotectant properties could be particularly valuable.
#8: Psychological Effects
Tetrahydrocannabivarin works on the 5-HT1A receptors in the brain that can impact in balancing someone’s mood, and these receptors are responsible for psychotic responses. Hence, researchers believe that it may offer some level of anti-psychotic activity, while also potentially having a role in PTSD and other mood disorders.
What is the Psychoactive Nature of THCV?
Tetrahydrocannabivarin is a psychoactive cannabinoid, as you may have guessed from its name and its close relationship to THC. However, its psychoactive properties are extremely unique compared to delta 8, delta 9, delta 10 and THC-O. These 4 cannabinoids have a cumulative psychoactive effect – in other words, they’re inherently psychoactive, and the more you take, the higher you get.
Tetrahydrocannabivarin is different. Its intoxicating properties are extremely dose-dependent. Lower doses of THCV seem to be completely non-psychoactive, while higher doses are. In other words, taking a smaller dose of THCV may not get you high whatsoever, and to complicate matters, it’s likely that each person’s psychoactive threshold is unique due to the individualistic nature of the endocannabinoid system and its tolerance to cannabinoids.
Furthermore, THCV’s intoxicating properties are activated at a higher boiling point than other psychoactive cannabinoids in the hemp plant. This means that it must be decarboxylated at a higher temperature to become intoxicating – 428 degrees Fahrenheit, compared to 315 degrees for delta 9 THC.
Types of THCV Products
Tetrahydrocannabivarin is now available on the market, allowing you to see for yourself what it can add to your daily hemp routine.
- Vapes: THCV vapes are by far the most popular product on the market, and primarily THCV vape cartridges, although THCV disposables are available as well. These products come in a multitude of strains by combining THCV extract with strain-specific terpene profiles. Vapes are known for offering fast-acting and potent yet short-lived effects compared to other methods.
- Tinctures: THCV tinctures absorb sublingually, coming in the forms of oils consisting of THCV extract diluted in a carrier oil – usually MCT. They come in a wide array of concentrations which is great for those who have a specific serving amount they wish to consume. And, they work relatively quickly while potentially lasting for several hours in the body.
- Edibles: Edibles including gummies are very popular, and are known to offer up to 8 hours of effects although they do come on slowly. They are also associated with a stronger “body high” which many people find to be favorable – especially those dealing with physical discomfort. They come in different flavors and strengths.
- Capsules: Capsules are a great alternative to edibles, in that they work in basically the same way except they contain no ingredients other than THCV extract and, usually, a carrier oil.
- Flower: There are no strains that have enough THCV in them to deliver a strong THCV experience, but companies can infuse raw flower buds with THCV extract to produce this type of effect, working with a variety of strains that are available.
- Dabs: THCV dabs are concentrates that are flash-vaporized with dabbing devices. They contain extremely high levels of THCV to produce more potent effects.