Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) knowledge is elementary to understand - it's a 'diet' version ofTHC, with a few other key differences.
First, like THC, THCV is one of over 100 cannabinoids located in the cannabis plant.
Simple enough, right?
Like all cannabinoids, however, there are some similarities but significant differences to consider. That's especially true concerning THC because of its psychoactive compound. This post will cover everything you need to know about the newest THC derivative to hit the market.
What Is THCV?
THCV is an analog of THC with one key difference - it's non-psychoactive. Like CBD and THC, THCV interacts with your ECS to provide several potential health benefits.
Unlike THC, which has five carbons on the alkyl side chain, THCV contains only three carbons. From laymen's terms, THCV is much less psychoactive - about half as strong as delta-8 and one-quarter as potent as delta-9.
How Does THCV Work In Your Body?
All cannabinoids, like THCV and THC, work by sending signals to your ECS (Endocannabinoid System). This system is a complex physiological structure responsible for regulating most bodily functions. After ingesting cannabinoids like CBD, your CB1 and CB2 receptors send signals to your ECS - thereby producing therapeutic value.
The vital difference with THCV is that it's a neutral CB1 agonist. This means it's thought to have much fewer psychoactive reactions than traditional THC. THCV also produces hyperphagic results in some studies. This makes it an ideal candidate for developing obesity-control drugs.
Is THCV Made Naturally?
THCV is sourced from industrial hemp, one of two cannabis varieties - marijuana. Unlike marijuana, hemp contains much less THC but the entire cannabinoid profile.
THCV is extracted either through a chemical process, which can leave behind unwanted residues, or through a more expensive, cleaner process known as CO2 extraction. It is essential to note THCV is not synthetic - it occurs naturally in all cannabis plants. It is not created but extracted using complex machinery.
Is THCV Illegal?
Like all hemp-derived cannabinoids, THCV is not illegal. In 2018, congress passed the Farm Bill Act, which states that any product, like THCV derived from hemp is federally legal. The stipulation is that is must contain less than 0.3% THC.
While legal federally, each state has its own rules - further complicating THCV's legality. Currently, nine states outlaw the sale and use of THCV even though it's not considered a schedule 1 drug like marijuana.
Laws surrounding THC and its derivatives like delta-8 and THCV are changing rapidly. For argument's sake, THCV is legal - as long as it's derived from hemp.
What are the Effects of THCV
THCV is known as 'diet weed' because of its ability to boost mood without the overwhelming high you might feel with traditional cannabis use. Popular with athletes and students alike because of its ability to block out 'brain fog,' THCV is best compared to delta-8.
Also known as a 'light' alternative to THC, delta-8 produces less euphoria than other THC derivatives, such as HHC and delta-9. THCV is even lower down on the scale in terms of psychedelic reactions. - making it one of the mildest forms of THC on the market.
THCV users commonly experience the following:
- Energy boost
- More relaxed than standard THC
- Inner calmness
- Less brain fog
- More perception
- Less paranoia
- Better taste perceptions
Benefits of THCV
Enthusiasts say that THCV provides you with everything ordinary THC provides - except the brain fog. You'll notice a very mild 'buzz,' but nothing like you would from smoking marijuana, for example. Others report feeling enhanced perception without feeling drunk or hungover.
- Appetite Suppressant: In a 2013 study, THCV modulates hunger and decreases food intake, making it a promising drug for treating obesity with healthy weight loss.
- May Help with Diabetes: a 2016 study published in Diabetes Care showed that THCV might help control high glycemic levels. This is helpful in patients with type 2 diabetes.
- Anti-inflammatory: A 2012 study published in theBritish Journal of Pharmacology showed that THCV decreased inflammatory response through CB2 receptors.
- Insomnia: Cannabinoids, such as THCV, CBG, and CBN, may help promote more restful sleep.
- Anxiety and Depression: Cannabinoids have been shown to help with many anxietysymptoms. These include PTSD and Panic Disorder.
- Helps Ease Nausea: A 2013 study on rat models showed that THCV might have 'therapeutic potential' in treating nausea.
Will THCV Make You High?
At standard doses, no, you won't get high. If you take an extraordinary amount, however, you will experience high. THCVbinds to your CB receptors much differently than THC, which negates some of its psychoactive properties.
You won't get high unless taken at extremely high doses. Many consumers report experiencing similar effects of delta-8 and delta-9, such as increased awareness and energy. If you want to get high from THCV, you'd probably need around 30mg per 150 pounds of bodyweight.
Will THCV Fail a Drug Test?
The shortest answer - is yes. THCV is not well regulated and may be mixed with other compounds, such as HHC, delta-8, and delta-10. All these 'other' compounds may show up on a drug test. It's also been reported as showing up on a THCV urinalysisas marijuana.
That being said, THCV is very mild and may not show up on a drug test in all instances. If you're only an occasional user, you may not show up on a drug test. To be safe, stop using THCV 6 weeks before your drug test.
Key Points: THCV
THCV is a natural relative to THC, so you'll get many of the same benefits except the euphoric high. Before using, check your state laws and see where your THCV is sourced.
Like Eden's Herbals, full-spectrum CBD tinctures offer THC from hemp-derived plants - meaning it's 100% legal. No prescription is required. You'll receive the legal limit of 0.3% THC without the concern of getting high.
Plus, all our CBD is sourced from organic farms, meaning no pesticides. We also provide a certificate of analysis, meaning you can see our THC report. Lab reports prove our full spectrum contains the amount of THC you're looking for. Check it out by clicking here.
If you want to learn more about THCV, contact Eden's Herbals at support@edensherbals.com today!
*These statements have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any illness. Medical advice should be taken from a medical professional.
All of the articles on this site are written by 3rd party content providers, expert bloggers or doctors not directly affiliated with Eden's Herbals.
Individuals should learn the risks and side effects prior to taking CBD. Make sure to always check with a medical professional before starting any new CBD treatment or medication that is not FDA approved.
