What is THCV? And Where Can I Find it?

THCV – The relationship between humans and marijuana has a long and sordid history that dates back hundreds of years. Today — it’s a burgeoning industry that is gaining popularity on a global scale due to the increasing awareness regarding the plant’s medicinal benefits. 

Undoubtedly you’ve heard of both THC and CBD, but there is a diamond in the rough you may not have heard about: Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV). This cannabinoid is just as important as any other cannabinoid; potentially offering protection against the psychoactive effects of THC.   

But what exactly is THCV, how does it compare to THC, and where would you find it? 

Keep Reading!

What is THCV? How is it Different from THC?

The cannabis plant consists of hundreds of different chemicals and compounds known as terpenes, flavonoids, phytocannabinoids, and trichomes to name a few. 

The most important one of the bunch goes to phytocannabinoids, and if you have even a basic knowledge of marijuana — you’ve most definitely heard of tetrahydrocannabinol THC and cannabidiol CBD.

With that in mind, you most likely have never heard of tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), which is a much lesser-known cannabinoid most assume is similar to THC, but they would be sorely mistaken. 

THCV has a completely different chemical structure with a 3 carbon propyl group, THCV is not psychoactive in small doses, and it minimizes the negative effects of too much THC. Note we said THCA won’t make you high at small doses, but it can produce a small high when higher dosages are used — albeit a different kind of experience compared to a THC stoning.

It doesn’t have the same intensity and it doesn’t last as long, but higher doses of THCA can heighten THC’s side effects. A study conducted in 2016 demonstrated how THCV inhibits well-known THC effects but potentiates others. 

Benefits of THCV

Compared to the psychoactive properties of THC that we all love and know, what’s so special about THCV Canada? Tetrahydrocannabivarin has a number of benefits – here are just a few of them.

Weight Loss 

According to studies, THCV can modulate cannabinoid receptors in the GI tract, and suppress the appetite.

Diabetes

THCV is helpful in a couple of ways for diabetes sufferers: it helps curb the appetite as we mentioned above, but research has discovered tetrahydrocannabivarin has a positive effect on insulin sensitivity and glucose intolerance — which reduces high blood sugar levels. 

Studies have also shown THCV’s proficiency to reduce insulin resistance and blood sugar levels, which is very promising for those suffering from type 2 diabetes. 

Parkinson’s Disease

Research regarding THCV’s effectiveness for alleviating symptoms and providing neuroprotection in Parkinson’s disease has been very promising.  

Antioxidant 

THCV possesses antioxidant properties and can activate the CB2, but block the CB1 receptors; it also shows promise for delaying disease progression and improving negative symptoms caused by disease.

Anti-Anxiety 

Studies have shown THCV has the capability to reduce and even in some cases eliminate panic attacks — which is great news for individuals suffering from anxiety disorders including PTSD. Most researchers have determined that suppresses our fight or flight “panic” mode that naturally activates in response to a threat. 

Other Benefits

Research has also shown THCV to be effective at reducing tremors and brain lesions in conditions associated with Parkinson’s Disease, ALS. It also may help stimulate bone growth — which would be a great treatment option for those suffering from osteoporosis. 

Where Can I Find Strains with High THCV?

If you’re on the hunt for the aforementioned side effects listed and want to get your hands on some high THCV strains, there are a few things you should be aware of: 

• Search for an African Sativa. Lab results show tetrahydrocannabivarin is the most abundant in landrace Sativa strains that hail from Africa.

• Inquire about parent genetics. Many strains are hybridized from African strains, which predispose it to have a higher THCV profile. 

• Ask for lab results. Genetics can’t promise you’re working with a high THCV strain; the only way to know is to ask your budtender for lab-tests regarding the cannabinoid profile for each batch.

THCV is most abundantly found in Sativa strains, with some being specially engineered to produce high levels of tetrahydrocannabivarin. Here is a list of high THCV strains you can find:

• Cherry Pie
• Doug’s Varin 
• Durban Poison
• Face of OG
• Pineapple Purps
• Girl Scout Cookies 
• Jack the Ripper

Be sure to check the website, or to call and ask your local dispensary what strains they have in stock, and what strains are the best as cannabinoid content varies with each harvest. 

How Do I Consume THCV?

The great thing about THCV is it’s just as easy and versatile to use as any other types of marijuana products: You can smoke it in a bowl, bong, or joint, vaporize it, or turn it into butter and make edibles. 

If you opt for vaporizing it, be aware that they require different temperature settings because THCA has a different boiling point to THC. The boiling point for THC is between 314ºF (156ºC), and for THCV it’s 428ºF (220ºC)— which is a staggering 114-degree difference. 

Taking this information into consideration, it’s safe to say that making THCV edibles can be set at a much higher temperature than required for making THC edibles.

What Does a THCV High Feel Like? 

Since THCV both CB1 and CB2 receptors are activated, it successfully blocks the THC receptors, which produces the opposite effects that THC has on the body — except in high doses. 

When THCV is used in high doses, THCV may cause a euphoric type effect that results in a clear-headed, yet stimulating energetic high that is shorter in duration than a THC high. 

Rather than feeling hungry with a mean case of the munchies, THCV suppresses the appetite, which is a great alternative for marijuana users wanting to lose weight, or those struggling with diabetes and blood sugar or insulin problems. 

Final Thoughts on THCV

As more and more funding, research, and information are conducted regarding the lesser-known cannabinoids like THCV emerges — the many potential therapeutic and medicinal properties are being discovered. 

The good news is that this slowly changes the public opinion of a once demonized and prohibited plant. 

We love that the future looks promising not only for THCV, but the many other cannabinoids that have the potential to be used as a medicine against chronic illnesses like Parkinson’s Disease, ALS, diabetes, osteoporosis, and obesity.