THCV is a unique minor-cannabinoid that has some surprising properties. THCV is gaining popularity because it stands out from THC in what it does, and doesn’t, do.
Here’s why THCV vapes are getting more popular and what researchers have to say about this new cannabinoid extract.
What is THCV?
THCV, more technically known as tetrahydrocannabivarin, is a type of cannabinoid classified as a “minor cannabinoid.” These substances are naturally found in hemp and cannabis plants, but not in as high of a concentration as THC or even CBD. THCV can be enjoyed naturally in cannabis and hemp plants, but is most often extracted and enjoyed as an oil or vape.
THCV binds with cannabinoid receptors in the body. While it doesn’t have the same high potency as Delta 8 THC or Delta 9-THC, it is starting to build a reputation for its health benefits. There are potential therapeutic and medicinal benefits from THCV that can help individuals who are looking to get the relief associated with cannabis products, but without the psychoactive high.
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THCV vs. THC: What’s the Difference?
THCV and THC are very similar. Their main difference has to do with their specific chemistry. One of these compounds is in the propyl group while the other is in the pentyl group. That’s a fun bit of trivia, but what does that mean for us outside of the hemp chemistry lab?
Both THCV and THC bind to the CB1 cannabinoid receptor in your body. What this means for your body is that THC activates the CB1 receptor and THCV blocks it.
A great example of this is that THC is a well-known appetite stimulant. Got the munchies? That’s THC kicking your appetite into high gear.
On the other hand, THCV is a potential appetite suppressant. You won’t be getting munchies with THCV and you might even not be that hungry throughout the day.
THCV also hits much harder and faster than regular THC. However, it also has different side effects. A common side effect of THC is anxiety or even panic attacks, but THCV can potentially suppress panic and anxiety.
Can You Vape THCV?
THCV is most popularly enjoyed as an oil, and edible, and as a vape. However, there is one trick with THCV that you need to consider if you plan on vaping this minor cannabinoid.
THCV comes with a higher boiling point than other cannabinoids. This means that your vape pen is going to need to get a little hotter in order to vaporize this minor cannabinoid. The good news is that most vape pens are capable of handling this.
You can often find THCV combined with other cannabinoids that have lower boiling points. It’s common to find vape products that combine THCV and Delta 8 THC.
Does THCV get you High?
THCV is a cannabinoid and that means it can get you high. However, THCV does not have the same potency as Delta-9 THC in this regard. THCV needs to be used in very high quantities to achieve a high.
The high will also be different. THCV provides a clear-headed, stimulating high when compared to the euphoric or sedating high of regular THC.
Benefits of THCV
There are plenty of benefits when it comes to THCV. Let’s go over a few of the potential benefits of THCV and the research behind them.
Managing Blood Sugar
One of the most compelling studies into the potential benefits of THCV has to do with its ability to help the human body regulate and lower blood sugar. High blood sugar is associated with a variety of serious medical conditions ranging from diabetes to heart disease. THCV could be a potentially useful treatment for this condition.
A study was conducted on obese mice and showed that THCV help some Isis bodies to naturally regulate their blood sugar. THCV was able to reduce insulin tolerance and increase insulin sensitivity in addition to other benefits.
Promoting Bone Growth
There’s also been research done on THCV’s ability to help promote bone growth. This means that THCV might be a viable part of treatment plans for individuals with degenerative bone conditions. THCV is also linked with an increase in collagen production which has its own set of potential medical benefits.
Lowering Inflammation
Information might sound like a minor medical condition, but inflammation is linked to everything from depression to worse medical outcomes. Lowering and managing inflammation for individuals with chronic conditions is a vital part of achieving better health.
One study found that, much like other cannabinoids, THCV has the ability to lower inflammation in the body.
Potential Side Effects of THCV
Using isolated and extracting THCV is still a relatively new process. This means that on both scientific and a community level we don’t know much about its side effects. However, there is one clearly demonstrated side effect of THCV.
THCV is well known as an appetite suppressant. This could be potentially beneficial for some individuals who are looking to lower their appetite, but it could also cause adverse situations for individuals who enjoy the appetite stimulating properties of other cannabinoids.
Strains That are Dominant in THCV
One of the best ways to enjoy THCV is in extracts used in edibles or a vape pen. This is a great option if you’re looking to enjoy a higher dose of THCV, but where can you find this cannabinoid if you’d rather smoke it as part of a naturally occurring cannabis plant?
The strains that are highest in THCV are the African sativa strains. These have the natural highest levels of THCV, but they’re still far lower than what you can find in extracts.
Is THCV Legal?
THCV is currently in the same legal gray area as other cannabinoid extracts that have recently hit the market.
The 2018 Farm Bill changed the landscape when it comes to legal hemp extracts. Part of that bill allowed the legal sale of hemp extracts like CBD and THCV. However, states and local jurisdictions have not followed suit and the laws that govern cannabinoids like THCV are inconsistent.
While recent Federal guidance has specifically outlined that these substances are legal, local jurisdictions don’t always follow that guidance. You should check with your local and state governments to confirm that THCV is legal in your community.
Does THCV Show up in a Drug Test?
This is one thing that you really need to keep in mind if you plan on enjoying THCV products. THCV can show up in a drug test. Unlike some of the other cannabinoid extracts out there, THCV creates the metabolites that regular THC drug test can detect.
Use THCV wisely if your job requires regular drug tests.
Wrapping Up THCV
THCV is a minor-cannabinoid that delivers a clear-headed high and can suppress appetite. It’s currently mostly legal and can be found in vapes, extracts, and edibles. THCV has strong initial research suggesting some unique medicinal properties not found in some of the other more popular cannabinoids.
