When we talked about minor cannabinoids ,we should not miss THCV ,it is one of the most well-known minor cannabinoids, sometimes referred to as the " sports car" of cannabinoids.Not to be confused with THC,let's explore further to get know more about THCV.
WHAT IS THCV?
THCV is a cannabinoid that was first discovered in the early 1970s and is relatively common in cannabis plants. Though it isn’t as popular as CBD and THC (yet), we have years of research to support its upcoming claim to fame.
THC VS THCV
At high enough doses, THCV is psychoactive like THC, but most of the similarities end there. One of the most interesting differences between the two is that THCV actually suppresses the appetite at low doses, meaning no munchies like you would get from THC. In fact, studies have shown that THCV can actually counteract some of THC’s effects, which is great news for patients who don’t want to get high.
CAN THCV GET YOU HIGH?
The answer is yes it could, but with an important caveat: THCV is only psychoactive in extremely high doses, similar to CBN. At high doses in potent strains, THCV will produce psychoactive effects that are generally stimulating and promote mental clarity. They are also fast-acting and fast-dissipating (hence the sports-car reference).
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THCV?
One key benefit mentioned above is that THCV acts fast to produce its energizing psychoactive effects. It also dissipates fast, which can be a huge benefit for those who don’t want to experience the effects for long periods of time. In addition to its cognitive effects, THCV also exhibits profound medicinal value in studies to date.
OBESITY AND WEIGHT LOSS
THCV is a well-studied appetite suppressant, which may offer relief for people experiencing obesity. Some research indicates that low doses (5 to 7.5 milligrams) can reduce appetite by inhibiting the action of CB1 receptors. Other research, such as this study by the Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, suggests that THCV may be an effective weight-loss compound because it improves connectivity in the areas of the brain that are generally altered in people with obesity. This study supported THCV for weight loss but did not support the appetite-suppression theory.It’s important to note that research supports THCV’s weight-loss qualities only when it is ingested at low doses. At doses high enough to get the person stoned, THCV does not act the same way. In fact, at high doses, THCV may actually increase appetite.
DIABETES
There is also evidence that THCV may help those who suffer from diabetes. In 2013, the Nutrition and Diabetes Journal studied THCV’s potential effects on Type 2 diabetes in mice. The study found that THCV produced an increase in energy expenditure and reduced glucose intolerance in obese mice. THCV also increased insulin sensitivity in the mice with diabetes. The study concluded that THVC may be a “treatment against obesity-associated glucose intolerance.” Another study in 2016 found that THCV improved pancreatic cell function in patients with Type 2 diabetes.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Research indicates that THVC may be a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, which can help stave off a variety of age- and stress-related illnesses. In a study by the Journal of Pharmacology, researchers found that THCV helps reduce swelling in mice. Moreover, the study found that the mice did not exhibit a tolerance to the cannabinoid, despite ingesting it for four consecutive days.Another animal study in the British Journal of Pharmacology found that THCV, through its interaction with chemical receptors in the body, can decrease signs of inflammation as well as the pain associated with it.
THCV can be found in full-spectrum hemp and cannabis products, including oils, waxes, and edibles. THCV can also be found in extracts and isolates, and distillates.
