What Is THCV?

Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THCV, is a chemical present in cannabis that has unique effects and medical applications compared to other cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. We’d want to introduce you to this fascinating substance, which promises to cause significant waves in the cannabis industry as we learn about and utilize its full potential, whether you’re a medical marijuana patient searching for a certain type of relief or a casual user seeking for a particular experience.

 

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a cannabinoid that has been studied for its potential to treat disease. It is an abbreviation for cannabidiolic acid, and it comes from the same plant as delta-8-THC (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid), commonly known as THC. Cannabidiol – also known as CBD – is a chemical derived from cannabis with potent anti-inflammatory properties. It’s most often found in Sativa-dominant cannabis strains and has been shown to give a more active, vigilant, and energetic euphoric experience than other cannabinoids. As a result, it’s frequently recommended for daytime or any other situation when productivity is needed.

THCV is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that, according to some studies, can help reduce or even prevent anxiety and panic attacks. As a result, it’s essential in the treatment of post-traumatic-stress-disorder (PTSD). It’s also neuroprotective, making it an excellent choice for treating Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. THCV targets hunger rather than euphoria unlike THC.

Where Can I Find THCV?

You’re looking for the aforementioned effects, but you’re not sure where to begin. Most strains have barely any THCV, making it difficult to achieve the therapeutic effect needed. As a result of its growing popularity, more THCV-rich products are anticipated, but in the meantime, here are some hints for locating this rare medical riches that contains a lot of THCV.

• Look for sativas with a lot of THCV. According to laboratory testing, THCV is most prevalent in sativas, especially landrace strains from Africa. Durban Poison is one of the more well-known high-THCV strains, but other options may be found in the table below.
• How do you know if the parents’ genetics will affect the offspring? Is it difficult to find a free-grown African sativa? Many strains contain African DNA, which raises the THCV possibilities. Cherry Pie, for example, may yield a high level of THCV via its Durban Poison parent. On Leafly’s strain pages, search for lineage information or ask your budtenders to recommend their African crossbreeds.
• The terpene profiles listed in this article are based on testing done by THCV Experts. However, genetics alone can’t guarantee a high-THCV strain, and cannabinoid concentrations varies from harvest to harvest. If you have the opportunity, ask your budtender for lab-tested strains to verify that you’re receiving a THCV-rich product.

High THCV Cannabis Strains

This is not an exhaustive list of strains with high THCV concentrations, but they are included. These plants may be consumed fresh or used to produce extracts, oils, and edibles with a higher cannabinoid content. Doug’s Varin and Pineapple Purps were created with a higher THCV in mind. If you want the most THCV, stick to African sativas.

Can THCV get you high?

Yes, THCV can produce psychoactivity in rare situations, but there is a condition: THCV is only psychoactive when taken in high dosages comparable to those of CBN. When consumed at higher doses in potent strains, THCV produces stimulant-like effects that help you think clearly. They’re also rapid-acting and fast-dissipating (hence the sports car reference).

What Are The Benefits Of THCV?

THCV, like CBD and CBN, has a number of advantages. It has fast psychotropic effects and dissolves quickly, making it ideal for those who don’t want to be high for extended periods of time. THCV’s medical efficacy and cognitive benefits have already been verified in studies.

Obesity and Weight Loss

Functional foods that include capsaicin or other chemicals related to chili peppers have been investigated for appetite-suppressant effects. CHV, according to researchers, may aid people who are overweight. Low doses of 5 to 7.5 milligrams of CHV were discovered to block CB1 function, which blocks the activity of CB1 receptors and reduces hunger. In addition, several studies have shown that THCV improves memory, attention, and learning. According to other research published in the Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, THCV may aid in weight reduction by increasing connectivity in areas of the brain that are commonly damaged in people who are overweight. That study found that THCV might aid in weight reduction but did not back up the notion that it would help with appetite control.

Diabetes

THCV also appears to have beneficial effects on diabetes. In 2013, the Nutrition and Diabetes Journal conducted a study of THCV’s potential impact on Type 2 diabetes in mice. Obese mice were found to have greater energy expenditure and less glucose intolerance thanks to THCV. In diabetic mice, THCV improved insulin sensitivity as well.THCV was shown in a 2016 study to improve pancreatic cell function in people with type 2 diabetes.

Anti-inflammatory

According to investigations done by the Journal of Pharmacology, THCV has anti-inflammatory effects, making it a non-psychoactive cannabinoid with anti-inflammatory capabilities. THVC’s anti-inflammatory properties may help prevent a variety of age- and stress-related problems because of its anti-inflammatory effects, according to studies published in the Journal of Pharmacology. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that has been shown in studies to help with things like arthritis. According to research published in the Journal of Pharmacology, it aids in reducing inflammation in mice. The mice also showed no indication of tolerance toward the cannabinoid despite eating it for four days in a row. THCV, according to a study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, can reduce inflammation and pain caused by it by modulating chemical receptors throughout the body.

Tremors and Seizures

THCV has also been proven to have anti-tremor effects in the lab. THCV’s potential to treat tremors induced by illnesses such as ALS, MS, and Parkinson’s disease is a result of scientific research. THCV can also help prevent epileptic seizures from occurring more frequently or severely. Furthermore, study shows that when seizures occur, THVC decreases both the number and severity of them. THCV was found to be effective both during a seizure and before seizures as a prophylactic measure in an Epilepsia study published last year.

Dr. Sunil Aggarwal, the creator and president of Genesis Lifestyle Clinic, is a big fan of David Lamach’s THC/THCV products. Later in this piece, we’ll address his remarks.

How Does THCV Work?

THCV vs. THC

THCV is non-psychoactive and has effects that are comparable to THC at higher dosages. The most significant difference between the two is that THCV truly inhibits hunger at low dosages, unlike THC. According to studies, THCV can counteract some of THC’s benefits, making it excellent news for people who don’t want to get high.

How does THCV occur?

THCV, or “Thyme,” is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid produced by the cannabis plant that has a chemical structure comparable to THC’s but is made from a different beginning step. While most cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, are created via CBGA (cannabigerolic acid) synthesis, THCV is the ultimate product of CBGVA (cannabigerovarin acid). When heated or exposed to light, CBGV becomes THCV. Sativas from Africa, China, Nepal, Pakistan, India, Thailand, and Afghanistan are important sources of THCV.

How does THCV work in the body?

The THCV binds to a variety of chemical receptors in the body, including those that interact with THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids. CB1 and CB2 are two main chemical receptors in the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). This system is responsible for maintaining proper health by monitoring a variety of bodily processes.

CB1 receptors are present in the entire body, although they are more prevalent in the brain and nervous system, whereas CB2 receptors are more popular in the immune system. THCV acts as an antagonist to CB1 receptors at low dosages, which means it can block some of the effects produced by THC, such as munchies and strong mental highs.

CB1 and CB2 receptors are activated in higher dosages by THCV, resulting in effects that are more comparable to THC. As a result, CBD is not as advantageous as THC or its other cannabinoids because it lacks these properties.

Is THCV water-soluble?

THCV is insoluble in water and only soluble in oil-based liquids. It does not dissolve in water, however scientists have developed a technique known as nano emulsions (which we’ll discuss more on in our blog about water-soluble cannabinoids). THCV can be broken down into nano particles that completely dissolve in water via complex mechanical techniques.

What is the boiling point?

THCV has a higher boiling point than THC (511 degrees Fahrenheit vs. 447 degrees Fahrenheit). As a result, you may prepare edibles at higher temperatures, although there’s a catch: as the temperature rises above 245 degrees Fahrenheit, many cannabinoids and terpenes begin to vaporize, resulting in taste and therapeutic drawbacks. On the plus side, if only THCV is required in your edible

THCV Products

What type of THCV products are available?

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), like most cannabinoids, is present in cannabis and hemp products in trace amounts. THCV can be found in extracts, isolates, and distillates of cannabis and hemp.

Doug’s Varin High-THCV Vapes

Another example is California Cannabinoids’ Doug’s Varin vape line, which was introduced earlier this year. One of the THCV-only Doug’s Varins includes it, while the other mixes THCV with CBD in a 1:1 ratio. Both items contain between 25% and 35% THCV and last roughly half as long as a THC high. When David Lampach, CEO of California Cannabinoids, assisted in the development of these goods, he addressed “tremendous consumer” demand for THCV.

THCV is a high-THC, low-intoxicating strain created and bred by the firm. The objective was to create a strain with less psychotropic effects than THC alone while still offering the benefits of such potency.

What are some other high-THCV products?

• Ace of Spades (A shatter): 2.4%
• Agent Orange Nug Run (A shatter): 1.9%
• Slim Hash: 38.44%

Are there other high-THCV strains?

Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, or THCV, is a cannabinoid found in cannabis. Although “high” may be an appropriate description, THCV levels are not as uncommon as CBD and THC. In certain cases, THCV content can exceed that of THC. The most abundant strains with the highest concentrations of THCV are among the most desired in Africa and Asia, according to the American Journal of Botany.

Other THCV strains include:

• Doug’s Varin Harmony Pre-Rolls: 3%
• Flow Kana Pink Boost Goddess: 4.24%
• Pineapple Purps: 4%
• Durban Poison: 0.5% to 1%
• Malawi: 0.5% to 1% (estimated)
• More high-THCV strains here.

How do I extract THCV?

THCV is less prevalent in plant tissue and, as a result, more costly to extract. Despite the fact that THCV concentrations are lower, the methods are similar owing to fewer quantities of THCV in plant tissues. THCV is extracted using a chromatography technique based on superfluid liquid solvents such as CO2 or ethanol to remove impurities from the extracts. The solution is then evaporated with heat under a vacuum to remove any gas and produce a high-purity THCV concentrate. To preserve potency, THCV products should be kept at room temperature and away from direct sunlight .

THCV Potency And Testing

How is THCV’s potency measured?

The strength of THCV is determined in the same manner as CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids are detected by the High Performance Liquid Chromatography System with UV Detection at ACS Laboratory. LCUV, a high-performance liquid chromatography technique that detects molecules at various wavelengths using ultraviolet light, is used to measure purity.

Why Does THCV Matter?

THCV is one of the newest and most exciting cannabinoids on the market. The cannabinoid has a lot of potential, and it’s anticipated to be one of the next big components in the industry. Benzinga Market Research reports that there are presently few strains on the market that produce significant amounts of THCV, leaving a marketing gap and opportunity for being one of the first businesses to commercialize high-THCV strains or extracts.

For anybody who has ever wanted to try marijuana but was apprehensive about the high and munchies associated with THC, the THCV strain is a must-try. While it lacks the intoxicating effects of its powerful sibling, low dosages of THCV provide significant energy, mental clarity, and appetite-suppressant effects that may appeal to even Type A’s. Its ability to attract a larger audience of consumers is an important benefit.