YOU’VE HEARD OF THC, CBD, and CBG. Now, the talk of the marijuana world is THCV.
THCV, a minor cannabinoid that supposedly provides psychoactive effects, is getting a lot of buzz (pun fully intended). Most of the hype is revolving around the thought that THCV could suppress your appetite, promoting weight loss—dubbing it the nickname “diet weed”.
Could this be the much-anticipated cure for the munchies? Or better yet, a fun weight loss solution? We asked the experts.
What is THCV?
THCV IS A cannabinoid chemical found in cannabis that’s slightly similar to THC, according to Jordan Tishler, M.D., a cannabis therapeutics specialist, instructor of internal medicine at Harvard Medical School, and president of the Association of Cannabinoid Specialists. THCV has some structural elements that are different, which contribute to different effects.
Jay Denniston, chief scientist at BellRock Brands, says THCV is a unique cannabinoid that has potential therapeutic benefits for both appetite control and to provide a focused, energetic sense of euphoria.
Can THCV help with weight loss?
THE MECHANISMS ARE promising, but plenty more research needs to be done to confirm THCV’s effects on the body.
“At lower doses, it acts as a CB1 antagonist, prevents THC from binding to the CB1receptor, reduces psycho-activity, and increases appetite control by potentially increasing insulin sensitivity,” Denniston says.
Procceed with caution, though. For a long time, the only studies on THCV were done on rats, not humans, Tishler says. Over the last few years, small studies have been done on humans and have shown some promising effects—but the sample sizes have been small. There’s still no strong enough evidence on its effects to be able to recommend its use.
What does taking THCV feel like, or what should it feel like?
THCV HAS ALSO been nicknamed “weederall”, because of its potential ability to increase mental focus and energy.
“Because THCV also binds to the same CB1 receptor as THC, it also can produce a psychoactive effect described as energetic, euphoric, uplifting, clear-headed, focused, with boosted creativity and motivation,” Denniston explains. “The effect onset time is faster, but since THCV does not bind as strongly as THC at the CB1receptor site, it has a shorter duration of effect.”
Again, more research needs to be done to prove this effect, but mechanisms are promising.
Which weed strains contain the most THCV?
MANY OF THE cannabis varieties that contain higher levels of THCV are sativa-leaning.
“The most common varieties include sativa landraces from China, India, Nepal,” Denniston says. “The highest concentrations of THCV can be found in varieties from southern and western Africa.”
These include:
AC/DC: 0.5%-1%Durban Poison: 3-5%Doug’s Varin: 3-5% Pink Boost Goddess: 4%Pineapple Purps: 4% Jack the Ripper: 5%
However, while there are some strains that have more THCV than others (such as Durban Poison), no strain has enough THCV to be meaningfully compared to the studies done on rats, Tishler says.
“Additionally, most THCV products use THCV that is manufactured from CBD from hemp, not derived from cannabis directly,” he says. “This is important, as we’ve discovered that the chemistry involved is complicated and many products have impurities from the manufacturing process that the manufacturers aren’t testing for (and therefore aren’t even aware of).”
Can THCV get you high?
ACCORDING TO TISHLER, it’s been stated, but not studied, that THCV leads to a more hallucinogenic experience.
“Like THC, THCV can be psychoactive when taken in high doses,” Denniston adds. “THCV produces a faster-acting, more-focused and stimulating sense of euphoria that lasts for a shorter period when compared to THC. The high associated with its psychoactivity is commonly described similarly to sativa varieties, as focused, energetic, and motivating.”
What are some potential side effects of THCV?
WE’LL SAY IT one more time: based on rat data, low doses may lead to some appetite suppression and a better response to insulin, Tishler says.
“For these reasons, many have been touting THCV as a diet aid or a treatment for diabetes or obesity,” he says. “ [But] none of this has been borne out in humans and should not be used in this manner at this time.”
Like THC and other cannabinoids, THCV also has anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, neurogenesis, and antioxidant properties, adds Denniston. Because of its binding ability to both the CB1 and CB2receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system, THCV could also reduce muscular spasms associated with Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and ALS.
“[Additionally], with the activity on the cannabinoid receptors located within the skeletal endocannabinoid system, THCV could slow some forms of bone loss and may promote cellular growth,” he says.
The Bottom Line:
While THCV shows promise, both Denniston and Tishler agree more research is needed. And dosing is a gamble.
“Since little research has been done on human dosing models, the effective dose has not been determined,” Denniston says. “Each consumer needs to evaluate the effectiveness of THCV for their own specific needs.”
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Contributing Writer
Emilia Benton is a Houston-based freelance writer and editor. In addition to Runner’s World, she has contributed health, fitness and wellness content to Women’s Health, SELF, Prevention, Healthline, and the Houston Chronicle, among other publications. She is also an 11-time marathoner, a USATF Level 1-certified running coach, and an avid traveler.
Associate Health and Fitness Editor
Cori Ritchey, C.S.C.S., is an Associate Health & Fitness Editor at Men’s Health, a certified strength and condition coach, and group fitness instructor. She reports on topics regarding health, nutrition, mental health, fitness, sex, and relationships. You can find more of her work in HealthCentral, Livestrong, Self, and others.
Expect it to be a while before it’s recommended for anything. Read More
