Your All In One Guide to THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)
The hemp market is expanding like never before, with more cannabinoid-specific products finding their way onto shelves.
Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is a cannabinoid that is getting a lot of attention these days, as its effects are extremely promising in a number of ways.
If you’ve been thinking about incorporating THCV into your routine, it’s important to have an understanding of what the cannabinoid is capable of ahead of time.
This way, you can have a better idea of how to take it to reap the full capabilities that it has to offer, while knowing exactly what to expect when it’s active in your system.
A Brief History of THCV
Although tetrahydrocannabivarin is a cannabinoid that naturally occurs in the hemp plant, it exists in only trace levels within the plant’s flowering buds.
Discovered in 1973, THCV has been researched for decades as it may offer unique value thanks to its properties that seem to be one of a kind.
It’s a homologue of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which means that its genetic traits are extremely similar, although ultimately, it’s a completely individual cannabinoid with its own distinctive characteristics.
Interestingly, some strains of hemp naturally yield higher levels of tetrahydrocannabivarin than others.
Specifically, strains that are grown in certain southern African and central Asian countries are known to yield hemp with higher-than-average concentrations of THCV.
Even so, the amount of THCV that naturally occurs in hemp is simply too low for us to get a full feel for its effects.
This is why THCV products consist of an isolated and concentrated extract of the cannabinoid.
Can THCV Get You High?
Tetrahydrocannabivarin is classified as a psychoactive cannabinoid, which isn’t surprising based on the first three letters of its abbreviated name.
But, its psychoactive properties are unlike any other intoxicating cannabinoids found in the hemp plant, and perhaps the least concretely understood as well.
Other psychoactive cannabinoids, like Delta-8, Delta-10 and THC-O, are cumulatively intoxicating.
The more you take, the higher you get.
But, THCV behaves quite differently.
At low doses, tetrahydrocannabivarin acts as a CB1 antagonist, so it’s incapable of causing intoxication, and taking low doses of THCV with psychoactive cannabinoids can even make the latter less intoxicating.
However, after a certain dosage threshold is crossed, THCV switches over to being a CB1 agonist, meaning that it will get you high.
The exact threshold is unknown and could in all likelihood vary between individuals.
Another thing to take notice of is that the high associated with tetrahydrocannabivarin is reported to last for about half as long as that of Delta-9 THC, and it is reported to be milder as well.
Also, while Delta-9, Delta-8, and other psychoactive cannabinoids have a boiling point of 315 degrees, THCV’s boiling point is 428 degrees.
This means that in order for this cannabinoid to become “activated” and for its psychoactive properties to become bioavailable to the body, the compound must be heated to a higher temperature.
Overall, the high associated with tetrahydrocannabivarin is usually described as feeling like a mild buzz that’s neither too euphoria-inducing or sedating.
That being said, it may be a good choice if you are looking for an intoxicating cannabinoid that offers relatively gentle effects.
Can You Fail a Drug Test After Taking THCV?
Consuming tetrahydrocannabivarin will likely put you at risk of failing a drug test.
While drug tests are not designed to seek out THCV specifically, they do search for an enzyme that breaks down all THC-based cannabinoids, which is THC-COOH.
This is the enzyme that triggers a positive drug test result when testing for Delta-9 THC (marijuana).
Because THCV is broken down by the same enzyme, it will in all likelihood be present in the urine and result in a positive.
However, because THCV is notably milder, there’s a good chance that it will exist in fairly low concentrations.
Still, if you are drug-tested regularly, we recommended avoiding THCV.
What are the Uses of THCV?
#1: Appetite Suppressant
THCV seems to act as a potential appetite suppressant, which is unique as most cannabinoids, like Delta-9, Delta-8 and CBD, are known for the opposite effect.
This could potentially be useful to those who are looking for a natural way to curb their appetite.
#2: Regulation of Blood Glucose Levels and Fasting Insulin
The most significant findings of THCV relate to diabetes, interestingly enough.
Many studies over the decades have shown that THCV may regulate fasting insulin levels as well as blood glucose levels, which are the two key factors in managing diabetes.
As of now, this is according to preliminary research & we need additional research before any conclusions can be made with medical certainty.
#3: Potential Impact on Blood Pressure
THCV may have a potential role in lowering blood pressure, which is something that we also associate with Delta-9 THC.
While the exact effects on blood pressure remain unknown, there's preliminary research that indicates the potential benefits of THCV.
#4: Anti-Inflammatory Properties
THCV is associated with anti-inflammatory effects, which come from its interaction with CB2 receptors found in the immune system.
Many researchers believe that this can not only be useful in dealing with inflammation-based pain, but also systemic inflammation issues that can lead to chronic symptoms.
But like with all of these potential benefits, MORE definitive research is required before any specific medical claims can be made.
#5: Effects on Physical Discomfort
It has been suggested that THCV offers analgesic properties, which means that it would interact with CB1 receptors in the nervous system that produce the body’s pain response.
This may be extremely useful to those who deal with physical discomfort, who are seeking out a plant-based option.
#6: Neuroprotectant Properties
Like a number of hemp-derived cannabinoids, THCV seems to offer neuroprotective qualities that may play a role in neurological regulation by supporting neurogenesis, protecting neurons in the brain and strengthening neural pathways.
The neuroprotective properties found in hemp are currently being studied in applications related to both epilepsy and dementia. But for now, we must await further clinical research.
#7: Mood Effects
THCV seems to directly work with the brain’s 5-HT1A receptors which play a large role in mood regulation, and are the key mechanism involved in psychosis.
This is why researchers are beginning to investigate the use of THCV for PTSD and psychosis-based mood disorders.
Is THCV a Legal Cannabinoid?
Tetrahydrocannabivarin is a federally legal cannabinoid, thanks to the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill.
This legislation made the hemp plant legal along with all of its derivatives, with one rule: no hemp product may contain more than 0.3% delta 9 THC by dry weight.
Basically, this means that under federal law, adult residents are free to purchase any THCV product on the market that's derived from hemp & contains less than 0.3% delta-9 THC.
However, some states have begun banning psychoactive cannabinoids, following the popularity of Delta-8 THC.
While no states have laws that specifically single out THCV, it is likely that the cannabinoid is banned in the same states that have forbidden Delta-8, which are:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Connecticut
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Montana
- North Dakota
- Nevada
- Rhode Island
- Utah
- Vermont
- Washington
We highly recommend doing research into your specific state's laws and regulations surrounding hemp & hemp derived cannabinoids such as THCV, delta-8, delta-10, THCO, & THCP to name a few.
Is THCV Safe?
Tetrahydrocannabivarin, being a cannabinoid, is nontoxic to the human body, which is why generally, we can tolerate it in relatively high serving sizes.
But, because it is intoxicating at higher doses, take note that it may impair driving, operating heavy machinery and other activities. So we do not recommend doing so while using THCV.
Overall, THCV has not been associated with any serious side effects or withdrawal-related symptoms.
However, if you’re on a medication, you should speak to your doctor before incorporating tetrahydrocannabivarin into your routine.
Many cannabinoids suppress the CYP3A4 enzyme, and it’s likely that THCV Is one of them.
This enzyme breaks down many common medications, and if it is suppressed, medications may fail to fully break down and instead accumulate in the body to potentially dangerous concentrations.
What Types of THCV Products are on the Market?
Tetrahydrocannabivarin is a pretty new addition to the hemp market, as other cannabinoid-based products like CBD and Delta-8 have penetrated the market for far longer.
Therefore, you’re going to find a somewhat narrower selection of THCV-based products than what you’re used to with other cannabinoids.
Still, you can find plenty of options when shopping for THCV.
THCV Vapes:
THCV vapes are the most popular type and can be found as both disposable vape pens and 510-threaded pre-filled cartridges.
They consist of THCV extract and terpenes, with many strain options to choose from.
THCV Flower:
The amount of tetrahydrocannabivarin that naturally occurs in the hemp plant is not strong enough to give you the full capabilities of the cannabinoid, but you can find raw CBD flower infused with a THCV concentrated extract, in various strains and both loose bud and pre-roll forms.
THCV Edibles:
THCV edibles like gummies allow for the longest-lasting effects – up to 4 or so hours – and a stronger body high effect when taken in high enough doses.
THCV Tinctures:
THCV tinctures are sublingual oils that come in dropper bottles and are administered below the tongue.
These tinctures offer a great potency “middle ground” between vapes and edibles and come in various milligram strength options.
THCV Dabs:
THCV dabs are concentrates that offer very potent levels of THCV.
These are “dabbed” or flash-vaporized with a special type of vaping device.
Can You Take THCV if You’re Already Using Other Cannabinoids?
Tetrahydrocannabivarin can be taken with other cannabinoids, and in fact, many THCV products contain Delta-8 to increase the psychoactive potential of THCV through synergy.
Cannabinoids in general can be taken in combination with one another as there is no risk of negative interaction, since they all come from the same source. So we strongly recommend combining THCV with the rest of your cannabinoid based therapy.
Note:
THCV is still intoxicating at high doses, and so in its single form, should not be paired with other psychoactive cannabinoids when you’re just starting to use it.
Otherwise, you risk getting uncomfortably high.
What is the Best THCV Serving Size for Newbies?
Dosing with THCV is a somewhat tricky topic, because like we mentioned, there is a certain threshold that makes the cannabinoid psychoactive, which has not yet been fully understood.
Because of this, it’s recommended to simply follow the instructions on the label of a THCV-infused product, as the manufacturer has likely determined the standard amount to take in order to experience the cannabinoid’s psychoactive effects.
Explore THCV at Wellicy!
As you can see, tetrahydrocannabivarin is an exciting derivative of the hemp plant that has a lot to offer aside from its unique psychoactive buzz, and without a doubt, there are lots of people who could find a lot of use by incorporating it into their hemp routines.
At Wellicy, we carry lab-tested, top-quality THCV products for you to try, so that you always know you’re getting only the finest quality that exists on the market.
Check Out Our Most Popular Blog Posts
-
Your Official Guide to THC-H
20th Nov 2022You’ve likely noticed that it feels like a new must-try cannabinoid is popping up every single week.
-
Benefits of CBD Oil with Yoga & Meditation
19th Jun 2022In this modern wellness-oriented age, more people seem to be turning to both yoga and meditation in
-
Is Mixing Two Different CBD Products a Good Idea?
19th Jun 2022With CBD being as popular as it is, a lot of people wanna make sure that they make the most of their