If you’re reading this, you’ve most likely heard of THC and CBD.
But what about THCV?
THCV, or tetrahydrocannabivarin, is also a cannabinoid. And just as with THC and CBD, there is both research and anecdotal evidence of the promising effects of THCV.
It can used medicinally or recreationally, depending on what the consumer wants or needs.
And it’s just starting to show up in the marketplace.
The Difference between THCV and THC/CBD
CBD and THCV are both cannabinoids. But CBD is used purely for medicinal purposes. It does not provide that ‘high’ that some users are seeking.
THCV, on the other hand, binds strongly to the cannabinoid receptors in the central nervous system (C1) and in the immune cells (CB2). Very much like THC does.
But it has a different effect.
Research shows that low doses of THCV can provide a more mellow high. And these low dosages can actually inhibit the intoxicating effects of THC. That’s good news for those occasions when a user has gotten ‘too high.’
It’s tricky though. Because higher dosages of THCV begin to mimic the effects of THC. So recreationally, THCV provides a different sort of buzz than THC. Many say that it’s a more energized and alert sort of buzz.
Medically, though, THCV has demonstrated some serious potential.
Promising Effects of TCHV
Though THCV may not be widespread in the cannabis marketplace just yet, researchers who have isolated this compound have found it could be helpful for the following:
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Suppressing Appetite
At low dosages, THCV appears to inhibit appetite. This could make it a valuable tool for treating obesity.
Right now, some of the common side effects in anti-obesity drugs are depression, anxiety, and insomnia. THCV could lessen or eliminate the need for such drugs.
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Epilepsy
CBD has long (by cannabis industry standards, at least) been researched in its effectiveness toward treating seizures. Researchers are finding that the anticonvulsant effects of THCV could also provide new hope for treating epileptic seizures.
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Diabetes
The ability to maintain glycemic control is crucial in preventing complications due to type 2 diabetes.
Similar to CBD, THCV also appears to help maintain this control. In addition, moderate to high doses of THCV appear to actually regulate blood sugar levels and reduce resistance to insulin.
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Parkinson’s Disease
THCV holds antioxidant properties that may be useful in delaying neurodegeneration that results from Parkinson’s disease. It may also prove useful in treating symptoms.
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Schizophrenia
Dealing with the side effects of antipsychotic medication is no cake walk for those struggling with schizophrenia.
Research shows that THCV enhances serotonin receptors. It also demonstrated antipsychotic effects in lab rats. Given those results, the authors of the studies concluded that THCV could provide relief for some of the symptoms of schizophrenia.
Go for the African Sativa
At the time of publication of this post, THCV is just breaking into the market. But its popularity is growing fast, so it’s only a matter of time before you’ll start seeing THCV-rich products on the shelves of your local dispensaries.
Most of the research on TCHV shows it is most abundant in sativas – and particularly sun-drenched strains from Africa.
So if you’re seeking THCV, ask the budtenders about their supply of African sativas. Even if they don’t, at this time, carry straight up sativa from Africa, there are currently many strains that have hybridized African genetics. As such, they’re more likely to have a higher THCV content.
And if you’re able, see if you can test results. Just as with any crop, contents in cannabis can vary from harvest to harvest. If you’re looking for a product that’s truly rich in THCV, ask for lab-tested strains that will verify its content.
Stay Ahead in the Industry
The cannabis industry changes from day to day.
Today the news is about the promising effects of THCV. What it’ll be about tomorrow is anybody’s guess.
Keep checking back in with our blog to find out.
And if you’re a cannabis business owner and aren’t sure you’re getting the most from your marketing, contact us today. We’ll make sure you are.