It is a well-known fact that cannabis is jam-packed with cannabinoids like THC, CBD, and many more. But today, we will focus on THCV, its benefits, and how it is different from other cannabinoids.
So what is THCV? THCV is an abbreviation for Tetrahydrocannabivarin. In layman’s terms, THCV is one of the molecules found in the cannabis plant.
If you want to know everything related to THCV benefits and effects, you are at the right place.
What is THCV?
THCV is an exciting cannabinoid because it produces almost the same effects as CBD and THC. This is because THC and THCV don’t have significant differences in their chemical composition.
Tetrahydrocannabivarin brings about a surge of energy just like THC, its older brother. Most users claim to feel exhilarated and motivated after consumption.
Additionally, it has numerous proven medical benefits. Research suggests that THCV use can help with issues in the nervous system, including the brain, blood vessels, and muscles.
However, there is only a slight amount of THCV in most cannabis strains. A small dose of THCV will not make you high. But if you increase your intake, it can make you intoxicated.
Owing to the increased research on THCV and its benefits, cannabis farms are trying to cultivate strains that have a higher content.
THCV is originally found in high content in African landrace plants. It is psychoactive, similar to THC, but enables more of a psychedelic high. This is one of the main reasons for its popularity.
Difference Between THC and THCV
There are over 400 active substances and 60 different cannabinoid molecules derived from the cannabis plant.
THC is the most widely used and popular form of consuming cannabis among these varieties.
Let’s see what the major differences between THCV and THC are.
Chemical Compound
The extraction process for THC and THCV is entirely different. But both have a similar chemical compound.
THC comprises 5 carbon atoms, whereas the THCV compound has only 3. The length of the carbon atom chain is the only difference between the two varieties.
It may seem like a small difference, but these cannabinoids act very differently in the body once consumed.
Boiling Point
It is also imperative to note that the boiling point for both substances is also different.
THCV boils at over 200 degrees Celsius, while THC reaches a boiling point of 155 degrees Celsius.
Therefore, users who plan to vape or smoke THCV must remember to heat it longer.
Effect on Appetite
Most users of THC have reported an increase in their appetite. On the other hand, THCV is gaining popularity due to its appetite-suppressing qualities.
Medical Benefits
People dealing with chronic pain issues have seen tremendous results from using THC.
On the other hand, patients with dementia and uncontrolled blood sugar levels have reported improved conditions through THCV consumption.
Psychoactive Tendencies
The ‘high’ that a user experiences after consuming THCV only lasts about half the time compared to more potent ‘highs’ from THC.
Benefits of THCV
Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is a less common form of cannabinoid. Nevertheless, increased research on THCV strains has highlighted countless medicinal benefits. It has proven to be nothing short of a breakthrough for modern medicine.
Let’s see how THCV affects the body and mind- for a recreational user or a person using it solely for its medicinal properties.
Helps in Weight Loss
One of the major issues with most forms of cannabis consumption is that they lead to a considerable increase in appetite.
As it turns out, THCV acts oppositely. THCV strains suppress hunger, which leads to weight loss and improvement in overall health.
Not only does it make the user feel energized, but also motivated, which helps in increasing productivity.
On the contrary, patients dealing with low body mass issues and anorexia should avoid THCV as it can worsen the symptoms.
Diabetes
By regulating the metabolic process in the body, THCV can reinstate insulin sensitivity. As a result, it can regulate the blood sugar level in patients dealing with diabetes.
Osteoporosis
Recent research suggests that THCV and other phytocannabinoids have a positive impact on the regeneration of bone cells and joint-connecting tissues.
Therefore, patients struggling with osteoporosis bone degeneration can use it as an effective treatment.
Unfortunately, these researches are not comprehensive enough to figure out how THCV works to improve bone health.
To fully figure out THCV effects, a consolidated analysis is required.
Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant
Patients dealing with anxiety have greatly benefitted from using the revolutionary THCV compound due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
It has also shown improvement in symptoms for a few other neurodegenerative symptoms such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
High THCV Strains
There are only a few cannabis plants that have high THCV strains. It’s not easy to find these plants as most of them originate from African or Asia landrace sativas.
Moreover, the extraction and isolation process is time-consuming and demanding.
But with THCV being in the spotlight, cultivators are trying to grow varieties of cannabis that contain more than average THCV strength.
Until further advancements, here are the five most potent THCV strains readily available.
Durban Poison
Durban poison is a pure Sativa that originated from the city of Duncan. This prominent variety is famous for its pleasant taste and increasing energy levels in the body.
It contains a trending 1% of THCV, which helps increase focus. Additionally, it does not create any hindrance in your day-to-day activities, and you won’t feel grumpy.
Doug’s Varin
Doug’s Varin offers an elating experience for the user, owing to the high amount of THCV levels. Marijuana growers specially cultivated this distinguished strain to achieve increased THCV levels. Users prefer to consume it through tinctures and vape pens.
With around 3% -6% THCV levels, Doug’s Varin is one the most potent strains available.
Jack the Ripper
With a 5% THCV content, this sweet-smelling strain has numerous positive effects on the body. For instance, you will notice improved functionality and increased energy levels.
Jack the Ripper has managed to become one of the best strains for cannabis users. It is proven by the numerous cannabis awards won so far.
Pineapple Purps
When cultivators accidentally crossed two varieties – The Cheese and Skunk#1, they created Pineapple Purps, also famously called Purple Pineapple.
The resulting dominant Sativa has a generous 4% THCV content, currently famous for its sweet pineapple-like taste and earthy smell.
Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson is a high THCV strain famous for its tangy taste, with a hint of lemongrass. People looking to curb their appetite or those who expect euphoric highs cherish this strain.
Like all Sativas, this strain does not stop you from engaging in your daily activities. Additionally, it boosts energy levels and motivation to increase productivity and creativity.
Ways to Consume THCV
Now that you have a fair idea about Tetrahydrocannabivarin, you must be wondering how you can consume it.
There are a few products to facilitate the use of THCV. You can choose any of them depending on your lifestyle and needs. Or maybe try them all to see what each method has to offer!
THCV Flower
Most users prefer to consume cannabis in its pure form- the flower. It involves lighting the flower and inhaling the smoke.
You can use weed pipes, water pipes, pre-rolls/joints, or blunts to smoke the flower. Use a blowtorch to light up the flower, let it ripple, and enjoy the heavenly clear-headed feeling.
Cartridges
Cartridges are containers that are already filled with potent forms of THCV oil. You will need to use electronic cigarettes or vapes for consuming cartridges.
THCV Oils
If you are not fond of smoking or inhaling your cannabis, then oils are the perfect way for you. The THCV oil is extracted through a chemical reaction and contains a high content.
You can use oils orally( under the tongue) if you want rapid results. You can also add it to your food or drinks and wait for the effects to kick in.
Tinctures
THCV tinctures are produced by steeping cannabis flowers in alcohol. Users are supposed to take it orally.
Carefully, place a few drops below the tongue using a dropper. Wait for a while to let some of it absorb and then swallow the rest of it. Due to direct absorption through the blood vessels in your mouth, the effects start to kick in way quicker.
THCV Isolate
Products made with THCV isolate contain a very high amount of THCV. They do not have any additional compounds.
Isolates are generally free from taste and smell. They are available in three forms – crystal, powder, and oil. You can mix isolates with edibles for easier consumption.
Since they are digested, it takes around 40 minutes for the effects to kick in.
Wrapping Up with the THCV
With the growing popularity of the THCV compound, it has been deemed as the ‘sports car’ as well as the ‘diet weed’ of the cannabis industry.
As more research sheds light on its potential benefits, we can expect THCV to provide users with rapid highs coupled with better overall health.
Hopefully, the cultivation of newer THCV varieties will revolutionize modern medicine for good.
