A Complete Guide to THCV
A Complete Guide to THCV
While snipping buds and rolling joints will never go out of vogue, new technologies have revolutionized the way we enjoy botanicals. Today, consumers enjoy the luxury to cherry-pick their favorite cannabinoids and customize their highs. Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is one of the latest products making waves on the cannabis scene, coveted for its smooth and clear-headed high. While it’s a relatively new addition to the market, we’re predicting a bright future for THCV and will be exploring its potential as a member of the Cannessentials family.
Want to know more about Tetrahydrocannabivarin and what’s next for this easygoing cannabinoid? Read on for our complete guide to THCV.
Getting to know Tetrahydrocannabivarin
Like other cannabinoids, THCV produces a range of euphoric psychoactive effects, making it popular in both the recreational and medicinal markets. It’s known for its laidback and clear-headed high, with many consumers seeking it out to relieve stress and anxiety. In fact, its soothing properties are so renowned THCV is often used to treat patients suffering from panic attacks and post-traumatic-stress-disorder (PTSD).
The science behind THCV
As a homologue of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the cannabinoid has a very different structure to its well-known counterpart and as a result, produces very different effects. While THC features a five-carbon pentyl group on the molecule, THCV replaces this with a three-carbon propyl side chain.
What to expect with THCV
If you’re enjoying a low to moderate dose of THCV, the psychoactive effects are extremely subtle. You won’t feel the same intense head buzz bought on by THC and definitely none of the anxiety symptoms sometimes associated with the cannabinoid. We’re talking racing thoughts, a thumping heart, and paranoia. Instead, the highs you’ll experience with THCV are gentle yet energizing, making it great for daytime use.
Up your dose significantly and you can unlock the psychoactive properties of THCV, though again they’re less intense than THC and definitely more on the mellow end of the spectrum. The high is stimulating and clear-headed, with traces of euphoria but nothing over the top.
What’s all the fuss about “diet weed”?
Cannabinoids often gain catchy nicknames and THCV is no exception. It’s garnered a reputation as the “diet weed” for its potential to bypass the munchies so often associated with marijuana. On the contrary, it has appetite suppressing properties, with studies suggesting THCV actively blocks the CB1 receptor, a known appetite stimulator.
Medical uses for THCV
Most consumers seek out THCV for recreational and relaxation purposes, though there has also been plenty of research into the medicinal benefits of the cannabinoid. If you want to know more about the clinical potential of THCV, read on to find out about some of the studies that have been done into panic attacks, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and bone growth.
- Panic attacks
We touched on panic attacks and PTSD before and it’s exciting to see THCV being used to treat these conditions. Clinical studies suggest the cannabinoid has enough potency to reduce the intensity of anxiety attacks in PTSD patients, without completely blocking emotion and leaving patients with that “numb” feeling.
- Diabetes
Research suggests THCV may have blood sugar regulating properties that could be used to reduce insulin resistance and treat diabetes.
- Alzheimer’s
While research is still in process, early studies suggest THCV could be used to treat Alzheimer’s and manage symptoms like tremors and brain lesions. The cannabinoid also shows promise to improve motor control in Alzheimer’s patients.
- Bone growth
The promotion of new bone cell growth is an exciting physiological benefit of THCV and has led to the cannabinoid being explored as a possible treatment for bone-related conditions such as osteoporosis.
Is THCV legal?
Low THC content and the potential to derive the cannabinoid from hemp means THCV is federally legal in more than 35 US states.
How to enjoy THCV
One of the best ways to enjoy THCV is to look for strains with high concentrations of the cannabinoid. Girl Scout Cookies is known for its high THCV content though it can be a little potent for some consumers. Cue Wedding Cake, a tasty blend of Girl Scout Cookies and a strain known as Cherry Pie. Like Wedding Cake, Cherry Pie is also a blend of strains. The indica-dominant hybrid is a combination of Grand Daddy Purple and Durban Poison, a classic strain that enjoyed plenty of hype in the 1970s and also happens to be rich in THCV compared to most strains.
The combination of Girl Scout Cookies and Cherry Pie makes Wedding Cake one of the best strains for enjoying THCV. Great for daytime use, the indica-dominant strain is high in terpenes and cannabinoids, meaning you’ll enjoy a rich flavor and a clear-headed high that not only helps you focus but also promotes a sense of calm.
THCV gummies and vapes
The ability to isolate cannabinoids has made it easier than ever to enjoy THCV in gummy and vape form. One of the major benefits is the ability to customize your dose, with THCV gummies and vapes offering crystal-clear labelling when it comes to concentrations. When you pop a THCV gummy or puff on a THCV vape, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting. This makes THCV edibles a great choice for consumers just getting started with botanicals, or seasoned connoisseurs looking to try something different.
Alternatives to THCV gummies and vapes
THCV is still an up and coming cannabinoid, meaning it can be harder to get your hands on than alternatives like Delta 8. The good news is, D8 offers many of the same benefits of THCV and is much easier to track down. Promising an indica-inspired high, Delta 8 gummies deliver a stimulating and clear-headed high that not only keeps you focused but also fights off sluggish comedowns and makes it great for daytime use.
Ready to enjoy a whole new realm of botanicals? If you’re looking for the highest quality hemp products that harness the therapeutic benefits of cannabis and simulate the clear-headed highs of THCV, we have you covered.
