Everything you need to know about THCV
THCV is a unique cannabinoid that has been taking center stage lately. But what does it offer? Read on and we’ll tell you everything you need to know about THCV.
Cannabinoids have been studied for decades, but their research has grown recently as a result of the good reputation that cannabis is acquiring. Along with the more popular cannabinoids like THC and CBD, THCV is starting to gain momentum. Despite being distinct from THC, it offers its own psychoactive kick, and could play an important role in maintaining holistic well-being. We are going to analyze THCV and find out what is special about it.
WHAT IS THCV?
THCV (or tetrahydrocannabivarin) is similar to the rest of the cannabinoids in that it is produced in the trichomes of the cannabis plant. And, like its chemical siblings, it begins its existence as the precursor cannabinoid CBGV-A. With the help of certain enzymes, CBGV-A is converted into THCV-A (tetrahydrocannabivarin acid) and other cannabinoids. The last step necessary to transform THCV-A into THCV is a process known as decarboxylation, which consists of applying heat to the cannabinoids. This process takes place when marijuana is smoked or vaped.
THCV has unique characteristics that distinguish it from other cannabinoids. It offers some of the psychoactive elements of THC, but is different enough to be important on its own.
THCV AND THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM
We have known about cannabinoids for a long time, but until the 1980s, we did not know how they affect the body. Following the discovery of cannabinoid receptors, which make up the endocannabinoid system, researchers finally began delving into the physiological effects of cannabis-derived cannabinoids.
More specifically, they discovered that the endocannabinoid system regulates important bodily functions such as immunity, sleep, mood, etc. The human body produces its own cannabinoids (“endocannabinoids”), which bind to these receptors, known simply as CB1 and CB2. The cannabinoids in marijuana also bind to the same receptors and, in doing so, cause profound alterations in physiological functions. THC, for example, binds to CB1 receptors in the brain, and this is how it induces its signature high.
THCV: UN CANNABINOID INFRAVAL
Despite being discovered in 1973, THCV is one of the least talked about cannabinoids. Very little research has been done and, unlike THC and CBD, it is rarely mentioned. In fact, THCV has only recently sparked interest, thanks to the boom in the cannabis industry.
Under the microscope, it appears that, at low doses, THCV acts as a CB1 receptor antagonist. This means that it inhibits the effects of THC, a quality that it seems to share with CBD. However, in higher doses it acts as an agonist of the same receptor, producing effects similar to those of THC. In a sense, it combines the effects of THC and CBD, albeit in a different way, since THCV interacts with the body depending on the dose consumed.
In low doses, it works as a CB1 receptor antagonist, and in high doses it produces the opposite effect. In other words, THCV can make the psychoactive effect of cannabis more or less intense depending on the dose.
THCV VS THC: HOW ARE THEY DIFFERENT?
Given the similarity of their names, you might wonder if there is a difference between THC and THCV. From a chemical point of view, THCV is slightly different. At the molecular level, THCV has a 3-carbon side chain, while the THC chain has 5 carbons. However, both cannabinoids have double bond isomers and 30 stereoisomers. Despite this, THCV and THC differ quite a bit:
- The effect of THCV can be described as intense and uplifting, but it is more lucid than that produced by THC. However, it doesn’t last that long. Some people believe that THCV achieves its effects by influencing those of THC. Specifically, THCV is believed to “blunt” the THC high.
- Unlike THC, THCV may suppress appetite, making it potentially useful as a weight management tool; although this is something that has not yet been confirmed.
- THCV has a boiling point of 220 ° C, while THC has a boiling point of 158 ° C. An important piece of information when it comes to vaping a variety rich in THCV.
DOES YOU PLACE THCV?
As we have already mentioned, the effects of THCV depend on the amount consumed, so if you take high doses, you will experience a pleasant high. The effect of THCV is stimulating and more lucid than that of THC. This can make THCV a great alternative to consume during the day, when you want to continue to function normally while enjoying a light touch. THCV might also boost some aspects of the THC high, like euphoria or brain stimulation. It has also been shown to counteract the paranoia produced by excessive THC consumption.
THCV does not cause “munchies,” which could be ideal for consumers wanting to lose weight. On the other hand, strains of marijuana rich in THCV are not very suitable for people with certain eating disorders.
Finally, it should be noted that the effect of THCV could have a faster onset than that of THC, but it lasts for about half the time. This makes THCV-rich cannabis strains perfect for those looking for a short-lived experience.
BENEFITS OF THCV
Appetite suppression is just one of the salient characteristics of this underrated cannabinoid. Anecdotal evidence and current research indicate that it may also be beneficial for psychological well-being. THCV has been shown to produce a calming effect that helps combat nervousness and uneasiness. Research indicates that this is because THCV favors the activation of 5-HT1A receptors, which play an important role in regulating mood. Many more studies are needed on this topic, but this could be one of the possible future uses of THCV.
Other studies are also underway to see if THCV benefits physical health, but they are still in their early stages. As more research is conducted, the future for THCV is increasingly promising.
