If you read our recent posts on CBN, THCA, CBDA, and CBG, you already know that cannabis has a plethora of medicinal chemicals that rival those found in A-list pharmaceuticals. While CBD and THC are unquestionably popular and therapeutically valuable, they are just two of over 100 cannabinoids, each with its own set of medicinal characteristics. This information has filtered down to industry specialists and consumers at large as legalization develops and study proliferates in the scientific community.
Today, we’ll look at one of the most well-known minor cannabinoids, dubbed the “sports car” of cannabinoids. THCV, which is not to be confused with THC, is gaining popularity because of its stimulating properties and ability to combat obesity. Let’s take a closer look.
What Is THCV?
THCV is a cannabinoid that was found in cannabis plants in the early 1970s and is relatively widespread. Though it isn’t as well-known as Cbd (yet), we have years of study to back up its potential.
Is it possible to get high from THCV?
Yes, it is possible, but there is one significant caveat: THCV, like CBN, is only psychotropic at extremely high levels. THCV Distillatehas psychoactive effects that are generally stimulating and increase mental clarity at high doses in powerful strains. They’re also quick-to-act and quick-to-dissipate (hence the sports-car reference).
What Are The Health Advantages Of THCV?
One of the most important advantages of THCV is that it produces its stimulating euphoric effects quickly. It also dissipates quickly, which is a significant plus for individuals who don’t want to be exposed to the effects for an extended period of time. THCV has been shown in tests to have significant therapeutic usefulness in addition to its cognitive effects.
Obesity and Loss of Weight
THCV is a well-researched appetite suppressor that may help persons who are overweight. According to certain studies, low doses (5 to 7.5 milligrams) can suppress hunger by blocking the function of CB1 receptors. Other studies, such as this study published in the Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, suggest that THCV may be a useful weight-loss chemical because it increases connections in brain areas that are commonly disrupted in obese persons. This research supported the use of THCV for weight loss, but not the appetite-suppression argument.
**It’s worth noting that research only supports THCV’s weight-loss properties when taken in small dosages. THCV does not work the same manner at high enough concentrations to get a person stoned. In fact, THCV may enhance hunger when taken in high dosages.
Diabetes
There is also evidence that THCV may help those who suffer from diabetes. In 2013, the Nutrition and Diabetes Journal studied THCV’s potential effects on Type 2 diabetes in mice. The study found that THCV produced an increase in energy expenditure and reduced glucose intolerance in obese mice. THCV also increased insulin sensitivity in the mice with diabetes. The study concluded that THVC may be a “treatment against obesity-associated glucose intolerance.” Another study in 2016 found that THCV improved pancreatic cell function in patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Anti-inflammatory
Research indicates that THVC may be a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, which can help stave off a variety of age- and stress-related illnesses. In a study by the Journal of Pharmacology, researchers found that THCV helps reduce swelling in mice. Moreover, the study found that the mice did not exhibit tolerance to the cannabinoid, despite ingesting it for four consecutive days.
Another animal study in the British Journal of Pharmacology found that THCV, through its interaction with chemical receptors in the body, can decrease signs of inflammation as well as the pain associated with it.
