THCV: Everything You Need To Know

Cannabinoids are a diverse group of naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant, each with its own unique effects and potential benefits. From well-known compounds like THC and CBD to lesser-known molecules, cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to influence processes such as mood, appetite, pain perception, and more. As research into these compounds grows, attention is expanding beyond the familiar to include rare and intriguing varieties. One such emerging star is tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) — a cannabinoid that’s gaining recognition for its distinct properties and potential applications. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about THCV, from its molecular makeup to its effects, uses, and how it compares to other cannabinoids.

THCV, or tetrahydrocannabivarin, was first discovered in 1973, but was overlooked for scientific research and experimentation as the natural occurrence within the hemp plant was meager in comparison to delta-9 THC or CBD. Harvesting trace amounts of THCV would require an inordinate amount of hemp or cannabis plants while yielding a miniscule amount for potential testing or research. With the advent of the 2018 Farm Bill, members of the cannabis industry began examining THC’s analogues, other minor cannabinoids, and processes that could be altered to fit within the new legal boundaries set forth. This gave THCV and a host of other cannabinoids a chance to borrow the spotlight from its more well-known siblings, THC and CBD.

THCV is relatively new to the hemp industry and is known on some message boards or online forums as “weederall” or “diet weed”. This means more research is needed for this obscure cannabinoid, although it is very likely mankind has been consuming it (in trace amounts) throughout the history of hemp or cannabis use. While some users report that THCV does absolutely nothing for them, others have anecdotally reported that THCV can help with focus and energy management, while curbing appetite and hunger. Similar to nootropics, or substances that improve mental function, THCV may have some potential to help with memory, focus, and motivation. Within the medical fields, THCV has yet to find a foothold as a reliable medicine, but the various studies undertaken have alluded to some promising results. Certain sativa strains tend to have higher levels of THCV in their genetics, which we will touch on later.

THCV may help manage other medical issues like PTSD, inflammation pain, and bone injuries. THCV has also shown some potential promise in the anti-diabetes portion of the pharmaceutical industry. Although it will not be adopted overnight, THCV will need much more research, like the 2016 study that examined the safety of THCV when administered to Type 2 Diabetes patients, to prove its medical benefits without any deleterious side effects compared against current existing drugs. Within the 2016 study, it shows that THCV and CBD can help contribute to treating diabetes, insulin production, and increasing energy expenditure. A recent 2020 study, showed that the strongest effect of THCV was upon plasma glucose, insulin levels, and liver triglycerides within mice. This alludes to the potential of THCV being used in treatment of those with diabetes. Furthermore, another 2020 study has shown that low doses of THCV act as an antagonist of the CB1 and CB2 receptors, reducing the efficacy of Delta-9 THC binding affinity, potentially reducing levels of anxiety. However, with a much higher dose, THCV can be intensely psychoactive but is relatively short acting.

THCV can be hard to come by as it is a relatively minor and new cannabinoid. However, some ways to get THCV would be via African or Central Asian Sativa landrace strains. With THCV being a trace cannabinoid in many strains around the world, the highest numbers on average come from landrace strains hailing from those geographical areas. Landrace strains are strains of cannabis or hemp that have remained relatively unchanged over the years, similar to heirloom variants of vegetables. These strains are gathered for their characteristics and unique cannabinoid content for breeding new strains with characteristics from both parents. Some landrace strains that are high in THCV are Red Congolese, Durban Poison, and Doug’s Varin. If these strains cannot be found, sometimes their genetic offspring, like Cherry Pie (Durban Poison x GDP) or Girl Scout Cookies (Durban Poison x OG Kush), but take into consideration, these aforementioned second-generation strains are hybrids, as they carry characteristics of indica strains.

If strain hunting is not possible in your area, you can check out the following products:

The Binoid THCV + Delta-8 Cartridge utilizes delta-8 cannabinoids enhanced with THCV to help uplift the mind, body, and spirit. Created from 100% legal hemp, these cannabinoids are paired with terpenes to create flavor and aromatic. Packing 1 gram of carefully selected cannabinoids, the Binoid THCV + Delta-8 Cartridge is 510 threaded for pairing with 510 vape batteries and is backed by a COA that claims freedom from impurities, toxins, and contaminants.

The Mellow Fellow Da Vinci Clarity Blend Disposable is not purely a THCV disposable, however, with a base of HHC, Mellow Fellow includes a sizeable amount of THCV within its Clarity blend, a nod towards the purported effects of the cannabinoid. Packed with 2 grams of the Clarity Blend, Mellow Fellow includes other cannabinoids like HHC, Delta-8, CBD, CBG, and THCV within for a  perfectly balanced mix and has been reported, although anecdotally, to help with creativity, energy, and focus. Operated by a draw-activated firing mechanism, this intuitive system requires no previous knowledge on vaping and will deliver pure, unadulterated flavor from the ceramic coil. This disposable vape is also backed by a COA, with a helpful breakdown of each cannabinoid and its amount within.

Another THCV vape offered is the 3Chi THCV Vape Cartridge. With two strains, Blue Dream and Snowman, the 3Chi THCV Vape Cartridges are a blend of delta-8 and THCV cannabinoids inside a 510 vape cartridge. Filled with a single gram of this THCV + Delta-8 blend, the 3Chi THCV Vape Cartridge is perfect for those on-the-go or traveling. Equipped with a ceramic coil, the 3Chi Vape Cartridge will deliver a pure and true flavor without any adulterants or alterations to the flavor.

Sarris, J., Sinclair, J., Karamacoska, D., Davidson, M., & Firth, J. (2020). Medicinal cannabis for psychiatric disorders: a clinically-focused systematic review. BMC psychiatry, 20(1), 24. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-019-2409-8

Bolognini, D., Costa, B., Maione, S., Comelli, F., Marini, P., Di Marzo, V., Parolaro, D., Ross, R. A., Gauson, L. A., Cascio, M. G., & Pertwee, R. G. (2010). The plant cannabinoid Delta9-tetrahydrocannabivarin can decrease signs of inflammation and inflammatory pain in mice. British journal of pharmacology, 160(3), 677–687. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.00756.x

Idris, A. I., & Ralston, S. H. (2012). Role of cannabinoids in the regulation of bone remodeling. Frontiers in endocrinology, 3, 136. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2012.00136

Jadoon KA, Ratcliffe SH, Barrett DA, Thomas EL, Stott C, Bell JD, O'Sullivan SE, Tan GD. Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol and Tetrahydrocannabivarin on Glycemic and Lipid Parameters in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Group Pilot Study. Diabetes Care. 2016 Oct;39(10):1777-86. doi: 10.2337/dc16-0650. Epub 2016 Aug 29. PMID: 27573936.

Abioye, A., Ayodele, O., Marinkovic, A. et al. Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV): a commentary on potential therapeutic benefit for the management of obesity and diabetes. J Cannabis Res 2, 6 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-020-0016-7

Sarris, J., Sinclair, J., Karamacoska, D., Davidson, M., & Firth, J. (2020). Medicinal cannabis for psychiatric disorders: a clinically-focused systematic review. BMC psychiatry, 20(1), 24. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-019-2409-8