So you know THC… But have you heard of THCV yet?
Meet Tetrahydrocannabivarin. Beyond the impressive syllable count, it happens to be one of the latest minor cannabinoids to hit the market. If you want to keep up-to-date on the industry, THCV is a good one to learn about. Here’s everything you need to know about this up-and-coming compound.
What is THCV?
Found most prevalently in Sativa strains of the cannabis plant, THCV is synthesized in the cannabis trichomes (or the glandular hairs found on the surface of the plant). It is said to bind to cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2.
Though touted as an appetite suppressant and weight loss aid, this is mostly based on anecdotal testimonials. Research is ongoing however and there is an animal study from 2016 that found THCV di improve glucose metabolism. THCV is also rumored to increase energy levels (…though as far as evidence goes, we only have a two-mouse study to go off of). Scientists are working on uncovering THCV’s other benefits.
Is THCV Synthetic?
Yes, because THCV is biosynthesized, it must be grown in the lab. THCV is derived from the plant, but there’s less than 1% of the compound found in the cannabis plant. (For the sake of comparison, about 20 to 25% of CBD is found in plants.)
For an in-depth look at synthetic versus natural cannabinoids, check out our post on the topic.
Is THCV Legal?
Though THCV is not currently listed under the Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) controlled substances, it may be lumped in with other substances as a federally banned “marijuana extract.” If you live in a marijuana-legalized state, you should be fine… If not, proceed with caution.
Is THCV Psychoactive?
THCV is only mildly psychoactive. It’s mind-altering properties shouldn’t reach the same levels as THC.
What are some Common THCV Strains?
Red Congolese, Durban Poison, and Doug’s Varin are three of the most well-known high-THCV strains. However, a few others include Pink Boost Goddess, Power Plant, Pineapple Purps, Dutch Treat, Tangie, Jack the Ripper, Skunk #1, and GSC (formerly called Girl Scout Cookies).
Does THCV Interact with Medication?
Not much research has been done on how THCV interacts with other medications or vitamins. However, there are definitely a number of crossovers between cannabinoids and there are some medications that do interact with CBD.
This doesn’t necessarily mean they can’t be taken together. It just means you’ll need to adjust the dosages of each substance with the help of medical professional for best results and a lessened possibility of side effects.
In our article on how CBD interacts with medications, we list some of the more common drugs to be mindful of:
- Antidepressants (like Fluoxetine and Prozac)
- Arthritis medication (like methotrexate or most other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs called NSAIDs)
- Medications causing drowsiness (like antipsychotics and benzodiazepines)
- Antibiotics (like erythromycin or clarithromycin)
- Antihistamine
- Heart medications (some calcium channel blockers, amiodarone)
- Blood thinners (like warfarin)
- Thyroid medication (levothyroxine)
- Several seizure medications (including clobazam, lamotrigine, and valproate)
- Erectile dysfunction
- And a few others
For this reason, we recommend reaching out to a healthcare professional before taking THCV with anything else (in fact, you should really do this whenever you take more than one medication of any kind).
One Final Note: Although we strive to provide you with accurate information, we are not infallible. We hope you will consider this your starting point in your research on understanding THCV. To stay educated and informed, we encourage you to find more resources and experts on the subject as new studies continue to come out.
Written by:
Johanna H31 Mar 2021@zpolitis@csumb.edu
@exclusivezoepolitis@gmail.com