What is THCV, and how can it be used?
THCV is a cannabinoid, but it is not the same as THC. While it is not as well-known as its more famous counterpart, THCV has a range of therapeutic potential that may make it your new favorite cannabinoid.
What is THCV?
Molecular structure of the cannabinoid THCV also known as tetrahydrocannabivarin.
THCV, or tetrahydrocannabivarin, is a minor cannabinoid—meaning it is found in lower concentrations than the major cannabinoids THC and CBD. THCV can be found in cannabis and hemp plants, where it can either be consumed in plant material or taken as an isolated extract, most commonly in oil form.
THCV is slowly starting to gain more visibility, and it is particularly gaining a reputation for its health benefits. It induces its effects on the body through its interaction with cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. These receptors are responsible for the subsequent cascade of effects in the body, depending on their location.
What are the effects of THCV?
THCV has a potent energising quality, making it a favourite among students and athletes.
The psychoactive effects are very gentle and more cerebral than Delta 8 THC. Those using Delta 8 describe their sensation as more relaxed with a strong internal sense of peace. With THCV, however, you feel alert, awake, and have a clear head. This cannabinoid barely affects your headspace, meaning you are able to think and act as usual, but may experience some perceptual variations.
Is THCV natural or synthetic?
THCV is a cannabinoid that occurs naturally in cannabis plants.
THCVA, which is a byproduct of cannabigerol acid (CBGA), converts to THCV when it is exposed to heat or light.
The process of extracting THCV only requires the use of lab equipment and there is no synthesization involved.
How is THCV made?
THCV products are made directly from the cannabis or hemp plant.
To extract THCV from the plant, manufacturers use a process similar to the one used to extract THC. This process is called chromatography and it separates different constituents of the plant based on their molecular weight.
Although THCV products are not as common as THC products, you can find many similar items containing THCV such as tinctures, tabs, vape carts, and pre-rolls.
Is THCV legal in the United States?
The regulation of THCV is nuanced in the United States. THCV is not classified as a Schedule I Drug by the federal government, but marijuana extracts are. This ambiguity makes it difficult to determine the federal government’s stance on THCV.
The 2018 Farm Bill states that all derivatives of hemp plants are legal on a federal level. This law has led many companies to continue providing THCV to their customers by extracting it only from hemp plants.
Does THCV Get You High?
In large doses, yes. It is not, however, associated with the same extreme intoxicating effects as other medical cannabis products.
This might sound like a confusing answer, but the reality is that THCV’s psychoactive properties are anything but simple.
As mentioned in the previous section, THCV is a CB1 antagonist in low doses — which has the complete opposite effect of delta 8 and delta 9 THC. This could mean that THCV actually counteracts some of the psychoactive effects of THC.
This effect could explain why people who use THCV report feeling so clear-headed — especially in comparison to the notorious “fogginess” induced by delta 9 THC.
When it comes to higher doses of THCV, the story is a little different. Once you start reaching doses of around 30 mg, the effects will flip and become much more psychoactive. To play it safe, start with a small dosage so you can gauge how your body responds, and get a better understanding of the physiological effects.
