If you’ve visited our blog before or shopped at our Raleigh storefront, then you’re already aware of delta 8 and now even delta 10 THC, but what about THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin)?
That’s right, just when you were getting used to the new (and the new new ) cannabinoids on the block, here comes THCV. So what do you need to know about this compound?
What are the Effects of THCV?
THCV is a cannabinoid that, like other THC molecules, provides some psychoactive properties. However, its effects seem to differ from delta 9 and delta 8 THC.
Unlike the usual increased hunger (a.k.a the munchies) associated with THC, THCV has actually been shown to be an appetite suppressant. With this in mind, it may be effective in assisting in weight loss.
Anxiety
THCV has been shown to help with anxiety and panic attacks. This is great news to many cannabis users, as delta 9 THC can actually cause heightened anxiety in some people. If used in a vaping form, THCV is the perfect thing to have on hand during the onset of a panic attack.
While still being studied, THCV may also help with motor control issues, tremors, confusion and other mood issues associated with Alzheimer’s and dementia. As more research on THCV is conducted, scientists are hopeful that cannabis can be used to treat these conditions in the future.
Still Being Researched
Scientists are also studying THCV’s effects on bone growth, blood pressure, diabetes and insulin production, focus and PTSD. However, researchers are still in the early stages of determining THCV’s benefits.
Is THCV Psychoactive?
In small doses, THCV will not provide much of a high. In fact, rodent studies have suggested that THCV’s appetite suppressing qualities may prove it to be antagonist to CB1 receptors. In contrast, THC is a CB1 receptor agonist, creating the psychoactive effects and increased hunger we all know and love.
What does all this mean? Basically, THCV may dampen the effects of THC in smaller doses.
But, recent studies have also shown that In higher concentrations, THCV has similar psychoactive effects to delta 8 and delta 9 THC. Unlike THC, THCV’s high has been described by users and researchers as being stimulating and clear-headed.
In most cannabis strains, THCV is usually only present in trace amounts, which is why there aren’t many THCV-specific products on the market (yet). Many African Sativa strains are naturally higher in THCV, but many growers are breeding specific strains for higher THCV yields. As with delta 8 THC, ingesting edibles or vaping may be the most effective way to experience the effects of THCV.
THCV in North Carolina
Is THCV legal in North Carolina? So far, yes! Because THCV can be derived from industrial hemp, it is also protected under the federal 2018 Farm Bill. Because its effects are still being studied, product options for THCV may be limited.
We recently started carrying 3-Chi’s delta 8 and THCV vape cartridges to see the effects for ourselves. With a ratio of 75 percent delta 8, 10 percent THCV and 15 percent terpenes and other minor cannabinoids, the effects appear to be a more clear-headed, uplifting buzz.
If you have more questions about THCV and its effects, stop by our store today to learn more or give us a call for a contactless consultation. We’re happy to answer any questions you have. If you’re ready to give THCV a try, 3Chi’s vape cartridges are a great place to start. Tried it already? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
