Thursday, March 28, 2024

THCV: Powerful Appetite-Suppressing Cannabinoid

Cannabis is not only a medically beneficial plant, but it’s also very complex and intricate. Thus far, it has been found that the cannabis plant contains over 400 chemical entities and more than 60 of them are known as cannabinoid compounds. One of those cannabinoid compounds is Tetrahydrocannabivarin or THCV for short. This cannabinoid contains various medicinal properties that users can benefit from, and as time goes on, more medicinal properties are being revealed. Although THCV sounds and looks like THC, these cannabinoids are quite different from one another, especially because of the effects they deliver to users regarding appetite. Read on to find out more about THCV, the impact it has on one’s appetite, and which cannabis strains are high in THCV.

About THCV And Its Link To THC

To many, THCV may seem very similar to THC based on how it sounds and how it looks. Although THC and THCV have some similarities, they are also very different, especially regarding the effects they deliver to cannabis users. How is THCV similar to THC though? For one, these cannabinoids are very similar in regards to their chemical structure. Whereas, the process of creating these two cannabinoids is quite different.

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In other words, THCV undergoes a process that results in it becoming a cannabigerovarin acid (CBGVA). Then, CBGVA breaks down into tetrahydrocannabivarin carboxylic acid (THCVA). From here, THCVA can undergo a decarboxylation process in which UV light or heat is used to create THCV.

In addition, both THC and THCV activate specific receptors within our body. These main receptors are known as CB1 and CB2. THC and THCV impact the same receptors, however, it’s important to know that this response works as an antagonist of both CB1 and CB2 receptors. Since THCV is an antagonist of the CB1 and CB2 receptors, this means that THCV blocks THC, which prevents cannabis users from getting the munchies.

THCV’s Appetite-Suppressing Properties

Furthermore, as many of you may already know, we all have an endocannabinoid system (ECS), and it’s a very complex system that regulates different functions within the body. One particular function that the ECS regulates is the body’s appetite. Research indicates that the munchies (the feeling cannabis users experience after their appetite is stimulated) is due to a response in the ECS. Over time, different research findings have pointed to THC’s ability to boost one’s appetite and act as an appetite stimulant.

Although THC is known to stimulate the appetite of users, THCV has the opposite effect. Rather than THCV stimulating users’ appetite, it suppresses one’s appetite. Since THCV is an antagonist of the CB1 and CB2 receptors, it blocks THC. Therefore, users don’t experience the munchies after consuming THCV. Other research findings point to THCV removing the satiating/pleasing feeling that sometimes occurs after eating something delicious.

With this being said, individuals who have been diagnosed with certain eating disorders and/or individuals who struggle with obesity and need to regulate their food intake better may be ideal candidates for THCV consumption.

Cannabis Strains High In THCV & THCV’s Effects

Aside from THCV’s appetite-suppressing properties, it possesses other medicinal benefits such as it acting as an effective anti-convulsive cannabinoid. Thus, THCV could potentially be used to raise the seizure threshold for individuals with epilepsy and seizure disorders. Also, it has recently been discovered that THCV contains a strong potential in assisting type 2 diabetics by helping control glycemic levels, according to one 2016 study.

The medicinal benefits don’t stop here though. THCV could even help manage body tremors while also improving motor control abilities. However, additional studies and clinical trials should be performed before individuals start consuming THCV to help manage body tremors.

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Moreover, after THCV consumption, this cannabinoid typically causes a fast onset of psychedelic-related effects that deliver clearheaded-ness to users, which wears off relatively quickly. If one wants to consume THCV, which strains are the best? Oftentimes, THCV is found in different sativa dominant cannabis strains. Some of the top cannabis strains that contain high levels of THCV include the following: Durban Poison, Girl Scout Cookies, Cherry Pie, Face off OG, Jack the Ripper, Doug’s Varin, and Pineapple Purps.

As time goes on, more of THCV’s medicinal properties are being revealed. However, the main medical benefit of THCV that has captured many people’s attention and continues to do so is its appetite-suppressing properties. Overall, there’s a significant potential for how THCV could positively impact people’s lives, especially for those who need help managing their appetite and food intake. Do you think the consumption of THCV will increase in the years to come? Stay tuned to find out how THCV progresses and evolves in this rapidly-changing industry.

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