What Is THCV?
Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is a hemp-derived compound with unique properties that set it apart from the more common cannabinoids in marijuana such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).These two entities are similar in molecular structure (thus explaining the potential risk for “false positive” results with generic drug testing) and both compounds interact with the same cannabinoid receptors in our nervous system. However, THC and THCV interact with these receptors in dramatically different ways. Where THC acts as an “agonist” at the CB1and CB2 receptors; THCV is a neutral “antagonist”. Because these two compounds have opposite impacts on the receptor, their effects tend to be opposite.
THCV is an appetite suppressant and dulls the appetite whereas delta-9THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) tends to stimulate appetite (“the munchies”). It’s believed that THCV blocks the rewarding sensations we experience when eating unhealthy foods. The CB 1 receptor is well known to stimulate appetite, so blocking this receptor logically would reduce appetite.
Another dramatic difference between THC and THCV is that THCV has no intoxicating psychoactive effects.
As with all cannabinoid compounds, THCV scientific research is still in its infancy. Nonetheless, there is already clear evidence demonstrating that THCV decreases appetite, increases satiety, and up-regulates energy metabolism. As such THCV provides a clinically useful remedy for weight loss and for the management of obesity and type 2 diabetic patients with an amazing lack of negative side effects.
Research and Studies
A 2009 study reported in the British Journal of Pharmacology demonstrated that THCV reduces food intake in mice. British Journal of Pharmacology(2009), 156, 1154–1166. Another animal study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Diabetes demonstrated therapeutic metabolic effects on plasma glucose and insulin levels in two different models of obesity. Nutr Diabetes (2013) 3, e68; doi:10.1038/nutd.2013.9. In a similar reports, treatment with THCV resulted in decreased food intake and body weight reduction in mice models; thus, exerting an anti-obesity effect by food aversion. Nutr Diabetes. 2013;3(5):e68. Studies in humans demonstrate THCV enhanced activations in key reward and aversion processing areas in the brain with beneficial hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects. Other human studies suggest that THCV may increase alertness and reduce anxiety. In addition, THCV has been reported to reduce negative effects associated with THC, such as increased heart rate, paranoia, and verbal recall issues
.J Psychopharmacol. 2015;30(2):140–51.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881115615104.
A 2020 commentary found in the Journal of Cannabis Research, discusses potential therapeutic benefit of THCV for the management of obesity and diabetes.
Conclusion: The psychoactive effects of THC in cannabis are the main reasons for its classification as a Schedule I substance, even though it is the THC that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for appetite stimulation and weight gain. In contrast to THC, clinical and therapeutic advantages of THCV regarding its lack of psychoactive effects in human studies are of great value in pharmacotherapy. On the other hand, the dual pharmacological activities of THCV on CB1/CB2 receptors, exhibiting agonistic and antagonistic effects depending on the dosage, indicate the need for further research. It is envisioned that the unique and diverse characteristics of THCV could be explored for further development into clinically useful medicines for the treatment of life-threatening diseases.
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
Additional Resources
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Thomas, A., Stevenson, L. A., Wease, K. N., Price, M. R., Baillie, G., Ross, R. A., & Pertwee, R. G. (2005). Evidence that the plant cannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin is a cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptor antagonist. British journal of pharmacology, 146(7), 917.Chicago
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Riedel, G., Fadda, P., McKillop‐Smith, S., Pertwee, R. G., Platt, B., & Robinson, L. (2009). Synthetic and plant‐derived cannabinoid receptor antagonists show hypophagic properties in fasted and non‐fasted mice. British journal of pharmacology, 156(7), 1154-1166.
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Abioye, A., Ayodele, O., Marinkovic, A., Patidar, R., Akinwekomi, A., & Sanyaolu, A. (2020). Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV): a commentary on potential therapeutic benefit for the management of obesity and diabetes. Journal of Cannabis Research, 2(1), 1-6.
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Wargent, E. T., Zaibi, M. S., Silvestri, C., Hislop, D. C., Stocker, C. J., Stott, C. G., ... & Cawthorne, M. A. (2013). The cannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) ameliorates insulin sensitivity in two mouse models of obesity. Nutrition & diabetes, 3(5), e68-e68.
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Cascio, M. G., Zamberletti, E., Marini, P., Parolaro, D., & Pertwee, R. G. (2015). The phytocannabinoid, Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabivarin, can act through 5‐HT 1 A receptors to produce antipsychotic effects. British journal of pharmacology, 172(5), 1305-1318.Chicago
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Romano, B., Pagano, E., Orlando, P., Capasso, R., Cascio, M. G., Pertwee, R., ... & Borrelli, F. (2016). Pure Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin and a Cannabis sativa extract with high content in Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin inhibit nitrite production in murine peritoneal macrophages. Pharmacological research, 113, 199-208.
It is important to understand what is in the gummies you take. We take your health very seriously and want to educate you on how to verify the TCHV potency is accurate. You also want to make sure you are getting all THCV and not a mix of CBD or base hemp content.
For more information on how to read the batch reports that comes with every batch of our gummies, please go to
