THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) is making its mark on America’s hemp scene. The so-called ‘diet weed’ compound is great for people in need of a specific therapeutic effect, and those seeking to avoid the “munchies”, a classic side effect of marijuana.
I am here to give you the lowdown on what tetrahydrocannabivarin is, why it’s proving such a hit, and how it differs from better-known CBD and THC products.
What is THCV?
Part of the cannabinoid family, THCV is one of more than 100 compounds unique to the cannabis plant. THCV is described as a secondary cannabinoid, with plants generally producing less THCV than CBD or THC. But THCV packs a punch, offering a unique array of therapeutic benefits.
Chemically speaking, THCV and THC have much in common and boast similar molecular structures. Like its famous cousin, THCV has psychoactive properties, hence the ‘diet weed’ nickname that has caught on in cannabis circles.
Research suggests THCV’s effects are mostly initiated via the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network in the body that regulates our general well-being and is designed to work with cannabinoids. THCV is a natural analog of THC but acts on the ECS slightly differently. THC is both a CB1 and CB2 receptor agonist. THCV is a CB2 receptor agonist, but a CB1 receptor antagonist.
Is THCV Legal?
Yes! Even though tetrahydrocannabivarin is so closely related to THC (officially delta-9-THC), which is illegal at the federal level, THCV is just fine. Let me explain why.
When hemp was legalized as part of the Farm Bill, delta-9-THC was the only cannabinoid subject to restrictions, with a 0.3% cap in all hemp-based products. The law did not mention THCV or any other cannabinoids that naturally occur in hemp. Therefore, THCV products can be legally manufactured, purchased, carried, and consumed throughout the United States! This also explains the emergence of other hemp-based products, such as delta-8.
It doesn’t matter that THCV produces psychoactive effects – indeed, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol are all psychoactive and completely legal!
5 Benefits of THCV
Existing research on tetrahydrocannabivarin indicates it has some of the benefits other cannabinoids do and some unique qualities, too. Whether you want a therapeutic or recreational experience, here’s how THCV could help you.
Delivers a Stimulating, Clear-Headed, High
In moderate to high quantities, THCV produces an energizing high, just like a Sativa-dominant marijuana strain. THCV works to blow away any mental cobwebs, giving you unrivaled focus, clarity, and creativity. You’ll also experience a pleasant mood boost and find yourself in a happy, relaxed state of mind where nothing seems quite so serious.
That said, in lower amounts, THCV doesn’t induce psychotropic effects – perfect if you’re just looking for the health benefits. The sheer therapeutic power and limited side effects of THCV explain why people are turning to it in their droves.
Doesn’t Give You the “Munchies”
Imagine a cannabis trip that gets you high and laughing but doesn’t leave a hole in your wallet after, when in the moment, you thought it was a good idea to order that extra-large pizza with all the toppings. Tetrahydrocannabivarin is called ‘diet weed’ for a reason – it doesn’t give you the “munchies”!
Studies indicate that THCV has appetite-suppressant properties, in direct contrast to its THC cousin. You’ll get all the benefits of a normal high, just without the intense hunger pangs. On a more serious note, because THCV dampens your appetite, it can be used to help you lose weight. However, for this very reason, people with anorexia, bulimia, and other eating disorders should avoid using tetrahydrocannabivarin.
Helps with Anxiety and Panic Attacks
Studies suggest tetrahydrocannabivarin can soothe anxiety and perhaps even prevent panic attacks. Cannabinoid researchers have optimism that THCV could eventually be used in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). THCV is a great natural option to combat various forms of anxiety and can also relieve stress.
Many find THCV’s psychoactive effects help them to stop overthinking and stay in the moment. However, not all anxiety sufferers respond well to mind-altering substances. If regular weed gives you anxiety, THCV products may, too.
THCV has Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Tetrahydrocannabivarin binds to the CB2 receptor as an agonist, making it an effective anti-inflammatory. Like other cannabinoids, THCV doesn’t just reduce inflammation. It has a regulatory effect on the immune system, working to keep it in balance.
THCV products are ideal for inflammatory pain, including arthritis. They could also ease symptoms of autoimmune diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome. More studies are needed to confirm THCV’s benefits, but there’s plenty of early promise.
Reduces Tremors and Seizures
Cannabinoids are well-known for having anti-seizure properties, and THCV appears as useful as its counterparts. THCV is becoming an attractive treatment option for epilepsy, either individually or combined with other cannabinoids. Studies have also found THCV reduces muscular tremors associated with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, seemingly via the body’s cannabinoid receptors.
In all cases, tetrahydrocannabivarin may be as helpful if not more than THC, without making the user stoned. This would be a game-changer, as many patients – such as older adults and children – are put off by or cannot handle marijuana’s potent mind-altering effects.
Introducing THCV Vape Cartridges
Vape cartridges are an excellent way to get your THCV. Firstly, inhaling your cannabinoids gets them into the bloodstream and brain within seconds, where they can start working their magic. The rapid onset of effects supplies you with an instant and intense high, and you’ll know within minutes if you’ve taken just the right amount or need a little extra.
The speedy delivery isn’t just about getting high. Imagine you have anxiety: would you want a product that takes 30 minutes or longer to work or one that dissolves your panic attack in minutes? Of course, you would want the latter! The same goes for flare-ups of arthritis pain.
I’m super excited to show you the THCV products.
1. Binoid – THCV + Delta-8 THC Vape Cartridges
Binoid has cleverly combined energizing THCV with equally stimulating – but psychoactive – delta-8 extract in this collection of rejuvenating sativa-dominant carts. The delta-8 delivers mild intoxication and euphoria, while the THCV ensures you won’t get the munchies!
The 1-gram carts contain an impressive 20% tetrahydrocannabivarin, a hefty 30% delta-8, and a 45% mixture of cannabidiol (CBD), cannabichromene (CBC), and cannabinol (CBN). Natural terpene profiles make up the remaining 5% of these carts, which have no cutting agents.
The broad cannabinoid blend generates energizing effects without triggering anxiety and jitteriness. Binoid uses 99% pure THCV isolate and 92% pure delta-8 distillate. Third-party tested by ACS Laboratory with less than 0.3% THC.
Strains: Candyland (Sativa – Uplift), Purple Haze (Sativa – Creative), Sour Tangie (Sativa – Happy)
Strawberry Cough: Get high and energized with this sweet, skunky, and fruity vape cartridge. Strawberry Cough is a dependable sativa, and is renowned for its cerebral effects and promoting a creative mood.
Sour Diesel: Another premium sativa, Sour Diesel is also associated with brain-boosting properties and fast-acting energizing effects. This cartridge has a citrusy and earthy flavor, and an unmistakable diesel aroma.
Blackberry Kush: Revel in relaxation with Blackberry Kush, a pungent and fruity indica cartridge from Wave. A truly calming cartridge, this strain is great for managing anxiety and settling down in the evenings.
2. Delta 8 Factory – Infinite X THC-O Cartridges
These Infinite X THC-O Cartridges are seriously impressive and have eye-popping potency. The brains at Delta 8 Factory have developed a full-spectrum extract, teeming with THC-O, an array of other cannabinoids, and a smattering of terpenes. They claim these carts are stronger than delta-8 and delta-10 combined, and I would have to agree!
Blue Dream: This sativa-dominant hybrid cart is slightly more stimulating than sedating, but I would recommend it for all-day use. The combination of cerebral effects and physical relaxation blend together well, and the fresh blueberry flavor is a delight.
Pineapple Express: Take a trip to the tropics with Pineapple Express, one of the best-known strains in the cannabis world. Each fruity hit provides a pleasant buzz, increases alertness, and sparks your creative talents into action.
Wedding Cake: Wedding Cake promotes deep relaxation and is a popular choice for pain relief. This cartridge also comes with mental benefits, acting to boost mood, ease anxiety, and just generally make you feel good.
3. Green Star – THCV Cartridges
Just like Wave, Green Star blends delta-8 and THCV extracts, and the result is just fantastic. Each ceramic cartridge is loaded with a hefty 1g of potent vape juice and does not contain any vegetable glycerin (VG), propylene glycol (PG), or vitamin E acetate.
Six different vape cartridges from Green Star. I’ve already explored Blue Dream, Sour Diesel, and Pineapple Express, so I’m going to focus on their other three carts.
Skywalker OG: A well-balanced, indica-dominant hybrid, Skywalker OG’s mellowing effects are great for chilling out, either alone or with friends. This strain is also associated with increased focus and creativity and has a sweet and spicy taste.
Cherry Pie: A cross between Grandaddy Purple and THCV-rich Durban Poison, Cherry Pie naturally hits the spot as a THCV cartridge. Cherry Pie helps relieve stress, tension, anxiety, and pain, and may produce a ‘couchlock’ effect. The name tells you all you need to know about the flavor!
Grape Ape: This is another solid indica offering from Green Star. Grape Ape crosses Skunk, Afghani, and Mendocino Purps and will have you feeling relaxed and euphoric within minutes. It is a superb cartridge for when you just want to enter the psychoactive realm and leave your worries to one side.
THCV vs THC
THCV and THC have slight differences, although ultimately both will get you high. The main benefit of THCV is that it’s legal wherever you reside in the United States, whereas THC is not. In addition, while brilliantly psychoactive in the right amounts, THCV won’t make you super hungry. The “munchies” may be part of the experience for some, but for others, they are just a nuisance.
THCV is preferable to THC if you want relief without the mind-altering effects. In low levels, THCV won’t get you stoned and is ideal for self-medicating at times when you need to stay serious.
THCV vs CBD
THCV and CBD are similar in some ways, and totally contrasting in others. They both have therapeutic value and can help with inflammation, anxiety, mood issues, and more. And both are legal at the federal level, so you can enjoy them with confidence.
CBD products are better if you are totally opposed to any psychoactive effects for health or moral reasons. But if you want a product that can be used for therapeutic and recreational use, versatile THCV will suit you better.
Does THCV show up on a drug test?
Not definitely, but it may well do. THCV and THC have an almost identical chemical structure, and there’s no guarantee a drug test would be able to tell the difference.
I appreciate this is frustrating, as you are fully within your rights to take THCV. But if a drug test pops off, you may find it difficult to state your case, even though it’s a false positive. Frustrating, I know. Until drug tests develop and can easily distinguish between cannabinoids, you just have to be careful with full-spectrum products.
