THCV is one of several cannabinoids growing in stature – but intriguingly, it produces significantly different effects to THC. Often nicknamed ‘diet weed’ or ‘weederall’, THCV reduces appetite while boosting energy levels and concentration.
The emergence of THCV shows the versatility of cannabinoids. We once thought of marijuana as a recreational drug with few benefits – the likes of THCV are proving us wrong.
In this post, I want to talk about THCV carts. Before we explore the specifics, here are my top five THCV cartridges of 2022.
Top 5 Begin Here
1. Best Selling Vape Cartridges
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% THCV, 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)
2. Most Popular
Secret Nature – THCV Vapor Cartridges
Secret Nature styles itself as a high-end hemp brand making artisan products, and I’m glad to report these THCV carts live up to the hype. Each 510-threaded, 1-gram cart contains 70% active cannabinoids – delta-8-THCV and delta-9-THCV accounts for nearly 40% of that.
Soothing, non-intoxicating live resin CBD extract makes up more than half of the cannabinoid cocktail, with dashes of CBC, CBG, CBL, CBN, CBT, and others topping up the rest. These calming compounds complement the THCV, producing a hybrid-like experience.
Secret Nature’s THCV carts won’t make you high, but the full-spectrum characteristics maximize the health benefits by bringing out the entourage effect. Third-party tested by ACS Laboratory with no detectable THC.
Strains: Sour Diesel, Payana
3. Runner Up
3Chi – THCV Vape Cartridges
With 3Chi’s THCV Vape Cartridge, you can get high without suffering hunger pangs! A whopping 75% delta-8, 10% THCV, and a combo of CBC, CBD, and CBT make for euphoric and energizing effects, with enough relaxation to stamp out any anxiety.
3Chi sticks with its trusty 510-threaded, CCELL cartridge design in these THCV vaping products. You can use them with all regular vape batteries and the ceramic coil provides smooth and clean vapor with every hit. Plant-derived terpenes bring oodles of flavor, too!
Cutting agents? Not here! 3Chi never uses PEG, PG, VG, MCT, or vitamin E acetate – they aren’t needed and make the vapor less potent. 3Chi’s THCV cartridges are third-party tested for Farm Bill compliance by ACS Laboratory.
Strains: Blue Dream, Snowman
4. Runner Up
Spensary – THCV / Delta-8 THC Vape Cartridges
A relatively new brand making its mark, Spensary’s collection of THCV + Delta-8 Vape Cartridges tick all the right boxes. In addition to the headline cannabinoids, these also contain healthy servings of CBD, CBG, and CBN.
The upshot is a pleasant psychoactive high that gives you a euphoric and cerebral buzz while keeping you in control. The delicate balance of stimulation and sedation means you can enjoy Spensary’s vape carts at any time of day.
The third-party report from Encore Labs shows roughly a 6:1 delta-8 to THCV ratio. That’s a little less THCV than I’d like to see in a THCV cart, but the inclusion of cannabis-derived terpenes and the absence of cutting agents make up for it.
Strains: Gelato, Jack Herer, Northern Lights, Strawberry Cough
5. Runner Up
Single Source – THCV + Delta-8 THC Vape Cartridges
Single Source embraces the THCV and delta-8 combo in this extensive collection of vape carts, which suits all tastes and desires. Every 510-threaded CCELL cartridge contains 900mg of active cannabinoids, with delta-8 making up the bulk of that.
Design-wise, these cartridges look the real deal, and the vapor tastes delicious. But I’m frustrated with Single Source’s approach to third-party testing. Only the Acapulco Gold strain comes with a COA – I hope the rest are up to standard.
Strains: Acapulco Gold (Sativa), Lemon Haze (Sativa), Super Sour Diesel (Sativa), Agent Orange (Hybrid), King Louis XIII (Hybrid), Runtz (Hybrid), God’s Gift (Indica), Northern Lights (Indica), Watermelon Zkittles (Indica), and more!
What are THCV Carts?
THCV carts cover a range of vape cartridges centered around the THCV cannabinoid – although they rarely contain THCV exclusively. Manufacturers generally pair the THCV with one or more cannabinoids, such as delta-8 or CBD.
Nowadays, nearly all vape carts have 510-threaded connections – so you can use them with almost any vape pen battery. If you’re fed up with constantly adding vape juice to your tank and making a mess, sealed vape cartridges will make your life much easier!
I love having carts with me when out and about. It’s ideal to have a sleek, pen-like device in my pocket, capable of discreetly delivering vapor within seconds. Bulky tank vaporizers cannot match the convenience and portability of carts.
Let’s look at the two main types of THCV carts on the market and discuss which one might work best for you.
THCV + delta-8: These carts will make you high, thanks to the presence of delta-8. But unlike pure delta-8 carts, the addition of THCV means you won’t get hungry, as usually happens when consuming a cannabis product!
Both THCV and delta-8 have stimulating properties. If you suffer anxiety easily, consider a cart that mixes in CBD and secondary cannabinoids.
THCV + CBD: Carts with THCV and CBD but no delta-8 have therapeutic and non-intoxicating effects. Some find classic CBD products too sedating – a cart with THCV administers an energizing kick to keep you focused and alert!
What is THCV?
Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is a naturally occurring cannabinoid in cannabis and a homolog of THC. There are two types of THCV: delta-8-THCV and delta-9-THCV. Both are non-psychoactive but associated with stimulating and appetite-curbing effects.
Studies show that THCV is an inverse agonist, or selective antagonist, of the CB1 receptor in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). THCV has the opposite effect at this receptor to THC, hence why it doesn’t get you high and reduces, rather than increases appetite.
The ‘diet weed’ moniker has caught on and gives THCV a unique commercial appeal. While it is an attractive weight-loss agent, THCV also helps limit the appetite spike that comes from classic marijuana products.
The non-intoxicating nature of THCV also means we can focus on its therapeutic potential, which includes combating obesity and managing type 2 diabetes. However, THCV’s benefits are mostly speculation at this stage, with few high-quality studies to back up the claims.
Like all substances, THCV has side effects. The stimulating properties may increase anxiety levels – if you’re prone to the jitters, I recommend avoiding caffeine when using THCV. As THCV wears off, you may suffer a crash as the energizing effects subside.
How to use THCV carts
You’ll need a vape battery with 510-threaded connections to use THCV carts – screw the two together and you’re away! Depending on the battery type, your cart will work via button or breath-activated firing.
Some carts release a specific amount of THCV (in milligrams) with each draw. With others, you can take as short or as long of a puff as you wish. I prefer carts that release a set THCV dosage, so I know how much I’m taking.
While THCV is non-psychoactive, many carts contain psychotropic delta-8, too. Although delta-8 is less potent than THC, the risk of taking too much and experiencing a bad trip remains. When experimenting with any new vape cart, start slowly.
Ease in with one or two hits and wait 30 minutes. THCV has a rapid onset of effects when vaporized – so you can quickly judge the strength of your dose. Take another couple of hits if required and continue dosing at 30-minute intervals until satisfied.
Will THCV carts make me fail a drug test?
It’s hard to say. As a THC homolog, THCV has a similar chemical structure to the notorious cannabinoid, hence why it may show up on a drug test. Scientists have previously detected THCV metabolites in urine samples.
But there isn’t much research out there, and I don’t want to draw too many conclusions from one study. However, THCV carts generally contain other cannabinoids that can result in a failed drug test – namely delta-8 and THC.
Many THCV products have hefty levels of hemp-derived delta-8, which is a THC analog. Product manufacturers regularly warn that drug tests can detect delta-8, which has a metabolite much like the THC-COOH produced by THC.
And not forgetting, THCV products made with full-spectrum hemp extract naturally have trace amounts of THC. The Farm Bill permits up to 0.3% THC in hemp-based products, potentially enough to trigger a positive drug test with regular use.
Are you worried about failing a drug test? I have two ideas. Detox drinks and pills can help quickly cleanse your system of cannabis metabolites. Synthetic urine will also bail you out of a sticky situation – but make sure you use an authentic, up-to-date product.
What to Look for When Buying THCV Carts
When shopping for premium THCV carts, keep the following four things in mind. Remember these and you’ll never end up with a low-quality or unsuitable product again!
Third-party lab reports
Independent lab reports (i.e., certificates of analysis (COA)) provide assurances about the authenticity of a THCV cart. Does the product genuinely have less than 0.3% THC? Is the THCV content as high as stated? You’ll find the answers in the third-party report.
Avoid THCV carts without an accompanying COA. There’s no excuse for companies not to have them, and the lack of a report points towards something sketchy. Legit brands pride themselves on transparency and want to show they are making THCV carts the right way.
THCV potency
The quantity of THCV in vaping products marketed as ‘THCV carts’ varies. I’ve seen carts with as much as 20% THCV and others with as little as 5%.
Products with small quantities of THCV generally have lots of delta-8, with the THCV only there to take the edge off your appetite.
Terpenes
THCV is naturally energizing. Terpenes either amplify the stimulation or have a mellowing effect. For maximum energy, choose a cart with sativa terpenes. To bring some relaxation into the mix, pick a cart with indica terpenes. Try a hybrid for something in between.
Cutting agents
Cutting agents have become less common in vape cartridges, but you should always double-check. They aren’t necessary, reduce cartridge potency, and may even be dangerous – see vitamin E acetate in illicit vape carts.
I’m skeptical about the safety of MCT oil in vape carts. MCTs make cannabinoids more potent, but the oil might not be safe to vape. PG and VG are safe e-liquid carrier oils but still serve no purpose in highly-concentrated 1-gram carts.
How to Store Your THCV Carts
Store THCV cartridges in a cool, dry, and dark place. Keep out of direct sunlight and out of reach of children. If you have kids, store the battery and carts separately as an extra safety measure.
How Long do THCV Carts Last?
THCV carts should last several months and possibly up to two years. Keeping products in a cool location and away from sunlight and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays is essential for long-term storage.
Purchasing THCV Carts Online vs. Shops Near Me
I only buy THCV cartridges from online vendors that I know and trust. Brick-and-mortar stores hoping to make quick and easy profits from the THCV boom are notorious for stocking obscure, low-quality products without third-party COAs.
In contrast, legit online hemp stores with deep knowledge of the market and brands’ tricks and tactics know what’s hot and what’s not. Stay safe when vaping THCV by purchasing from online stores that take third-party testing seriously.
Shop for high-quality, lab-tested hemp products today at CBD Genesis!
