If you’ve heard people talking about “diet weed” or “weeder all” recently, they may be referring to THCV oil. An energizing product that curbs appetite, THCV oil can spare you from the marijuana munchies!
The legal hemp industry is constantly evolving as users seek out something more specialized than plain old CBD. Curious about whether THCV tinctures are suitable for you? Then I’m glad you’re here.
In this review, we’ll explore what THCV is and how it works. I’ve also got some handy tricks to help you maximize your product. But before we touch upon the finer details, I want to show you the top five THCV oils:
1. Rare Cannabinoid Company – THCV Uplift Single Extract Tincture
Uplifting by name and uplifting by nature, this 500mg THCV tincture from the Rare Cannabinoid Company tops my list. Made with THCV-isolate and organic coconut-derived MCT oil, it’s impressively potent, bioavailable, and free from THC.
The Uplift Tincture comes in a 30ml (1fl oz) bottle, with each full 1ml dropper providing almost 17mg of THCV. The producers recommend pairing this tincture with CBD or CBC, but it could also go well with delta-8.
The Rare Cannabinoid Company markets its tincture as an energizer and appetite-suppressing supplement. Sourced from US-grown, non-GMO hemp, this THCV tincture is pesticide-free, third-party tested, and made in a cGMP-certified facility.
2. 3Chi – THCV Oil Tincture
3Chi specializes in minor cannabinoids, and its broad-spectrum THCV oil more than meets my lofty expectations. Infused with 250mg THCV and a smattering of CBC, CBD, CBG, CBN, and CBDA, this organic tincture lives up to its billing.
The rich blend of cannabinoids promotes the famous entourage effect, which is enhanced further by 3Chi’s custom terpene blend. Other notable ingredients include MCT oil and vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant. I should point out that vitamin E is not vitamin E acetate.
3Chi’s THCV tincture comes in a 30ml (1fl oz) bottle and delivers 8.3mg THCV per serving. This product has no detectable THC and is third-party tested by Desert Valley Testing.
3. Gossamer – Dawn THCV and CBD Tincture
Gossamer cleverly combines THCV and CBD in this therapeutic, hemp-based daytime tincture. With 300mg CBD extract, a hefty amount of THCV, and an array of energizing terpenes, it’s clear the brains at Gossamer have put a lot of thought into this THCV oil.
The eucalyptol, pinene, and limonene terpenes provide flavor and stimulation; the cold-pressed hemp seed oil also ramps the health benefits. Gossamer only uses non-GMO and pesticide-free hemp, creating a safe experience.
Third-party tested by Anresco Laboratories, the Dawn tincture has trace levels of THC but remains federally compliant. While more beneficial, it could lead to a failed drug test.
4. Lingua – THCV+ Tincture
With a full slate of cannabinoids, the THCV+ Tincture from Lingua is about much more than THCV. In addition to THCV, you’ll find lots of CBDV, CBCV, CBG, CBN, and CBC, eliciting the entourage effect with ease.
Indeed, Lingua claims its THCV tincture is up to 600% more powerful than its competitors, thanks to the increased and more diverse cannabinoid count. And let’s not forget the MCT oil, which is known to boost cannabinoid bioavailability.
Lingua’s THCV Tincture is vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and has less than 0.3% THC. Take it under the tongue, or add it to your favorite recipes! Third-party tested by KCA Laboratories.
Available products: THCV+, THCV+ Maximum Strength
5. Kush Queen – Bare+ CBD:THCV Tincture
Stay energized and stop snacking with the Bare+ CBD: THCV Tincture Oil from Kush Queen. Styled as a daily wellness supplement, the makers promise lower stress levels, increased motivation, and fewer hunger pangs! But vitally, it won’t make you high.
Vegan-friendly and made with extra virgin olive oil, each 30ml tincture contains 900mg CBD and 150mg THCV – this works out to 30mg CBD and 5mg THCV per serving (full dropper). The Bare+ oil also has small amounts of CBG and CBDV.
Kush Queen sources its hemp from the Pacific Northwest and proudly uses no pesticides. The third-party report from Cannalysis validates the company’s claims and confirms this tincture has no detectable THC.
What is THCV?
THCV oil is a hemp-based tincture containing high concentrations of tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV). THCV tinctures typically consist of hemp extract and a carrier oil, such as MCT or hemp seed oil.
Often marketed as “diet weed” or “weeder all,” THCV has emerged as a non-intoxicating alternative to THC. The cannabinoid has stimulating properties, increases motivation, and reduces appetite, hence its popularity as a weight-loss supplement.
THCV is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in cannabis and a homolog of THC. Most strains have tiny amounts of THCV, but the cannabinoid appears at unusually high levels in several southern African and central Asian varieties.
Scientists are still learning how THCV works, but like most cannabinoids, it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). Research suggests THCV is a CB1 receptor antagonist but a CB2 receptor agonist.
The opposite reaction to THC at the CB1 receptor explains why THCV suppresses appetite while THC makes you hungry. As a CB2 receptor agonist, THCV is yet another cannabinoid with intriguing anti-inflammatory potential.
THCV does not currently have any approved medical uses. However, the compound is under investigation as a treatment for type 2 diabetes – THCV may help stabilize blood sugar levels and regulate insulin levels.
The US government holds a patent on cannabinoids as neuroprotectants. In 2011, the British Journal of Pharmacology published a study showing that THCV may help slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease in mice. Unfortunately, no studies have examined whether the substance has this effect on humans.
How to Take THCV Oil
Sublingual absorption is the most common THCV oil consumption method. Taking tinctures under the tongue ensures a speedy onset of effects. Use the bulb on the tincture bottle cap to fill the dropper, apply the oil, and hold it for up to 60 seconds before swallowing.
Mix your tincture with a beverage or add some oil to your food for extended THCV effects- or to hide the natural hempy flavor. With these methods, the THCV enters your bloodstream orally rather than sublingually. The benefits are more gradual but longer-lasting.
Perhaps you’re interested in THCV oil as a way of staving off cannabis-induced hunger pangs. If so, I recommend taking your tincture immediately before vaping or smoking, or about 30 minutes after taking an edible or capsule.
Different Types of THCV Oil
Many companies sell “THCV oil”, but that doesn’t mean they are all selling the same thing! Part of hemp’s beauty is its versatility, although I concede it can be daunting and confusing for newbies. Let me brief you on the THCV oils you’re most likely to encounter.
Pure THCV oil: Products made with THCV-isolate extract do not contain any other cannabinoids. These tinctures generally have THCV, a carrier oil, and possibly some terpenes or other flavorings.
Unfortunately, due to its chemical similarity to THC, THCV may show up on a drug test.
THCV oil with full-spectrum hemp: This describes tinctures with rich levels of THCV-isolate extract and CBD-rich, whole-plant hemp. These oils incorporate the benefits of minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.
Full-spectrum hemp extract has a little THC to promote the entourage effect, but always less than the 0.3% limit imposed by the Farm Bill.
THCV oil with broad-spectrum hemp: The only difference between full and broad-spectrum hemp is the absence of THC in the latter. Taking the THC out gives assurances to users with drug test worries.
The Legal Status of THCV Oil
THCV oil products must be derived from hemp and have less than 0.3% THC. The federal government de-scheduled hemp and its derivatives, including THCV, in 2018 as part of the Farm Bill.
However, THCV derived from marijuana (cannabis with more than 0.3% THC) is still a Schedule 1 drug. That’s why hemp companies are at pains to point out that their THCV products comply with federal law.
THCV has a bright future as a non-psychoactive substance. While some cannabinoids, such as delta-8, have come under scrutiny, most view THCV in a positive light. THCV oil has therapeutic promise and can also help improve your height.
What to Look For When Buying THCV Oil
Frustratingly, for new users, not all THCV oil is the same – finding a high-quality and appropriate product can be tricky. For a pleasant, non-intoxicating THCV experience, I suggest taking another look at my top five picks.
But if you want to see what other brands are manufacturing or are curious about what makes a premium THCV tincture, here’s what you need to check for.
Third-Party Lab Tests
Companies producing THCV oil can claim whatever they like about product quality and safety, but those claims mean nothing without the lab reports to back them up.
Independent laboratories provide an essential service in the hemp industry, keeping brands in check. The FDA does not regulate hemp products, and companies are not legally required to undergo third-party testing. But it’s an effective way of distinguishing between genuine businesses and bad actors.
Never purchase a THCV oil product if you cannot find a relevant third-party certificate of analysis. These must check a tincture’s potency and legality, and ideally, its purity, too.
Cannabinoid Makeup
The cannabinoid profile of your THCV oil determines what kind of experience you can expect. Tinctures with THCV-isolate are more energizing than those also made with CBD-isolate or full-spectrum hemp.
For first-timers, high concentrations of stimulating THCV could be anxiety-inducing. But if the balance tilts too much toward CBD, the effects may be too relaxing. It’s a fine balance to strike, and it may take some trial and error before you find a perfect THCV oil.
Organic, non-GMO hemp
Tinctures made with organic, non-GMO hemp tend to have a better safety profile than those that aren’t. The absence of pesticides during cultivation reduces the risk of contaminants entering the finished product.
However, organic practices come at a cost. Prepare to pay a few dollars more for an all-natural tincture. And don’t take the claims at face value – always verify them by reading the third-party lab report.
How to Store Your THCV Oil
Keep your THCV oil fresh for months by storing it in cool, dark conditions and away from direct sunlight. THCV degradation via the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays is a concern, so you shouldn’t leave your tincture lying on the worktop.
Although THCV oil is non-psychoactive, you must still keep it away from children. I recommend storing your tincture in a locked cupboard. THCV and all other hemp-derived products are for adult consumption only.
How Long Does THCV Oil Last?
As with all tinctures, THCV oil’s effects last for three to four hours when taken sublingually but can endure for up to eight hours when consumed orally. It’s unlikely that the body acquires tolerance to THCV as it does with THC, but research is inconclusive.
Maximize your THCV tincture by starting with low amounts. With oil, you can dose precisely and consistently – the less you need to take, the better! As required, begin with a few milligrams and gradually increase your dose incrementally.
Purchasing THCV Oil Online vs. Shops Near Me
Buying THCV online is cheaper, more convenient, and safer than taking your chances on a brick-and-mortar vendor. While you may want to support local businesses in these challenging times, it’s typically not worth the risk with hemp-based products like THCV oil.
Safety-wise, all roads lead to testing. When shopping online, the best vendors have no qualms about providing third-party lab reports. Headshops and gas stations rarely apply such admirable due diligence.
Furthermore, online stores nearly always have more products and don’t charge as much. Web-only vendors can afford to sell THCV oil for less, as they don’t have the operational expenses of a physical store.
