If you’ve heard about the health benefits of cannabis without knowing exactly what it is, you might be wondering if Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is the same thing. THCV is the chemical in cannabis that makes people feel stoned or high. THCV has been shown to decrease appetite, promote weight loss, and relieve pain.
THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) is a molecule that’s similar to THC, but their effects are totally different. While THC has psychoactive properties that makes you feel happy and relaxed, THCV gives the exact opposite effect and is known for aggressive effects that help quell anxiety.
THCV is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis and hemp plants. It’s a homologue to THC, but with a propyl instead of hydroxyl group on the ring. There is some conjecture as to whether high THCV content strains produce similar psychoactive effects to high THC strains, since they both bind to CB1 receptors (however, it is worth noting that THCV binds more weakly and thus, differently than THC). There are very few strains of cannabis with a high THCV content (such as Amnesia Haze) that have been grown and sold by seed companies in recent times, likely because this cannabinoid has not been considered useful in treating medical conditions.
What Does Tetrahydrocannabivarin Do?
Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is a cannabinoid with a number of effects that may benefit people with the following health conditions:
- Increasing weight loss in obesity
- Reducing motor and vocal tics in Parkinson’s
- Decreasing the amount of glucose needed by patients with type 2 diabetes
- Improving anxiety and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
THCV vs. THC: What’s the Difference?
THCV, or Tetrahydrocannabivarin, is an organic cannabinoid that is known to have a side-effect that may be potentially beneficial. It suppresses an individual’s appetite, unlike THC. THCV has a lower affinity for the cannabinoid receptors than THC. This could potentially lead to drug developments for weight management and regulatory medications for other diseases that suppress appetites.
THCV and THC have similar chemical structures, but differ slightly in the arrangement of atoms. The atoms present in THCV have a propyl side-chain instead of nonalicyclic pentyl found in THC. The different arrangement of atoms between the two cannabinoids leads to a drastic difference in the effects experienced by consumers.
Cannabis contains hundreds of chemical compounds that naturally occur in the plant, such as THC, the psychoactive component. While some of these compounds are primarily known for their psychological effects, others have been identified for their therapeutic effects, especially for those who suffer from various illnesses and conditions. For example, THCV is most commonly associated with a reduction in appetite and can help users maintain a healthy diet if they are conscious to consume less food than normal while under the influence of this cannabinoid.
