THCV is gaining popularity within the cannabis and hemp markets so let’s take a look at the similarities, differences, benefits, delivery methods, and how to incorporate it into products as well as your health and wellness routine. Whether you’re using THCV by itself or in conjunction with THC, we have options! From edibles to inhalation, there are many ways to incorporate these cannabinoids into daily use.
Let’s start with a little background on THCv and it’s better known cousin THC.
What Is THCV?
THCV, Tetrahydrocannabivarin, is one of over 100 phytocannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Phytocannabinoids are cannabinoids produced in cannabis and endocannabinoids are the cannabinoids produced by our bodies. While research in both animals and humans is limited, the studies completed so far are showing promising results!
THCV could improve diabetes, suppress appetite to aid in weight loss, act as an anti-inflammatory, reduce seizure activity and reduce symptoms associated with Parkinson’s Disease. The most interesting study, hair regrowth! There were no adverse effects to using a once daily topical formulation of CBD, CBDv and THCv of 33 mg per day for 6 months.
What Is THC?
THC, Tetrahydrocannabinol, is the most famous and naturally occurring molecule in the cannabis plant. Found in both hemp and marijuana, THC is the well known cannabinoid that creates the euphoric high feeling. While THC itself was first identified in the 1940s by Roger Adams and his University of Illinois team, it was Raphael Mechoulam and his team that defined its molecular structure that blazed the path for research today.
Besides euphoria, THC can be a pain relieving analgesic as well as help with chemotherapy induced nausea, vomiting and appetite. I would love to tell you that THC can help with sleep, anxiety and depression. Unfortunately, formal research results are mixed. There is anecdotal data on individual websites sharing that THC products have helped with sleep and then the research says that THC “could impair sleep quality long-term”.
I’ve found that 5mg THC is my sleep sweet spot along with 5mg CBN and 30mg CBG to sleep for 7-8 hours. Goldilocks over here, 2.5mg THC wasn’t enough, 10mg THC is too much and 5mg THC is just right! Some find relief using THC products for their anxiety and others find that THC increases their anxiety. Same goes for depression, some patients find relief and then the medical community states that “all recent systematic reviews that we report have concluded that the evidence that cannabinoids improve depressive and anxiety disorders is weak, of very-low-quality, and offers no guidance on the use of cannabinoids for mental health conditions within a regulatory framework”.
Is THCv the same as THC?
No Sir! No Ma’am! THCV is NOT the same as THC. The THCV molecule has a propyl (3-carbon) side chain whereas the classic THC molecule has a pentyl (5-carbon) side chain. THCV can reduce an appetite whereas THC can increase an appetite.
At low doses, THCV is non intoxicating and even at low doses THC is intoxicating. Both are intoxicating at high doses. At low doses, THCV can reduce the effects of THC at the CB1 receptor.
THCv vs THC: The Differences
The main difference between THCV and THC is that THCV can reduce appetite whereas THC can increase appetite. This appetite research got me thinking, what about cannabis overall? How does it affect our BMI? Body Mass Index is a tool to help people understand whether they are overweight, underweight or just right for their bodies.
Cannabis has our backs and scales! This study showcases a “meta-analysis reveals significantly reduced body mass index and rates of obesity in Cannabis users”. Over here in another study, “greater cannabis use is associated with a lower BMI” in adults.
THCv vs THC: The Similarities
We love THCv and THC because of their therapeutic properties! Both are anti-inflammatory, analgesics, and can help with seizure reduction. We’re really excited about the research and education produced, in process and what’s to come.
Benefits of THC and THCv, Together!
There are plenty of blended THC and THCV products online as well as in dispensaries. When used together in the same product, it’s possible that THCV can reduce the THC induced heart rate as shown in this study.
Research is research and I’m so happy that teams are studying pharmacology, what a chemical does to the body, as well as pharmacokinetics, how our bodies react to chemicals, of cannabinoids. At the same time, this is a small study of 10 dudes and the THC administered is via IV … so it’s important to always take a peek at the Methods sections! So, if you’re looking for the benefits of THC without the heart palpitations, try to find a THC:THCV blended product online or in stores.
How To Consume THC and THCv
THC is available in every delivery method ranging from inhalation to edibles to IV administration during clinical trials. When choosing a product, do you need faster acting or long lasting? If you’re looking for faster relief, inhalation or sublingual tinctures are your go to. If you’re looking for extended relief and don’t mind waiting an hour or two, grab some edibles! Be mindful that if you’re impatient with an edible product and eat more after 20-30 minutes, you might end up joining your own search party later in the day because there is no going back!
THCV is predominantly available in edibles and tinctures online and in stores. If inhalation is your preferred delivery method, aka if you’d rather smoke it, Michael Backes and his team did an amazing job with the Cannabis Pharmacy book because it names strains high in THCV. Or there’s that good ole Google, Weedmaps, or Leafly searches. Backes and his team suggest finding South African hybrids like Durban Poison or Swazi Skunk for high THCV strains.
Inhalation
Smoking, Dabs, Vaping.
The advantages to inhalation include faster onset times and quicker relief. There’s flower for smoking in joints, pipes, or bongs. Discrete inhalation options include vape cartridges, all in one disposable devices or pods. Dabbing concentrates includes the plant material, rig, and a heating element.
Onset time: 1-3 minutes. Duration: 1-3 hours.
Oral Absorption
Tinctures, Sprays, Lollipops
Since inhalation can cause coughing as well as lung irritation, oral absorption is the next fastest delivery method onset time. Sublingual tinctures should be held beneath the tongue for about a minute to bypass the blood brain barrier, get into the bloodstream, and not wait 30-90 minutes for first pass metabolism in the liver to kick in. Buccal absorption is through our cheeks, so think lozenge or candy.
Onset time: 10-25 minutes. Duration: 1-3 hours.
Edibles, Gummies, Chocolate, Drinks
Start low and go slow! Depending on our unique metabolisms and cannabinoids being lipophilic, or fat loving, it could take up to 2 hours for an edible to hit. A benefit of edibles as a delivery method is that the duration of relief could be 6-8 hours. This is why I love edibles for sleep! I’m that turkey who wakes up ready to party at 2 or 3pm so an edible will carry me through the night for 7-8 hours rest.
Onset time: 30-90 minutes. Duration: 6-8 hours.
Skin Absorption
Topicals, transdermals
Topicals are great for bumps, bruises and localized owies. They can be classified as lotions, balms and salves. Each one has their own unique texture and packaging. I prefer lotions over balms and salves because I like full absorption of a product. Balms and salves always make me feel sticky and sometimes they ruin clothing.
Transdermals are adhesive patches used for systemic delivery of the cannabinoids. In English, the patch contains the cannabinoid that goes into the bloodstream and does not remain in the top layers of our skin, like topicals.
Onset time: 15-30 minutes. Duration: 3-8 hours.
THC vs. THCv: Which is Stronger?
The most interesting thing I’ve found while researching THCV for you is that, at low doses, THCV is not psychoactive. At high doses, it can be.
What??!! A team of researchers gave human adults the following doses and checked in: placebo and 12.5, 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg of THCV. Those 100mg and 200mg doses had the participants commenting “feel a drug effect” and “like the drug effect.” Fifteen years ago, researchers already figured out that THCV “can activate CB1 receptors in vivo, albeit with less potency than THC”.
While I understand why some are sharing concerns about THCV being intoxicating, impairing and psychoactive because of how it can affect the CB1 receptor, there are no 100mg or 200mg THCV products on the market for retail purchases.
Which Is Better: THCv vs. THC?
Gentle reader, that’s up to you! Everybody has a different body, metabolism, nutritional inputs, exercise routines and stressors. Are you coming to cannabinoid medicine for focus? Pain? Anxiety? PTSD? Sleep? Gut stuff? Neuropathy? Endometriosis? Once you know why you’re here, then we can review cannabinoid therapy options with you. Start low and go slow!
I often think about one of the talks from the University of Maryland’s Pharmacy School Symposium for Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics that spoke to one important rule: Do not ruin it for patients. Many people come to cannabinoid therapy as their last resort. If someone only need 4mgs of THC, do not ruin it for them and suggest 10mg THC because that could be too much for a new patient. Everyone is different. Start low and go slow.
Where To Find The Best THCv Products Online?
MC Nutraceuticals! D9 THCv, a derivative of Delta 9 THC, delivers a distinct and captivating experience. Setting itself apart from conventional THC compounds, it offers a remarkable choice for those seeking an engaging and exceptional effect.
Vivimu! Vivimu Delta 9+THCV Gummies are a delicious and effective way to help you feel energized and focused. Each gummy contains a 1:1 ratio of delta 9 THC and THCV, two cannabinoids that are often used to promote energy and focus.
Final Thoughts: THCv vs. THC
I am so excited for THCV blended products! Whether it’s with THC or CBD or CBG, there are so many emerging benefits for our THCV bestie. Weight management and obesity is a problem in the United States and I love that plant medicine is now an option for relief. Since I prefer contact sports over basic gym exercises, I’m all about THCV as an anti-inflammatory. Parkinson’s Disease is awful and it’s helpful to have another option for symptom management.
THCv vs. THC – Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Will THCv make me fail a drug test?
A: 1000000%, you will fail a drug test. When in doubt, leave it out!
Q: Can THCv get you high?
A: Yes, THCV can get you high. At doses around 10mg, you more than likely will not get high. Research shows that at 100mg or more, THCV can make you feel high. I am pretty sensitive to THC related activities and definitely turned into a silly potato with 15mg of THCV.
Q: Is THC legal?
A: In accordance with federal regulations, THC is categorized as a Schedule I substance, rendering it illegal in the United States. 24 states allow for the recreational sale of THC products in licensed dispensaries and 38 states allow for the medical sale of THC products in licensed dispensaries. However, under federal statutes, hemp-derived Delta-9 THC is permissible as long as it contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight.
Q: Is THCv legal?
A: THCV is legal under the 2018 Farm Bill.
More Questions About THCV Or THC?
Incorporating THCV products from MC Nutraceuticals into your brand’s product offerings will set you apart from the competition and we cannot wait to help.
Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns about anything that we didn’t cover in this article. Our experts are ready to help. Call 1.800.685.8084, email us at sales@mcnutraceuticals.com.
