Cannabinoids, the chemical compounds within the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa L.), have become a subject of extensive research as cannabis becomes more prevalent on the market. Products containing either or both THC and CBD have traditionally dominated the spotlight, but THCV is now capturing attention and growing in popularity due to its unique characteristics. This cannabinoid goes by the scientific name tetrahydrocannabivarin – or colloquially referred to as "diet weed." It holds promise for both seasoned enthusiasts and those new to the ever-expanding world of hemp-derived products.
As curiosity around THCV grows, knowing more about this compound can help you navigate the cannabinoid market a little better to find the right products for you. What sets THCV apart from its more well-known counterpart, THC? Where does THCV come from? And what are the effects and benefits of this cannabinoid?
Below, we’ll take a look at THCV’s origins, how it compares to THC, possible THCV benefits, and where to find the highest-quality products.
What is THCV?
So, what is THCV? THCV, short for tetrahydrocannabivarin, is a bit of a hidden gem in the hemp-derived product world. It's not as well-known as THC or CBD, but it's part of the same family of compounds found in hemp-derived products.
THCV is found in hemp, but it’s important to recognize not all strains contain the same amounts of this cannabinoid. Certain varieties, indigenous to specific regions such as certain central Asian and southern African strains of cannabis, are known for a higher THCV content. This diversity is the result of a balance between genetics and environmental factors, contributing to the unique cannabinoid profile of each strain.
What are the Benefits of THCV?
Research into the potential THCV benefits is in its early stages, but preliminary studies suggest a range of potential positive effects on the body. More in-depth research is required to understand the breadth of benefits, but early research and anecdotal evidence note that tetrahydrocannabivarin seems to affect certain nerve cells in the brain, which may assist in regulating emotional reactions to food, and reducing cravings for addictive substances.
Although more research is needed, preclinical animal research suggests THCV may play a role in helping to modulate appetite, support metabolism, support healthy blood sugar, and support weight management. This has led to the nickname "diet weed" for THCV.
THCV may offer an additional advantage by promoting focus, concentration, alertness, and mental clarity. Individuals sharing their experiences with THCV often highlight its potential to support a feeling of focus without any feeling of euphoria commonly found in some hemp-derived products. Similar to CBG, known for its focus-boosting properties, THCV stands out as another valuable cannabinoid option for fostering concentration.
THCV is also being researched for its potential to reduce inflammation associated with regular exercise. While it's still early days, there's a possibility that THCV could be helpful in conditions. It's important to note that research in these areas is limited, and more studies are required to fully understand how THCV may be used to support health and overall well-being.
THCV vs. THC: What’s the Difference?
While THCV and THC both fall under the umbrella of cannabinoids, their effects are distinctly different from one another. Both cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system, influencing various physiological processes within the body. THCV and THC have similar but slightly different molecular structures, and the subtle structural difference results in a distinct set of effects in the body.
Unlike THC, THCV lacks the relaxing effects typically associated with cannabis, making it an appealing option for those interested in exploring a new cannabinoid with unique effects. THCV has also garnered attention for its potential as an appetite modulator, which is different from the purported appetite-stimulating effects of THC. THCV has also been suggested to provide energizing and focusing effects quite distinct from the calming or relaxing effects associated with other cannabinoids.
When you are thinking about how to optimize your potential, we suggest you consider exploring the benefits of the various cannabinoids as each offers unique benefits and potential.
The Keys to Buying High-Quality THCV
When you are considering where to start with THCV products, it's important to consider all of the information provided by brands to avoid potential misinformation. We suggest you consider these key areas before making a purchase: look for the source of a company's hemp products, review the product labels to be sure you are told what is in the product, avoid claims that sound too good to be true, and check for information about their third-party testing results, such as Certificates of Analysis (COAs) from testing labs with an ISO 17025 certification..
High-Quality Hemp and Ingredients Matter
We suggest buying products whose hemp originated from sources In the United States. Products manufactured with hemp from the US start with a material that is subject to federal regulations and strenuous testing requirements. Hemp from international sources is not subject to the same level of scrutiny or testing. Check the packaging or website for information about the source of their hemp before purchasing products.
Understanding product labels is also important, especially when it comes to a novel cannabinoid like THCV. You should consider the content of THCV and other cannabinoids in the product and ensure they align with your goals. You should also be sure the label tells you how much to take, when to take it, if there are any contraindications for taking the products, if you should avoid taking it with medications or other supplements, and be sure there are no claims that sound too good to be true.
cbdMD sets itself apart by testing our products with a rigorous third-party testing program to ensure what is on the label matches what is in the bottle and there are no unwanted components like pesticides or solvents in the products. We provide certificates of analysis from verified third-party labs and take the steps to ensure both quality and batch-to-batch consistency, providing consumers with confidence in our products.
For instance, cbdMD’s new THCV product contains 3 mg of THCV, 15 mg of CBG, 50 mg of caffeine, and 500 mcg of B12 to help boost concentration, focus, and metabolism. Every batch of softgels promises a consistent amount of cannabinoids and supplements in every serving.
The Importance of Third-Party Testing and COAs
Transparent testing results are essential, particularly considering the regulatory status of hemp-derived products by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Look for the key indicators of reliability: "third-party, ISO-certified lab results." This commitment to third-party, ISO-certified testing by reputable companies ensures unbiased and trustworthy information for consumers. Third-party testing acts as a guarantee that all aspects of the product were meticulously considered during testing.
ISO certification, granted by the International Organization for Standardization, further reinforces the commitment to quality and safety. When lab results are ISO-certified, it signifies compliance with stringent standards, ensuring the testing process meets every requirement for standardization and quality assurance.
All of this information is found in the COA, a comprehensive document confirming the presence and amount of each cannabinoid in each product. COAs provide consumers with a clear understanding of what was and wasn't tested..
Lab reports and COAs typically offer a comprehensive list of cannabinoids present and their quantity, enabling consumers to make well-informed decisions about the quality and consistency of hemp-derived products.
At cbdMD, our commitment extends beyond cannabinoids, as our products undergo testing for pesticides, mycotoxins, residual solvents, heavy metals, and foreign materials. This rigorous testing ensures that our products remain uncontaminated throughout the production process, further demonstrating our dedication to delivering safe and reliable wellness solutions.
Learning More About THCV Products
The rise of tetrahydrocannabinol (THCV) as a prospective wellness supplement has captured the attention and curiosity of consumers and researchers alike, especially when compared to the widely recognized THC. As an emerging cannabinoid, research is just beginning to shed light on THCV's potential benefits.
When buying THCV products, it is essential to choose products from reputable brands that provide transparency into their ingredients and third-party testing.
In this article, we addressed the question, “What is THCV?” But did you know there are over 100 cannabinoids found in hemp plants? To learn more about, or how THCV or other cannabinoids could benefit your lifestyle, take a look at our frequently updated blog. Interested in staying up to date on the latest THCV news and cbdMD’s upcoming special offers? Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and X, or chat with someone live today!