THCv Deep Dive: An Exploration of Its Effects and Benefits

The Skinny on THCV: What You Need to Know

A Minor Cannabinoid with Major Potential.

Does it ever feel like shopping for cannabis should require a degree in science? Trying to navigate so many acronyms, compounds, and their endless combinations can be overwhelming. To make things easy, PLUS is here to help you stay familiar with the latest and greatest in the cannabis lexicon.

Cannabinoids: The Building Blocks of Cannabis

One major piece of this puzzle is cannabinoids. As we’ve previously detailed, these chemical compounds serve an essential role in determining how a given cannabis strain will make a consumer feel. You’re likely already familiar with two of the plant’s most popular and abundant cannabinoids — THC & CBD — but those key players are, incredibly, just a few of the nearly 80 cannabinoids that have thus far been identified in cannabis. Other notable cannabinoids making waves in the industry today include THCa, CBN, and CBG.

And then there’s the fascinating case of THCV.

THCV: The Lesser-Known Cannabinoid That Packs a Punch

Sometimes known by nicknames like “diet weed” or “weederall,” THCV aka tetrahydrocannabivarin is a remarkable cannabinoid that’s gained quite a reputation in recent years for its reputed ability to reduce appetite and increase energy. But before we look at THCV’s possible benefits, it’s important to properly contextualize this cannabinoid within the bigger picture.

Because THCV occurs in such small amounts in cannabis, you’re unlikely to find products offering pure THCV. Instead, most consumers will be experiencing this cannabinoid in tandem with THC and other cannabinoids, making it difficult to specifically target the “effects” of THCV on its own. For that reason, at present, consuming THCV should only be undertaken in states by adults where cannabis is legal.

Until we learn more, classifications like “weederall” and “diet weed” should be regarded as largely anecdotal descriptors. That said, evidence resulting from animal research does suggest the possibility that THCV can block CB1 receptors, which are known to stimulate appetite. As a result, though there’s still much left to learn, there does remain a real possibility that THCV may have unique benefits to offer, especially given many usually turn to cannabis to stimulate appetite, not suppress it.

Similarly encouraging yet limited data exists about THCV’s value for increasing energy.

What Does THCV Do? A Look at the Potential Therapeutic Benefits

Looking at THCV’s potential ability to help patients with Type 2 diabetes, the Nutrition and Diabetes Journal found in 2013 that the cannabinoid “restored insulin signaling in insulin-resistant hepatocytes and myotubes” in mice, leading the study’s authors to conclude that THCV might represent a “new potential treatment against obesity-associated glucose intolerance.”

Furthermore, there is a small body of research to indicate that the presence of THCV may actually be capable of negating some of the psychoactive properties of THC when consumed in tandem. What we know for now largely stems from a 2015 trial involving human volunteers. Frustratingly, we are still at a stage that features more questions than answers, but for now, it’s best to approach THCV as you would any other potentially potent cannabis product.

PLUS+ Pear Uplift + THCv

With that guidance in mind, the next question is how consumers can try this intriguing cannabinoid for themselves?

As previously mentioned, pure THCV is not readily available, so the best course of action is to seek out products and strains that are known to test high for it.

On that front, PLUS has you covered with our new PLUS+ Pear Uplift Gummies featuring 4mg THCV and 1mg THC per dose. Offering a functional high that will uplift your mood and clarify your focus — all while keeping the munchies at bay.

Our latest addition to the PLUS gummy family is vegan and works fast thanks to our use of nano-emulsified THC.

Discover THCv with PLUS

With a scrumptious Pear Flavor & an all natural ingredient list,

PLUS+ Pear Uplift Gummies for a great way to add an extra pep to your step on a long day.