Why You Need To Care About THCV

As is typical with cannabis compounds, THCV is an abbreviation for Tetrahydrocannabivarin. You could say Tetrahydrocannabivarin a hundred times, and it’s still a mouthful. So for obvious reasons, we’ll stick to THCV.

THC and THCV share an almost identical chemical makeup. Essentially, the former has three carbon particles, while the latter 5. This may not seem like a big difference, but it sets them a world apart. In fact, THCV shares more similarities to CBD in terms of effects than THC.

This is not to say that THCV does not have psychoactive effects. In low to moderate doses, the psychoactive effects are invisible.

In small doses, THCV is a CB1 antagonist. Increase the dose, and it quickly becomes a CB1 agonist, meaning that high consumption will get you, well, high!

However, the high is unique. It features a clear head sensation, similar to CBD, but with a more pronounced euphoria. Some users also experience a rush of energy.

Unfortunately though, the high is short-lived.

As well as a short-lived high, THCV is only present in a handful of strains. Of which we will cover shortly.

For now, let’s take a look at the medical benefits of THCV.

Traditional pharmaceutical medicine is quickly losing traction to herbal and natural remedies. Of course, this is not to say there isn’t room for both. Only specific adverse reactions and side effects to common prescriptions are null in cannabis.

With that said, it’s essential to know what effects to expect from differing cannabis strains. Whether it’s an indica vs sativa or a sativa vs indica, you’re going to want to visit a reputable Canada weed dispensary and talk to knowledgeable budtenders to answer all of the questions you may have about the effects and proper directions of use. We prefer Herb Approach for its live chat service and varied selection of cannabis products including edibles, phoenix tears and flowers.

As you may expect, THCV comes with its own set of rules. Getting to know these rules sets you apart from the rest of the pack.

Although the list is ever-expanding, here are the dominant medical benefits discovered to date for THCV.

Similar to CBD, THCV is excellent at working out the wrinkles of anxiety. While THC in low doses may help, THC can lead to paranoia in specific doses and strains. THCV, on the other hand, does not cause an anxious or paranoid reaction – even in high doses.THCV has also proven useful for tackling the behemoth known as PTSD. Many PTSD treatments and medications force the patient to repress emotional stress. At the same time, THCV relieves PTSD without numbing or negating emotional reactions.

Perhaps the most promising benefits of all: insulin and blood sugar regulation.

The endocannabinoid system is host to many functions and regulates more than you may expect—one of these is insulin, which affects our blood sugar levels. The prevalence of diabetes in our society is alarming. But with new findings, diabetes treatment is getting a green overhaul.

In a recent study, the cannabinoid was pitted against a placebo. Researchers discovered that THCV improved glycemic control. Not only that, but it increased the HDL-cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is the “good” cholesterol that we all need to keep our bodies in tip-top shape.

You may be wondering how a cannabis product can assist with weight loss. Doesn’t marijuana give you the munchies? Well, yes and no.

THCV has the opposite effects of THC in the hunger department. Instead of turning your gut into a black hole with no remorse, THCV blocks the receptor which triggers the hunger response. The brain is a crafty organ.

Often it signals for food, not out of hunger, but boredom or addiction. THCV instead suppresses this unnecessary response. Meaning, you’ll only eat when you actually need food.

Last but most certainly not least, THCV helps protect and grow our precious bone density. Without getting too much into detail, bone density is an essential aspect of health. Low bone density leads to osteoporosis, which is something neither you nor us need.

Luckily, THCV binds to the skeletal receptors of our endocannabinoid systems. Once bound, it stimulates the growth and protection of our bone structure similar to collagen.

While a glass of milk used to be the gold standard for strong and healthy bones, that’s since debunked. Opt for a bowl of green instead.

But, which strains of green specifically? We’re glad you asked.

Unfortunately, THCV content is not as abundant as THC and CBD. In fact, many strains don’t even have any! Meaning, you really need to do some digging to find ones that do.

Or, instead of digging, you can use this handy high THCV Canada strains guide.

Red Congolese – A cross between two landrace strains, Red Congolese is on a tier of its own.

Durban Poison – An energetic sativa, Durban Poison is a great daytime strain for newbies and experienced users.

Jack the Ripper – This legendary strain by TGA Genetics has been a fan favourite for long as anybody can remember. Aside from being well-liked by users of all types, this strain also has an impressively high THCV content.

Willie Nelson – Named after the bluegrass king of Cannabis, Willie Nelson is a glass full of chill.

As the research pours in, we’ll continue to update this list. For now, these are the main strains with detectable levels of THCV.

Picking a single compound of cannabis to include in your diet isn’t easy. Cannabis works best when using a combination of compounds. Also known as the entourage effect. Yet, knowing what each does helps you pick the perfect stack.

In the case of THCV, those who need to regulate their blood sugar, control their appetite, reduce anxiety and protect bone growth are encouraged to explore its benefits.

And, as with marijuana in general, there’s a recreational side of things. THCV is excellent for a clear head high without paranoia.

All it takes is finding which THCV strains you enjoy the most!

For more information on cannabis, and to purchase from the broadest selection in Canada, visit Herb Approach. Herb Approach is Canada’s premier online dispensary Canada and one that we’re proud to partner with.

All new members receive $25 to spend off while returning customers can take advantage of their daily deals and points system. With around-the-clock live chat support and knowledgeable staff on hand, you’ll have no difficulty navigating the world of cannabis – whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned toker.

We hope you’ve liked our segment on THCV – have a look at our main page for the latest cannabis news and guides.