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THCV: Everything you need to know about tetrahydrocannabivarin
Reading time ⌛ 4 min
THCV, also known as tetrahydrocannabivarin, is a cannabinoid derived from hemp that flourished in CBD shops after the ban on HHC in June 2023.
Alongside its twin THCP and many others, THCV achieved a certain notoriety and was acclaimed by many consumers, before being banned in June 2024.
But lately, it's been popping up here and there in several CBD shops and online CBD stores. Why is that? What exactly is tetrahydrocannabivarin? What are its effects, and what do we know about it? We'll give you a brief overview of everything you need to know about THCV.
THCV: What is it?
Tetrahydrocannabivarin is a minor cannabinoid naturally present in hemp and cannabis plants, particularly in varieties whose genetics originate from wild African hemp plants, such as Durban Poison. We'll come back to this point shortly.
At the molecular level, THCV is very similar to THC, with one exception: the side chain. THC has a pentyl carbon chain with five carbon atoms, while THCV has a propyl chain with three carbon atoms. Incidentally, this is also the only difference between THCV and THCJD (Tetrahydrocannabioctyl), which has an octyl chain with eight carbon atoms, and THCB (Tetrahydrocannabutyl), which has a butyl chain with four carbon atoms.
This difference may seem minor, but it radically changes the molecule's behavior and potency. In the case of THCV, the molecule interacts more weakly with the endocannabinoid system, making it less psychoactive than THC. Its effects are also shorter-lived.
The discovery of THCV
Tetrahydrocannabivarin was presumably first discovered and isolated in 1973by a team of researchers led by the renowned researcher Raphael Mechoulam working at the Hebrew University ofusa.
The study focused on varieties of Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica, particularly those from regions of equatorial Africa, where the plants were known to produce unique cannabinoid profiles.
Thanks to this work, researchers have concluded that native varieties from equatorial Africa such as Malawi, Red Congolese, Power Plant or Jack the Ripper, have a fundamental difference compared to other varieties: their THCV level.
In general, the THCV level rarely exceeds 0.5%, but in this type of variety it represents up to 6% in dried flowers.
Fun fact: Customs, port and police authorities then used the results of this study to determine if the seized varieties came from Central Africa by measuring the THCV level.
Effects of THCV: psychoactivity, appetite regulation and benefits
THCV has a lower psychoactive potential compared to THC, but it behaves uniquely, especially when combined with THC. At low doses, it can limit the psychoactive effects of THC. However, at high doses (over 2%), it is believed to have the opposite effect: it enhances the effects of THC.
Among the other effects of THCV listed in studies, the most important are:
Appetite regulation
Low-dose THCV has an antagonistic effect on CB1 receptors . This means that it can help regulate feelings of hunger, particularly those related to THC consumption [ 1 ].
Metabolic discheckouts
Preliminary studies indicate that THCV may improve insulin sensitivity and help regulate blood glucose, making it a potential candidate for the treatment of type 2 diabetes [2].
Neurodegenerative diseases
THCV also exhibits neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties, opening up possibilities for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease. Studies suggest that THCV may protect dopaminergic neurons, but further research is needed apply these effects.[3]
Possible effects on energy and motivation
A double-blind clinical study conducted by Phylos and People Science revealed that THCV can increase energy and motivation without causing the increased appetite often associated with THC. Participants who consumed THCV-infused candies reported feeling more energetic and engaged in their daily activities.[4]
Legality of THCV: prohibition, appeals and authorization
In May 2024, the French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety (ANSM) decided to classify a large proportion of CBD-derived cannabinoids on the market as narcotics, prohibiting their production, sale and usain France from June 3, 2024. THCV, THCP, HHCPO and H3BN were among them.
But this decision posed a problem for professionals in the hemp and cannabinoid sector, as the molecule is naturally present in most varieties. Its prohibition would therefore have also prohibited CBD, or organic hemp.
Several organizations, including the French Association of Cannabinoid Producers (AFPC), the Union of Industries for the Valorization of Hemp Extracts (UIVEC), and the Union of CBD Professionals (UPCBD), have pointed out the excessive nature of the total ban on THCV. The UPCBD had even announced it was preparing an appeal to challenge the classification of THCV as a narcotic.
In response to these statements, the ANSM decided to reassess its position. On June 3, the day the ban came into effect, it modified its initial announcement, excluding THCV from the list of narcotics, provided that its content in products does not exceed 0.3%.
In summary, THCV is not classified as a narcotic in France, but its concentration must not exceed 0.3%.
Our opinion on THCV
THCV is a very interesting new natural cannabinoid, both for its potential applications and for the legal complications it has faced. In some respects, it is very representative of the challenges posed by new cannabinoids in terms of regulation and the medical issues surrounding them.
If you want to learn more about the latest news on CBD and its derivatives, continue exploring our blog on the exciting world of CBD !
Sources
- [1]
- [2]
- [3]
- [4]
