When you think of cannabis, think of it like your favorite football team: THC and CBD are like the star quarterback and wide receiver duo that get all of the attention, but they’d be nowhere without the team of lesser-known cannabinoids playing alongside them.
However, things are beginning to change in the cannabis scene as more and more cannabinoids are getting their time to shine. One minor player that is starting to get some major attention is THCV. Short for tetrahydrocannabivarin, this rare cannabinoid is slowly getting off the bench and becoming a first-string player for its array of potential health benefits.
Let’s take a deeper look at what exactly THCV is, its potential wellness perks, and where you can find this elusive little cannabinoid at Jars and beyond.
THCV Basics and Benefits
While its name may look similar to THC, THCV provides a variety of pronounced and altogether contrasting effects than its infamous cousin. While it may get you high, it’s going to feel much different than your typical THC-rich high. It’s important to remember that everyone experiences cannabis differently, but generally speaking:
- THCV is typically known to deliver a clear-headed, stimulating buzz that provides a burst of mental energy. The lucid high THCV provides is good for both medical and recreational patients looking for something to use during the day.
- Similar to CBD, THCV also shows evidence that it may counteract many of the negative feelings (such as paranoia or an increased heart rate) usually associated with THC.
- The high from THCV kicks in quicker than the effects brought on by THC, and it also lasts about half as long as the buzz from THC. The fast onset and quick comedown of the high makes it the go-to for weed lovers looking for a short-lived cerebral experience.
- While THCV does get you high, it does not reportedly give you “the munchies” that famously goes with getting stoned. This cannabinoid is actually known appetite suppressant, but more on that later.
- A note for vaporizer enthusiasts: THCV has a boiling point of 428 °F (220 °C), so you’ll need to turn the temperature up a little higher than you would THC.
Now that you know what kind of high you might expect from this burgeoning cannabis compound, let’s get a little more familiar with the potential health and wellness benefits.
- Appetite Suppressant: A 2015 study found that at low doses ranging between 5 and 7.5 milligrams, THCV may inhibit your appetite by antagonizing little buttons all throughout our bodies known as CB1 receptors. This may be good for patients focused on weight loss, but THCV should be avoided by users looking to treat appetite loss or certain eating disorders, like anorexia.
- Aid Diabetes Symptoms: Research shows promise in THCV’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance. In fact, in a 2016 study published in Diabetes Care, researchers found that CBD and THCV appeared to help patients with type 2 diabetes maintain tighter glycemic control, which is crucial in preventing chronic complications from the condition.
- Reduce Panic Attacks: For those that suffer from panic attacks, THCV also appears to curb anxiety attacks in PTSD patients without suppressing emotion. This is also great news for anyone that simply struggles with anxiety in their day to day lives!
- Protects The Brain: THCV is also neuroprotective, so it is ideal for treating conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. For example, initial studies in Alzheimer’s patients seem to suggest that tremors, motor control, and brain lesions associated with Alzheimer’s disease seem to be improved by THCV.
- Stimulates Bone Growth: Because THCV may promote the growth of new bone cells, this compound is being looked at as a possible treatment for osteoporosis and other bone-related conditions.
While more research needs to be done for conclusive evidence, the initial promising results for an array of conditions are pushing THCV into the limelight. If you think it might be right for you, consult your doctor or local Jars budtender to guide you to the right products.
Where Can You Find THCV?
So you’re intrigued by the effects mentioned above, but aren’t sure where to start your search for THCV-rich strains or products — well we’re here to help!
It’s true that most strains of Mary Jane only contain trace, undetectable amounts of THCV, but there are a handful of brands like Heylo Cannabis and Level Blends, that have introduced THCV specific products to the market. While we wait for more companies to hop on board the THCV train, here are some useful hints for locating this rare therapeutic gem.
- Look For African Sativas: Current lab results show that THCV is most abundant in sativas, particularly strains from Africa. Durban Poison is one of the more common high-THCV strains, but other options can be found in our handy Jars strain list below.
- Ask Your Budtender About Parent Genetics: Having trouble finding a pure African sativa? Plenty of strains have hybridized African genetics that may indicate a higher THCV potential. Xanadu or Madcow for example may express a high THCV content by way of its Durban Poison parent.
- Request Test Results: Genetics alone can’t arent a foolproof guarantee of a high-THCV content, and cannabinoid contents can vary from harvest to harvest and plant to plant. Ask your friendly Jars budtender for lab-tested strains to get a better idea of how much THCV you’re actually getting.
High THCV Cannabis Strains
As the popularity of THCV continues to grow, so too does the list of cannabis strains that contain higher concentrations of this medicinal all-star. While these strains can be hard to find, there are a handful that have been specially bred to highlight THCV as a prominent player.
- Pink Boost Goddess: According to a press release from Flow Kana, this particular strain contains 18.7% THC and 4.24% THCV and is marketed as an ideal product for those seeking to reduce anxiety and suppress appetite while still getting lit.
- Doug’s Varin: With an aroma of earthy pine and bright citrus, Doug’s Varin delivers a clear-headed burst of mental stimulation that only lasts for a short while, making this cultivar an ideal choice for anyone seeking a short-term high.
- Pineapple Purps: This sativa-dominant hybrid delivers a focused and level-headed high that won’t derail your day for hours on end. With its fruity aroma and tropical taste, it’s worth hunting down for the THCV fan.
Bottom Line
While THCV may not be the most well-known cannabinoid on the cannabis team, it is definitely the rising star of 2020. Keep your eyes peeled for more from this rare molecule and come into Jars today to try this miracle worker for yourself.
