What Is THCv?

We most often associate marijuana with the munchies so you may be confused if you’ve heard there is a new weight loss strain. Marijuana’s ability to ease nausea and stimulate appetite is one of the reasons it is a common treatment option for cancer patients. However, some hemp and marijuana strains have the opposite effect and operate as an appetite stimulant. These strains contain a higher composition of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabivarin or THCV for short. This is not the same compound we traditionally refer to when speaking of THC. Here are the answers to the most common questions regarding THCV.

Please Note—CBD companies cannot provide medical advice and we cannot guarantee that CBD will effectively soothe your mind or body. The data we provide is for informational purposes. Consult with your physician for guidance on all dietary supplements.

What is THCV?

While seemingly new, THCV was discovered in the 1970s. It is one of over 100 active compounds (aka. cannabinoids) in the over 700 strains of the cannabis plant. Each strain of the cannabis plant has a slightly different chemical composition. To understand how one plant can have so many strains, consider that there are over 150 strains of roses, and thousands of man-made hybrids.

For example, a pink rose has a slightly different composition than a yellow rose. A rose with ruffled petals has a different composition than roses with standard petals. Two red roses that look the same may have a unique aroma, therefore a slightly different chemical composition. The options are endless, and the same is true of the many strains of the cannabis plant. While all cannabis plants look similar each strain has a unique chemical composition.

THC—is short for Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol. In the United States, any strain of the cannabis plant that contains more than 0.3% of THC per the plant’s dry weight is considered marijuana. Hemp is a strain that contains less than 0.3% THC per the plant’s dry weight, which is what is typically referred to as CBD. CBD is what is legal in all 50 states. CBD does not get you high, but marijuana and the new hemp-derived THC extracts and isolates (such as THCV) may get you high.

THCV—is short for Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabivarin. This compound is found primarily in pure sativas that originate from Africa, China, Nepal, Pakistan, India, Thailand, and Afghanistan. THCV can be extracted into a pure isolate and derived from both marijuana and hemp. The extraction process is expensive, which is why THCV typically costs more than both marijuana and standard CBD. THCV can get you high, but not in low milligrams per serving.

What is THCV good for?

Now that you know what THCV is, let’s discuss its unique benefits. The benefits of THCV aren’t yet widely studied, and most studies have been conducted on rats and mice. In terms of being a “diet weed” the few human studies have conflicting results.

Potential but yet to be scientifically proven benefits include:

• Appetite-suppressant
• Improved insulin resistance
• Energizing benefits
• Increased focus
• Anti-inflammatory
• Seizures
• Tremors
• PTSD treatment
• Depression treatment
• Anxiety treatment
• Alzheimer’s treatment
• Bone growth stimulant

Can you get high on THCV?

THCV is a compound that has a biphasic effect. This means that its impact varies by dosage. The same is true of standard THC, but dosage varies greatly between these two strains.

Low doses of THCV (typically 10 milligrams or less) don’t get you high, while higher doses (typically 20 to 30 milligrams) have an intoxicating effect. Its wellness benefits vary depending on whether it is an isolate or if it delivers the synergetic effects of a full or broad-spectrum product.

When consumed in higher doses, the high is milder and a less sedative high than standard THC. Low doses that don’t get you high are a popular choice for students and athletes in need of energy and improved focus.

Intoxicating effects and wellness benefits vary from one person to the next.

Is THCV stronger than Delta 8?

Delta-8 THC is a minor cannabinoid that is naturally occurring in both marijuana and CBD. As a minor cannabinoid, Delta-8 is extracted utilizing synthetic solvents. THCV can be found in higher concentrates of some strains of cannabis and is most often extracted with the mainstream CO2 method. This difference is essential as there is concern regarding the short and long-term side effects of consuming products that are extracted from synthetic solvents.

In terms of the high, both Delta-8 and THCV provide a milder high than standard THC. The Delta-8 high is sometimes described as relaxed, peaceful, and cerebral. It’s ideal as a sleep product. The THCV high delivers some perceptual differences but is sometimes described as a feeling of alert and clear-headedness.

THCV’s perceptual effects may include:

• Seeing colors more vividly
• Feeling sounds instead of just hearing sounds
• Differences in depth perception
• A distorted concept of time; either faster or slower
• A feeling of being “in the zone”

Can I take THCV for weight loss?

Many utilize THCV as an appetite suppressant. This might be to ease food cravings while intermittent fasting, reduce caloric intake, or help manage diabetes. However, there is concern about cannabis products contributing to the toxic diet culture. This is due to “diet weed” being marketed as a natural alternative to diet pills that often have a long list of concerning side effects.

If you would like to utilize nutritional supplements, including THCV, for weight loss or any other reason—consult your physician.

How strong is THCV?

How strong your high is depends on the milligrams per serving. A 10-milligram serving from a hemp-derived strain won’t get you high but doubling or tripling the servings per milligram (even from a hemp-derived strain) will likely get you high. Consume all intoxicating substances responsibly.

If medical or recreational marijuana is legal in your state and you want to give THCV a try, while also enjoying the standard THC high, look for the strains below. While the THCV content isn’t always labeled, here is an estimated percentage per strain.

• Doug’s Varin: 3-5%
• Pink Boost Goddess: 4%
• Pineapple Purps: 4%
• AC/DC: 0.5%-1%
• Durban Poison: 3-5%
• Jack the Ripper: 5%

Hemp-derived THCV strains are often isolated extracts, but some are full or broad-spectrum, so they may indicate the milligrams of CBD serving. Either way, due to its intoxicating effects, you must be mindful of the milligrams of THCV per serving and your frequency of use.

Is THCV legal?

The legality of THCV and other hemp-derived extracts and isolates varies by state. While THCV is not a new cannabinoid, THCV products are new and not all states consider them to be protected by the 2018 Farm Bill.

While hemp-derived CBD is legal in all 50 states, many states restrict the sale of hemp-derived THC products. For some states, this is due to their capacity to get you high. For other states, it is due to purity concerns. A shining example is the state of Oregon. While both medical and recreational marijuana is legal in the state, not all of the new extract strains are. If you attempt to purchase hemp-derived THC products from an online retailer and they won’t ship it to you it is because the product is not legal in your state.

Keep in mind that even if marijuana or hemp-derived THC products are legal in your state, your employer, school, or extracurricular activity may prohibit the use and/or possession of both CBD and THC products.

What are the side effects of THCV?

Most studies on the safety and side effects of cannabis products are performed on marijuana and CBD, not the new strains of extracts and isolates. The short and long-term effects of the synthetic solvents utilized for extracts such as Delta-8 and THC-O are unknown.

While there are zero reports of a CBD overdose, almost anything we consume or apply topically can have a side effect. So, pay close attention to how you feel once you begin using new CBD or THC products or when trying new methods of use. Discuss all nutritional supplements with your physician.

While extremely rare, and most often when taken in high doses, of 20,000 milligrams or more per serving, side effects include:

• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Low-blood pressure
• Reduced appetite
• Negative interaction with prescription medications

Where can you buy THCV Gummies?

There are a few places where you can buy THCV Gummies. The first is online through a cannabis website. Sites like Joy Organics offers the best quality THCV Gummies on the market.

The second place is at a local dispensary. You may be able to find a better deal on the product you want by contacting the dispensary directly. Finally, you can also buy THCV Gummies at some medical marijuana dispensaries. These locations typically have a wider selection of products and may be able to offer a better price. Regardless of where you buy THCV Gummies, be sure to do your research to ensure you are getting a high-quality product.

Does Holmes Organics sell THCv?

While many CBD brands have added THCv cartridges, vapes, and tinctures to their inventory—Holmes Organics only offers a Delta-9 THC Gummy.

 

 

 

We may add more THC products in the future. Due to quality and purity concerns, we have ruled out products that are extracted with synthetic solvents.

The cannabis industry is still young, so it’s on you to ensure you shop from a reputable brand. Whether shopping for hemp-derived CBD or hemp-derived THC, we advise purchasing from brands that meet the below criteria.

• USDA-Certified Organic or made with organic ingredients
• Third-Party lab tested
• Have an online third-party certificate of analysis
• Processed from US-grown hemp flowers
• Pure with no toxic additives or fillers
• Have clearly stated milligrams per serving

Holmes Organics meets all of the criteria above. We invite you to browse our products now!