Tetrahydrocannabivarin is Not Tetrahydrocannabinol

Summary & key facts

THCV is a cannabis compound that looks like THC but acts differently. Lab and animal studies suggest THCV can lower blood sugar and reduce appetite, which led to the nickname “diet weed.” However, most evidence comes from preclinical work and there are few human studies. The authors say THCV is often mistaken for intoxicating THC and that more research is needed to understand its unique effects and possible uses.

Key facts:

• Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is a phytocannabinoid found in cannabis that is structurally similar to THC but not the same chemically or pharmacologically.
• Multiple preclinical studies (lab and animal) have reported that THCV can lower blood sugar and act as an appetite suppressant, which is why it is nicknamed “diet weed.”
• There are few human studies on THCV’s effects; most of the evidence so far comes from preclinical research.
• THCV is often and incorrectly categorized as an intoxicating analogue of THC, and this mislabeling causes confusion for consumers and regulators.
• The paper highlights distinct mechanisms of action for THCV and calls for more clinical research to define its physiological effects, safety, and possible therapeutic uses.

Abstract

Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is a phytocannabinoid that is becoming popular across the North American cannabis market. THCV has been reported to reduce blood sugar and act as an appetite suppressant in several independent pre-clinical studies, which has earned it the popular nickname of "diet weed," despite few human studies of these effects. Additionally, THCV is usually and incorrectly categorized as an intoxicating analogue of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which causes confusion among both consumers and regulators. In this article, we examine what is known pre-clinically and clinically about THCV, as well as highlight mechanisms of action, in order to clarify the scientific differences between THCV and THC. THCV, although structurally similar to THC, has distinct pharmacological activity and physiological effects at the doses currently reported in the literature. We highlight areas of opportunity for further THCV research in order to determine the full and appropriate potential for unique health, wellness, and therapeutic applications of this compound.

Topics

Alcohol Consumption and Health Effects Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis

Categories

Health Sciences Medicine Pharmacology

Tags

Biochemistry Business Cannabinoid Chemistry Environmental science Receptor Tetrahydrocannabinol Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol

Substances

Cannabis

Conditions & symptoms

Poor appetite or overeating