In recent years, the cannabis industry has undergone some major changes, and we’ve seen many new cannabis products hitting the shelves of dispensaries far and wide. People have also become more knowledgeable about cannabinoids like THC and CBD, understanding the unique effects and uses of these natural compounds, like their powers of pain relief and stress relief.
Another cannabinoid that you might have heard about among cannabis enthusiast circles is THCV or tetrahydrocannabivarin. Nicknamed ‘diet weed,’ this cannabinoid has generated a lot of hype. In this guide, we’ll cover all the information you need to know about THCV, including a definition of what THCV is and an explanation of why so many people refer to it as ‘diet weed.’
What Is THCV?
Let’s start with a clear and straightforward definition of what THCV is. THCV is a type of cannabinoid, just like CBD, THC, and CBG. Like other cannabis products, THCV products can be found at nearby and local marijuana dispensaries. It’s a natural compound found in the cannabis plant, and just like other cannabinoids, it can have various effects and benefits on the human body when consumed.
Effects & Benefits of THCV
Every cannabinoid can produce specific effects. Just like there is a difference between CBD and THC benefits, THCV also has its own effects. CBD is famed for its calming properties, for example, while THC offers pain relief and other benefits. THCV has its own set of effects, including the following:
- Reduced Appetite – The most common benefit that people associate with THCV is its ability to suppress a person’s appetite. This may come as a surprise to some, as marijuana is often known for increasing appetite. Still, THCV bucks the trend and can therefore be of use to those who want to lose weight.
- Energy and Motivation – THCV can also offer some of the same benefits that people associate with THC, like an increase in energy and motivation. It might make you feel more lively in the short term, giving you a quick energy boost to help get things done.
- Creativity – Not only can THCV aid with energy levels and appetite suppression, but many users say that it also stimulates their creativity. Like THC, THCV may help people focus more and use their imagination, which could be interesting for those with artistic minds.
- Uplifting – THCV may also have an effect on your mood. Some users say that they feel more positive and uplifted after consuming this particular cannabinoid. It may help to clear your head of negative thoughts and provide some clarity and focus, in addition to a generally more positive mindset.
- Medical Benefits – Studies have also shown that THCV may offer a range of medical benefits. Notably, it could help treat diseases and disorders, including Parkinson’s disease symptoms and acne. There haven’t been many human trials, but animal studies have yielded promising results.
How Does it Compare to THC?
As the name implies, THCV is quite similar to THC in terms of its chemical structure and general properties. Some people even make the mistake of assuming that THC and THCV are more or less identical. However, THCV can produce very different effects from THC and is an entirely different cannabinoid.
After consumption, THC and THCV can produce different effects. They have some impact in common, like the ability to make people feel uplifted and creative, but they differ in how they affect appetite, with THCV suppressing it and THC tending to make people feel hungrier. Growers also say that cannabis strains that are high in THCV tend to be trickier to grow.
Why Is THCV Called Diet Weed?
The reason why THCV has been nicknamed ‘diet weed’ is due to the fact that it is able to suppress or reduce a person’s appetite. Surveys of medical marijuana card holders who consume this cannabinoid show that it tends to make people feel less hungry for a while, so it can be effective at helping people stick to their diets and lose weight.
Top Strains that Contain the Most THCV
Just like how there are high THC strains and high CBD types of cannabis, there are also several high THCV cannabis strains that have higher-than-average levels of the THCV cannabinoid. There are quite a few options to choose from if you want a strain with plenty of THCV, and here are some popular examples:
- Doug’s Varin
- Pink Boost Goddess
- Durban Poison
- Jack the Ripper
- Pineapple Purps
- Power Plant
- Willie Nelson
- Red Congolese
Summary
Overall, THCV is quite an interesting cannabinoid that many people are understandably eager to try out. It can offer some unique benefits, and its powers of appetite reduction help it stand out compared to other cannabinoids like THC and CBD. More studies are needed to discover how THCV works and what it can do, but right now, it looks like one of the most intriguing cannabinoids on the market.
