What's THCv? What's it Good For? Is it Like Delta 8?

The cannabinoid known as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is the psychoactive compound in marijuana that makes people feel high. Otherwise known as delta-9 THC, or THC for short, it’s just one of more than 100 cannabinoids that’ve been identified in cannabis. A few other cannabinoids you may be familiar with include CBD and Delta-8 THC.

THCv

Well, a lesser-known cannabinoid that’s receiving some attention lately is THCv.

That’s why we want to take a moment to address questions like:

• What Is THCv?
• What are THCv’s effects?
• Is THCv good for weight loss?

What Is THCv?

Tetrahydrocannabivarin is THCv’s full name. Just like Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC, THCv is a naturally occurring cannabinoid. Something else these cannabinoids have in common is that they can all potentially have psychoactive effects depending on dosage.

What Is THCv vs THC?

THC is well known for its psychoactive effects. And although THCv and Delta-8 THC can have psychoactive effects, they are much less pronounced than THC. At low doses, THCv will not have strong psychoactive effects, if any. But when taken in larger doses it could.

The same goes with Delta-8. The psychoactive effects of delta-8 also tend to be less pronounced than delta-9 THC. Couple this with the fact that Delta 8 THC does not occur in significant amounts in the cannabis plant naturally - and you end up with people taking much larger doses of Delta-8 THC than nature intended. This is just one concern that some have about Delta 8 THC.

Learn more: What Is Delta 8 THC?

Other Differences

Although THCv and Delta-9 THC (THC) have similar molecular structures, they do have some differences. In addition to their varying degrees of psychoactivity, they can also have different effects.

For example, while THC is known to give people the munchies, that’s not the case with THCv. In fact, the opposite may be true. More on that in a bit.

THC and THCv both also vaporize at different temperatures. THC vaporizes at 315℉ and THCv vaporizes at 428 ℉.

Learn more: Recommended Temperatures for Your Cannabis

In addition to these differences, THCv has also been known to offer additional potential benefits, when compared to THC.

THCv Effects

When taken in larger doses, the effects of THCv can be similar to THC - with some potential added benefits. For example, some say the high associated with THCv provides a more clear-headed high than THC. Although THCv can be less psychoactive when taken in small doses, THCv is known to provide more intense feelings of euphoria - when consumed in larger doses. Although the high can be more euphoric, it will only last about half of the time compared to THC.

In addition to the differences between their highs, THCv has also been known to offer some potential health benefits. It’s important to note that when it comes to cannabis, the effects will be different for all. A certain strain of cannabis that might provide certain effects for some could provide a different experience for others.

With that said, here are some potential effects people have experienced with THCv:

• May help reduce anxiety and panic attacks for those with PTSD
• May help with tremors associated with Parkinson’s Disease
• May help regulate blood sugar levels
• May help to promote the growth of new bone cells
• May help to suppress appetite

THCv Flower

It turns out that THCv is more abundant in certain strains of cannabis than in others. For example, the strain Durban Poison is a sativa landrace strain that is high in THCv. Durban Poison originated from the area near the port city of Durban, in South Africa.

Besides Durban Poison, THCv is also abundant in other sativa strains of cannabis that come from Africa.

Skunk #1, which is an offspring of the Mexican sativa landrace strain known as Acapulco Gold, is also said to be high in THCv.

Learn more: What Is a Landrace Strain of Cannabis?

THCv Gummies

One popular way to enjoy THCv is through edibles - specifically gummies. Some THCv infused gummies are made from hemp and will not contain delta-9 THC (THC). Other THCv gummies will include delta-9 THC (THC).

THCv gummies are a tasty way to open yourself up to the potential benefits of THCV.

Most THCv gummies will contain 10 mg of THCv. Those new to THCv should consider starting with a 5 mg serving. If those are not available, then you can consider cutting your gummy in half to start with a 5 mg serving.

THCv for Weight Loss

Unlike THC, which can potentially give you a case of the munchies, THCv has been known to actually suppress appetite. That’s why you may have heard of people talking about consuming THCv to help them lose weight.

As we mentioned earlier, THCv has been found to be able to help regulate blood sugar levels. Because of this, it could be helpful for those dealing with insulin resistance. But it’s their appetite suppressing qualities which have made them popular for many who are trying to slim down. THCv is also believed to help stabilize metabolism - which can be helpful for weight management.

Keep in mind that when it comes to cannabis, what will be right for some may not be right for others. So, just because some experience the appetite suppressing potential of THCv it doesn’t mean that everyone will experience the same results. Learn more about weed for weight loss and the role of cannabis in weight management.

One more word of caution is that anyone who is pregnant, or lactating, should avoid consuming THCv.

THCv for Weight Loss Where to Buy

When purchasing THCv for weight loss, you should only buy them from a licensed dispensary. Although THCv that’s made from hemp may be available in other places, we feel it is best to stick to licensed dispensaries.

Availability of THCv-rich flower and products will vary by location, so make sure to ask your Bloom budtender about them on your next visit.

Maryland and Ohio Dispensaries

Ohio Bloom Dispensaries:

Bloom serves registered medical patients and adult-use customers 21+ at seven Ohio dispensaries:

• Bloom Akron
• Bloom Athens
• Bloom Massillon
• Bloom Painesville
• Bloom Seven Mile
• Bloom South Columbus
• Bloom West Columbus

Maryland Bloom Dispensary:

Starting July 1, 2023, Bloom’s dispensary in Germantown, Maryland opened its doors to adults over the age of 21 as a result of recent changes to Maryland’s Constitution which legalized adult-use recreational cannabis in Maryland.

Bloom Germantown serves both medical marijuana patients and adult-use customers 21+.

• Bloom Germantown