The cannabis industry continues to make significant strides when it comes to identifying different cannabinoids and understanding how they affect our bodies – along with the benefits they have to offer. THCV is gaining more traction as consumers and researchers alike are discovering what this unique cannabinoid is all about – specifically, how THCV is being used for weight loss.
What is THCV?
THCV or Tetrahydrocannabivarin (try saying that three times fast) is a cannabinoid found in cannabis sativa plants where other cannabinoids such as THC are also found. While they share a similar name along with similar chemical structures, THC and THCV are actually quite different from one another.
What are the effects of THCV?
THCV typically leaves users with more energy and an increased sense of mental focus and clarity, can aid as an appetite suppressant, and may be beneficial for people with Type 2 Diabetes, to name a few. While it can sometimes still produce the general euphoric “high” that people feel when they consume regular THC, it’s typically found that this is not nearly as strong as the impact THC has, along with a much shorter duration of effects.
Read more about the effects of THCV with this guide.
What we know about THCV strains for weight loss
To get the most bang for your buck and maximize the amount of THCV you’re consuming to see if it helps with aiding in appetite suppression (or any of its other noted benefits), the best place to start is finding strains that are known for containing higher amounts of THCV.
1. Decreased Appetite
As the popularity of THCV rises and further clinical and anecdotal research is performed, the amount of strains containing higher levels of THCV will continue to increase. There are even certain strains, such as Doug’s Varin and Pineapple Purps, that were intentionally created to contain larger amounts of THCV than other strains. Most often, sativa-based strains originating from Africa carry the highest amounts of THCV. Here’s a quick list of these strains to reference when searching for THCV:
- Doug’s Varin
- Pink Boost Goddess
- Pineapple Purps
- Jack the Ripper
- Durban Poison
- Durban Cheese
- Skunk #1
- Power Plant
- Willie Nelson
- AC/DC
- Red Congolese
The availability of specific strains and the type of products they’re found in will vary company to company, but you’ll often find flower products or THCV Gummies like our Moonwrlk THCV Strawberry Acai Gummies to try out! If you’re unclear on what strain is used, you can also inquire about the parent genetics – certain strains are stronger with THCV due to their parent strain being one of the heavy hitters mentioned in the list above.
So how exactly does this cannabinoid help suppress your appetite? It all comes down to the receptors in your brain. At a very high level, the CB1 receptor in our brain is known for stimulating our appetite. In smaller doses, THCV blocks / works against this same receptor. There is ongoing research happening around this, but a study done in 2009 also clinically supports this theory, suggesting that THCV can indeed aid in appetite suppression.
2. Increased Satiety and Metabolism
Along with appetite suppression, results from studies performed have shown that THCV can also increase satiety. This can be an ideal benefit for people who are looking to feel full for longer periods of time as part of their weight loss journey. Additionally, it was noted that THCV also stimulates energy metabolism. THCV increasing satiety and metabolism are areas still in their infancy in regard to clinical studies, but as this cannabinoid continues to gain popularity, we anticipate understanding more around how it can help with making you feel full longer and increase your energy. All of the aforementioned strains in the list above apply here as well!
3. Type 2 Diabetes Management
While there’s still much to be explored and clinically tested in this area, early research suggests that one of the top THCV strains that can be helpful to people with Type 2 Diabetes is Doug’s Varin. This particular strain was shown to lower blood sugar levels in these patients! In general, THCV-heavy strains continue to prove that in addition to lowering blood sugar levels, they can help reduce fasting plasma glucose concentration levels. (Fasting plasma glucose helps people understand their Diabetes and what impacts their blood sugar levels.)
This particular research which was completed back in 2016 was a random, double-blind study that included the use of placebos. This study discovered that refined THCV provided in 5mg doses twice a day for 13 weeks showed a decrease in fasting plasma glucose along with improving apolipoprotein A, adiponectin, and pancreatic beta-cell function in people who have Type 2 Diabetes. This is encouraging news for people living with Type 2 Diabetes.
How much THCV should I take for weight management?
If you’re looking to THCV for a similar high as THC you might want to stick with just the THC! THCV binds to the same CB1 receptor in our brain that THC binds with, but with a weaker connection. This means that while you may consume enough THCV to feel similar effects or a similar high to that of THCV, it will wear off faster with a noticeably shorter duration than that of standard Delta 9 THC.
For consuming THCV specifically for weight management, lower doses are the path to take. It has been found that smaller amounts of THCV prevent the CB1 receptor from binding with THC which can increase appetite control and decrease the psychoactive effects. Most THCV Gummies contain 10mg of the cannabinoid, so you may try starting with half a gummy to see how your appetite is impacted along with gauging how any euphoric effects make you feel. It’s best to wait at least two hours before taking another dosage to give the original amount enough time to fully kick in. If you find the results aren’t quite what you were looking for, try taking another half dose and see how you feel after another one to two hours.
When is the best time of day to take THCV?
While it’s ultimately personal preference, if you’re looking for increased energy and focus, taking THCV in the morning is a good way to start your day! Additionally, due to the lesser amount of binding between THCV and the CB1 receptor in our brain, the effects don’t last as long as THC; starting this earlier in the day may fit right into your schedule if you’re looking to wind down after work and before bed.
How does THCV compare to other strains
To break it down further, we’ve provided a helpful chart to show how THCV compares to other cannabinoids when it comes to their effects and how they can impact your appetite.
| Strain | Psychoactive (High) | Appetite Details |
| THCV | Low | Suppresses appetite |
| THC | Medium – High | Increases appetite |
| THCO | Very High | Increases appetite |
| DELTA 8 | Medium | Increases appetite |
| CBD | None | No impact to appetite |
| CBN | None | Increases appetite |
| CBG | None | Increases appetite |
| HHC | Medium | Increases appetite |
Can I combine THCV with other cannabinoid strains?
Yes! Some people have claimed that combining THCV with THC can help alleviate some of the psychoactive effects that commonly occur when taking THC. Taking THCV with other cannabinoids such as CBD may actually enhance the effects of each, which is known as the Entourage Effect. This theory states that when taken together, different cannabinoids work more effectively, increasing the benefits they produce. It’s like the old saying goes: Two is better than one!
Are you ready to try THCV?
At Moonwlkr, we’re proud to offer high quality THCV products for our customers to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for something to boost your energy or are starting a weight management regimen, these THCV products are a great place to start.
