Another day, another cannabinoid. Today, we’re tackling tetrahydrocannabivarin or THCV. In this guide, we’ll explain:

• What Is THCV?
• How Does THCV Work?
• What’s the Difference Between THCV & Delta-9 THC?
• Where Is THCV Found?
• FAQs about THCV
   

What is THCV?

THCV is a type of cannabinoid found in cannabis. While it’s not as popular as THC and CBD, it does seem to have potential as a powerhouse cannabinoid in marijuana. Like other cannabinoids, THCV interacts with the endocannabinoid system in unique ways that we continue to study to fully understand.

While the THC and THCV chemical structures look a lot alike, and may have some similarities in terms of the psychoactive qualities—in the right doses, THCV is a unique cannabinoid found in marijuana. In fact, it’s so unique, and is available in such low amounts, that we’ve only just started really trying to understand THCV, market it, and breed strains that contain this compound.  

Here’s the interesting part about THCV. It seems that, in low doses, THCV works against the CB1 receptor, which is one of the receptors in our bodies affected by THC. Because it does this, at low doses, THCV won’t have psychoactive properties. At higher doses, however, THCV can change the way it interacts with the body and starts to work with the CB1 receptors. This means that at high doses, you can feel a THC-like effect from THCV.

THCV and Delta-9 THC - also known simply as THC - are different in a few ways:

• Psychoactive Effects - THC is likely to cause a psychoactive effect, while THCV, as outlined above, may cause this effect in higher doses. 
   
• Possible Appetite Suppressant - It is believed that while THC can increase appetite in cannabis consumers, THCV may be able to suppress the appetite. 
   
• Intoxication Duration - THCV’s psychoactive effect is unique enough compared to THC that it earned its own moniker: the “sports car” of cannabinoids. This is because THCV intoxication is reported as short but potentially intense. 
  
  

More research is needed to understand any effect of THC or THCV on the human body, and cannabis and cannabinoids affect everyone differently.

THCV naturally occurs in marijuana in very small amounts, so it’s hard to build a product around it. If you like to smoke or vape your cannabis, there are a few strains that are high in THCV, including Durban Poison, Willie Nelson, and Jack the Ripper. In general, African sativas tend to carry the most THCV.

From there, your best bet is to look for full-spectrum products that contain THCV. Products containing only THCV, like pure THCV tincture and THCV edibles, are limited, and they may not be accessible in your area. If you can’t access these, full-spectrum products can offer another avenue for you to experience THCV.

We get a ton of cannabinoid-related questions at our dispensaries. Our budtenders have provided a few of the top THCV-related questions here.

Does all cannabis have THCV? 
It’s difficult to say how many cannabis strains contain THCV, as it’s typically only available in trace amounts. Some cultivators have isolated the cannabinoid and infused it into different products, like edibles and drinks.

What is Delta-9 THCV?
The technical name for THCV is Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabivarin, or Delta- THCV.
 

How strong is THCV?
It has been suggested that THCV produces a euphoria that comes on fast and doesn’t last very long. However, this is only when consumed in large quantities.
 

Are you interested in trying THCV? Check out our local dispensaries which list all the cannabis products we have available in your area. Our cannabis experts can answer your questions and help you find the right products to try where available.