Lets start with a quick introduction to what THCV is first before jumping into the subject of THCV being an appetite suppressant, metabolism booster, and weight loss aid.
THC vs THCV
THCV is just a few atoms different from THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), but the effects of each cannabinoid molecule are all different. You already know that THC produces feelings of euphoria, hunger, relaxing effects, and is psychoactive. Well THCV has been proven to actually decrease hunger. So if you are looking into THCV as a weight loss aid, but are worried about feeling high, it was shown that it was about 25% as strong as its popular cousin, THC. As long as THCV is in an isolated or broad spectrum form without THC, you’ll get the weight loss assistance, and not the munchies. However, studies have shown that THC and CBD are also effective in regulating weight. More on that below.
THCV Appetite Suppressant
“In rodent studies, THCV decreases appetite, increases satiety, and up-regulates energy metabolism, making it a clinically useful remedy for weight loss and type 2 diabetic patients.” This has not been tested on humans, but with the relative safety of cannabinoids, it's only a question of time until we have results from a human study. THCV benefiting those with type 2 diabetes was duplicated in another animal study. “Compared with placebo, THCV significantly decreased fasting plasma glucose.” For those of us who are battling weight loss and type 2 diabetes, this is very promising news.
Since THCV and THC are very structurally similar, can THC help people lose weight? Doesn’t it make everyone hungry? This study found that treating rats with THC did increase their appetites but prevented weight gain. It is worth noting that the rats were treated with THC daily, which points toward regular THC use regulating weight gain, not occasional use. In addition to that, CBD has been found to be an appetite suppressor. It didn’t stop rodents from eating, but they ate less over the course of the study.
How Much Weight Can You Lose With THCV?
Although THCV has not been proven to be effective at helping humans lose weight, it has been proven to decrease appetite, increase satiety, and increase metabolism in studies performed on rodents. We have no data on how much weight you could potentially lose by using THCV, however, all signs point toward it helping out the cause. In addition, CBD has been shown to decrease food consumption, and THC has shown that it may prevent weight gain. If you’d like to try THC or CBD for weight loss, we have low calorie Social Treats Gummies, or Immunity Boosting formulated CBD gummies. Boost your immune system while you change your habits and lose a few pounds with the help of CBD.
Does THCV Increase Metabolism?
Yes! THCV was shown to increase metabolism in a study along with decreasing appetite, increase satiety, and decreases in glucose in the above studies. This is very exciting as we wait on human trials to be completed and reported.
THCV Effects
THCV has been proven to decrease appetite, increase satiety, and improve metabolism by the National Library of Medicine. It was also found to provide neuroprotection, glycemic control, and reduced side effects. The study does not go into detail about what side effects they are referring to. However, since THCV isn’t as psychoactive as THC, we would think that they would be minimal.
Is THCV Psychoactive?
We all know that THC is psychoactive, but what about its cousin, THCV? These two compounds are very similar, and have a similar effect when ingested. This 1974 study tested THCV and found it to have similar effects to THC, but only about 25% of the strength.
Will THCV Show up on a Drug Test?
THC and THCV are very similar molecules that have similar effects when they attach to cannabinoid receptors in the body. If you consume a product that is made from a THCV isolate, you may still fail a drug test. This is because the same metabolite that drug tests look for (THC-COOH) is present after ingesting THCV. If you have a drug test to worry about, you’ll be taking a big risk by ingesting THCV, and we strongly advise against it.
How is THCV Made?
If you are looking for THCV to help you lose weight, consuming whole cannabis may not produce the desired effect. Much like Delta 8 THC, THCV is a very minor cannabinoid, meaning that there is very little of it found in raw cannabis. Because of this, the process is more expensive. THCV is extracted through chromatography that separates the cannabinoids from the plant with CO2 or ethanol, and then evaporated to leave behind a THCV concentrate.